Little Sky under-5 play area at ExplorationWorks in Helena.
Fixed locationChildren'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.
Plan This Visit

Best for

best for babies through about age 9, with some appeal for older STEM-curious kids

Hours

Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Price

$11.25 per person ages 2+

Parking

Free parking

Visit style

hands-on museum play

Birthday parties

Available

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

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

Atlas Perspective

Best Fit

Best For
  • 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
Less Ideal For
  • 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

At a Glance

Venue type

Kids activity center

Age groups

BabiesToddlersPreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages

Play features

Toddler areaSlidesPretend playSensory playMuseum exhibits

Family amenities

Free parking

Birthday party options

Birthday partiesPrivate party roomParty packages

Accessibility and comfort

Sensory-friendly

Visit options

Open playMembership availableDrop-in visitsClasses or events

Price range

Budget

Toddler-friendly

Yes

Operator type

Museum

Play model

Mixed open play + classes

Supervision model

Caregiver supervised

Max recommended age

Under 9

Structured classes or guided programming

Yes

Hours vary due to private events

Yes

Plan Your Visit

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
Food PolicyOutside food and drinks are allowed with restrictions; use café tables on the main level and keep food off carpeted floors.
HoursTuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00
ParkingFree 2-hour parking is available in the Great Northern Town Center lot next to the Carousel; additional paid garage parking is one block south.
ReentrySame-day re-entry is allowed between 10:00 and 17:00.
ShoesShoes are required for all guests.
SupervisionChildren under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 16 or older at all times.

Pricing Snapshot

General Admission$11.25 per person ages 2+
MembershipFamily and Grandparent memberships are $110 per year
Museums For All$5.00 per person with EBT/WIC
Under 2Free

About the Venue

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.

Atlas Perspective

Indoor Play Atlas Notes

Age Fitbest for babies through about age 9, with some appeal for older STEM-curious kids
Booking Frictionlow
Energy Levelmedium
Noise Levelmedium
Parent Comforthigh
Visit Stylehands-on museum play

Birthday Party Snapshot

Includes
admission for up to 15 children and up to 10 adults for the duration of the partyprivate party room for 2 hours
NotesGuests can bring their own food, drinks, and decorations, but party items must stay in the party room.
Parties OfferedYes
Pricing

Members

$235

Non Members

$275
Schedule
Saturday and Sunday 11:00-13:00Saturday and Sunday 14:00-16:00

Accessibility & Comfort

Caregiver AccessAdults must stay with children under 16 throughout the visit.
ParkingClosest free parking has a 2-hour limit, with additional paid garage parking nearby.
Sensory Friendly OptionThe museum offers sensory-friendly visits by request via email.
Shoe PolicyShoes are required for all guests.
Sensory-friendly

Gallery

Child playing in the Little Sky exhibit at ExplorationWorks.
Little Sky is ExplorationWorks' dedicated under-5 play area.
Kids exploring the Waterways to the Future water table at ExplorationWorks.
The Waterways exhibit adds hands-on water play with Helena-themed details.
Children creating on the LiteZilla light wall at ExplorationWorks.
LiteZilla gives kids a big-format creative station inside the museum.

External Links

Other Nearby Listings

Keep browsing indoor playgrounds in Helena and the wider Helena Area area.

Quick Summary

Best for

best for babies through about age 9, with some appeal for older STEM-curious kids

Hours

Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Price

$11.25 per person ages 2+

Parking

Free parking

Contact Information

Address

995 Carousel Way

Helena, MT, 59601

Source & Verification

Last updated

April 6, 2026

Verification summary

Last verified: April 6, 2026

Checked against 5 public sources.

Source

Ai Region Research 2026 04 06

What Changed

April 6, 2026

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

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