The Iowa Children's Museum

We believe play is powerful—and our members make it possible! This March, we’re celebrating Member Month by giving every new and renewing member four FREE guest passes (a $48 value!) to share the joy of hands-on learning with friends and family. Why become a member? ? Unlimited visits for a full year ? Exclusive member-only events and playtimes ? Discounts on camps, parties, and more ? Half-price admission to 200+ children’s museums nationwide ? Supporting a space where kids can learn, explore, and grow through PLAY! Whether you've been a member for years or are thinking about joining, there's never been a better time to be part of our play-filled community. ??Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gz2Ji9HM

We're planning for the future, and your voice can help guide us! Please take our quick community survey to share your thoughts on how we can better serve families and create meaningful, play-filled experiences for children. Take the Survey Here: https://lnkd.in/gsSW9VPz

We are creators of cheer, technicians of tomfoolery, and scholars of all things silly! As the experts in fun, we love to help kids imagine, create, discover and explore—in the museum and out in the community. Apply today to join our team! Current Opening: Business Manager:?The Business Manager is a reliable, self-starting professional responsible for both handling critical day-to-day financial and administrative management tasks and helping The Iowa Children’s Museum set and achieve long-range goals. Follow the link to learn more about our Business Manager position: https://lnkd.in/gjUShY25

The Iowa Children’s Museum, in partnership with NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the NASA Iowa Space Grant Consortium, is bringing "Space Stations", a hands-on, FREE, space exploration program, to libraries across the area! ?? "Space Stations" will introduce children to scientific concepts through fun and engaging activities, inspiring the next generation of explorers and creators! ???? Check out which libraries we will be blasting off to in the coming months: February 1, 2025 | 10:00–11:30 AM Washington Free Public Library February 25, 2025 | 6:00–7:30 PM Vinton Public Library March 15, 2025 | 1:00–2:30 PM Coralville Public Library March 24, 2025 | 6:00–7:30 PM Solon Public April 12, 2025 | 10:00-11:30 AM Hiawatha Public Library Follow the link to learn more about our exciting "Space Stations program! https://lnkd.in/g9rEDEK8

Reaching for the stars in STEM education! The NASA Iowa Space Grant Consortium, with assistance from educational partners in Iowa, tested brand new equipment they'll be using in the Mission Moon traveling space camp. It includes an inflatable planetarium where images of the sky and space are projected on the inside of the dome, a sensory planetarium tent, a kit to construct an electric car model, NASA space mission items and more! The group set things up in the Howe Hall atrium. Mission Moon is supported by Catalyst Funding from Iowa State University Extension & Outreach. The traveling space camp seeks to bring the wonders of space to K-12 youth across Iowa.?Iowa 4-H Youth Development | Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Collins Aerospace The Iowa Children's Museum Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IESBVI/IBSSS)

Coral Ridge Mall has been a key Partner in Play for more than 25 years, providing The Iowa Children’s Museum with not just a home but a lasting commitment to our mission of inspiring play-based learning. Their support has been instrumental in shaping the museum as we know it today, and we’re so grateful for this enduring partnership. Over the years, Coral Ridge Mall has supported countless initiatives, including our Celebrate Play Gala and providing space for Move it! Dig it! Do it!—our largest outdoor event of the year, where kids explore trucks, equipment, and hands-on activities in the parking lot outside of the museum.?They’ve also partnered with us on projects within the mall, including hosting complimentary holiday gift wrapping to bring in valuable donations, showcasing our Eye See 'Ems public art installation, and collaborating to create the Guest Welcome Center space.?Beyond events, members of their leadership team have also served on our Board of Directors, strengthening our shared vision of making Coralville and Eastern Iowa a great place to call home. Coral Ridge Mall and Brookfield Properties have gone above and beyond to make play accessible to generations of families. We’re so thankful for their partnership and look forward to creating more joyful, impactful experiences together!

Last Friday, we had the opportunity to host a waste sorting activity for kids attending The Iowa Children's Museum STEM Family Free Night. It was great getting to talk with over 50 kids and their families about what to do with the waste we all generate on a consistent basis.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for MOVE IT! DIG IT! DO IT! yesterday! We estimated that over 6,000 people were in attendance yesterday! This event wouldn't have been possible without the help of our amazing presenting sponsors, digger sponsors, mover sponsors, doer sponsors, volunteers, and staff! We want to take a moment to thank all of our amazing sponsors! Presenting Sponsors: Coral Ridge Mall, City of Coralville, and GreenState Credit Union Mover Sponsor: McGrath Toyota of Iowa City Digger Sponsors: Don Hummer Trucking Corporation, New Pioneer Co-op, and The Children's Dental Center Doer Sponsors: Blake Hershberger Enterprises, Lionheart Early Learning, and Maxwell Construction, Inc. Last but not least, thank you to our attendees! Every year, our attendees show us how loved this event is in our community, and we cannot thank you all enough for supporting The Iowa Children's Museum's mission! We can't wait to see your event pictures!

?? Another fun summer field trip! This time, I got to join my son and his daycare friends on an adventure to The Iowa Children's Museum in Think Iowa City! ?? Every kid had an absolute blast while exploring every nook and cranny of the museum. ????? This trip didn’t include any business, but it was a joy to experience firsthand all that one of our amazing members has to offer! ?? After all that play, we refueled with lunch in the Mall food court ???? and couldn’t resist a photo opp with Herky! ???? What a day! #FamilyFun #ThisIsIowa

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us in celebrating our new temporary exhibit, 'Potential Space: A Serious Look at Child's Play,' and helping us kick off our 25th Anniversary festivities! ?? We have some fun events planned to celebrate this new exhibit; follow the link to explore what we have in store! https://lnkd.in/gz7bRvNT