“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