Our History

The Children’s Museum opened to the public in October 2004. Since then, we have welcomed over 60,000 visitors, hosted over 600 birthday celebrations and taught more than 200 workshops for the children in our community. The goal of our exhibits and programs is to encourage children to be open to the world around them and to foster a lifelong love of learning. 

Statistics show that 70% of children who are not exposed to an early-learning program before kindergarten, commit a crime before the age of 18. Thus, it is of tremendous value to invest in the future of our community. Family members are children’s first and most important teachers. We believe that encouraging the desire to learn among the entire family improves the chances that a child will be curious and receptive to gaining new skills when they start school.

Our Mission

The Children’s Museum of Walla Walla’s mission is to provide visitors of all ages and cultural backgrounds the opportunity to learn, explore and imagine through interactive play. The Museum provides a safe and educational environment which positively supports healthy family dynamics. Children are encouraged to discover themselves through hands-on, interactive exhibits and programs related to art, education, science and community. The Museum is visited by daycares, schools, church groups, and other agencies working with young children in southeast Washington and northeast Oregon.     

We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to experience early-learning in a safe and nurturing environment, regardless of income level, and that it is important that we help families attain this for their children. Families in our area are constantly seeking affordable ways to engage with their children in a positive way.     

Chemist and author Orlando A. Battista said, ‘The best inheritance a parent can give a child is a few minutes of their time each day.’ The Children’s Museum of Walla Walla is committed to positively influencing families with young children in our community. Together with your support, we will continue to benefit the Walla Walla Valley and surrounding areas. Thank you for your support of the children and families in our area.    

Children’s Museum Staff

Becky Killian

Director of Operations

Meet the Board

  • President

  • Vice President

  • Eva Brown

    Secretary

  • Carla Houchin

    Treasurer

  • Members

    Don Riley, Ethan Green, Paige Edison