KidsQuest Children's Museum Programs
Less than half of all children in our state begin kindergarten with the skills they need to succeed in school. Our Discovery Tots early learning program provides infants - 5 year olds and their caregivers with guided classes that expose them to new experiences, socialization opportunities, parenting skills, and activities specifically designed to help them succeed in school. Informal play and group activity unleashes their natural curiosity and creativity.
Success in today’s global economy requires the ability to collaborate, communicate effectively, innovate and solve problems. Science and technology aptitude is key to successfully navigating our world and innovating wisely. KidsQuest helps instill these skills and a zest for learning in even our youngest visitors with comprehensive programs including Explorer summer camps for preschoolers, QuestClub after-school science program for kindergarten through second grade, Tech Time workshops emphasizing engineering and computer technology for school-age children, and Science Hour for all visitors.
To ensure access to the Museum for our entire community of culturally, socially, and economically diverse children and their caregivers, the Museum supports an equal access program and community outreach. Access is promoted through Free Third Thursdays, free admission passes at local libraries, and scholarships for field trips, memberships, programs and summer camp. Outreach into public schools, social service agencies, farmers markets, public festivals and malls allows KidsQuest to bring the Museum to the community and reach families who may never visit a museum due to culture, awareness, lack of transportation or time, finances, or no adult companion to accompany them.
Recent Successes and Current Challenges
KidsQuest initiated the first ever collaboration of children’s museums to assess existing adult-child programs and identify the most effective methods to enhance and/or improve parenting skills through play and programming. Our early learning classes have consistently sold out over the last year and we need more to meet demand.
Our community bestowed 10 “Best of” awards on KidsQuest Children’s Museum over the past year, including Best Family Friendly Fun, Best Place for Kid’s Activities and Best Nonprofit.
Opened in 2005 anticipating 60,000 visitors annually, KidsQuest Children’s Museum welcomes over 165,000 visitors annually. We have the highest number of visitors per square foot of any children’s museum in the country, and the most visitors and members of any East King County museum.
These successes elucidate why our supporters and members clamor for us to grow – they need us, they love us, and we need more space and educators to meet demand. As a nonprofit relying on donors for 40% of our operating budget, we are challenged to sustain our current level of service and grow to meet demand. Our greatest needs are funds, space, and institutional capacity.