Our Story
In 2006, a passionate group of Fairbanks residents envisioned a children's museum that would serve the Interior community. After extensive research and community engagement, the Fairbanks Children's Museum was officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2011. The Museum Without Walls program launched with great enthusiasm, offering monthly play-based events that captivated families across Fairbanks.
In 2013, a temporary "mini-museum" was created in collaboration with the University of Alaska Museum of the North, allowing families to enjoy museum experiences while fundraising efforts continued. Finally, after nearly a decade of planning, the Fairbanks Children's Museum opened its doors on January 31, 2015, welcoming over 1,600 visitors on opening day. Within its first year, the museum attracted more than 35,000 visitors and secured 892 family memberships, solidifying its role as a vital resource for families in the region.