Musical Instrument Museum

The Musical Instrument Museum offers an incredible journey around the world through music, featuring instruments from nearly 200 countries. Kids are captivated by the wireless headphones that automatically play music as they approach each exhibit, and the hands-on Experience Gallery where they can actually touch and play dozens of instruments from guitars and drums to exotic world instruments.

• ✓Experience Gallery where kids can play over 40 instruments from around the world including drums, guitars, and a piano
• ✓Wireless headphones that automatically play music videos as you approach exhibits showing how instruments are played in their native cultures
• ✓Geographic galleries featuring instruments from every continent with colorful displays and engaging videos
• ✓Artist Gallery with instruments from music legends like John Lennon's piano and Elvis's guitar
• ✓Conservation lab with windows where kids can watch experts restore antique instruments

1. 1.Head straight to the Experience Gallery first when it's less crowded, then explore the exhibits - kids will be more patient for the galleries after they've had a chance to play instruments
2. 2.The wireless headphones are comfortable for most kids, but bring your own earbuds if your child is sensitive to shared equipment
3. 3.Don't miss the Artist Gallery featuring instruments from famous musicians like Elvis and Taylor Swift - a big hit with older kids and teens
4. 4.Allow kids to lead and follow their interests rather than trying to see everything - the museum is huge and it's better to enjoy select areas than rush through
5. 5.Check the concert schedule in advance as the 300-seat theater hosts amazing live performances that many families miss

Weekday mornings right when they open at 9:00 AM offer the least crowds and the most space in the Experience Gallery. Avoid weekend afternoons when tour groups and families pack the museum. Winter months (November-March) are ideal as it's peak tourist season in Phoenix with perfect weather.

General admission is around $20-30 per person with discounts for children. The museum offers a café on-site for lunch and snacks. Parking is free and plentiful. The facility is fully accessible and strollers are welcome, though the museum provides lockers if you prefer to explore without one.

The museum is open year-round with consistent hours and indoor climate-controlled exhibits, making it perfect for hot Phoenix summers. Special holiday concerts and family events are scheduled throughout the year, particularly during winter holidays and spring break - check their events calendar for family-friendly performances.

Pita Jungle (about 2 miles south) offers healthy Mediterranean options including kid favorites like pita pizzas and chicken tenders in a casual family-friendly atmosphere. Another great option is The Americano (3 miles away) with an extensive kids menu, outdoor patio, and Italian-American comfort food.