The Chesapeake Children's Museum — Attraction in Annapolis

My 6 year old was so disappointed in this “museum.” We left after 10 minutes, took a stroll, got a bunch of mosquito bites because it’s nestled in the marsh, and left. She said we should give it “a hundred zero stars.” Then we went to a McDonalds play place and had way more fun. Let me tell you what to expect: pay $5 for you, $5 for your child, so they can play with their toys. That’s it, average, everyday toys. It smells funny, the bathroom isn’t ventilated so it smells like dirty diapers, and the sink is blocked by a broken changing drop-table. The toys are small, and I question their cleanliness, because, as they remind you, it’s a non profit that relies on volunteers. The funny smell isn’t bleach-like. I thought they had another level for playing downstairs, but it’s actually just a kitchen and a piano in the “music room,” and dusty shelves with books. Movie matinees are $5, happy meals are $3, either of these make my kid happy. This children’s museum almost made my kid cry because she was expecting something to be there. There’s not even a playground! There’s a room full of old medical stuff, a room with a kitchen toy set, a room with a wooden boat and legos. 4 turtles, 3 bullfrogs, and a lizard. I’m simplifying, because there’s more stuff, but it’s just as average. Melissa and Doug busy boards, toy cars, etc. Just emphasizing that it’s just a house full of old daycare...

I would like to respond to some other reviews I read. I use to work at the museum and agree a Play center would be a better word choice. That being said the Museum is not for you to come and be absent if you want your child to learn you must be able to explore with them. Here we learn through imagination, and creativity. We have toys, Animals (mostly reptiles) and craft supplies. The lower floor boasts a music room with piano. No we do not have a staff person to run things for you. The People on their phones are the children of the front desk person who are allowed to come to work with her, so they behave like children do. As far as Cleanliness the museum has been upgraded and cleaned. Also Note this museum is run off of donations so please feel free to bring over craft donations, musical supplies, toys and cash. To Girl Scouts Particularly this museum was started by a JR troop and is still managed by their leader. This facility is traditional in its activity and offers all it can to support you, if their is an issue speak up and we will try our best to correct it. Debbie the owner/manager has been doing this for a long time and has a degree in Child care, their is a method to her madness, ask and she...

A decent spot to kill time when visiting from out of town with a toddler. I am not sure I would exactly call this a children's museum, but there are some educational elements throughout. One of the major positives is the cost which is very reasonable, being less than $10 pp. One of major cons is safety, while one should never sit and eat bon bons while they are caring for a child, I did feel the need to be extra vigilant while we were there. There are no child locks on any of the doors including ones to the outside which is a parking area/ trail entrance. There is also a creek that runs behind the property and you must cross it in order to access some outdoor elements of the space. Again adult supervision should be a no brainer at all times but kids can move quickly and unexpectedly, I am honestly not sure that I would be comfortable with multiple children by myself here. That being said, my child had a great time and enjoyed the boat, outdoor truck area, and kitchen/grocery area. Finding reasonably priced children's activities is often difficult, especially when traveling. So if you are in need of a rainy day pre-nap adventure, then this can be a good spot...