Marbles Kids Museum
Marbles Kids Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Marbles Kids Museum is a hands-on, interactive destination that inspires children to be creative thinkers, active learners and confident individuals in today's world. With dozens of exhibits and two outdoor escapes, there is no shortage of activity for kids birth to 10 and their families. The campus also features a 272-seat IMAX Theater. This giant-screen experience runs educational 3D documentaries and first-run Hollywood films.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,118 reviews
Excellent
821
Very good
237
Average
40
Poor
7
Terrible
13
Lisa S
Louisville, KY98 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
I am not lying when I write that my two year old was in constant motion except for a clothing change for 2.5 hours and could have gone for a bit more! So many fun and engaging activities for kids. It’s relatively in expensive especially since once you enter you can leave and re-enter if you still have your sticker on! They have 2 dedicated nursing areas and 2 family restrooms.
Also if you are a member of another Children’s or Science museum you get in for free which is what we did and then paid for my cousin and her kids.
Parents bring your running shoes because your kids are going to be running all over the place!
Also if you are a member of another Children’s or Science museum you get in for free which is what we did and then paid for my cousin and her kids.
Parents bring your running shoes because your kids are going to be running all over the place!
Written February 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tizzer11
Raleigh, NC50 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
This is one of the best kids museums in the country. They have all sorts of neat things to play with. My family is always engage and excited when we go. And it is huge! The first time we went we only made it to most of the stuff on the first floor. The 2nd time we concentrated on the 2nd floor. And then other times we've finally seen all areas, but even then they change stuff up and there are new exhibits. My absolutely favorite is the mo eypalooza. There's only one way in and out so it's easier to keep track of your kids. And it's got a mini skiball game and a game where you launch the plastic balls and watchit roll through the track. The giant pig breaks open every so often too. It's so much fun. The hockey rink on the 2nd floor is pretty fun too or even the exercise section! We were going once a month before the pandemic. I highly suggest getting a membership. It pays for itself if you have a family of 4 and go just quarterly. It's so worth it. The staff is always super friendly and they'll walk around and talk with the kids about what they're doing or help them. I havent3eaten at the new cafe, but I hear it's supposed to be an upgrade from the previous one and the previous one was already really good and affordable. If you're a member, you get a discount at the cafe.
The only downside to Marbles is that it needs more space. I know they use the building next to it for bday parties so maybe they'll expand into there as well, but then they need more room for bday parties.
We have been to Kidzu in Chapel Hill, NC (this is good for under 5 and is a lot smaller more intimate than Marbles, but sometimes they'll play the guitar or do yoga with the kids and they have a craft bar where some items you pay extra for), the Madison, WI kids museum (eh, not a lot for little kids, but sometimes they have UW students come and show you actual parts of the body), the Sioux City kids museum (this is a good one too and I'd recommend it), the Magic House in St. Louis (this is a great one too, huge), City Museum in St. Louis (highly recommend, adults and older kids will love this), and the Betty Brin Children's Museum in Milwaukee, WI ( this one is better than Madison's, and comparable to Sioux, but I feel like a lot of stuff was broken.). Marbles is in our top three. It's got a lot of stuff that under 5 can do. I think Magic House might be better for older kids. I know they have a small area for 18mo or under 24 to crawl and I've been there several times, but I don't think I've seen it all. City Museum is better for older kids, teens, and adults. I think they might have a floor or two for under 5, but I'm not positive.) And then Marbles is wonderful and has a lot for 5 and under. Older kids will get enjoyment too, but I've heard that older kids that have gone since they were little have gotten bored with the exhibits.
The only downside to Marbles is that it needs more space. I know they use the building next to it for bday parties so maybe they'll expand into there as well, but then they need more room for bday parties.
We have been to Kidzu in Chapel Hill, NC (this is good for under 5 and is a lot smaller more intimate than Marbles, but sometimes they'll play the guitar or do yoga with the kids and they have a craft bar where some items you pay extra for), the Madison, WI kids museum (eh, not a lot for little kids, but sometimes they have UW students come and show you actual parts of the body), the Sioux City kids museum (this is a good one too and I'd recommend it), the Magic House in St. Louis (this is a great one too, huge), City Museum in St. Louis (highly recommend, adults and older kids will love this), and the Betty Brin Children's Museum in Milwaukee, WI ( this one is better than Madison's, and comparable to Sioux, but I feel like a lot of stuff was broken.). Marbles is in our top three. It's got a lot of stuff that under 5 can do. I think Magic House might be better for older kids. I know they have a small area for 18mo or under 24 to crawl and I've been there several times, but I don't think I've seen it all. City Museum is better for older kids, teens, and adults. I think they might have a floor or two for under 5, but I'm not positive.) And then Marbles is wonderful and has a lot for 5 and under. Older kids will get enjoyment too, but I've heard that older kids that have gone since they were little have gotten bored with the exhibits.
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rick
3 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
This place is seriously awesome! It's like a giant playground for kids, but even better because you get to learn so many cool things while you're playing. My favorite part was the pretend grocery store, where I got to wear a little apron and ring people up at the cash register. There was also a stage where you could put on a show, and a construction area where you could build towers with blocks. I could have stayed there all day! And the best part is that you get to play and have fun while you're learning, so you don't even realize how much you're learning. If you're a kid you have to check this place out!
Written January 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie S
Fayetteville, NC116 contributions
Nov 2019
My 5-year old loved visiting marbles. This was a great activity for her to burn off a wealth of energy. The only downside is the building was PACKED and it was easy for a small child to run off and get lost in a huge crowd. This was prior-to COVID 19, but it was also concerning that there were few workers walking around to engage kids, keep a little order (help put things back) and/or periodically clean.
Written October 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria B
Raleigh, NC1,666 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
This is THE SPOT! We finally wised-up and bought the year pass because when it's way too hot outside or raining, or a dad-date, we can go and enjoy. The kids always find something new to do-even at the stations they've visited over and over again in the past. This truly is a fantastic children's museum
Written May 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Familytripper229
St. Croix35 contributions
Jun 2022
I took my grandson here for a morning visit. We had reservations for 10:30 am. The place was already overcrowded with large groups of children from various summer programs and camps who were not sufficiently supervised and it made for a terrible time. While the exhibits are great fun, the "reservation" system doesn't work to keep the numbers reasonable. It was packed and what little staff I saw was kept busy cleaning up after the large groups.
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victoria B
Raleigh, NC1,666 contributions
Dec 2022
We finally got a membership. After this past Christmas break and my husband needing to do something with the kids, we visited about 3 times in one week. I hadn't been inside in probably 3 years and had never made it past the 1st floor. There is so much to do to engage children. You could come 20 times and still not see it all. Great fun for the kids!
Written April 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarenandJohnny
Cary, NC49 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
The design and architecture of the building is beautiful! The exhibits are good. Our 3 year old daughter enjoyed herself. However, the exhibits were untidy and pieces to exhibits were everywhere. The museum could have been cleaner and more organized. It looked like a free for all. There were few employees or volunteers around re stocking and organizing. The museum was chaotic and a mess. We were disappointed. Marbles you can do better.
Written April 26, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Huey L
Roanoke, VA97 contributions
Jan 2023 • Family
Marbles is amazing! We went on a family trip with three toddlers. They all had a blast! It was pretty crowded, I think it was near their max capacity, and I'd love to go back when there's fewer people. Some of the kid visitors there were particularly rambunctious at the pirate ship play and sports areas, so it was a little difficult to explore with my toddler. But there were plenty of other areas for us to go to! I really appreciated the family bathrooms there where a mom and dad could do a diaper change or whatever is needed together. The gift shop had a lot of great toys for all ages. We'll definitely go back whenever we're in town!
Written August 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nunya
2 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Donot pay online if you think you’ll want a refund. They will only issue you a credit. Horrible customer service got two conflicting answers when I called and ended up not going. Lost money. Not happy.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does the entrance have metal detectors? Would I have to take out my hearing implant or no?
Rebecca A
9 contributions
No
Drea95
North Carolina Coast, NC10 contributions
Does anyone know of any good inexpensive places to eat in walking distance of marbles for a group of children and adults for lunch
DayTrip8114
38 contributions
The museum has a cafe attached to their IMAX theater but the menu is very limited. Not a huge selection of stuff other than a selection of sandwiches and some kids meals. Other than that I've never been able to locate anything within walking distance for families.
Alice L
1 contribution
About how long does it take to get through the museum?
Sue H
Wake Forest, NC46 contributions
WE have been going since our grandchildren were toddlers. At that time we spent about 3 hours downstairs with a break for lunch at the restaurant behind the museum and taking a picnic at other times. Great picnic tables outside. Just keep your stickers on for re entry. Now that they are 7 and 9, we stay from 3-5 hours upstairs. They have favorite areas such as the piggy bank, large building blocks and the electric room. Always the piano steps along the back wall. Plenty of sitting areas for adults. Enjoy watching their imagination go wild.
Momoftwo2004
Winston Salem, NC25 contributions
Has anyone walked from the Amtrak station on W. Cabarras to Marbles Children's Museum? I am unfamiliar with the area and wanted to know how long the walk is and if it's safe to walk with children and strollers.
Lucretia S
Mooresville, North Carolina16 contributions
With downtown construction I would not walk from train station with children
listentothisadvice
North Carolina48 contributions
How is the placed cleaned and when? With the flu epidemic and measles this is very important to know. Are the exhibits wiped down ? If so with what and when ?
Thriftstorequeen
Roseville45 contributions
There were staff attendees who were doing there best to keep thing clean. In a world where children are enjoying themselves normal measures should be taken, washing of hands is one of the best lines of defense. If you were to come upon a situation that required attention-we did see the wonderful staff taking corrective measures.
We found the museum to be clean and helpful.
How much does it cost?
Guy S
40 contributions
Five Dollars... A Person.. and yes this includes kids. It is after all for them
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