Children's Museum of Houston

The Children's Museum of Houston was founded in 1980 by a group of local Houston parents who wanted a place where their children could participate in early childhood development and learning. The museum is a non-profit organization and operates through a Board of Directors. The museum raises revenue through both public and private contributors. One way the museum continues its operations is through campaign programs that fund the Museum's exhibition space as well as expands the outreach programs provided through the museum.

Since its opening, the museum has garnered high awards from review sites of satisfied customers that have attended the facility. It is the highest attended children's museum in the United States for its size. The museum has a mission dedicated to transforming communities through learning that focuses on the needs and desires of the child. The Children's Museum is located in a whimsical building that was designed by famous architect Robert Venturi. Mr. Venturi is an award-winning architect that has garnered awards for his design of multiple museums, capitol buildings, and university centers.

On an annual basis the museum serves an estimated 750,000 people. The state of Texas has grown to be a predominantly Hispanic community of people and bilingual programs are available through the museum to cater to this growing demographic. Children from ages 0 to 12 years old have the opportunity to attend workshops and courses in areas of civic engagement, social studies, science, math, health, literacy, and various other subjects. There are plans to expand the bilingual outreach programs and provide lab spaces and classrooms that can accommodate the Spanish-speaking community. Throughout the Children's Museum of Houston are thirteen main exhibits including Flow Works, Building Zone, Eco Station, Farm to Market, Mission Toy, and Photo Mosaic. A gift shop is also located in the Children's Museum of Houston. Each exhibits serves as an educational tool to enlighten children about topics such as agriculture, hydropower, and the general environment. Educators in Science are encouraged to use the museum's curriculum to cultivate learning about physical sciences and life.

In 2009, the Children's Museum of Houston developed plans to publicly open a new building called the Institute for Family Learning. The new building will feature new exhibition space that will total 39,000 square feet. The new facility will double the size of the Children's Museum of Houston bringing it to a total of 90,000 square feet of exhibit space. Six new exhibits and an award-winning animated series will all be featured in the latest addition that is poised to open.

Memberships are available to families or individuals who frequent the Children's Museum of Houston. Year long benefits are provided to all members and included unlimited free admission for one full year, invitations to members-only parties and events, an express line during the busy hours, and a subscription to the bi-monthly newsletter provided by the museum. Membership prices range from $60 to over $1000 dollars depending on the benefits provided. The shop sells fun educational toys and unique gifts. Members of the Children's Museum of Houston receive a discount on items purchased in the gift shop.