Children’s museums are the youngest and fastest growing museums in the country and world.
- The number of children’s museums has more than doubled since 1978.
- More than 70 Association of Children’s Museum (ACM) members are currently undergoing building or expansion projects.
- More than 30 million individuals around the world visit children’s museums annually.
- Child Magazine lists children’s museums as “the hottest spots for learning and fun.”

Children’s museums serve as “town squares” and build social capital.
- Programs that benefit children motivate community involvement.
- When children play in a children’s museum, objective and quantifiable learning takes place.
- Children’s museums are in a unique position to help reverse feelings of stigma and discrimination.
- 65% of children’s museums are located in urban areas.
- Children’s museums deliberately and thoughtfully welcome community participation in the museum experience.


Children’s museums complement and supplement traditional educational resources.
- Children’s museums light a creative spark for discovery and lifelong learning.
- The Delaware Children’s Museum’s exhibits complement state educational curriculum standards.
- The Delaware Children’s Museum also offers an educational program at schools throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland: The Earth Balloon.

Children’s museums contribute to local economies.
- Non-profit arts institutions and museums are a cornerstone of tourism.
- More than 30% of children’s museums are part of a downtown revitalization project.
- Many city planners regard children’s museums as an anchor for nearby attractions, restaurants and local businesses.
- The total economic activity of Association of Children’s Museum members is $449 million.
Facts and statistics from “The Case for Children’s Museums,” Association of Children’s Museums, Washington, D.C., 2008.