Awards & Recognition

2021 Best Place for a Kid’s Birthday Party

Little Village’s Best of the CRANDIC awards

2020 Coolest Place to Work

Corridor Business Journal

2019 Award Winner

presented by Locals Love Us

#1 in Family Fun

#3 in Tourist Attractions

2018 Nonprofit of the Year

presented by Iowa City Area Chamber of Commerce

2018 Award Winner 

presented by Locals Love Us

for Children & Family Fun and Tourist Attractions

2017 Award Winner 

presented by Locals Love Us

for Children & Family Fun and Tourist Attractions

2012 Best of Area Award 

presented by the Iowa City Press-Citizen

for Best Place for a Kids Birthday Party

2011 Best of Area Award 

presented by the Iowa City Press-Citizen

for Best Place for a Kids Birthday Party

2010 Nonprofit Innovation Award 

presented by Corridor Business Journal

for Take Flight! the science of aviation

A Little About Us

The mission of The Iowa Children’s Museum is to inspire every child to imagine, create, discover and explore through the Power of Play!

At The Iowa Children’s Museum, kids can discover the science of skateboarding, imagine a day in the life of an astronaut, create messy masterpieces, and explore a pirate’s ship—all in one afternoon! Our learning laboratory sparks curiosity and allows children to let their imaginations soar. Click here to take a virtual walk through our space!

Each exhibit provides hands-on opportunities for children to experiment, make mistakes, and learn about the world around them. Our space is designed with learning objectives in mind and backed by overwhelming research that says playing is essential to a child’s development! Every time your child visits The ICM, they’re learning through the Power of Play.

Want to learn more? Check out how we play or contact us with any questions you might have!

Planning your visit? Click Here!

Our PLAYology Team

We know playing is a science! That’s why our PLAYology team is made up of creators of cheer, technicians of tomfoolery, and scholars of all things silly! We’re the experts in fun and love to help kids imagine, create, discover and explore in our space.

Meet the team  |  Join our team

Our Board of Directors

Thank you to these fantastic community leaders who volunteer their time, talents, and resources to our mission!

  • Kristen Shaffer (Chair), Shuttleworth & Ingersoll
  • Pam Ehly (Past Chair),  ICCSD (Retired)
  • Celeste Yoder (Treasurer), MidWestOne Bank
  • Charlie Goetzinger (Secretary), Jefferson High School
  • Nick Mahon (Chair Elect), GlobalTranz Enterprises
  • Lissa Bern, Collins Aerospace
  • Kim Jones, Scattergood Friends School
  • Carolina Kaufman, Museum Professional/Educator
  • Laura Kivlighan, UI College of Law
  • Jackie Kleppe, UI Health Care
  • Danielle Monthei, Van Meter
  • Ellie Moore, Community Foundation of Johnson County
  • Erin Nelson, University of Iowa
  • Dan O’Neil, General Mills
  • Chace Ramey, Iowa City Community School District
  • Ben Russell, Urban Acres Real Estate
  • Bri Swope, UI Therapeutic Recreation and Child Life
  • James Wachendorf, GreenState Credit Union
  • Amanda West, Community Volunteer

Apply to join our board

990 Forms

The Iowa Children’s Museum 2021 990 Form

The Iowa Children’s Museum 2020 990 Form

The Iowa Children’s Museum 2019 990 Form