National Museum of Mathematics
About
The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath) transforms math from a classroom subject into an interactive playground where kids can ride square-wheeled tricycles, create geometric light patterns, and explore mind-bending exhibits that prove math is actually fun. With over 40 hands-on exhibits spread across two floors, this one-of-a-kind museum makes abstract concepts tangible through play, sparking curiosity in even the most math-reluctant kids.
Highlights
- ✓Square-wheeled tricycles that ride smoothly over specially designed surfaces
- ✓Human Tree exhibit where kids use their bodies to create fractal patterns on screen
- ✓Coaster Rollers - design your own virtual roller coaster track
- ✓Math Square interactive floor with dynamic games and puzzles
- ✓Wall of Fire where you can manipulate flames with mathematical precision
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings right at 10 AM opening to avoid school groups and weekend crowds,you'll have exhibits mostly to yourselves
- 2.Don't miss the square-wheeled trike,there's often a line, so head there first or during the last hour before closing
- 3.Download the MoMath app before visiting for exhibit guides and bonus challenges that extend the learning
- 4.Plan for the Math Encounters presentation series (check schedule online) for engaging talks suitable for older kids
- 5.Bring socks! Kids will want to play on certain interactive floor exhibits that require them
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings (Tuesday-Thursday) right at opening provide the calmest experience. Avoid weekends and school vacation weeks when the museum gets packed with groups. Summer weekday mornings offer a perfect indoor break from hot city streets.
What to Know
General admission is around $20 for adults and $18 for kids (2-12). The museum is located in the Flatiron District with limited street parking,public transportation or nearby parking garages are your best bet. There's no café inside, but you can bring snacks and the Madison Square Park area has plenty of family dining options nearby.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent hours (10 AM - 5 PM daily). The museum hosts special Family Fridays events monthly and offers holiday-themed programming during winter break. Summer can be especially busy with visiting families, so book timed tickets online in advance.
Nearby Eats
Shake Shack in Madison Square Park (5-minute walk) is a kid favorite for burgers and shakes, or try Eataly NYC Flatiron (3 blocks away) which offers multiple Italian food counters where picky eaters can find something they like plus a dedicated kids' dining area.
More Activities Near New York City
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers an incredible journey through 5,000 years of art from around the world, with countless treasures that captivate children's imaginations. From ancient Egyptian mummies and medieval armor to interactive family galleries, the Met transforms art appreciation into an exciting adventure that feels more like treasure hunting than a traditional museum visit.
Intrepid Museum
Step aboard a real aircraft carrier and explore an incredible collection of sea, air, and space history including the Space Shuttle Enterprise, a British Airways Concorde, and a Cold War-era submarine you can actually walk through. Kids become explorers as they climb through tight submarine passages, sit in cockpits, and discover what life was like for sailors at sea. The flight deck alone - with its collection of historic aircraft - will leave young aviation enthusiasts absolutely mesmerized.
New York Transit Museum
Located in an actual decommissioned 1936 subway station in Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum lets kids explore vintage subway cars, sit in the driver's seat, and learn about NYC's transportation history through interactive exhibits. This unique underground museum transforms what could be a typical museum visit into an adventure where children can climb aboard real trains and imagine life in different eras of New York City.
The Museum of Modern Art
MoMA offers an inspiring introduction to modern and contemporary art that can spark creativity in kids of all ages. With renowned works by Picasso, Monet, and Warhol, plus rotating interactive exhibits and family-friendly programs, this world-class museum makes art accessible and engaging for young visitors.