The museum was founded in 1994 by a group of local educators and parents.
The facility is designed as a 'non-traditional' museum where tactile interaction with exhibits is mandatory rather than discouraged.
It was one of the first children's museums in the region to integrate a simulated television news station experience for children.
The exhibits are strategically designed to rotate and evolve to reflect current child development research.
The floor plan is intentionally open to allow for high-visibility monitoring of children while they play.
The Garden State Discovery Museum in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, is a hands-on learning facility designed specifically for children up to age ten. The museum features interactive, room-sized exhibits that encourage role-playing and tactile exploration of various career fields and scientific concepts. Notable play areas include a simulated news studio, a veterinarian office, and a theater space. The facility emphasizes 'learning through play' by providing immersive environments where children can manipulate tools and materials. It serves as a regional educational resource for families in the Delaware Valley. The museum focuses on fostering developmental milestones through physical, creative, and social activity.
The 'Down the Shore' exhibit area, which features a simulated beach and boardwalk theme.
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes as children will be actively climbing and running through exhibits.
Bring a change of clothes for children, as many exhibits involve water or sensory materials that may cause messes.
Visit during weekday mornings to experience lower crowd density and shorter wait times for popular interactive stations.
Do not attempt to 'browse' the museum as an adult without children, as it is strictly designed for youth play and many areas are inaccessible or inappropriate for adults alone.
Closed on certain major holidays; check local updates as operational hours are subject to seasonal programming changes.
Adults must remain with their children at all times; socks are required for many soft-play areas.
