May 15-September 15, 2025: Parking downtown St. Joseph is PAID in all parking spots and lots on the west side of Main Street (our “side”) but free parking across Main Street (on the east side). You can find out which paid lots are all day, which paid lots are 3-hour and where to park on the east side of Main Street for free HERE. Curious Kids’ Museum does not own any lots around CKM or at the Silver Beach Center, where Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone is located, and therefore have no control over parking charges.
Mission statement: The Curious Kids’ Museum inspires children to explore and learn through cooperative hands-on play.
Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, next to Silver Beach, Curious Kids’ Museum (CKM) and the new Curious Kids’ Discovery Zone (DZ) invites you to come play, learn and be curious!
CKM was founded by educators and parents to provide an environment that invites curiosity, allows exploration, celebrates childhood and inspires learning!
Opened in 1989, the Museum on the Bluff has fulfilled the founders’ mission to provide a place where “Learning is Fun” through interactive, hands-on exhibits. In 2010, the Curious Kids’ Museum had the opportunity to expand and open a second location in partnership with the Silver Beach Carousel and Shadowland Ballroom, by opening DZ below the bluff.
With a shared mission and philosophy, both museums are places where children and their adults can pursue their natural curiosity through creative, hands-on play!
Geared for ages 12 months – 10 years.
Curious Kids’ Museum has served over 1,450,000 visitors since 1989.
For 12 years, Curious Kids has been voted both “Best Museum” and “Best Place to Take Kids” by Readers’ Choice polls for the Herald Palladium newspaper. Both Lakeshore Magazine and Shore Magazine voted it #1.
Triple AAA lists Curious Kids’ Museum as one of only 28 Great Experiences for Members (GEM) in Michigan.
