Now that I have a daughter, one who’s already walking and trying to talk. My wife and I find ourselves actively looking for things to do as a family. Before becoming parents, we didn’t really seek out kid-focused activities or locations. But now that we do have a little one with us, the Modesto Children’s Museum (MoChiMu) quickly made its way to the top of our list.
MoChiMu is located in downtown Modesto on 11th Street (928 11th St, just a few buildings down from the old Fox Pub. For locals, it’s an easy spot to find and fits perfectly into a downtown day trip. Next door is the BakeShop, which I wrote about earlier last month, so the parents can pick up some coffee before they bring their kids over to the museum.
Interesting Past
Ironically, the building used to be The Fat Cat, a well-known adult dance club, definitely not a place for kids. So seeing it transformed into a bright, playful children’s museum is almost humorous. If these walls could talk, they’d probably be very confused about why they’re now painted hot pink and vibrant yellow instead of dimly lit club lighting.
That being said, my older friends (old enough to know and have gone to The Fat Cat) were thrown off that MoChiMu would even approach the city for the museum to be there. I wasn’t old enough to see or go to any of the concerts hosted at The Fat Cat but seeing the after, I could only imagine how the layout was before the kids came marching into downtown.
MoChiMu is a relatively new addition to downtown Modesto, opening within the last couple of years and continuing to renovate and improve since its grand opening. Prior to the grand opening in November 2023, MoChiMu was a popup booth for many farmer’s market events and other local events like that, through those outings and their loyal business donations. They were ready to open.
First Impressions
One thing immediately stood out to us was that the museum isn’t just one level, it’s two full stories packed with hands-on, interactive, child-focused activities. Compared to other kid-friendly places we’ve visited, this made MoChiMu feel especially engaging and worth the visit. There was a wide age variety of kids, which was really cool to see and I think there was a good mix of things for the younger and older kids.
As soon as you walk in, you’re surrounded by vibrant colors on the walls, floors, and even the ceilings. There are fun shapes everywhere, and right in the center of the museum is a large play structure that instantly grabs kids’ attention.
In front of the play structure is a stage where kids can act out how they’re feeling or put on small performances. When we visited during the summer, the museum was hosting a Superhero Summer Camp, so there were kids running around in capes and masks, acting out scenes from their favorite superhero movies. It added a lot of energy and excitement to the experience.
One area we didn’t spend much time in, mainly because our daughter is still so young, was the splash room. This space features multiple splash pools and water elements that spray, drizzle, and pour water everywhere. It looks like a blast for older kids, but we didn’t bring a change of clothes, so we skipped it. If you’re planning a visit, definitely come prepared if your kids want to jump in.
Heading upstairs, either through the jungle gym or, like us, via the elevator, you’ll find a really cool miniature supermarket sponsored by Save Mart, which is a nice local touch. The setup includes several aisles of mini grocery items, two or three checkout counters, and costumes for kids to dress up as clerks, baggers, and shoppers. There are even tiny shopping carts, which made the experience feel surprisingly realistic.
Favorite Parts of MoChiMu
My daughter especially loved the foam play area located to the left of the mini shopping section. Everything in that space is movable, allowing kids to build, climb, jump, and roll around however they want. It was perfect for her age and gave her the freedom to explore safely.
Overall, we really enjoyed our visit to MoChiMu and definitely plan to return, especially during one of their seasonal or special events. As Modesto parents, it’s great to have a space like this right in our community. I’m curious to see what new updates and exhibits they’ll introduce in 2026, but until then, make sure to check them out on Instagram and Facebook to see photos, upcoming events, and what’s new.
If you’re a Modesto local with young kids, MoChiMu is absolutely worth checking out. They are currently advertising their “Winter Break” camp week which is the first week of January of 2026.
Make a Day of It: Visit Local Businesses Nearby
Located just 13 miles from our self-storage facility in Turlock, MoChiMu is a great stop if your little packing helpers need a break from unloading or packing up your storage unit.
We’re proud to be recognized as Best in the 209, and as a thank-you to our community, we’re offering:
● First-Year Price Guarantee
Call us today at (209) 934-1412, we'd love to help you!
Modesto's Children's Museum
928 11th Street
Modesto, CA 95354
209-232-6060
