Children’s Museum of Stockton

402 W Weber Ave, Stockton, CA 95203, United States

The Children’s Museum in Stockton is an educational experience from the moment young visitors walk through the door. The museum features hand-made, play-based exhibits that will enhance a child’s understanding of how the world works. The Children’s Museum in Stockton is a non-profit organization that provides an interactive educational environment for children to learn, play and explore. The Children’s Museum also hosts special events and free admission days all year round!

• The Museum’s Story

The children’s museum was inspired by the tragic shootings of the Cleveland School in 1989. Five children were killed while playing, and 30 others were wounded— including a teacher — by a gunman firing an assault weapon. Janet Geng, founding director of the Children’s Museum in Stockton, was the injured teacher. 

During her physical and spiritual healing, Janet sought to create a safe, violence-free place for learning and playing. She knew that Stockton deserved a place like that. A small group of community leaders met in March 1990 to discuss the possibilities of a children’s museum. The Children’s Museum in Stockton became a reality through support from both the private and public sectors.

 It was a cool spring morning in March of 1994. A familiar friend was the sound of a hammer meeting nails. Board members, volunteers and staff frantically put the final touches on the exhibitions. A helicopter had landed in the parking lot. Kites were flying high. The bands played as the Children’s Museum Kid’s Board cut the ribbon. 

Over 500 residents rushed to discover the magical world they had promised. Since that morning in 1994, the Stockton Children’s Museum has grown into a family-friendly attraction for the community. With over 40 hands-on interactive exhibits, an Art Studio and a variety of programming, the Museum continues its mission to provide a safe and fun discovery and learning center for children, families and schools.

• Outreach

The Children’s Museum of Stockton is a 501(c)3 non-profit public benefit corporation dedicated to providing quality education through interactive exhibits. Our facility is 22,000 square meters. Ft. and currently houses more than 40 exhibits. The Stockton Children’s Museum is taking part in community-based events that benefit the wider Stockton area.