The newly located entrance, situated at the corner of 5th and French Streets, leads visitors to the first phase of the brand new expERIEnce Children’s Museum. The new space is designed for children ages 1 – 12 to engage in play-based learning and imagine a world through unscripted play.

The addition, located in the original outdoor classroom on the corner of 5th and French Street, is approximately 19,000 square feet. The opening of Phase I includes three floors of brand new exhibits, a gift shop double the size of it's original space, new offices, and the second largest water table in the country. The original museum is currently being renovated in Phase II with a new layout, additional exhibits, classrooms, and sensory rooms.

The 2nd Floor encompasses a kid-sized town, My Erie, that brings together different aspects of a community. My Erie includes a restaurant called Erie Eats, a Grocery Store, Farm, Theater, Auto Shop, Nursery, Pet Vet, and Tot Spot.

The basement floor is dedicated to "Lake Life," celebrating the joy of being on Lake Erie. Visitors will encounter a Ship Climber, an Ice Table, a Bubble Exhibit, an Interactive Lake Projection, and an expansive Water Table. This water table proudly stands as the second-largest of its kind in the country!

The expERIEnce Children's Museum is also set to complete a Certified Nature Explore Classroom in the greenspace between the Children's Museum and the Erie Art Museum.