What is a Children's Museum?

 The Association of Children's Museums defines a children’s museum as “a place where children learn through play and exploration in environments designed just for them.” Children’s museums offer a vehicle in which to re-imagine possibilities both within the learners and within the community. 

Reflecting their diverse communities, children’s museums create engaging experiences that foster curiosity and promote free-play. At Neighborhood North, we believe in the intrinsic value of play in discovery and creativity, and as such, will provide opportunities for experiential learning, and multi-sensory, child-centered, object-based exploration.

 Children’s Museums embrace change and innovation and promote curiosity in order to address the changing landscape of childhood, connecting children and families to transformational experiences and ideas in science and technology, health and wellness, arts and humanities, and world cultures. 

Why a Children's Museum?

Beaver County is home to over 18,000 children under the age of 9 years.  Families need year-round accessible opportunities for fun play-based learning experiences for young children.  Neighborhood North will fill that gap by building a unique space and a creative community where play and learning connect through exploration, artistic hands-on exhibits, and innovative programming. Neighborhood North envisions our diverse communities strengthened by families through playing, making, and innovating together.

Children’s museums are at the heart of community renaissance, often working in tandem with other educational and community partners to support children and families. By providing a community space where parents and children can learn together through fun hands-on exhibits, classes, and programs, Neighborhood North will help bridge knowledge and opportunity gaps. Children’s Museums provide a vehicle through which all children are able to be exposed to a range and diversity of learning experiences, promoting curiosity, and positively impacting their literacy, comprehension, and reasoning skills.