We’ve been getting a lot of questions as we get closer to opening the doors of our new location! Here are the answers to some of the most common ones:
When will it be open?
Our grand opening will be on Saturday, November 18th from 10:00 to 5:00. You can find our Facebook event page Here
If you want to get a sneak peek before we’re officially open, we’ll be hosting a pre-opening party on Sunday, November 12th from 10:00-1:00 to thank the donors to our GoFundMe campaign. Follow this link to make your donation: https://www.gofundme.com/DSMchildrensmuseum
What will the hours be?
Monday 9-12:30
Thursday 5 – 7:30
Saturday 10-5
Sunday 11-5
How much will admission cost?
$4.50 for children 1-10
Punch cards will be $20 for 5 admissions
No admission is required for children under 1 or adults, but donations are very much appreciated
Where in the mall are you located?
We are on the 2nd floor on the Food Court side of the mall, across from Bath & Body Works. The closest entrance is the one next to Noodles And Company.
Can I volunteer?
Yes! We are making a list of potential volunteers now. Click Here to be added to the list. We hope eventually be able to expand our open hours when we have a reliable group of volunteers.
Can I donate toys or other items?
Yes, we are happy to accept donations of gently used children’s items! We particularly want:
- Children’s tables and chairs
- Play food or dishes
- Play-Doh toys, especially rolling pins and scissors
- Doctor’s Office toys
- Art Supplies: Paper, crayons, markers, paint brushes
- Music Toys
- Books
- Wooden Trains and Tracks
- Baby Toys
If you have other items you think we may be interested in, send an email to dsmchildren@gmail.com
We don’t have regular hours yet, so send us an email to arrange to drop them off at our space at the mall, or we are happy to pick up.
I am beyond excited to have another place to take my grandchildren too! Will this be like the children’s museum in Iowa City?
It will be like the Iowa Children’s Museum in Coralville in that it is all play-based activities for young children. We are quite a bit smaller, we got our nonprofit status this spring and spent the summer taking traveling exhibits to community events. We have about 2,000 square feet of exhibit space, the children’s museum in Iowa City has over 20,000. We very much intend this to be our “starter home” and grow quickly into a full size children’s museum.
What are the age ranges for the exhibits? Will it be similar to Omaha’s children museum and have a space geared towards infants? Thank you!
Our exhibits are intended for kids from infants to mid-elementary school, and we do have a small area specifically for babies and toddlers.
What ages do you go up to?
The age range for our exhibits is birth to about 10 years old. Older children (and parents!) often especially enjoy our Amazing Blanket Forts exhibit. We will charge an admission fee of $4.50 for ages 1-10. Donations are appreciated but not required for babies under 1, and adults and children over 10.