Business Details
28 Years
experience
Interactive Children's Museum & Curiosity Place in Traverse City, MI
Founded in 1998, the Great Lakes Children's Museum has dedicated over 25 years to creating immersive, play-based learning environments for children and their families. As a tax-exempt nonprofit organization, we prioritize accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring every child can explore at their own pace. Our exhibits and programs foster curiosity, collaboration, and creativity while emphasizing the critical role of caregiver interaction in early childhood development.With our new Curiosity Place location in Grand Traverse Mall, we continue expanding hands-on educational opportunities for communities across Northern Lower Michigan, the Midwest, and Canada. Our team combines expertise in child development with a commitment to lifelong learning, maintaining transparent operations and community-focused values that have earned trust regionally and nationally.
Services
Interactive Exhibits
Summer Camps
Birthday Parties
Field Trips
Educational Store
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer hands-on educational experiences since 1998
- Our exhibits encourage lifelong learning through play
- We provide inclusive environments for children of all abilities
- Our team combines child development expertise with educational innovation
- We maintain transparent operations with community-focused values
Services
Interactive Exhibits
Our exhibits feature immersive, play-based environments that encourage problem-solving and creativity. Designed for children ages 1-12, these spaces promote developmental milestones through tactile exploration. Each exhibit combines educational concepts with engaging activities that families can experience together.
Summer Camps
Week-long summer camps blend structured learning with free exploration. Themed curricula cover STEM concepts, environmental science, and creative arts. Certified educators guide activities that balance guided instruction with self-directed discovery in a safe, nurturing environment.
Birthday Parties
Customizable party packages include private exhibit access, themed decorations, and guided activities. Our staff manages logistics while families enjoy stress-free celebrations focused on child-led play and memorable experiences in a vibrant, interactive setting.
Field Trips
Curriculum-aligned field trip programs support classroom learning objectives through experiential education. Teachers receive pre-visit materials and activity guides. Group rates apply for school groups exploring science, literacy, and social studies concepts through play.
Educational Store
The Power of Play Store offers carefully curated toys that reinforce developmental skills. Products emphasize open-ended play, motor skill development, and cognitive growth. Staff provide personalized recommendations for age-appropriate learning tools that extend museum experiences at home.
Questions
What are your current operating hours?
We're open Tuesday-Friday 9:30am-4:30pm, Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm, and Sunday-Monday 12:00pm-4:30pm. Closed select Wednesdays for special programs.
What age groups do you serve?
Our exhibits and programs cater to children ages 1-12, with specialized activities for preschoolers and elementary school students.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes, we provide discounted rates for school field trips, military families, and groups of 10+ visitors.
Can I rent the space for private events?
Curiosity Place offers birthday party packages and private event rentals with customizable options for special celebrations.
Is the museum accessible for children with disabilities?
We maintain inclusive environments with sensory-friendly spaces, wheelchair accessibility, and staff trained in universal design principles.
How do donations support your mission?
Donations help cover operational costs, fund educational programs, and ensure accessibility for underserved families through scholarship opportunities.
