Reviews of The Chesapeake Children's Museum (Museum)

Evelyn Anderson

Visited over weekend with girl scouts. It was suppose to be an overnight stay in museum. Their presentation on Harriet Tubman was well executed, educational and well done. However, that was overshadowed by the unsanitary and dangerous conditions of the facility. The smell alone upon entering was overwhelming. Other then a few animals in tanks that look like they haven't been cleaned in decades, they was nothing else except old dirty toys. We ended up getting hotel rooms instead of having girls in those conditions. Not recommended for any children until they clean the place up. Should give a 0 rated!!

Brenda Jones

Great place took my class there. Manager is the best Mrs Deborah Woods.

Frank Bolinsky

I read the reviews on this place before I went so I think I set my expectations correctly before I did. That being said, this place is awesome and I think others need to lower their expectations. You know when you bring your toddler to someone else's house that has kids and lots of toys and you breathe a sigh of relief when your toddler happily entertains him or herself for a long time? That's basically what this place is. It's a little dumpy and you have to wonder what thrift shops they got half the very strange items at, but it's $5 for entry and they have an astronomical amount of toys to play with. They have fish and turtles and costumes and a train table and plastic food and so on. Take a chance and let your kid have fun. Wipe their hands with hand sanitizer at the end and all is well.

Jillian Rosato

Good little spot for young children. I just wish there were more hand sanitizing/toy cleaning stations throughout.

Austrianjiujitsu

Lack luster.

Diana Parker

It is absolutely disgusting! First off there is an incompetent young girl that works there who is clueless and just as dirty. The animals have NOOO clean water or food. When I asked who maintains the animals I was told the owner but that she always gone. The seahorse tank is sad and filthy and when I said something to the girl at the front she told me that many have complained and that owner said she would clean it but that was over 2 to 3 weeks ago. All the animals look like they are dying as well as bearded lizard and other reptiles. I went down stairs and the toys are broke and there was RAT poop in the window seal. there is an awful smell the bldg and toys have not been cleaned,washed or wiped down in who knows how long.I immediately left following that. plz do NOT waste your time or money on going there, you will regret it.

Ahmed Ramadan

Nice, small place. Perfect for the family. The price is very reasonable as well.

Benjamin Brown

What a great place for kids! It's way worth the value, there's so much for kids to do here, from blocks and duplos, to animals, to exploring art or the dentist office or the supermarket. It may seem random and a little out of the way, but that's just part of it's quirks. If you bring your kids here, be prepared to spend a couple hours cause they'll have such much fun playing.

Nathan Fraenkel

So cute. At first I was worried at how small the building was but the place is just full of stuff for the kids to play with. A variety of small rooms with boats and cars and dinosaurs and groceries and crafts and doctors offices and everything. Oh my.

David Sickles

A great place to take your energetic toddler for a few hours of playing and exploring.

Michael Henry

Our son had a complete blast! This is what happens when you spend $10,000 to buy up everything from all the goodwill stores within 100 miles. Don't expect anything fancy but there are more places and ways to play for a few hours on a rainy day. Can't do better for $5. Loved it!

Johana Carrascal

Great

Jill Cunningham

Great place for kids, sparks the imagination.

Maria Fernandes

I took my two elementary school nephews here for a day trip. We were unfortunately disappointed. It was dingy, not clean, messy, and disorganized. The toys, dolls, stuffed animals, supplies, etc. all need to be cleaned and sanitized. The carpets should at least be cleaned if not replaced and the inside rooms need to be painted. We went downstairs and there was a girl (a volunteer/staff) wearing headphones on her phone sitting at a table in a room that was apparently the library. There was a music room with instruments that didn’t work and were broken. The bathroom was dirty and smelly. The first floor has an art area, doctors office, theater/dress up area, kitchen/food market area, and some reptiles in tanks. Again this area was messy and not very clean. Would not recommend. Needs major update. Has potential.

Danielle Edington

My 6 year old was so disappointed in this “museum.” We left after 10 minutes, took a stroll, got a bunch of mosquito bites because it’s nestled in the marsh, and left. She said we should give it “a hundred zero stars.” Then we went to a McDonalds play place and had way more fun. Let me tell you what to expect: pay $5 for you, $5 for your child, so they can play with their toys. That’s it, average, everyday toys. It smells funny, the bathroom isn’t ventilated so it smells like dirty diapers, and the sink is blocked by a broken changing drop-table. The toys are small, and I question their cleanliness, because, as they remind you, it’s a non profit that relies on volunteers. The funny smell isn’t bleach-like. I thought they had another level for playing downstairs, but it’s actually just a kitchen and a piano in the “music room,” and dusty shelves with books. Movie matinees are $5, happy meals are $3, either of these make my kid happy. This children’s museum almost made my kid cry because she was expecting something to be there. There’s not even a playground! There’s a room full of old medical stuff, a room with a kitchen toy set, a room with a wooden boat and legos. 4 turtles, 3 bullfrogs, and a lizard. I’m simplifying, because there’s more stuff, but it’s just as average. Melissa and Doug busy boards, toy cars, etc. Just emphasizing that it’s just a house full of old daycare toys, basically.

Kevin Scrimgeour

A great place for kids to play. Ours are four and two and a half so the exhibits were perfect. Several room with different themes- dress up, kitchen, office, music and more Allows the kids to pretend play.

Andrew Petersen

Great little find tucked back into the woods. Our kids had a great time playing for several hours in the different rooms and activities. Seems like there is stuff to do outside as well but we were there in the end of December when it was freezing. There isn't any food onsite but they do allow familes to bring their own and have a picnic.

ingrid sandy

Beautiful place where the kids can learn about nature. Fun

Saeed Kallab

Waste of time and money not a museum just a play place with old toys

Meklit Workneh

I'm surprised they call it museum. Worst experience ever. Waste of time!!!!!

Carolina Harmeling

Kids loved it. Different and smaller than I expected, but the kids didn’t want to leave.

Crash H

Fun knowledgeable museum

Neftali Montanez

I can't stress enough the impact this place has had on my daughter. Thank you for keeping this place alive. Thank you for running girl scout events.

Richard Jens

Awesome place for all ages

Danielle Kromer

this place had a variety of activities that kept my niece and nephews entertained for hours!

Adam McQuery

When we lived in the area this was the place to take the kids on the weekend. For the price is affordable and will keep your small kids busy all day.

Rain In Autumn

Very friendly staff and management. Was a fantastic visit.

Darrell E Yoder

A great place to visit with my toddler grandson on a rainy day. Friendly staff. Lots of toys to play with. Not state of the art, but a fun place for kids.

Cool Chick

So much fun!!

Tamika Parran

I was quite unhappy with my experience. The staff here is rude and cold. No hello or good morning and they walk past you many times without speaking. Not even eye contact for that matter. Every one of the employees need some training in people skills. Even my children felt the coldness. Rude. Rude. Rude.

Isabel Madrigal

The place is dirty and not everything is in good state but the children have fun because there are a lot of this they can do in there.

Apylady

I would give this a zero if I could this place was gross smelly and not worth any money for old broken dirty toys and tanks so dirty you can't even see the crabs and fish in them was a total rip off. You could go to a pet store and get to interact more with the animals then this place. Not to mention that the ppl who work here's kids are on all of the activities and the kids who paid to be here have to stand by and watch. Do not come here!

Ivy Finkenstadt

The children loved it! The house is fun and free play is encouraged. The grounds are lovely. The kids enjoyed the craft, short nature walk and puppet show we had as part of an organized group event. They also looked being able to do whatever activities they wanted, including painting and playing with old typewriters. Only minor criticism was the director who led our group was not particularly engaging and basically had the parents do all the transitions to different activities. We also did not get to see the animals as we were supposed to because she got busy on the phone and with other people coming in the door (she was the only one working). By the time she was ready, the kids had moved on. Knowing all of that, I would highly recommend a visit with kids fro walking to elementary age. It was a lovely experience.

jeff hoagland

Unfortunately today was a major bust. Called today before I came in and they said nothing about multiple girl scout groups basically taking over the place. To top it off the large open area room was blocked by the girl scouts doing a session or something for the whole time we were there. So multiple areas were not able to be used by the kids. Not happy about all this and kinda angry the person on the phone didn't disclose the girl scout takeover today. If most of the museum is taken over they should not be charging people for that time period or just close it down.

Nate McMullan

Kids loved it. Volunteer staff is friendly and helpful. Only 5 bucks! A steal for a few hours of fun (the kids wanted to stay longer). Good combination of activities, some reptiles and amphibians, and outdoor stuff. Easy to find with gps.

Diane Steele

Nice place to kill a few hours with young kids at low cost. There are different rooms such as a doctor's office, dress up, music, kitchen, grocery and more Even some animals! Turtles and lizards. 3 stars only because I don't think we would go again as the location is quite small and you can cover it all in a short stay. But great price and the kids (2 year olds) enjoyed it

Monica Evans

Excellent Programs for Girl Scouts of all ages! Our girls really enjoyed the Harriett Tubman overnight, meeting new troops at the First Aid Badge for Brownies/Juniors and we're looking forward to the Journey in a Day for Brownies. The staff is professional and the programming is highly organized.

Christopher Bell

Not much here. Ended up going down the trail to the other playground

Anthony Regotti

Not bad activity if you need something to do

Josette Jackson

My 18 month old daughter and I really enjoyed our visit! She LOVED playing with all the toys, watching the animals, and exploring the surrounding area and nature path. The only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is because the space was a bit overwhelming at first, especially for my little girl who had a hard time concentrating on what she was doing. Having so many fun options at once can sometimes come across like organized clutter. Seeing other comments, I feel I should mention that this is NOT the Smithsonian. I'm not even sure if "museum" would be a good word to describe this place. Playing/learning center might be more accurate. If you are afraid of dirt, if seeing barefoot children freaks you out, or if you are looking for a polished environment, this may not be a good place for you. But if, like me, you are looking for a fun, laid back, economical outing that is full of opportunities to learn through play and exploration, I highly recommend the Chesapeake Children's Museum.

Gaela Shoop

Amazing hands-on learning and interactive playtime for young children ... Great price ... Awesome staff ... Carefree, generous atmosphere ...

Linda Williams

Worst trip ever with 2nd graders. Not suited for anyone older than Kindergarten. Disorganized, musty odors in building, visitors had to lead the craft project, animal containers not clean and sanitary.

Brigid Mires

not a museum at all but a small play house

BouvBrain

This place has so much to do in such a little space!!! My kids (8 & 6yrs) done if the toys are becoming outdated/broken, but honestly, my kids still loved playing pretend even with the broken ones. They need to do some fund raising to improve the experience.

scott loving

Little hard to find. Nice environment good learning environment. Friendly staff.

utopia alston

Quite an adventure to attend the children museum My children enjoy sight seeing,touching the snake and meeting new people.

Josephine Courtney

Great place to take your kids and they have great group activity

Greg Schnaar

This place is disgusting, stay away. Most of the toys and instruments were broken, and it was just dirty and gross. Animal conditions are sad, very small and dirty. The restroom was disgusting, the ceiling was open, and there was a random rusty nail on the sink. There was a guy working on building a fish tank, super loud and spreading dust everywhere. The upper level was too hot and stuffy to spend any time there.

Matt F

Don't go there just don't

michael john

Very good. It's like taking a time machine back to your childhood.

Ma Lo

We absolutely love this place. I agree with previous reviewers that it should be called activity center and not museum but that makes it so much better! We are spending all day here with a 2, 4 and 12 year old and nobody is getting bored. You just let them run free and enjoy a day of exploring and not having to say no to anything. Staff plays with the kids and is nice and helpful. It may not be sparkly clean but that surely didn't bother the kids. We will be back on a regular basis

Matt Johnson

My daughter loved it!

Casey Corcoran

Absolutely terrible. Waste of time and money. Filthy dirty!!!!!!!! There were children walking around in diapers, not even shoes. Not much to do. Extremely dirty! Toys look like they have NEVER been cleaned. Outside play area covered in dirt and spiders! Total wasted trip.

Charley The Red Dobie

Today, I went to the Chesapeake Children's Museum for the first time. I was blown away by this hidden gem. CCM was equipped with everything I needed for the day. As a preschool teacher, my goal is to provide an educational,enriching and fun experience for my energetic and inquisitive student. "Oooooh!! WoW!!" were a few of the many words that this little man exclaimed. And I agreed full heartedly. This place is great! I plan to get the membership and use this amazing space as one of my teaching resources. The kiddos learn through play. CCM has an art station for my student's creative mind. There are numerous dramatic play stations where he can use and develop his imagination. It's such a great backdrop for activities that teach and foster social skills! The outdoor space is perfect for structured nature activities. We give this place a high 5!

Andrew McLaughlin

It's a children's from an earlier era and inasmuch is a refreshing break from the scripted wonder of modern museums designed for kids. Really, it's a place for you to play with your child; if you were going for a break from that they thou will be very disappointed.

Rebecca Lien

I would like to respond to some other reviews I read. I currently work at the museum and agree a Play center would be a better word choice. That being said the Museum is not for you to come and be absent if you want your child to learn you must be able to explore with them. Here we learn through imagination, and creativity. We have toys, Animals (mostly reptiles) and craft supplies. The lower floor boasts a music room with piano. No we do not have a staff person to run things for you. The People on their phones are the children of the front desk person who are allowed to come to work with her, so they behave like children do. As far as Cleanliness the museum has been upgraded and cleaned. Also Note this museum is run off of donations so please feel free to bring over craft donations, musical supplies, toys and cash. To Girl Scouts Particularly this museum was started by a JR troop and is still managed by their leader. This facility is traditional in its activity and offers all it can to support you, if their is an issue speak up and we will try our best to correct it. Debbie the owner/manager has been doing this for a long time and has a degree in Child care, their is a method to her madness, ask and she will explain it.

Andrea Bland

I had my 2 year old son's birthday party here; it was very hot and musty. It was not clean at all, the toys were very old and worn out. It is very boring and not much to do, the bathroom were very unsanitary and overall it's a run down place. Oh and by the way, they won't tell you this but if you have an EBT Card aka if you receive foodstamps you can show them your card and you would only pay $1 to get in instead of $10 ($5 for you and $5 for your child)

Trina Polesky

Love it♡♡♡♡♡♡

Theresa M Hook

This is a great place to bring young children for imaginative play and where they are allowed to touch everything and are encouraged to play without high tech interference. There are some small reptiles to learn about and the children can hold them as well. A true hudden gem!

Josefina Frazier

It's a children's from an earlier era and inasmuch is a refreshing break from the scripted wonder of modern museums designed for kids.

Keke

My son had a lot of fun, but many of the toys were broken and outdated.

Crystal Walcott

This place was recommended on the top 100 places to go in Maryland and so I took a chance..... this was little more than a very old home turned into a play place.....not much in the way of education outside of a few posters placed here and there. But biggest issue was that everything looked so dirty and old. I thought 5 dollars was pretty cheap but after my visit I felt that I wouldn't pay to come here and I wouldn't come for free either. It was very boring and the place was in dire need of a serious scrubbing it smelled like a pet shop.

Anne Parker

My son loves the place! So much to see and do. I agree these others it needs some improvement work but still it is nice place to go. To help to make this place look nicer we all can help by donating the money.

Fran I

Such a neat little place for kids to spend hours playing and exploring. They have some reptiles and bugs. They also have a dress up room and tons and tons of blocks and building toys. My kids loved it.

Andrea Lisi

Average Children Museum

Roy Wood

Awesome!

Tangelia Terrell

It's good for very small kids, but not for 3rd grade and above.

Christopher Jacobson

The staff are VERY kid friendly, you can tell they really are committed to the non profit volunteer mission of the museum. It's pretty hard to find (signage) and is more for neighborhood kids to play in rather than something to try when visiting town. There are lots of very cool non battery toys and a craft room, as well as a small room of insects and reptiles that the kids can observe. They have places to read and a music room as well. Our kids enjoyed it but were definitely ready to go explore the city after about an hour.

Cedric Knox

This. Place. Is. Pathetic. We knew that, for the bargain price of $5, that this would probably be a humble experience, but this was flat out gross. It really was just a strange place. The toys were decades old, were in disrepair, and looked like they hadn't been cleaned in years. The reptiles and amphibians were kept it old dirty terrariums that were way too small. We were honestly concerned for our child's health after the experience. There isn't really anything educational about the place. It is just a giant toy room with old nasty junk. We will not be going again.

Andrea Green

I used a groupon, which was great. When I arrived, it looked like a little cottage in the woods. When I walked it, I saw that it was a pretty small space. The kids needed their parents or chaperones to be a guide and educate them and encourage them with the different areas. There were interesting posters on the wall but it was really limited. There was a dress up area which was fun for kids but only a small group could fit in the area at a time. There was also a music and arts area downstairs. It was ok, but adult interaction was required. I would probably not visit again or recommend. At most an hour or less and lost of the time waiting for the dress up area.

Joseph Chunko

This is likely the least professional "children's museum" I have ever been in. The staff was less than helpful who took it upon themselves to watch music videos on their phones while dancing around. When the supervisor showed up, they quickly created the illusion of doing work through the thin venier of rags and mops. This is not a children's museum, but rather a bunch of themed rooms for playing with toys. Many toys are broken and none have batteries. I am not really certain why this place exists. My son did have fun, but any form of education was non-existent. I guess I should have realized what I was in for with an admission price of $5 per person. Unfortunately the cliche, you get what you pay for, is perfectly suited for this place. Just a thought, that should be their motto.