Agency Details:

KidsQuest Children's Museum

KidsQuest Children's Museum creates learning through the power of play and exploration that connects children to their communities and the world.

History:
The concept for KidsQuest Children's Museum began in 1997 when a group of dedicated volunteers obtained 501(c)(3) status in response to a survey in Eastside Parents Magazine identifying a children's museum as the "most needed facility or service" on the Eastside.

In 2000, a professional Executive Director was hired to guide the museum through the exhibit design phase, to form the overall business plan and focus of the museum and to recruit a dynamic Board of Directors. In 2003, A Captial Campaign Steering Committee led by community leaders was recruited to raise the $3.7 million needed to open the doors of the Museum.

Construction and exhibit fabrication began in the summer of 2005, followed by the opening of the Museum on December 11, 2005, in Factoria Mall in Bellevue. The Museum estimated that the visitation for the first year would be approximately 60,000 based on industry standards. During the first year, KidsQuest had over 160,000 visitors - almost triple the number expected.

KidsQuest now averages approximately 145,000 visitors per year. In 2006, KidsQuest picked as a Hidden Gem by ParentMap readers. In 2007, KidsQuest was a finalist at the Eastside Business Awards in the Non-Profit/Impact Category.

Contact person: Sarah Bigley, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (425) 637-8100
Office fax number: (425) 747-7178

Address:

4091 Factoria Mall SE Bellevue, WA 98006 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.kidsquestmuseum.org

Directions:

KidsQuest is located inside Factoria Mall across from Petco and OshKosh. Parking is free and plentiful. From Bellevue/Renton: On Interstate 405 North or South take the Coal Creek Parkway exit (Exit 10) and head east on Coal Creek Parkway. Turn left onto. . . (more)

Miscellaneous Information

Liability
	No
Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	Yes
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes

Last updated on September 18, 2009