Santa Cruz Childrens Museum of Discovery

Did you know that Santa Cruz County has more than 55,000 kids aged 18 and under? Yet the closest Children’s Museum is 31 miles away in San Jose — almost inaccessible for anyone without a car and the time to make the 85-minute round-trip drive.

Did you know that cutting edge research shows that children learn best in a play-based environment where they explore concepts using all of their senses?

Santa Cruz children have limited access to places, outside of school, to do play-based learning. While local museums offer some opportunities for kids and families, they are small and fettered by their need to serve both adults and children.

Enter the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit located in the Capitola Mall. The 8,000-plus square foot museum aims to delight, inspire and challenge children ages 0-12 by providing an exciting and interactive learning environment. The museum’s hands-on exhibits bring learning to life by showcasing the wonders of Santa Cruz County: the place where the ocean meets the redwoods, where technology meets recreation, where agriculture meets health. 

With themed areas, a place for learning-based classes and workshops, plus classrooms for our partner Learn to Discover, the Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery is a space where families and kids can play, explore and tinker. The Museum of Discovery’s (MOD) mobile van brings additional play-based learning resources into the community, serving schools and sites throughout Santa Cruz County, broadening the museum’s reach.

In order to keep our ticket prices and memberships low so Santa Cruz families can afford it, we need sponsors and donations. Much of the work for our museum is done by volunteers. Every penny we get goes back into improving our exhibits and classes, keeping our lights on, and making sure we have quality staff.

Help us continue to improve and grow by donating today!