Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul
Tohono Chul is proud to announce our partnership with the Children’s Museum Oro Valley! Together, children and families can engage in a wide variety of fun activities and educational programming designed to stimulate young minds and foster an appreciation for the Sonoran Desert.
Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul is open from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday.
Outdoor play spaces are open from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily.
Information
Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul is a place for kids and families to explore nature through fun, hands-on exhibits.
The museum has indoor and outdoor exhibits with daily activities and programming for kids and families that mesh with the environmental focus of Tohono Chul. Children learn all about the culture, animals, and plants of the Sonoran Desert!
Visitors to Tohono Chul and CMOV can enjoy an array of exhibits and programs for one entry fee. Kids under 4 have free admission year-round!
“Tohono Chul has a huge role in closing the nature-deficit gap by letting kids be wild explorers of our gardens. I am thrilled that CMOV’s incredible programs and educators accelerate our goal to pro-actively welcome families here to experience the wonder of the Sonoran Desert. We can hardly wait to see the next generation of nature-lovers grow up at Tohono Chul!”
– Tohono Chul Executive Director Jamie Maslyn Larson
HAPPENING NOW
Wee Storytime
Tuesday – Sunday | 9:30 AM
Join us at the Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul for WEE STORYTIME, Tuesday-Sunday at 9:30 AM! Enjoy engaging stories with our Nature Niños educators, followed by a fun activity at 10 AM.
Special thanks to our sponsors, the Kai Family Foundation and First Things First, for their generous support.
Explorer Backpacks – Discover & Learn!
Available for Checkout at the Admissions Window | Free with Admission
Experience the natural wonders of the Sonoran Desert up close with our brand-new Explorer Backpacks! Equipped with binoculars, a magnifying glass, a compass, and other adventurous tools, these backpacks offer a hands-on experience of our beautiful gardens and all their hidden treasures.
Grab an Explorer Backpack at the admissions window and get ready to unleash your child’s inner explorer!
Frequently Asked Questions
General Information
• What are the CMOV@TC Hours of Operation?
Tuesday – Sunday, 9 am – 1 pm (closed Mondays).
• Can visitors experience CMOV indoor exhibits after 1 pm?
No, the doors will be locked but visitors can enjoy the outdoor exhibits and installations in the surrounding gardens daily from 8 am to 5 pm.
• Can I drop off my child at CMOV while I enjoy the gardens?
No, children must be accompanied by an adult. Please note, adults must also be accompanied by a child to enter CMOV.
• Where is CMOV @ Tohono Chul located?
Follow the Nature Niños characters to CMOV at the Education Center!
• If someone just wants to “see the space” and has no child, can they?
No, not alone, but we may be able to arrange for a docent or staff member to tour the space with you! Again, children must be accompanied by an adult and an adult must be accompanied by a child.
For any guests who require accessibility considerations, please call ahead and we will accommodate your arrival through our Education Center parking lot. Please call 520-742-6455 x 240.
Membership
• Are CMT (Children’s Museum Tucson) memberships accepted?
You must be a Tohono Chul member to enjoy CMOV member benefits. Click here to become a member!
• Is TC membership good at the Downtown Children’s Museum?
No, a Tohono Chul membership will not grant access to the Downtown Children’s Museum.
• Do CMT members get a member discount in the shops and greenhouse?
No, you will need to become a Tohono Chul member to get the discount and enjoy the benefit of the American Horticultural Reciprocity program.
We hope you will become a Tohono Chul member and enjoy additional benefits besides free daily admission!
– A Tohono Chul Family membership will include two adults in the same household, children, and grandchildren under 17.
– Free one-time use guest passes
– Free admission to Bloom Night
– Discount in all 3 Museum Shops, greenhouse & plant sales, and the Garden Bistro
– Discounts on classes, trips & special events
– Admission to “Members Only” plant sales
– Invitation to all Exhibit openings, New Member Welcome Tour, annual Members’ Reception, “Plan your estate” seminars
– Reciprocal Nationwide admission privileges at American Horticultural Society gardens
Guest Services
• Restrooms, drinking fountains, and vending machines are located in the Children’s Ramada and Education center. Snacks are also available in La Galeria Museum Shop.
• Off-site food (snacks, picnics) are welcome! There are plenty of picnic tables nearby CMOV.
• ADA access – Some of the paths to the Education Center are unpaved and may be difficult to navigate. If this is a concern, please let us know and we will accommodate you! Call 520-742-6455 x 240 for assistance.
• Is there a separate entry fee for CMOV?
No, there is just one fee to enjoy Tohono Chul and CMOV’s exhibits and programs.
• Do CMOV programs cost extra?
CMOV programming is included with the price of admission and membership.
• Are food and snacks available?
Yes, a vending machine is available at the Education Center. Plus, a refrigerator located inside the museum will be stocked with snacks and water which can be purchased in any of the museum shops.
• Are strollers available?
No, but we may be able to offer you a wagon.
