Gift cards: Give the gift of play this holiday season! LEARN MORE
Kinder Club: Registration is open for 3, 4, & 5-year-olds! LEARN MORE
Birthday Parties: There's no better place to celebrate! LEARN MORE

City Music

Explore the world of sound and discover the joy of music

With a variety of instruments to choose from–including drums, boomwackers, a piano, gongs, xylophones, and more–children can experiment with sound and discover the magic of music.

At City Music, kids can strike the drums, pluck the strings of wooden instruments, and even use flip-flops to play the PVC pipe organ. Along the way, children will explore their musical voice and express themselves in fun and creative ways.

Playing with musical instruments has been proven to have numerous benefits for children. In addition to being a fun form of expression, it can also speed up the development of speech and reading skills, help train children to focus their attention, and promote empathy for others.

Ways to Play

  1. Perform a song, dance, or scene on Sora’s Stage.
  2. Find two different Boomwackers that create a chord
  3. How many different instruments can you find in City Music?
  4. What are they?

This exhibit initiates

Other exhibits

Courtyard of Curiosity

From alligator to zucchini, the alphabet comes to life in the Courtyard of Curiosity
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Post Office

Become a mail carrier for the day as you practice sorting, delivering, and communicating in CityWorks Post Office
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City Money

Build financial literacy skills as you play with earning, spending, saving and giving
Read exhibit details

Shape the Future of Play!

Please take a moment to share your thoughts in our 5-minute survey. Your feedback will help us keep the museum’s exhibits and programs fun, accessible, and meaningful for every child.

Give the gift of play

This holiday season, give them moments that matter. Memberships and gift cards create warm memories and give curiosity a place to grow!

Closed August 25th-29th

The Iowa Children’s Museum will be closed Monday, August 25th, through Friday, August 29th, for routine cleaning and maintenance. This includes STEM Family Free Night. Thank you for your patience while we work to make our exhibits even better for your next visit!

Due to Winter Weather

We will close early at 4pm today (11/29)

Thank you for your understanding!