Author: Kathryn
Exhibit Feature
Our Cider Mill Exhibit brings the magic of fall harvest to life year-round! Kids can grind apples, press them, and collect cider through hands-on play while exploring agriculture, cause-and-effect, and teamwork. This exhibit blends STEAM learning with dramatic play, helping children connect science, engineering, and community traditions.
Learn More >>November 2024
11/07/24 EXHIBIT FEATURE: Isaac’s Treehouse: A Tribute to Adventure, Exploration, and Imagination Isaac’s Treehouse at the Children’s Museum of Oswego holds a special place in the heart of the museum’s story. This exhibit was created as a tribute to a young boy named Isaac, whose love for adventure, exploration, and the great outdoors inspired its […]
Learn More >>October 2024
10/30/24 The Importance of Play for Child Development At the Children’s Museum of Oswego, we believe in the power of play. It’s not just about fun—play is a critical component of childhood development. Research shows that play is essential for nurturing cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. In fact, it’s through play that children develop […]
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Rice Creek Field Station
Join us at CMOO on September 6th for a special visit from Rice Creek Field Station! Free with admission! Explore the world of butterflies as we learn about their vibrant colors, fascinating life cycle, and the importance of conservation. Children will also enjoy creating their very own colorful butterfly craft to take home!”
Learn More >>Sixth Grade
Play Topic Suggestions Light Lab – Manipulate light, colors of light (spectrum), transparent, translucent, opaque, color theory, vision, reflection, refraction, difraction, forms of energy; light & sound. Wind Tunnel – Wind energy, measuring distance/projectile, weather, currents, flight, inventors, force and motion, compare and contrast materials’ weight, structure, form, properties of matter, forces and interactions, Newton’s […]
Learn More >>Fifth Grade
Play Topic Suggestions Light Lab – Manipulate light, colors of light (spectrum), transparent, translucent, opaque, color theory, vision, reflection, refraction, difraction, forms of energy; light & sound. Wind Tunnel – Wind energy, measuring distance/projectile, weather, currents, flight, inventors, force and motion, compare and contrast materials’ weight, structure, form, properties of matter. Loose Parts; Imagination Playground, […]
Learn More >>Fourth Grade
Play Topic Suggestions Light Lab – Manipulate light, colors of light (spectrum), transparent, translucent, opaque, color theory, vision, reflection, refraction, difraction, forms of energy; light & sound. Wind Tunnel – Wind energy, measuring distance/projectile, weather, currents, flight, inventors, force and motion. Loose Parts; Imagination Playground, Dinosaur Bones, ramps & balls, Nudel Kart- Structure, engineering, categorizing, […]
Learn More >>Third Grade
Play Topic Suggestions Light Lab – Manipulate light, colors of light (spectrum), transparent, translucent, opaque, color theory, vision, reflection, refraction, difraction, forms of energy; light & sound. Wind Tunnel – Wind energy, measuring distance/projectile, weather, currents, flight, inventors, force and motion. Loose Parts; Imagination Playground, Dinosaur Bones, ramps & balls, Nudel Kart- Structure, engineering, categorizing, […]
Learn More >>Second Grade
Play Topic Suggestions Light Lab – Manipulate light, colors of light (spectrum), transparent, translucent, opaque, color theory, vision, reflection, refraction, difraction, forms of energy; light & sound. Wind Tunnel – Wind energy, measuring distance/projectile, weather, currents, flight, inventors, force and motion. Loose Parts; Imagination Playground, Dinosaur Bones, ramps & balls, Nudel Kart- Structure, engineering, categorizing, […]
Learn More >>First Grade
Play Topic Suggestions Light Lab – Manipulate light, colors of light (spectrum), transparent, translucent, opaque, color theory, vision, reflection, refraction, difraction, forms of energy; light & sound. Wind Tunnel – Wind energy, measuring distance/projectile, weather, currents, flight, inventors, force and motion. Loose Parts; Imagination Playground, Dinosaur Bones, ramps & balls, Nudel Kart- Structure, engineering, categorizing, […]
Learn More >>Kindergarten
Play Topic Suggestions Light Lab – Manipulate light, colors of light (spectrum), color theory, vision, reflection, light & sound. Wind Tunnel – Weather/wind, measuring distance/projectile, gravity, force and motion. Loose Parts; Imagination Playground, Dinosaur Bones, ramps & balls, Nudel Kart- Structure, engineering, categorizing by weight and length, force and motion, energy, dramatic play and storytelling. […]
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Music Together with Miss Amy!
Music Together with Miss Amy is coming to CMOO! Join her this Fall for her new collection! Mixed age classes are for children age 5 and younger and their grown-up.
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Mobile Museum
Our Mobile Museum brings hands-on learning and fun straight to your event! We’ll spark curiosity with interactive activities designed to engage children through play, exploration, and discovery. From science and art to problem-solving and creativity, our activities encourage kids to learn while having fun. Perfect for schools, community events, and celebrations!
Learn More >>Museum Policies
PHOTOGRAPHY PERMISSION POLICY Periodically, the Children’s Museum of Oswego (CMOO) captures photographs and videos of visitors and activities for promotional and editorial purposes. Before any recording takes place, you will be asked for your permission regarding the use of images and videos of yourself and your dependents. By consenting, you grant the museum all rights […]
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Cloud Climber
Climb Into the Clouds!
Oswego is famous for its Lake Effect snow, and our two-story Cloud Climber brings that local weather phenomenon to life in the most playful way! Children can climb, explore, and imagine while also learning about the science behind clouds and weather patterns. This towering exhibit combines active play with hands-on education—making it the perfect spot for kids to burn energy, build confidence, and discover a little more about the climate that shapes our community.
Ready-Set-Grow!
Join us every Wednesday morning from 10:30-11:30 for Ready-Set-Grow—an enriching experience that supports cognitive development for children age 1-3 and is free with admission!
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Imagination Workshop
Imagination Workshop provides a playful, developmentally appropriate environment where children can grow and learn through exploration and fun.
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Programming & Events
No matter the season or weather outside, CMOO is here to spark curiosity, creativity, and learning through hands-on programs and special events for children and families. Whether it’s sunshine or snow, we have something exciting happening at the museum. Our hours are Tuesday-Friday 9-4, and Saturday & Sunday 10-5! See you soon!
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Water Table
Splish, Splash, Learn: The Power of Water Play at CMOO’s Water Table Exhibit At the Children’s Museum of Oswego (CMOO), one of the most beloved exhibits is our interactive water table—where splashes and smiles go hand in hand with learning and development. While it may look like just good old-fashioned fun, water play is packed […]
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Town Square
CMOO’s Town Square is the perfect place for children to engage in dramatic play, where imagination and learning come together. In this bustling, kid-sized community, children take on roles, create stories, and collaborate with others—all while practicing important skills in language, math, problem-solving, and social interaction.
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Novelis
Thanks to our partnership with Novelis, children can explore the journey of aluminum from scrap to new product in a fun, interactive way. As a global leader in sustainable aluminum, Novelis is helping kids understand the importance of recycling, conservation, and environmental stewardship.
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Creation Station
At Creation Station, we encourage children to learn by exploring, experimenting, and creating in their own unique ways. There’s always something new to discover!
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Isaac’s Treehouse
Featuring interactive elements and nature-inspired play, Isaac’s Treehouse brings kids closer to the magic of outdoor exploration. Built with love, this special space reminds us all of the power of play, meaningful connections, and the wonder of discovery.
Learn More >>Build, Play, Grow Campaign Donors
The Children’s Museum of Oswego would like to acknowledge the following businesses, individuals, families and foundations who have generously pledged their support to the Build, Play, Grow Campaign. $300,000+ Downtown Revitalization Initiative $100,000-$299,999 Novelis The Richard S. Shineman Foundation $50,000-$99,999 Pathfinder Bank $30,000-$49,999 Burke’s Do It Best Home Centers Jonathan & Jillian Shaver New York State […]
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