How Children’s Museums Help Revitalize Downtowns and Strengthen Communities

Children’s museums have long been a cornerstone of downtown revitalization efforts across the country. These dynamic spaces do more than provide a place for children to play—they serve as catalysts for economic growth, community engagement, and long-term investment in the future of a region.

The Children’s Discovery Center is so excited to be part of downtown Breckenridge, not only to provide a space for families and youth, but we are eager to make a lasting impact that extends beyond the museum walls.

Why Are Children’s Museums Located in Downtowns?

Historically, children’s museums are often placed in downtown areas to breathe new life into underutilized spaces. These locations offer several key advantages:

Central Accessibility

Downtown areas are often easily accessible to residents and visitors, making them the perfect place for families to gather. A centrally located children’s museum ensures that all families—regardless of where they live—have an opportunity to participate in enriching activities. Located in the heart of downtown, the Children’s Discovery Center is easily accessible by foot. It has nearby walking paths, schools, restaurants, libraries, neighborhoods, and parks, making it a convenient and family-friendly destination for play, learning, and community connection.

Revitalizing Underutilized Spaces and Preserving History

Many children’s museums repurpose existing buildings, transforming them into vibrant educational spaces. In our case, the Children’s Discovery Center will occupy the former Cinema 6 movie theater, a nostalgic piece of our community’s history that will now serve a new generation of families. In addition, the museum will fill an entire city block in Breckenridge!

A Destination for Visitors

A thriving downtown needs foot traffic, and children’s museums naturally attract families from both near and far. Visitors don’t just come to the museum—they also explore the area.

More Than Play: A Community Investment

A well-designed children’s museum isn’t just a place for kids and families—it’s an investment in the entire community. Here’s how:

1. Supporting Local Businesses

When families visit a children’s museum, they often make a day of it. They grab a coffee on the way in, stop for lunch at a local restaurant, and explore nearby shops before heading home, all contributing to the local tax base. This consistent flow of visitors directly supports small businesses and helps keep money circulating in the local economy.

2. Attracting New Residents

For families considering a move, amenities like a children’s museum can be a significant factor in choosing a community. A vibrant, family-friendly downtown reflects our area's commitment to a good quality of life. By establishing the Children’s Discovery Center in the heart of Breckenridge, we are supporting current families and making our community an even more attractive place to live and work.

3. Amenities Strengthen The Local Workforce and Community

Families with access to enriching experiences nearby are more likely to stay in the community and build their lives here. These amenities also attract new families and professionals seeking a place to settle down. As a result, our workforce is strengthened, ensuring local businesses, schools, and industries have the talent and customers they need to thrive.

4. Preserving & Celebrating Local Culture

A children’s museum can serve as a cultural anchor for a downtown district, celebrating local heritage, industries, and arts, helping to strengthen civic pride and foster a deeper appreciation for the community's identity. Many children’s museums incorporate exhibits that reflect their region's unique history and culture, helping children and families connect with their community in meaningful ways.

The Children's Discovery Center will reflect the unique character of Breckenridge, Wahpeton, and the entire region, with exhibits celebrating agriculture, local industry, the arts, and STEM education. By integrating these themes, we ensure that children grow up with a deep understanding of the area's roots and culture while also being inspired to explore future career paths in these fields.

Breckenridge and Wahpeton are home to an incredible variety of occupations and businesses, from agriculture and manufacturing to healthcare, engineering, and small business entrepreneurship. Our community is built on hardworking individuals who keep our towns thriving, and we are excited to showcase these industries to inspire the next generation. Through interactive exhibits and hands-on STEM experiences, the Children’s Discovery Center will introduce kids to the many career opportunities right here in their hometowns. By sparking curiosity at a young age, we hope to empower local youth to envision a future where they can build fulfilling careers and contribute to the growth and success of our community.

5. Encouraging Public and Private Investment

   The presence of a thriving cultural institution like a children’s museum can encourage further investment in downtown areas, leading to improved infrastructure, public spaces, and additional attractions.

When our downtown thrives, our entire community prospers, creating a cycle of growth and opportunity that benefits generations to come. The Children’s Discovery Center will be more than just a children's museum—it’s an investment in the long-term success of our region, ensuring that our workforce, businesses, and families continue to flourish. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the City of Breckenridge and Wilkin County for recognizing the value of this project. Their continued support signals a forward-thinking strategy that benefits families, businesses, and the broader community for years to come.

As we move forward with fundraising and development, we invite you to be part of this exciting journey. Whether you’re a parent, business owner, educator, or community member, your support will help shape the future of Breckenridge for generations to come.

Stay connected for updates, upcoming events, and ways to get involved. Together, we can create a space where children learn and play, families thrive, and our community continues to flourish.

Visit www.discoverycentermn.org to learn more about our mission and how you can support the Children’s Discovery Center.