(Charity Number: 911828830)
Families enjoy hours of delight and discovery at this innovative hands-on museum for children and families designed to engage kids from infancy to age eight. KidsQuest Children’s Museum is a unique place for fun and exploration. Art, science, technology and daily life experiences are integrated in world-class exhibits with strong ties to the Pacific Northwest. Bring your family to KidsQuest Children’s Museum to stimulate imaginations, unleash creativity, and share memorable experiences. KidsQuest Children’s Museum creates learning through the power of play and exploration that connects children to their communities and the world.
KidsQuest’s History
The concept for KidsQuest Children’s Museum began in 1997 when a group of dedicated volunteers obtained 501(c)(3) status in response to a survey in Eastside Parents Magazine identifying a children’s museum as the “most needed facility or service” on the Eastside.
In 2000, a professional Executive Director was hired to guide the museum through the exhibit design phase, to form the overall business plan and focus of the museum and to recruit a dynamic Board of Directors. In 2003, A Capital Campaign Steering Committee led by community leaders was recruited to raise the $3.7 million needed to open the doors of the Museum. Construction and exhibit fabrication began in the summer of 2005, followed by the opening of the Museum on December 11, 2005, in Factoria Mall in Bellevue.
The Museum estimated that the visitation for the first year would be approximately 60,000 based on industry standards. During the first year, KidsQuest had over 160,000 visitors – almost triple the number expected. KidsQuest now averages approximately 145,000 visitors per year. In 2006, KidsQuest was picked as a Hidden Gem by ParentMap readers. In 2007, KidsQuest was a finalist at the Eastside Business Awards in the Non-Profit/Impact Category.
For more information visit http://www.kidsquestmuseum.org/
