Mission and Goals

The Children's Museum of Bozeman (CMB) enriches the lives of children and families by providing fun, interactive learning experiences that enhance their knowledge of themselves and the world. Unlike other educational opportunities in the region, we are the only organization dedicated exclusively to providing hands-on, sensory exhibits and programs that foster imagination, curiosity and promote self-confidence.

In an era in which parents are often overwhelmed with choices for children's and family activities, children's museums offer an alternative. Children's museums are places that don't impose an agenda. They don’t require a commitment to a cast of characters or specific parenting philosophy. Children's museums' programs empower children to learn at their own pace. They are places where childhood is respected, nurtured and celebrated. Children's museums are places where kids can spend time doing just what they should be doing-- being kids.

Take a moment and look inside a children's museum. You'll see babies and toddlers touching a variety of textures, stacking blocks, or crawling through a tunnel. Take another look and see boys and girls building a 19th century log cabin, rowing off into the sunset in a wooden boat, or examining the mysterious world that is their fingernails underneath a high-powered microscope. Another look will reveal moms, dads, and caregivers sharing ideas and experiences, making connections, and maybe even having a laugh about the challenges of raising kids. That's what children's museums are about: learning through play-- at every level. Ours is no exception.

Our goal at the Children's Museum of Bozeman is to contribute to the health and well-being of the children in our community by providing safe, supportive, fun, non-commercial, educational opportunities for whole families to enjoy.

Organizational History

The Children's Museum of Bozeman was founded in 2001 by Bozeman residents Penny Murray and Nicki Young. After demonstrations at farmer's markets, community events, and the County Fair, the newly formed non-profit moved its into donated space in the Gallatin Valley Mall. In Fall of 2003, the Museum moved to the current location in downtown Bozeman.

In the early years of the Children's Museum, exhibits were created in the backyards and basements of willing volunteers. Since this time, our exhibits have become more creative, interactive and professional. With the opening of Our Big Sky Home, we reached a new level of sophistication, consulting educators and craftspeople to design and create an exhibit that can be enjoyed for years to come.

The Children's Museum of Bozeman has now hosted over 65,000 kids and their families since its inception. Last year we welcomed nearly 30,000 visitors-- who came to make volcanoes, put on a puppet show, learn Spanish-- or just play in a fun, safe environment where exploration is encouraged and creativity is celebrated. Through Free Friday Nights and partnerships with organizations such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Aware, Parent Place, and Youth Dynamics, CMB includes all children and families in our museum community.