The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum (MHCM) is the ideal destination for families with young children. With exhibits that focus on early literacy, art, early STEM, health and the local community, the museum welcomes over 75,000 visitors each year and provides an educationally rich environment through which children have the opportunity to develop foundational skills, to engage in purposeful play, and to develop interpersonal connections.

MHCM is the ONLY children’s museum in the Hudson River Valley between the larger New York City and Albany markets. The museum is located in the heart of the historic waterfront in Poughkeepsie, just steps away from the Poughkeepsie Metro-North train station, the Walkway Over the Hudson’s Elevator, fabulous restaurants, and two waterfront parks.

MHCM has three areas of programmatic focus that direct its work in exhibits and educational programs: school readiness, health and wellness, and community-building. It’s galleries feature a variety of open-ended exhibits that encourage young children to practice and develop age-appropriate cognitive, physical and emotional skills.  Its newest exhibition, “Tell Me a Story” opened in December 2017 and promotes early language and literacy skill development through storytelling and immersive physical play.  In 2016 MHCM opened two new learning spaces: The Science Center @ MHCM to advance early STEM education, and The Children’s Garden @ MHCM to teach families about growing their own food.  The museum is dedicated to engaging and serving a diverse audience of families from all socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds and of all abilities and needs through special admission and membership programs.