Going Big: Imagine Children’s Museum Doubles in Size

Imagine Children’s Museum got a massive expansion late last year; a $25 million dollar, three-story addition which doubled the size of the original space. That’s right, doubled the size!

I took my kiddo over to check things out. The expansion includes 12 playful learning galleries designed to foster 21st-century skills, as well as exhibitions on the Pacific Northwest, the Puget Sound and Port of Everett, and marine ecosystems.

Well hello there, Port of Everett // Garret Hunt

The museum's previous exhibits, such as the miniature locomotive track and water works area, are still available.

The museum originally opened in 2004. By 2018 demand had increased so much there were lines out the door. The Museum launched their Imagine the Possibilities Expansion Project to create a facility that could accommodate more families, including low-income and underserved families. Fast forward five years, and the museum has brought its vision to life.

The museum's new 33,000 sq ft addition has achieved LEED Silver certification for sustainable design and construction. Imagine Children's Museum is a grassroots, independent non-profit organization that serves children, families, schools, and youth organizations in Snohomish County and beyond.

Imagining the possibilities // Garret Hunt

Executive director Nancy Johnson shared from the museum's press release for the expansion opening, “The expanded facility would provide hands-on exhibits and programs that would help children recover from the learning losses and other challenges caused by the pandemic.”

We had a blast exploring the museum on our recent visit. The expansion added space for an animal hospital, camping, fishing pond, elevated tree houses with bridges and rope tunnels, and much more. There is no shortage of fun activities, crafts, and learning opportunities to keep your little ones busy.

Grab lunch on the 3rd floor’s Grab & Go eatery, or bring your own food // Garret Hunt

The top floor offers Imagine’s new Grab & Go eatery with simple food options to buy or bring your own and enjoy tons of seating overlooking the great view, which includes sight lines of the rooftop outdoor play area. Food and beverages are allowed only in the 3rd-floor multipurpose area. And, of course, there are plenty of great local eateries nearby as well. We met up with some friends at the Museum, and then we all went to Eight Ball Cafe afterward for some delicious pizza.

View from the 3rd floor’s Grab & Go eatery // Garret Hunt

You can check out their website for hours and pricing to get the latest information. At the time we went, the cost was $22 per person (children 12 months and under are free). So for my child and me, the cost was $44. And your admission can also be credited toward an annual membership if you sign up that same day, which after having such a fun time at the museum, we decided to go for it. The annual Membership for the two of us was $200, so if we go an average of twice per month, each visit would cost less than $10, which is great value for how much the museum has to offer.

Imagine relies on grants and donations to bring its services to the community. To help support the Museum, contact giving@imaginecm.org. And I’m sure taking your kiddos helps, too.

See you at the Museum. Then again, maybe not. The museum is so large now we might miss each other!