“the mission of tulsa children’s museum is to inspire children, connect families, and build...

“The mission of Tulsa Children’s Museum is to inspire children, connect families, and build community through exploration, exhibits, programming, and PLAY.”

• Founded 2007

• Opened Discovery Lab in Owen Park in 2013

• In just two years: over 270,000 children and families impacted through exhibits

and unique hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math)

and health and wellness programming; and delivered 1,800 sessions of outreach

programming in area schools and libraries

PLAYBEGINS

• Experiential, open-ended learning opportunities through

“meaningful” play provides cognitive, emotional, social, and physical benefits

• Research ties this type of play to reading readiness and school success

• Informal learning complements and supplements school curricula blending the arts

with science and math for a cohesive experience

PLAYMATTERS

• 25% of field trips and 40% of outreach programming delivered

free or at a reduced rate for at-risk and underserved children and

families of Title I schools

• Children of all ages, abilities, and economics are engaged and intrigued by

the hands-on experiences

• Serves as a unique community hub, enhancing the quality of life for its clients

while making a direct economic impact in Tulsa

PLAYBUILDS

• Earns around 50% of operating revenue through earned income

lessening the reliance on contributing resources

• More than 350 discovery centers and children’s museums operate worldwide,

and see 30 million with an economic impact of more than $448 million annually

(Association of Children’s Museums)

• Trips for cultural tourism account for 23% of domestic trips. These visitors

stay 53% longer in a destination and spend roughly 36% more money than

other tourists (American Alliance of Museums)

• TCM will enhance the quality of life of Tulsa area families and provide a regional

and national draw to the area for tourists and businesses alike

PLAYSUSTAINS

• Growth is methodic, reflective, and responsive to ensure sustainability,

community input, and positive impact

• The current phase—Discovery Lab at Owen Park—

• Builds trust, awareness, and participation

• Develops community connections and partnerships

• Creates meaningful and relevant educational exhibits and programs

• Feasibility studies and current Discovery Lab performance indicate that Tulsa

can accommodate a 40,000 square foot children’s museum / science center

• 210,000 visitors a year

• Cost $30 million

PLAYGROWS