Questions and answers

We don’t have an opening date yet. Good things take time, and we’re making steady progress. Sign up for the Inside Scoop to be among the first to hear.

We’re working to bring the Museum to downtown Grand Haven. We’ll share more about our future home as soon as we’re able, and Inside Scoop subscribers will hear first.

Every child and family on the Lakeshore. Our exhibits will focus on children from birth through age ten, with something new to discover at every age, and plenty for the parents, grandparents and caregivers who come along. We expect to welcome 100,000 guests a year from the Tri-Cities and across West Michigan.

Yes. Access is being designed in from the very beginning. We’re working with accessibility specialists so every child can join in, including quiet spaces for children who need a break.

Every child deserves these experiences, whatever their family’s budget. We plan to join Museums for All, a national program offering reduced-cost admission and memberships, and to host reduced-cost community days throughout the year.

We’re local parents and community leaders. The Grand Haven Children’s Museum has been a 501(c)(3) nonprofit since August 2022, led by a ten-member volunteer board. As we plan, we’ve sought advice from more than 150 educators and community leaders, studied children’s museums across the country and listened to more than 300 local families. Meet our board.

Yes. The Grand Haven Children’s Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, EIN 88-4106720, so gifts are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You’ll receive a receipt for your records. Your tax advisor can tell you how a gift fits your situation.

The Founding 50 is our campaign for 50 gifts of $5,000 or more. These gifts provide the seed funding to plan the Museum, from design to exhibit development. Every founder will be permanently recognized at the Museum.

See our founders so far or become a founder.

Choose whatever works best for you:

• Online, once or monthly, through our donation page
• From your IRA, if you’re 70½ or older, with a qualified charitable distribution
• From a donor-advised fund, such as Fidelity, Schwab or Vanguard
• Stock, by emailing Hello@GrandHavenChildrensMuseum.org for transfer instructions
• Through our fund at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation
• By check, payable to Grand Haven Children’s Museum, P.O. Box 572, Grand Haven, MI 49417

Many employers will match your gift, too, so ask your HR team. See all ways to give.

We thank donors by name on our Our Donors page, and founding donors will be permanently recognized at the Museum. If you’d prefer to give anonymously, just let us know.

Yes. Organizations across the greater Grand Haven area have shared their support. Read our letters of support.

In 2024, more than 300 neighbors told us what a local children’s museum would mean to them. More than 90% said they would likely buy a membership, and more than 80% said distance is what keeps them from visiting a children’s museum today.

Read the survey summary

Read what people told us:

• What would having a local children’s museum mean for you or the children in your life?
• How do you feel a local children’s museum would affect our community?
• What do you hope our community will look like for kids and families in 5-10 years?
• What can we do (or do more of) as a community to enhance the wellbeing of children?

A 2025 analysis by Grand Valley State University professor Christian Glupker estimates the Museum will generate $5.8 million a year in economic impact and support 49 local jobs.

Read the economic impact memorandum

We’d love your help, whether on a committee, at an event, in a focus group or by connecting us with friends who care about kids. Learn how to get involved.