The Iowa Children’s Museum

About

The Iowa Children's Museum is a vibrant destination where families can spend hours exploring interactive exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity in children. Located inside Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville, Iowa, the museum offers a welcoming environment that encourages kids to learn through play.

Visitors will find a wide range of hands-on exhibits covering science, art, health, and culture. Children can dig for fossils, experiment with water tables, build structures, climb through multi-level play spaces, and engage with rotating exhibits that keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors. The museum is thoughtfully designed to engage multiple age groups, from toddlers to older kids, with activities scaled to different developmental stages.

One of the museum's strengths is its commitment to inclusive play. Exhibits are designed so children with varying abilities can participate, and the staff is known for being friendly and helpful. The museum regularly hosts special events, themed programming, and sensory-friendly hours that make visits more comfortable for families with children who have sensory processing differences.

Being inside Coral Ridge Mall comes with practical perks. Families have easy access to dining options, restrooms, and climate-controlled comfort year-round. There's no need to worry about weather disrupting your plans. Parking is plentiful, and the mall setting means you can combine a museum visit with other errands or a meal.

The museum is a particularly great option for rainy or cold days when outdoor activities aren't practical. Plan for at least two to three hours, as kids tend to want to revisit their favorite stations. Admission is reasonably priced, and memberships are available for families who plan to return often. Check the museum's website before visiting for current hours, special events, and any seasonal programming that might enhance your trip.

Accessibility

The Iowa Children's Museum is committed to accessibility for visitors of all abilities. The museum's main entrances are wheelchair accessible, featuring automatic operator buttons on the yellow doors. The majority of spaces within the museum are wheelchair accessible, allowing families to move through exhibits comfortably.

An elevator is available for access between levels, and the museum provides wheelchair-accessible family restrooms and public restrooms. If you need a wheelchair during your visit, free rentals are available at the Coral Ridge Mall Guest Welcome Center, located near the front desk across the hall from the rainbow stairs.

Stroller parking is provided within the museum for families with young children. The museum's location inside Coral Ridge Mall means accessible parking is available in the mall's lots, with designated accessible spaces near entrances.

The museum hosts sensory-friendly programming for families with children who have sensory processing needs. These events typically feature reduced noise levels, adjusted lighting, and smaller crowd sizes to create a more comfortable experience.

For the most current information about specific accessibility features, accommodations for visitors with hearing or vision impairments, or to arrange any special assistance, contact the Iowa Children's Museum directly before your visit. Staff can help you plan ahead so your family's experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

More accessible places in Iowa

• Coral Ridge Mall (Coralville)
• Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden (Des Moines)
• Science Center of Iowa (Des Moines)
• Figge Art Museum (Davenport)
• Herbert Hoover National Historic Site (West Branch)
• National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium (Dubuque)