About the CMA

About the Children’s Museum of Acadiana

For 30 years, the Children’s Museum of Acadiana (CMA) has been a vibrant hub of curiosity, creativity, and learning in the heart of Downtown Lafayette, Louisiana. Since opening our doors in 1996, we’ve welcomed families, schools, and communities from across the region to learn, explore, and play together in an environment designed for discovery.

Our Mission

At the CMA, we believe that children learn best by doing. Our mission is to empower children to embrace curiosity, ignite imagination, and cultivate a lifelong passion for exploration. Through interactive exhibits and dynamic programs, we inspire critical thinking, spark creativity, and create lasting memories.

Who We Serve

We are dedicated to serving children from infancy through age ten, along with their families, caregivers, and educators. The museum provides a welcoming space where all children, regardless of background, can engage with hands-on experiences that encourage:

• Social, emotional, and cognitive development

• Creative problem-solving and collaboration

• Cultural understanding and community awareness

• A love for STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)

Our exhibits and programs invite children to explore real-world scenarios, from role-playing in kid-scaled environments to experimenting with science and art in playful, thoughtful ways.

Our Story & Impact

The CMA began with a vision shared by three local women who saw the need for a hands-on children’s museum in Acadiana. In 1996, after years of community planning and renovation of a historic building, the museum opened and has since become the longest-running premier children’s museum in the eight-parish Acadiana region.

Over three decades, CMA has grown into a regional favorite, serving tens of thousands of visitors annually and partnering with schools, community organizations, and families across central and south Louisiana. We continue to nurture inquisitive young minds, support educators, and contribute to the cultural and educational life of our community.

What We Offer

Today, the CMA features a range of engaging experiences, including:

• Hands-on exhibits that explore health, culture, community roles, and STEAM concepts

• Educational programs, classes, and camps

• Sensory-friendly mornings and inclusive events

• Birthday parties, field trips, and community days

• Opportunities for membership and volunteer involvement

Whether your child is building with blocks, exploring the Bubble Factory, or discovering local traditions, every visit at CMA is a chance to learn through wonder and play just as it has been for 30 remarkable years.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate three decades of service, the Children’s Museum of Acadiana remains committed to innovation, inclusion, and exploration. With your support, we’ll continue to spark curious minds for generations to come.

Quarterly “Numbers in Action”Impact Reports