Children's Hands-On Museum — Attraction in Tuscaloosa

Decent children's museum from a contents perspective. Some of the sections, like the hospital, general store , or drug store, would have been great with interpretation or actors (there was plenty of staff doing absolutely nothing that could have been tasked with educational duties).

We were only able to see two of the sections. We were given incorrect information about section availability when we arrived and paid, but when we followed those instructions, the top section closed before the kids could see it (despite the instructions given when we arrived).

Very unenthusiastic staff. There were more staff than visitors walking around. None of the staff at each station engaged with any of the children present. There was no interpretation, teaching, or guided discovery at this location. Most museums of this sort have educational support or interpretation at each unit or section of the museum. The workers only huddled and chatted amongst themselves.

So you have to read and learn as much as you can before you can instruct your kids. If you are not already educated about the subject matter, you won't be of much use to your kids. There is not much hands-on stuff for the kids to engage compared to other children's museums we...

CHOM used to be good, but if you have been there before a few years ago and now you know that it has not been maintained. Every time we go more there are less “props” for the hands on activities. For example, there is a fishing area where they used to have fishing polls and hooks to “catch” fabric fish. This time we went and no poles, only one net so kids cannot fish together. Same thing in the “grocery”- if you want to have your kids buy things on the list key groceries like Milk and jam are no longer there. In the hospital there are no more scrubs, very few doctor props, the kids can’t get into the role. These props are not expensive so I don’t understand why they are not just replaced. My kids have noticed all the things missing too, not just me. For almost $40 for 2 kids and an adult, you do NOT get your money’s worth anymore. I know they are going to be building a new Saban Center which will absorb CHOM so it seems like they are just not taking care or maintaining because of that, but that is taking years and my kids will be pretty much too old by the time it opens. I do not recommend anymore and will...

We love CHOM! 💙 When we first visited, my daughter was going through a really tough time and wasn’t interested in playing, talking to anyone, or even coming back. Until she met Mr. Bryan, and everything changed. His patience, kindness, and fun energy broke through her walls and gave her the confidence she needed.

He has a special way of engaging kids, sparking curiosity, and helping them feel seen. Thanks to the encouragement from Mr. Bryan, Ms. Laura (we miss her!), and the rest of the amazing CHOM staff, my daughter just started school- a milestone I never thought possible.

CHOM isn’t just a fun place to play- it’s a place where kids are supported, encouraged,...