After years of planning, community support, and dedicated volunteer effort, Discover! The Children’s Museum will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, April 25, welcoming families for the first time to explore the region’s new hands-on learning space designed especially for children.

Located in the heart of Centralia, this newly constructed museum space was created to give children and families throughout Lewis County and Southwest Washington a place where curiosity leads the way, and learning happens through play. With interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, Discover! Children’s Museum encourages kids to experiment, imagine, and discover the world around them.

The journey to opening day has been more than a decade in the making. What started as an idea from two local educators grew as parents, educators, and advocates came together around a shared vision for a children’s museum. Over time, it evolved into a true community effort supported by volunteers, donors, civic leaders, and partners.

“Discover! Children’s Museum was built by the community and for the community,” said Board Chair Larry McGee. “Since the 2013 pilot museum first sparked this vision, we are incredibly grateful to the many people who believed in it and helped bring it to life.”

Located within the new United Learning Center, the museum operates in partnership with United Way of Lewis County, the City of Centralia, and neighbors, including the Bezos Academy, Boys & Girls Club of Lewis County, and Cascade Community Healthcare. The grand opening represents an important milestone as families begin to experience the space and build meaningful connections.

Visitors can expect a vibrant, family-friendly environment filled with hands-on experiences designed to support early learning, creativity, and play. The museum’s exhibits encourage children to ask questions, experiment, and learn by doing, an approach proven to support early childhood development and lifelong curiosity.

Discover! Children’s Museum aims to become a hub for family engagement, school partnerships, and community events throughout the region.

Families interested in visiting during the grand opening can learn more by following Discover! Children’s Museum on social media or visiting the museum website for updates on hours and programming.