History of Children's Museums

Children's museums are not a new concept. In fact, they are the fastest growing type of museum in North America. The first children's museum was opened in Brooklyn, NY in 1899 and today is successfully operating today more than 100 years later. The United States is home to more than 200 children's museums.

The first Canadian children's museum was opened in London, ON in 1975 and has operated successfully for 30 years. Canada now has three other children's museums located in Ottawa, London, ON, Niagara Falls, ON and Winnipeg. Their annual attendance ranges from 126,000 to 540,000 visitors per year.