Business Details
36 Years
experience
Interactive Children's Museum in Lafayette, LA
Founded in 1990, the Children's Museum Of Acadiana (CMA) has dedicated over three decades to creating immersive, hands-on learning environments for children aged infant to ten. Our mission centers on fostering curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning through interactive exhibits and educational programs that align with school curricula while promoting cultural understanding. Housed in a historic 1935 building in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana, we serve 37 parishes across Acadiana and collaborate with 27 regional agencies to ensure accessibility for all socioeconomic groups.Our team of educators and volunteers designs experiences that stimulate analytical thinking through visual, auditory, and physical engagement, making us the longest-running children's museum in the region. We maintain rigorous operational standards through community partnerships and transparent financial practices, evidenced by our publicly available 990 filings. With 15,000 square feet of exhibit space and 60+ annual programs, we combine educational enrichment with family engagement to create lasting developmental impacts.
Services
Interactive Exhibits
Educational Field Trips
Summer Camp Programs
Sensory-Friendly Mornings
Garden Club Activities
STEAM Education
Library Museum Passes
Outreach Programs
Birthday Parties
Community Partnerships
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 27 years of specialized experience in children's interactive education
- Our exhibits align with school curricula across 37 Louisiana parishes
- We maintain 15,000 sq ft of hands-on learning spaces in downtown Lafayette
- Our sensory-friendly programs accommodate children with special needs
- We partner with 27 regional agencies to ensure community accessibility
What people say
Interactive learning spaces
Sensory-friendly programs
Educational field trips
Community engagement
Creative summer camps
Services
Interactive Exhibits
Our 15,000 sq ft of interactive exhibits engage children through tactile exploration and imaginative play. Designed for ages infant to ten, these exhibits foster cognitive development through science, art, and cultural experiences. Each exhibit combines educational content with physical interaction to create memorable learning moments.
Educational Field Trips
Customized field trip experiences align with Louisiana's educational standards while making learning enjoyable. Programs include STEAM-focused activities, financial literacy workshops, and sensory-friendly options. Teachers receive curriculum guides to maximize educational value during visits.
Sensory-Friendly Mornings
Monthly sensory-friendly sessions provide a welcoming environment for children with autism and sensory processing disorders. These programs feature modified lighting, reduced noise levels, and specialized staff training to accommodate diverse needs while maintaining educational content.
Summer Camp Programs
Daily Discoveries summer program offers ten weeks of STEAM-based activities for out-of-school children. Each week features different science, technology, engineering, art, and math projects led by certified educators in a structured yet playful environment.
Community Outreach
CMA On-the-Go brings museum-quality experiences to schools and community centers. Our traveling programs deliver hands-on art, culture, and STEAM education directly to classrooms, expanding access beyond our physical location.
Questions
What are the museum's operating hours?
We're open Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Sunday 1:00 PM-5:00 PM. Closed Mondays.
Do adults need to pay admission?
Yes, adult admission supports museum operations and includes access to educational workshops and exhibits.
Are food and drinks available?
The gift shop sells bottled water. Outside food is permitted in designated areas.
How can I book a birthday party?
Complete our online form at least two weeks in advance to reserve your date and pay the deposit.
Do you offer educational programs for schools?
Yes, we provide curriculum-aligned field trips for grades K-5 with specialized programs in STEAM and financial literacy.
Is the museum accessible for children with special needs?
We offer monthly sensory-friendly mornings and trained staff to accommodate visitors with autism and sensory processing disorders.
