Children’s Garden

ALL AGES
Enjoy a picnic beside a trickling fountain and learn more about the plants in your own backyard! Kids and grown-ups have active outdoor fun as they discover a host of colorful, hands-on toys that present a series of physical challenges.

UNDERLAND

An imaginative subterranean adventure through root systems, worm tunnels and critters’ burrows featuring the work of several talented local artists, Underland encourages exploration, discovery and a deep appreciation of the natural world.

Pretend to be an underground critter, mix up a soup using natural materials, crawl through a maze of tunnels, and dig for fossils in an artistic subterranean environment.

The natural world is wondrous and inspires rich play experiences. Underland encourages a sense of discovery, giving kids a feeling of being transported under the ground. The environment promotes gross motor exploration and dramatic play by providing children with opportunities to climb, crawl, touch and pretend, surrounded by natural elements and sculptures created by local artists.

Underland was created especially for children ages 3 to 8 – and their adult friends – but younger and older children also have fun exploring this subterranean environment. Museum play guides are on hand to encourage fun and learning.

Things to do in Underland
Preschoolers:

  • Scurry through tunnels while making sounds and listen to the echoes.
  • Sort natural materials into bowls and baskets.
  • Curl up in a burrow and pretend to be an underground animal.

Ages 5 to 7:

  • Count the animals you can find in Underland.
  • Put on the animal costumes and make acorn and pinecone soup for all your underground friends.
  • Make up a percussive song using different sounds on the wooden musical sculpture.
  • Wiggle like a worm, crawl like a turtle and hop like a rabbit through network of tunnels.

Ages 8 and up:

  • Be a paleontologist – uncover an American Mastodon in the dig pit and measure its bones.
  • Read the rhyming clues on the Underland search cards and find animals that live underground in Rhode Island.
About Us

Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning for all through play, creativity, and exploration.

Hours and Admissions

Wednesday - Sunday
9:30am to 12:30pm and 
1:30pm or 4:30pm

Reservations are available online. Reserve your ticket now, or purchase walk-up tickets when you arrive.

Masks are optional for most activities at PCM.

Group Visits

Providence Children's Museum is the ideal place for school field trips, camp outings, homeschool and community group trips and Scout excursions.

For Families

We’ve collected an extensive resource of creative activities that will engage kids and their caregivers wherever you may be.

About Play

While society often overlooks and undervalues play, we are here to celebrate and elevate it. Because we know play isn’t frivolous. It’s foundational.

PCM Lesson Plans

Check out our library of lesson plans for teachers and families. PCM has created a variety of lesson plans for teachers by teachers for children pre-k through early elementary.

Become a Partner

PCM has brought the magic of learning to life for over 40 years. As a trusted resource for families and children in southern New England, PCM is an anchor in our community.

Become a Partner

PCM has brought the magic of learning to life for over 40 years. As a trusted resource for families and children in southern New England, PCM is an anchor in our community.

More than a Museum
PCM is committed to serving the children of southern New England – regardless of their financial ability. 40% of the Museum’s budget is dedicated to welcoming one-third of the Museum’s total audience free of charge or at greatly reduced rates through a variety of outreach programs.