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Exploring the Exhibits at CMEE

Interactive Play Areas for Toddlers and Babies

The Children's Museum of the East End is built with little ones in mind. Toddlers can find fun at every exhibit, and most things are within their reach. The Seafaring Ship, Diner, and Fire Truck spaces even offer opportunities for playing dress up.

Little ones can also go fishing with magnet poles. My 4-year-old daughter loved serving me lunch in the diner. Next to the Farm Stand space, there is a gated area perfect for babies and crawlers. There is even a rocking chair to nurse comfortably. 

RELATED: Visiting the Long Island Children's Museum with Kids

Put on a show in the library's puppet theater.

Interactive Play Areas for Preschoolers and Kids at CMEE

My 7-year-old son's favorite exhibit was the Legacy Tree Gallery. There are CedarWorks playsets and foam shape blocks to create obstacle courses. My son loved using the foam blocks to create different "floor is lava" style games.

There is a large area for kids to run freely, but when there are older ones around, little ones may get overwhelmed. Both of my kids loved the library. While very quaint, my children fought over the puppet theater, disturbing any peace the other visitors were enjoying before we barreled in. I loved watching them come up with their own shows between arguments. 

Outdoor Play Areas at CMEE

Play a tune in the rainbow music garden, or, if your kids are like mine, they'll run right past this section to play mini-golf. What makes their course unique is the fun music notes that play when the ball hits certain structures.

Coming to the museum in summer 2025: A brand-new, outdoor play area. This area is inspired by nature and will feature fun climbing structures with ropes, slides, swings, and colorful faux rocks. 

Creative Workshops, Activities, and Events

Each week, the Children's Museum of the East End offers activities for toddlers and kids. Blocks and Tots is a caregiver-and-me class for toddlers 16 to 36 months.

The stART art program is also caregiver-and-me for toddlers 2 to 3 years. These weekly classes offer little ones a chance to socialize and play with other kids.

The Baby and Me program is also weekly, but is targeted to newborns to walkers. Annual events include the CMEE Block Party, usually held toward the end of May. All proceeds benefit the museum and its programs, including its food pantry.

RELATED: Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Long Island Kids

The bike in the museum's Main Street area makes for a fun photo op. 

Tips for a Successful Visit to the Children's Museum of the East End

• Pack snacks to save money. There is no cafeteria, but you can eat outside or in the lobby. The lobby sells small snacks.
• To avoid crowds, it's best to go when school is in session. 
• Bring socks, as shoes are not allowed in the Legacy Tree Gallery play area.

Know Before You Go to CMEE

• The museum is closed on Thursdays.
• Children's Museum of the East End is best for children ages 7 and under. 
• While walk-ins are welcome, it's best to have reservations in advance. Tickets are $19 per person over 12 months of age. 
• The facility is stroller and wheelchair accessible.
• Park in the front lot lined with trees. It's a short walk along a path to the museum.
• There is no nursing station, but you are welcome to breastfeed anywhere in the museum. The library and the baby play area offer two quieter options.
• With the new outdoor playground coming, a visit should last around 3 hours. 

Extending Your East End Adventure

You've made the trek out east, so you might as well make a day of it. Visit the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center for hands-on nature fun. Wind down at an East End winery, or make your way to Montauk for the rest of the day. 

Photos by the author