KidsQuest Children’s Museum

The concept for KidsQuest Children's Museum began in 1997 when a group of dedicated volunteers obtained 501(c)(3) status in response to a survey in Eastside Parents Magazine identifying a children's museum as the "most needed facility or service" on the Eastside. In 2000, a professional Executive Director was hired to guide the museum through the exhibit design phase, to form the overall business plan and focus of the museum and to recruit a dynamic Board of Directors. In 2003, A Capital Campaign Steering Committee led by community leaders was recruited to raise the $3.7 million needed to open the doors of the Museum. Construction and exhibit fabrication began in the summer of 2005, followed by the opening of the Museum on December 11, 2005, in Factoria Mall in Bellevue. The Museum estimated that the visitation for the first year would be approximately 60,000 based on industry standards. During the first year, KidsQuest had over 160,000 visitors - almost triple the number expected. KidsQuest served approximately 165,000 visitors in 2010 and, among other honors, was named the Best Place for Kids Activities and the Best Nonprofit by the Bellevue Reporter's Best of Bellevue vote. KidsQuest was also a top-three finalist for Best Family Friendly Fun, Best Place for Kids, Best Birthday Party Place, and Best Summer Camp in 425 Magazine.