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Location
Best time
Visit on 3rd Thursdays during fall and winter when extended hours run 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM for more flexibility, or come on weekday mornings when the museum is 'not busy' according to visitor feedback, allowing kids to enjoy exhibits without crowds.
Visitor tip
Remember that all adults and children in play exhibit areas need wristbands, and one adult is required for every six children. The indoor Climb & Play Playscape allows parents to supervise from nearby seating areas while kids stay safely contained in one room.
Visitor tip
Be aware some electronic activities and areas may need maintenance based on visitor feedback. Consider focusing on the popular hands-on stations like the Grant Wood Draw & Learn exhibits, Arthur Geisert interactive display, and arts workshops which consistently receive praise.
About Phelps Youth Pavilion
Center with hands-on activities for kids. Vibrant facility offering interactive educational exhibits for kids, including an artists' workshop.
Quick Facts
- Type
- Children's Museum
- Highlights
- Grant Wood exhibitions, climbable Playscape, cultural learning exhibits, interactive art activities
- Admission
- $5 per person or $2 with EBT card
- Hours
- Wed-Sat 10AM-5PM, Sun 1-5PM
What visitors say
Kids loved it. Some of the areas are a little run down. Some electronic activities not functioning.
My mom and I took my nieces and they all had a great time. Lots of different things for the kids to do. All kinds of different play stations that I didn't get pictures of, we were too busy having fun.
So much fun! 7 year old step daughter absolutely loved it, and so did us adult but shh 🤫 there Soo much to do and there's even a playground area indoors for parents to be able to just take a seat while the kids are contained in one…
From 295 Google reviews
Did You Know?
- Offers free admission to all Waterloo Public and Private Schools PreK-12 students, making it an accessible educational resource for the entire school district
- Features interactive exhibitions centered on renowned artist Grant Wood through the 'Draw & Learn' exhibit, combining local artistic heritage with hands-on digital and tangible learning experiences
- Maintains an indoor Playscape jungle gym where children can climb and play while parents remain in a contained supervised area, addressing a practical challenge of family museum visits
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