Children's Museum announces grand reopening

FINDLAY — After much anticipation, the Children's Museum of Findlay has announced the official grand reopening at its new facility. Following a temporary closure that began in January 2025, the museum is ready to welcome families back to a newly refreshed space located at 11600 County Road 99. The new location features the return of many favorite exhibits that spark curiosity and foster a love of learning in children of all ages. Plans are underway to expand offerings in programs and events, as well as to introduce some new exhibits over the next year. As a "thank you" to loyal supporters, exclusive Member Preview Days will be held from May 22-25. Members will be the first to explore the new space before it opens to the general public. Families who lost membership access during the closure will be given extensions to match the time lost. The grand opening to the general public will take place on May 27. The museum will be open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. on Thursdays. Additional Sunday hours are noon to 4 p.m. Daily admission is free for members and children under 2. Other guests will pay $10 per person for a day pass. "We have missed the laughter and energy of our visitors over the last sixteen months," said Allison Behm-Kemmere, executive director in a news release. "The support of our community, the generosity of our donors, and the commitment of our sponsors have enabled us to reopen our doors and continue our mission of inspiring learning, connecting families, and building community." The Children's Museum opened in July 2014 and for many years made its home inside the Findlay Village Mall. The museum closed its former location in January due to the planned partial demolition of the mall. The new site, a 10,000-square-foot structure, formerly served as a building for the Northwest Ohio Railroad Preservation, Inc., as an indoor soccer facility and a fire truck repair. Most recently, it was a furniture outlet store. It's been vacant since October 2024. The Children's Museum remains committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment where children can learn through play. For more information regarding membership extensions and renewals, Museums for All and upcoming events, visit the website at www.cmfindlay.com.