Flint Children’s Museum foresees permanent move to downtown

FLINT, Michigan—After nearly three decades at its current location, Flint Children’s Museum has announced its search for a new permanent location, potentially in the downtown area.

 

“Children’s museums are attractive and important destinations that bring families from all over the state and region, so we hope if we relocate Downtown, we can help contribute to the revitalization of that area,” says Kimberly Roddy, executive director of Flint Children’s Museum.

 

While talks of a move have been circulating for years, record numbers, and the end of their current lease in 2023 made the decision to search for a new site a natural progression.

 

Space is also a priority. Through increased demand for their unique play-based education exhibits the Children’s Museum is in need of expanded field trip and group accommodations.

 

A record-breaking 1,297 children and caregivers visited Flints Children’s Museum during one of their free access days on Presidents Day, February 17.

 

According to Roddy, they having happily outgrown the current building on the campus of Kettering University and plan to expand their accommodations by 45%, taking it from approximately 11,000 square feet to 16,000 square feet.

 

“Because we are an independent non-profit organization that is supported through individual gifts, grants, and earned revenue, we think it is important to remind the community that everything we achieve is due to the support of those that believe in our work and mission.” Says Roddy.

 

There is no definitive deadline for choosing the new location. In the meantime, the Flint Children’s Museum is seeking input from the community to offer any tips or location suggestions. All tips and suggestions can be sent to Kimberly Roddy, Executive Director, via email at kroddy@flintchildrensmuseum.org, or by phone at 810-767-5437.

 The article previously incorrectly cited December 24 as President’s Day. That date has since been corrected.