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KidsQuest's Mission

KidsQuest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that relies on the support of the community through memberships and donations, and the support of local corporations and foundations.

Mission

Create learning through the power of play and exploration that connects children to their communities and the world.

Vision

Be the trusted educational and cultural institution for all children and their families in the Puget Sound Region.

Core Values

Whole Family Learning
We support and encourage learning that engages the whole family – children, their parents and their broader family– and offers opportunities for children and adults to learn together, about themselves and each other.  Understanding that each individual learns differently, our exhibits and programs meet the needs of different age groups and learning styles.

Innovation and Leading Edge Learning
We use emerging research and studies in early childhood education and family support to develop creative programs and exhibits.  We practice flexibility and, when appropriate, risk-taking to capitalize on our strengths, resources and opportunities to serve our community.

Patron Focus
We place the highest value on our patrons who support our organization and help us accomplish our mission.  We respect and appreciate their cultural, social and economic diversity, as well as their unique abilities and contributions.

Accessibility
We are committed to providing exhibits and programming that are accessible to our entire community, while providing age appropriate challenges and growth opportunities for the cognitive, physical, and emotional development stages of all children.  We honor and intentionally design diversity into our programming so that our Museum is a reflection of our community.

Community Building and Partnership
We strive to be a trusted community resource for the education of children, their families and our community.  Through collaboration and cooperation with public and private partnerships we accomplish more together.

Integrity
We are trustworthy, open, honest and transparent in everything we do.

Fiscal Responsibility
We honor and embrace our fiduciary responsibility to manage our resources efficiently and effectively, and to remain accountable to our donors and funders.

KidsQuest's 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 Capital 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 served approximately 165,000 visitors in 2010 and, among other honors, was named the Best Place for Kids Activities and the Best Nonprofit by the Bellevue Reporter's Best of Bellevue vote. KidsQuest was also a top-three finalist for Best Family Friendly Fun, Best Place for Kids, Best Birthday Party Place, and Best Summer Camp in 425 Magazine.