Seacoast Spotlight Series: Children’s Museum of New Hampshire

Piscataqua Savings Bank is the proud supporter of over 130 Seacoast area nonprofits. We’re highlighting a few of the nonprofits doing incredible, critical work in our Seacoast community with our Seacoast Spotlight Series. Next up in our spotlight is the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire.

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (CMNH), located in the heart of downtown Dover, is a nonprofit organization committed to sparking creativity, critical thinking, and a passion for learning in children. With its hands-on exhibits, engaging educational programs, and interactive play areas, the museum offers an enriching experience for visitors of all ages – whether you’re a local or a family visiting from out of town.

A Hub for Hands-On Learning

At the heart of CMNH is its dedication to fostering curiosity. The museum features a wide array of exhibits that encourage children to explore, experiment, and learn through play. From digging for dinosaur fossils and discovering the wonders of the Cocheco River to imagining life as a cave explorer, there’s no shortage of interactive exhibits that bring learning to life in exciting ways.

Some of the museum’s favorite exhibits include:

• The Mini Wini Vet Clinic: Little ones can step into the shoes of a veterinarian at the new Mini Wini Vet Clinic, sponsored by Winichahanat Veterinary Care in Dover. This interactive exhibit lets children care for stuffed animal patients, look at real x-rays, and learn about the important work vets do.
• The Learning Gardens: During the warmer months, the Learning Gardens offer fun, hands-on programming that educates kids about healthy food choices and the environment. Visitors can taste fresh vegetables grown in the garden or participate in drop-in activities centered around what’s growing or what the museum hopes to grow next! Plus, they’re officially part of NASA’s TEMPO Ozone Garden Network, contributing to the study of air pollution’s impact on global weather and climate.
• The One World Exhibit: Featuring three immersive spaces that celebrate global cultures, including Indonesia, India, and Mexico, kids can explore cultures represented in local New Hampshire communities. In the World Market, children can explore food, spices, clothing, masks, and musical instruments, then “purchase” items to prepare and serve in the World Café. They can also participate in a World Festival Celebration using green screen technology, bringing the experience of cultural exploration to life in a fun and interactive way.
• The Yellow Submarine: Dive into the depths of the Gulf of Maine in the Yellow Submarine, where kids can explore an undersea world, identifying creatures native to the area, operate the periscope to search the museum above, and listen for mysterious deep-sea sounds at the listening station. They can also use sonar to detect approaching objects, take a turn at the propeller, or relax in a bunk. Plus, they can take a ‘swim’ outside the sub and use the Motion Sensor wall to scare away fish in this fun, interactive experience.

Programs and Events for All Ages

In addition to its interactive exhibits, CMNH offers a diverse range of programs and special events designed to enhance learning for children and families. The museum hosts workshops, classes, and activities that focus on early literacy, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), and social-emotional development. From Wee Ones Wednesdays, where toddlers (ages 2-4) explore art and play, to Science Fridays featuring hands-on experiments for all ages, there’s something for everyone to discover.

For educators, CMNH provides several ways to integrate museum learning into the classroom and bring lessons to life. The museum offers field trips aligned with educational standards, providing engaging, play-based experiences that support various learning objectives. Additionally, CMNH offers virtual workshops and outreach programs, allowing museum content to be brought directly into classrooms. These options make it easy for educators to enhance their curriculum with fun, interactive, and enriching activities.

Focus on Inclusivity and Accessibility

One of the most important aspects of CMNH is its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. The museum strives to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or abilities, can enjoy and benefit from its programs. The museum offers sensory-friendly exhibits for children with autism and special needs, as well as adaptive programming that caters to children with physical disabilities.

In addition, the museum is committed to making its offerings accessible to families from all walks of life. It regularly partners with local organizations to provide free or reduced-cost tickets to families in need, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the museum’s educational resources.

The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is an invaluable resource for families in the region, offering a world of hands-on learning, creative expression, and endless exploration. Whether you’re visiting for the day or attending one of its many engaging programs, CMNH provides a memorable experience for children and adults alike. 

Plus, the museum is expanding with new exhibits set to open in 2025! This expansion will include even more interactive spaces and immersive experiences, continuing CMNH’s mission to spark wonder and creativity in visitors of all ages.