On Monday, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Topeka began construction on a $10 million expansion. This project, supported by private donations, corporate gifts, grants, Gage Park Improvement Authority (GPIA) sales tax revenue, and operating reserves, will more than double the museum’s size.

The expansion of the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center is driven by several years of record-breaking attendance. In 2023, the museum welcomed over 120,000 visitors, surpassing the previous record set in 2019, and is expected to draw even more in 2024. With peak times nearing building capacity, additional space and experiences are necessary to meet growing demand.

Attracting regional tourism is crucial, as 38% of visitors in 2023 came from outside Shawnee County. The expansion aims to increase attendance by at least 25% annually. It will also help address community needs with new classrooms for school-age childcare, providing support for local families on non-school days. In addition, the new maker space and science exhibits are designed to inspire future STEAM professionals and engage older children. The museum remains committed to accessibility, with over a third of admissions in 2023 being free or subsidized.