The idea of opening a children’s museum in Sun Prairie was born in the spring of 2019 followed by visiting, researching and connecting with children’s museums around the midwest. The year ended with the creation of a Board of Directors and completing the process of establishing 501(c)(3) status.

In 2020, we brought the community together to support our mission through fundraising events. The Board of Directors continued build partnerships, explore possible locations, brainstorm exhibit options and develop programming and collaboration opportunities.

Explore Children’s Museum selected a physical building location and created exhibits to enhance hands on learning opportunities. Local community donors and local businesses donated to the Capital Campaign to ensure Explore Children’s Museum was brought life.

On January 1, 2022, Explore Children’s Museum opened to the public. In 2022, we welcomed over 50,000 visitors, had close to 1,000 families and daycare providers invest in a membership, hosted over 100 birthday parties and special events, and supported over 50 other community organizations.

In our second year of operations we continue to marvel at our visitors enthusiasm, ideas, energy and the joy they bring to Explore Children’s Museum. We have introduced programming options such as Music & Movement class, a summer camp collaboration with Prairie Music & Arts, career exploration classes and Movie Nights at the Museum. Stay tuned!