What began as a grassroots idea among local parents and educators has grown into a nationally recognized destination for hands-on, STEAM-centered learning, welcoming more than 3 million visitors since opening its doors.

KidsQuest Children’s Museum, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, first opened in Bellevue’s Factoria Mall in 2005, where children could climb a towering treehouse, steer a pirate ship, splash in water or imagine life on the road in a real PACCAR semi-truck cab. Each exhibit was designed to put play at the forefront of discovery, encouraging children to experiment, problem-solve, and create alongside their caregivers. “For children, play is an essential need - it’s just as important as food, clothing, or shelter,” says Putter Bert, KidsQuest’s President and CEO. “As a vital educational resource, our mission is rooted in lifelong learning. We want to give our visitors the toolkit to discover and learn something new every day.”

Beloved programs like the Gingerbread Workshop, Teddy Bear Clinic, and Pysanky Egg Decorating Workshop have brought families of all backgrounds and ages together to learn, connect, and play.

“We’ve always had a quilt of the community in terms of cultural and economic diversity,” Bert adds. “Everyone is welcome here. No matter what. As long as you’re kind and joyful, we want to play with you.”

As the Museum’s audience grew, so did its vision. In 2017, after outgrowing its original home, KidsQuest moved to downtown Bellevue, offering visitors a playfully reimagined space in the former Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art. Popular exhibits now also include a 2.5-story Climber, the Story Tree, the Bellevue Mercantile, outdoor Sticks & Stones, and a dedicated Art Studio, all designed to help children explore STEAM concepts in joyful, organic ways.

Today, KidsQuest continues to embody its mission: to create learning through the power of play and exploration that connects children to their communities and the world. Through partnerships with schools, libraries, and family service organizations, KidsQuest brings playful learning opportunities to children of all backgrounds and abilities. From distributing free educational kits during the pandemic to hosting regular sensory-friendly programs and expanding accessibility initiatives, the Museum ensures that every family feels welcome, capable, and curious.

KidsQuest’s story is one of persistence, imagination, and shared investment. Volunteers, donors, educators, and families have shaped its evolution every step of the way--proof that when a community invests in play, it’s investing in its future. As Bert reflects, “We don’t want to just be a museum in the community. We want to be the community’s museum.” 

After two decades of growth, the mission remains the same: to nurture a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. For KidsQuest, this milestone isn’t just about celebrating the past. It’s about looking ahead to the next 20 years and continuing to be a place where every child, caregiver, and community member can discover something new, together. KidsQuest is thrilled to be visioning for the future and planning its next chapter where arts and science collide in the heart of downtown Bellevue.