As part of our 2009 Comprehensive Plan, a children’s museum was identified as a way to address the limited opportunities in our area for family fun combined with educational experiences. Many families were traveling outside Lewis County to seek these activities. To meet this need locally, a dedicated group of volunteers began exploring the idea of a community children’s museum. Those efforts led to the formation of the Discover! Children’s Museum, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are incredibly proud of the vision, passion, and perseverance of this volunteer-led effort.
In 2013, a Pilot Museum Project was launched as a six-month test program. Participation far exceeded expectations, and the pilot ultimately remained open for eleven months while generating a small profit. During that process, it also became clear, as many successful children’s museums have discovered, that high-quality early learning opportunities are an essential part of serving young families. The need for affordable and accessible early childhood education in Lewis County remains significant.
Today, that vision has become a reality. Discover! Children’s Museum officially opened on April 25, 2026, inside the new United Learning Center in neighboring Downtown Centralia. The museum now provides hands-on exhibits, imaginative play spaces, and interactive learning experiences designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection for children and families across Lewis County and Southwest Washington.