Felix Adler Children's Discovery Center

The Felix Adler Chidren's Discovery Center is "Clinton, Iowa's Children's Museum!"

We 🙂 Learn Through Play -- Every Day in Every Way!🙂 

A children's museum is a place where children and their grown-ups get to:

🔴  explore hands-on exhibits and stations

⚪  enjoy weekly programs and special events 

🔵  take school field trips

🔴  throw a birthday party for someone special

⚪  nurture the child, support the family, and build community

🔵  discover the many wonders of the world around us.

And all the while, we are playing!!
Play is a powerful teacher...
When children play, they practice skills that strengthen their school learning and lay the groundwork to become well-adjusted adults.
Play:
-- builds empathy & kindness
-- expands language & social interaction
-- develops cognitive problem-solving tools
-- exercises both fine & gross motor movements
-- encourages rich interactions between children and their grown-ups

🎪 At the Discovery Center, children play to learn and grown-ups learn to play again!🎪 

Established 26 years ago, the Discovery Center has grown to become a jewel in Downtown Clinton. Partnering with many schools and area organizations, the Discovery Center is a destination for families in Eastern Iowa, Western Illinois and beyond!

💙 💛 💚 💜 💓 We thank you for your support of the Felix Adler Children's Discovery Center and it's mission to support children & families as they Learn Through Play!

THANK YOU for participating in Great Give Day!

☺ Testimonials from Discovery Center Friends

"I volunteer to connect with the kids individually …I like to provide the things that build self-esteem and confidence. That is what's important to me. It is so important to reach certain kids ... they really need it. Here, there are few traditional rules. Kids can be free to explore, grow, and learn about themselves. There is a large variety of things they can do. I am proud to be a part of the children's museum."
--- Jean Sweeney, Thomson IL (volunteer, retired educator)

"The Discovery Center has always been a place where I can take my kids and I know they're going to learn and have fun at the same time. Whether it's through creative play or Funtime Friday, my boys love going there. The staff is extremely nice and passionate about giving children new opportunities to grow and learn in a clean and safe environment."
--- Michelle Kelley, Clinton IA (donor, volunteer)

"My family has been coming to the Discovery Center ever since we moved to Clinton in 2011. It's been a wonderful place to watch my daughters grow, learn, and play. The staff and volunteers have always shown a commitment to provide a wonderful experience for the guests whether it's a big event, weekly program, or quick stop in.  My family is very proud to be able to support this wonderful place that is so valuable in our community."
---Amanda Jensen, Clinton IA (donor, volunteer, member)

"I like the Discovery Center because it has fun experiments!  I like it because I can ride the bus here from my school.  I like the train sets AND I like the baby chicks.  I like the piano.  I like the magnifying glass with the light.  I like Felix's Circus.  I like all the animals and the Tin Man on the golf course."                                                                                               --- Zay-vion Davis-Coleman, Clinton IA (age 9, THINK TEAM Afterschool Program student)

"The Discovery Center is a safe haven for children.  The Quad-Cities has many museums, but this is a great alternative, right here in our town of Clinton."

--- Bruce Johnson, Clinton IA (Zay-vion's father)

"The Children's Discovery Center is the best place to volunteer!  I taught for 35 years in the elementary grades, and when I retired in 2012, I knew I wouldn't be happy just walking away from working with kids every day.  I love the different things going on all the time at this children's museum ... the staff and volunteers provide so many ways for children and their families to play and explore and LEARN all day long!  There are so many special activities available to local families of all socioeconomic levels.  They can watch butterflies develop and hatch, experience arts and crafts, learn to play chess, play reading and math games to develop their skills, observe and learn about the life cycle of chicks, and a myriad of other hands-on activities.  These experiences provide the most enjoyable and stimulating ways to learn.  It is exciting to spend my volunteer hours in this place, watching and helping so many children grow and learn.  I also appreciate being able to talk about why I volunteer with the children and families I interact with.  Volunteerism is important in our society and it makes me feel good to know I am making a difference in the live of these children.  Once a teacher ... always a teacher!"

--- Sandy Gabriel, Albany IL (volunteer, donor, member)