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Kaleidoscope planter outside of Phelps Youth Pavilion

Discover, Learn & Create at the
PHELPS YOUTH PAVILION

Children's Museum Hours

Wednesday – Saturday | 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Sunday | 1:00 – 5:00PM


3rd Thursdays: The PYP will be open from 10:00AM - 8:00PM on the 3rd Thursday of each month during the fall and winter season. 


Admission is $5 per person or $2 with the presentation of a valid EBT card for up to 4 people. WCA members are free

DRAW & LEARN

School Tour group photo with cow

Visitors immerse themselves in exhibitions relating to Grant Wood’s early life and paintings that have been reproduced for digital and tangible experiences. Other interactive exhibits available that encourage children to draw and learn about other cultures.

CLIMB & PLAY 

Staircase and climbing area between levels of Phelps Youth Pavilion

Additionally, the Phelps Playscape is just around the corner offering a large jungle gym for kids to climb and play and go between gallery spaces. 

TRAVEL THE WORLD

Little Villages and view of globe

Children have the opportunity to star in their own plays on stage or take a stroll through a mini town intended to teach visitors of other worldly cultures or adventure

JUNIOR ART GALLERY

PUMPKINS, PIGS & PIRATES: TALES OF ARTHUR GEISERT

An interactive new display inspired by award-winning children's book author and Iowa artist, Arthur Geisert!
Join us for an opening reception and book signing on Sunday, March 2 from 12:00 - 1:00pm!

Pumpkins, Pigs & Pirates graphic

WHERE ART LAUNCHES A WORLD OF WONDER, DISCOVERY & LEARNING!

The Phelps Youth Pavilion is a split-level children’s museum filled with creative, hands-on experiences, from simple drawing and painting projects always available in our Arts Workshop to magical high-tech adventures and a climbable Playscape for young ones to traverse.

Kid going down slide in playscape

Celebrating a Birthday? Spend it with Us

Create special memories with your family at your
Phelps Youth Pavilion Birthday Party!

 
Any adult or child entering the play exhibit areas will
need a wristband. We require one adult for every six children.
Others not entering the play exhibits do not need a wristband.

 
You can upgrade your package at any time after you book a birthday.
 
A 50% deposit is required to hold your date/time of a birthday.
 
Members receive $20 off one birthday package a year. 
 
Bronze | $140
18 Wristbands
– Use of a private room for 2 hours
– All day access to the Pavilion
– Self-directed birthday craft kit


Silver | $180
24 Wristbands
– Use of a private room for 2 hours with a Birthday Buddy staff member
– All day access to the Pavilion
– A fun make-and-take birthday craft during your party

​​​
Gold | $300
35 Wristbands
– Includes everything in the Silver Package PLUS an additional make-and-take birthday craft and free passes for each child for a return visit

– Access to a refrigerator and freezer

Birthday Party Inquiries
Please contact Angie Hickok at 319-291-4490
or send an email to angie.hickok@waterloo-ia.org

SCHOOL FIELD TRIPS & GROUP TOURS

Pre-arrange a guided tour for your group (Kids or Adults) and save! 

Minimum of 12 per group 

Free admission for Waterloo Public/Private Schools (PreK-12)
$3/person - All other public schools & day cares 
Bus funds available through the Guernsey Foundation to qualifying schools

UPCOMING EVENTS

Exterior of Phelps Youth Pavilion

Waterloo Center for the Arts

225 Commercial Street | Waterloo, IA 50701-1313

(319) 291-4490

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The Waterloo Center for the Arts stimulates inquiry, provokes dialogue & connects people through the arts

©2025 by Waterloo Center for the Arts

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