If you think a children’s museum is just display cases full of exhibits and boring captions, the Staten Island Children’s Museum will change your mind forever. Here, you can climb into a 1941 fire truck, crawl through a giant anthill, and renovate a two-story house — all in one visit.
History of the Staten Island Children’s Museum
In 1976, activist parents from Staten Island wanted to create a place for their children to learn through play. They opened the museum in a modest rented space, initially with only one exhibit.
By 1980, it became clear that space for the burgeoning museum was woefully inadequate. New York City officials offered the museum a move to the newly acquired Snug Harbor Historic Complex.
Today, the museum occupies two buildings connected by a glass-enclosed walkway. The main building is a neoclassical brick structure built in 1913. The second is the former Snug Harbor barn, once used for cattle. Since its opening, the museum’s symbol has been a metal statue of a praying mantis named Frances, which greets visitors at the entrance.
Interestingly, in the 1950s, this barn served as a warning sign for accidental air raids. Now, children use it to spin conveyor belts and build cities out of giant blocks.
Staten Island Children’s Museum Exhibits
The museum’s main rule: you can not only look, but also build, climb, play, and feed the animals. Here are the museum’s main halls:
Bugs & Other Arthropods
A giant anthill you can crawl through, along with live exotic spiders and insects. You can also try on a child-sized beetle exoskeleton and take a photo in it.
Ladder 11 Fire Station
This is where a real 1941 Seagrave fire engine is located. Children can ring the bell, put on helmets, and climb aboard the engine, making this one of the museum’s favorite halls.
House About It
A two-story unfinished house: children see what’s hidden behind the walls, work with real tools, and learn construction skills.
Block Harbor
A renovated pirate ship where you can stand at the helm. Nearby, there are giant building blocks for constructing a city.
Portia’s Playhouse
A real stage with costumes, sets, and a sound system. Children put on plays and operate an interactive screen.
Veterinary Clinic
White coats, stethoscopes, and “patients” — both plush and live animals. Children take on the role of a doctor and care for the pets.
Great Explorations
One of the most atmospheric rooms: a tropical forest with puzzles made from pottery (just like real archaeologists!), an Arctic zone with a dog sled, and air currents to play with. Here, children literally travel around the planet without leaving the building.
DB’s Fantastic Machines
For those who want to understand “how it works.” Conveyor belts, gears, levers — you can operate everything with your own hands. A special treat for kids with an engineering mindset.
Sea of Boats
In this area, children can fish, sail boats, and explore the marine world. It’s quieter and calmer than other areas — a great option if your child is tired of active play.
What else does the Staten Island Children’s Museum have to offer?
Besides the permanent exhibitions, the museum offers a whole ecosystem of activities. The Walk-In Workshop is an art studio where children sculpt, draw, and create crafts. On Wednesdays in the summer, there are dance shows called “Boogie Woogie Wednesday.” During school breaks and holidays, mini-camps focus on cooking, art, and science.
The meadow surrounding the museum deserves special attention. It’s part of the vast Snug Harbor Park.
Visitor information
📍 1000 Richmond Terrace, Building M, Staten Island, NY 10301
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 10:00–17:00. Often open on weekdays during school holidays
Ticket price: $8, children under 1 year old are free
Getting there: Take the Staten Island Ferry (free!) from Manhattan, then take the S40 bus to the stop at Snug Harbor
Website: sichildrensmuseum.org
