Explore the CMA
Important update!
Starting May 27, 2023, admission costs to the CMA are increasing by $3, making the new admission fee $10.00 per person; 12 months and under remain free; discounts for Military, police, and firefighters. Raising admission costs is a difficult decision for any non-profit organization. However, the decision is necessary to ensure the CMA’s long-term sustainability and maintain the quality of our exhibits and programs. We appreciate your understanding and support as we work to maintain the quality of our services and sustain our operations. Consider a museum membership that provides value to families by allowing unlimited visits for an annual fee.
NEW HOURS: Stay and Play All Day!
With our new hours, you can come and go on the day of your admission. Enjoy a walk and lunch downtown or go home and nap, then return for more exploration. All guests will be wristbanded at check-in. All-day access is only valid for the day of admission purchase.
Get more ideas for a full day of fun at https://www.kayak.com/Lafayette.27227.guide
Monday
Closed
Tuesday – Saturday
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
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.
Discounts
Half-off Admission for Military, Police, and Firefighters. Please call (337) 232-8500 for more information.
Families wanting to explore the CMA for free can check out a Museum Pass at any Lafayette Parish Public Library. Learn more at http://lafayettepubliclibrary.org/?p=34775 or call LPL at (337) 261-5787.
Starting May 27, 2023
We are happy to announce our affiliation with Museums for All, which enables individuals and families presenting a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and a valid form of photo ID reduced admission of $3.00 for up to four individuals per card to visit the CMA during regular museum hours. This discount may not be layered with additional discounts or coupons. Please call (337) 232-8500 for more information.
Parking and Directions
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.
The CMA is located in Downtown Lafayette at 201 E. Congress St. Lafayette, LA 70501.
Between Parc Sans Souci and Parc International.
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 Rules and 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. Additionally, we are exploring the possibility of selling small snack items in the gift shop.
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.
Children's Museum of Acadiana
201 E. Congress St.
Lafayette, LA 70501
