Explore the CMA
Admission: Plan your visit TODAY!
Where play and learning come together
Play with purpose in a child-centered environment, offering 15,000 square feet of unique opportunities to freely and joyfully explore, engage, and connect with the world we live in.
Members: FREE
Adults: $12 In Person, $10 Online
Children 1 and Older: $12 In Person, $10 Online
Children Under 12 months: FREE
Military & First Responders: 50% off admission for military, police, and firefighters.
Museums for All: SNAP/EBT cardholders receive $3 admission for up to six guests through the Museums for All program.
Library Museum Pass: Check out a free museum pass through the Lafayette Public Library and explore CMA at no cost.
Reciprocal Memberships: Members of participating Association of Children’s Museums (ACM) receive 50% off admission for up to six guests.
Hours: Visit CMA
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Friday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
Closed
Thanksgiving Day (November 28)
Christmas Eve (December 24)
Christmas Day (December 25)
New Year’s Day (January 1)
Mardi Gras Day
Good Friday
Easter Sunday
Festival International (Friday – Sunday)
Location & Parking
The CMA is located in Downtown Lafayette at 201 E. Congress St. Lafayette, LA 70501.
Between Parc Sans Souci and Parc International.
Parking at the CMA is complimentary. The entrance to our parking lot is located on Taylor St. Please note that the parking lot gates close at 5:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Any cars remaining in the lot after 5:00 PM will be locked in until the Museum opens for business.
From I-10 East or West:
Exit I-10 at Lafayette Exit 103A. Go South on Evangeline Thruway, 2.2 miles to Jefferson Street. Turn right on Jefferson Street and proceed to Garfield Street at the second signal light. Turn left on Garfield Street; travel 2 blocks and turn right on Taylor Street. CMA will be 1 block on the right; enter the parking lot from Taylor Street.
Museum Policies
- Adults must stay with children at all times.
- Please walk, no running
- Individuals who are under 16 years of age are required to have adult supervision, while a child must accompany individuals who are over 16 years of age.
- Please keep exhibit items within designated exhibit spaces.
- No child over the age of 5 in Wee Acres.
- Eating/drinking is not permitted on the exhibit floor.
- Smoking/Vaping is not permitted in the museum.
FAQs
Do I need to pre-purchase tickets with the New Hours?
No, walk-ins are welcome! Visit the front desk to purchase tickets.
Does the museum have drinks and food?
The gift shop at the museum offers bottled water for purchase.
Why do adults have to pay admission to the children’s museum?
While children are the primary audience for our museum, we also offer exhibits and programs that appeal to adults, such as educational workshops. Additionally, adult admission fees help support the operational costs of our museum, including the maintenance and upkeep of exhibits, utilities, and salaries for our staff. We understand that some adults may only be interested in some exhibits, but we hope they will still appreciate the value of supporting a non-profit institution dedicated to children’s education and development. Additionally, we offer memberships that can provide cost savings for families who plan to visit the museum frequently.
Does the children’s museum get money from the city? Are you affiliated with the city?
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, our museum does not receive direct funding from the city or any government agency. However, we may apply for grants from city or government agencies to support specific programs or initiatives. Our museum is an independent organization governed by a board of directors. It relies on various funding sources, including donations, memberships, sponsorships, and earned income from admission fees and gift shop sales. We are committed to serving our local community and providing educational opportunities for children and families in Acadiana.
