The Cape Cod Children's Museum, a nonprofit dedicated to providing educational and interactive experiences for children and families, is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a bold new initiative: a $3.5 million capital campaign aimed at enhancing its exhibits and expanding its facilities to serve the next generation of young learners.

Since opening in 1990, the museum has been committed to fostering creativity, curiosity, and learning for children ages 6 months to 12 years. With a mission to promote play and education, the museum is now seeking donations to support the creation of several large-scale exhibits, including a multi-level climbing structure, outdoor space, and new infrastructure.

“Cape Cod Children's Museum was founded by a group of four mothers who wanted something more for their children. Coincidentally, we are currently managed by four mothers who continue the legacy of building something more for our Cape Cod families.” says Lisa Bates, Executive Director of the Cape Cod Children's Museum. “Our goal with this campaign is to add appeal to a broader age group and ensure the museum’s sustainability for the next 35 years.”

Campaign Highlights: Expanding Play, Education, and Community Engagement

The capital campaign will fund the development of multiple new exhibits, beginning with the addition of a dramatic climbing structure suspended above the museum’s main floor, designed to promote physical activity, education, particularly of Cape Cod and of course fun.

Also included in phase one, is the completion of the museum’s outdoor space, a “Farm to Table” exhibit that will answer the question, "Where does my food come from?" The exhibit will explore the history of farming on Cape Cod, the nourishing role of the ocean, and the history of farming with a kitchen exhibit produced by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. The outdoor space will also be designed for performances and large group activities, further expanding the museum’s capacity to engage the community.

Additionally, the funds raised will go toward essential infrastructure improvements, including updated bathroom facilities, ADA accessible doors, and a new lobby area, ensuring that the museum is accessible and welcoming to all.

A Mighty Museum: From Survival to Thriving

Five years ago, the museum was facing significant financial challenges. Through dedicated work, community involvement, and a strategic business plan, the museum is now operating as a fiscally healthy nonprofit with a bright future.In June 2024, the museum unveiled its largest exhibit to date, the Oceans and Waterways Exhibit, in collaboration with the world-renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. This exhibit epitomizes the museum’s commitment to becoming a true "Cape Cod" museum—one that celebrates Cape Cod's unique culture, environment, and history, while providing families with an enriching, educational experience.

Today, the museum is asking for the public’s support to bring the next phase of growth to life. In keeping with its commitment to fiscal responsibility and community collaboration, the Cape Cod Children’s Museum is taking a grassroots approach to its fundraising efforts. The museum is handling all aspects of the campaign in-house, with the support of its dedicated board and local community volunteers. This ensures that every dollar donated will go directly toward the planned improvements and exhibits.

“We believe in the power of our community,” Bates says. “By working together, we can create a museum that will continue to serve Cape Cod families for generations to come. We invite you to visit and experience the museum firsthand, and know that your donation is making a real difference.”