This episode of Nonprofit Report features leaders from three of the nation’s leading children’s museums, who share how their institutions foster creativity, support education, and build inclusive experiences for families across Houston, Miami, and Chicago.
Guests:
Rayanne Darensbourg, CEO, Children’s Museum Houston
Deborah Spiegelman, CEO & Executive Director, Mami Children’s Museum
Jennifer Farrington, President & CEO, Chicago Children’s Museum
Interview by: Mark Oppenheim
Key Points:
- Children’s museums center learning through encouraging play, curiosity and creativity across ages.
- Exhibits are tied to educational standards and designed to support classroom learning.
- In-house educators and onsite programming deepen engagement and tailor experiences.
- Access and equity are prioritized through free admission programs and multilingual resources.
- Platform-style exhibits allow for continual refresh and flexible educational goals.
- Partnerships with school systems and corporations expand reach and financial sustainability.
- Diversity is modeled through staffing, inclusive program design, and language access.
- Museums aim to reflect their cities—serving as civic spaces for all children and families.
Other Points on Children’s Museums:
Children’s museums are shaping the future by creating spaces where play is powerful and learning is joyful. Whether it’s a tinkering lab, an exhibit on flight, or glassmaking workshops, these institutions support a wide range of learning styles and age levels.
In Houston, a robust outreach program reaches over 200,000 people annually, with intentional efforts to serve families where they are. Chicago’s museum has exported its expertise into 25 public schools, turning classrooms into creativity hubs. In Miami, the museum integrates neurodiverse staff and celebrates cultural heritage through artist-led programming.
Platform-based design allows exhibits to evolve constantly while maintaining engagement. Kids come back to familiar spaces where something new is always unfolding, which is a critical strategy for repeat visits and long-term learning.
Above all, these leaders view their museums as tools for social cohesion and civic pride. By investing in children, they are investing in communities and reminding us all that belonging, discovery, and joy should be accessible to every child.