The mission of The Iowa Children’s Museum is to inspire every child to imagine, create, discover, and explore through the Power of Play.
An inclusive, collaborative community where children are valued, their right to play is championed, and their future is nurtured.
The Iowa Children’s Museum is where play and learning go hand in hand. We spark children’s curiosity and creativity through interactive exhibits and programs. In the museum and out in the community, we create kid-powered play spaces that encourage families to have fun together.
Located in Coralville, Iowa, our museum features 18 exhibits designed to provide open-ended, self-directed experiences. In our space, kids have the freedom to explore their interests, solve problems, and build important life skills such as confidence, critical thinking, and communication. We also offer a variety of educational programs and events, including camps, family workshops, and field trips.
We believe in the power of play and its ability to help children thrive and grow into healthy, happy adults. In today’s world, children face many pressures that can decrease the amount of time they spend playing. We are dedicated to inspiring more play and providing resources for parents and caregivers to support their child’s playful learning.
The Iowa Children’s Museum strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that fosters creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the support of our community to continue providing high-quality educational experiences for all children.
Actively invite: We create inclusive, welcoming, and respectful spaces where every guest, employee, and friend of the museum feels valued and encouraged to fully participate.
Authentically engage: We craft immersive, hands-on experiences that captivate children’s interest, encourage creativity, and fuel their inherent desire to learn and explore.
Meaningfully connect: We foster strong, lasting relationships among children, families, and the broader community in order to build a supportive and interconnected environment.
Joyfully play: We harness the power of play to spark imagination, discovery, and self-expression while nurturing a spirit of resilience, wonder, and joy.
2024 Award Winner (Family Fun, Kid’s Party Places, Summer Camp, Tourist Attractions) – The Locals Hub
2021 Best Place for a Kid’s Birthday Party – Little Village’s Best of the CRANDIC awards
2020 Coolest Place to Work – Corridor Business Journal
2018 Nonprofit of the Year – Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce
2010 Nonprofit Innovation Award – Corridor Business Journal
We know playing is a science! That’s why our PLAYology team is made up of creators of cheer, technicians of tomfoolery, and scholars of all things silly! We’re the experts in fun and love to help kids imagine, create, discover and explore in our space.
Thank you to these fantastic community leaders who volunteer their time, talents, and resources to our mission!
For more than 25 years, The Iowa Children’s Museum has provided a welcoming environment where children can learn through the power of play.
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Please take a moment to share your thoughts in our 5-minute survey. Your feedback will help us keep the museum’s exhibits and programs fun, accessible, and meaningful for every child.
Fuel their curiosity and create lasting memories—memberships, gift certificates, and unique toys from our gift shop will spark joy, learning, and endless play!
The Iowa Children’s Museum will be closed Monday, August 26th, through Friday, August 30th, for routine cleaning and maintenance. Thank you for your patience while we work to make our exhibits even better for your next visit!
