Children's Museums

ExplorationWorks

Great Northern Town Center, Helena, MT

Hands-on children's museum in Helena with toddler play, water play, rotating science exhibits, and all-day same-day re-entry.

Little Sky under-5 play area at ExplorationWorks in Helena.

Little Sky is ExplorationWorks' dedicated under-5 play area.

Photo 1 of 3. Little Sky is ExplorationWorks' dedicated under-5 play area.

Editorial notes

What stands out

A strong family pick when you want indoor play with more imagination, tinkering, and toddler-friendly exploration than pure gross-motor chaos.

Good fit

  • Babies through early elementary kids who enjoy hands-on discovery
  • Families who want a flexible all-day visit with re-entry
  • Grandparent outings or mixed-age sibling visits where not everyone wants high-intensity play

Consider another option if

  • Kids looking mainly for trampolines or thrill-style climbing
  • Families who want a drop-off venue
  • Visitors who need long-stay free parking right outside the door

Know Before You Go

Re-entry
Same-day re-entry is allowed between 10:00 and 17:00.
Food
Outside food and drinks are allowed with restrictions; use café tables on the main level and keep food off carpeted floors.
Supervision
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 16 or older at all times.
Supervision model
Caregiver supervised
Hours vary due to private events
Yes

What to Expect

For kids

  • Babies
  • Toddlers
  • Preschoolers
  • Big kids
  • Mixed ages
  • Toddler area

For caregivers

  • Free parking
  • Caregiver supervised
Visit type
Hands on museum play
Read more about this location

ExplorationWorks is Helena’s interactive children’s museum, built around hands-on STEM discovery with enough play value to work well as a rainy-day family stop. Families will find permanent exhibits like the Little Sky under-5 play area, the Waterways to the Future water table, and giant creative stations like LiteZilla, plus rotating exhibits and frequent kids' programming. Admission works as an all-day visit with same-day re-entry, which makes it easier to pair with lunch or downtown errands. It is especially strong for babies through early elementary kids, though older children who enjoy tinkering and science play can have fun too.

Hours & Admission

Posted hours

Check posted weekly hours

View full weekly hours
Weekly posted opening hours
Mondayclosed
Tuesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Based on posted weekly hours. Holidays, private events, seasonal schedules, and special closures may differ.

Admission

Published admission prices
VisitorPrice
General Admission$11.25 per person ages 2+

Admission details can change. Confirm current fees before visiting.

Birthday Parties

Starting at $235

Accessibility

Sensory Friendly Option

The museum offers sensory-friendly visits by request via email.

Accessibility and comfort

Sensory-friendly

Location

995 Carousel Way

Helena, MT, 59601

Get directions

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Sources & Updates

5 public sources on record · Last checked Apr 6, 2026. Time-sensitive details may have changed.

View source and update details
Last check on record
Apr 6, 2026
Sources reviewed
5 public sources

Public sources

What changed

  • April 6, 2026

    Verified official exhibit mix, parking guidance, all-day admission details, and current party pricing.