About Seward
Children’s Museum

About the Seward Children's Museum

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A Place to Explore, Create, and Connect

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Right in the heart of downtown Seward, Alaska, you'll find the Seward Children's Museum (SCM) – a hands-on play space where kids can let their imaginations run wild. We're part of the Seward Prevention Coalition (SPC), and we've become a gathering place for families, teachers, and neighbors. Our goal? To help kids stay curious, get creative, and build connections with their families and community.

SCM isn't just another play space. It's something our community built together, from scratch, because we saw our kids needed a place like this. Local families rolled up their sleeves and made it happen. Now it's proof of what a small town can do when everyone pitches in.

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From Pop-Up Exhibits to a Permanent Home

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Back in 2021, a group called HYPER (Happy Youth Programs and Educational Resources) started dreaming about a real children's museum for Seward. Working with SPC, they kicked things off with pop-up exhibits that brought Seward's history and natural world to life for kids.

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2021: Gateway to Alaska

Our very first exhibit, "Gateway to Alaska," brought Seward's early days to life. Kids could play in a pretend version of the old Brown & Hawkins store, climb into a train depot, and even explore what it was like to work in a coal mine. It was all about helping kids understand where our town came from.

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2022: Help the Kelp + In Search of Earth's Secrets

The next year, we dove underwater with "Help the Kelp." Kids discovered how kelp forests, sea otters, and urchins all depend on each other in Resurrection Bay – which happens to be one of the most amazing marine environments in Alaska.

We also got to host "In Search of Earth's Secrets" that year – a traveling exhibit from the National Science Foundation and the International Ocean Discovery Program. Local families got to see real ocean science in action and learn about the research happening right in our backyard.

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2023: Ron's Construction Zone

In 2023, we celebrated our local builders with "Ron's Construction Zone." Kids got to try out pretend tools, build with pretend bricks and wood, and wear real hard hats while picking up some basic STEM skills along the way.

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2024: Lil' Farmer's Market

The "Lil' Farmer's Market" showed kids where their food comes from. They learned about gardens, chickens, bees, and how everything connects from seed to dinner table. It was all about understanding local food and taking care of our environment – but in a way that made sense to little ones.

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Opening Our Doors in 2025

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After four years of setting up and taking down exhibits in temporary spaces, we finally opened our permanent home in May 2025! You'll find us in the ORCA building on 3rd Avenue – just a quick walk from the Alaska SeaLife Center and all the downtown shops.

Having our own space means we can do so much more. We've got room for bigger exhibits, special programs, birthday parties, and new activities all the time. Plus, families (whether they live here or are just visiting) can easily find us right in the middle of everything.

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What You'll Find Inside

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We've designed every inch of the museum for hands-on, open-ended play. Since our exhibits rotate regularly, there's always something new to discover. Here's what you might find on your visit:

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Imagination Room

One day your child might be a veterinarian, the next a chef or firefighter. This space changes with the seasons, giving kids fresh ways to play pretend and try on different roles.

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Construction Room

This is where young engineers and architects shine. We have oversized blocks, magnets, gears, and all sorts of STEM activities that let kids build, experiment, and figure things out for themselves.

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Touch Tank Room

This room is all about tactile play and discovery. In the summer months, kids can splash, pour, measure, and get their hands wet while learning about the natural world. During the winter months the tables become places of exploration such as a dinosaur dig, pumpkin patch, construction zone, etc. 

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Pneumatic Tubes 

Kids love watching scarves and pompoms whoosh through our air-powered tube system. They're having so much fun they don't even realize they're learning about air pressure and physics!

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Climbing Wall & Fort Building Zone

Our mini climbing wall gives little adventurers a safe challenge.

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Giant Light Bright

Remember that toy from when you were a kid? We've got a huge version that helps with patterns, fine motor skills, and making beautiful glowing art.

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A Space Powered by Community

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The museum exists because our community made it happen. What started with a handful of dedicated volunteers has grown into something amazing. Many of those original volunteers now work here as staff under the Seward Prevention Coalition.

It all began in 2020 when families got together to talk about what our kids needed – better childcare options, family resources, places to play and learn. Those conversations turned into action, and that action turned into the museum you see today.

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Our Mission & Vision

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Here's what drives us:

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"To inspire children to explore, create, and connect through a space filled with wonder and imagination."

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As part of the Seward Prevention Coalition, we're working toward something bigger – building a community where families thrive. When we invest in our youngest residents, we're investing in Seward's future. Every child who plays here becomes part of our community's story.

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Welcoming All Families

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Our doors are open to everyone:

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• Little ones just learning to walk and explore

• School-age kids ready to build and problem-solve

• Parents looking for quality time away from screens

• Visitors who want their kids to have fun while exploring Seward

• Homeschool families, daycares, and school groups planning field trips

• Anyone throwing a birthday party or special celebration

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Accessibility & Inclusion

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We believe play should be for everyone, period. That's why we work hard to keep prices reasonable and look for ways to offer reduced admission when families need it.

Our new space welcomes everyone – it's fully accessible, with quiet spots for kids who need a break, sensory-friendly options, and programming that makes sure every child feels like they belong here.

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Hours & Location

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Where to find us:

302 3rd Ave, Seward, Alaska 99664 (Look for the ORCA building)

 

Hours of Operation:​

Summer Hours (June 1 – August 31):

Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to  4:30 PM

 

Winter Hours (September 1 – May 31):​

Monday: 10:30-4:30

Tuesday: 10:30- 5

Wednesday: 10:30 - 4:30

Thursday: CLOSED

Friday: 10:30 - 4:30

Saturday: 10:30-4:30

Sunday: CLOSED

 

Additional surprise openings and seasonal events are announced on our social media and activity calendar.

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Plan Your Visit

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Here's what to know before you come:

• Admission: Day passes available online or when you arrive

• Parties & Rentals: Book our space for birthdays and special events

• Memberships: Available to families who want to visit all year

• Parking: Street parking and nearby lots make it easy

• Restrooms: Clean, family-friendly facilities with everything you need

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A Place to Grow

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We're still growing and changing, and we'd love for you to be part of that journey. As we add exhibits, build partnerships, and sink deeper roots in our community, there's room for everyone to contribute.

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Maybe you'll spend an afternoon in the imagination room, help out at an event, or just duck in when the weather's not cooperating. However you connect with us, you're part of something meaningful – a community that knows play matters.

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Learn More or Get Involved

Want to be part of what we're building? You can:

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• Support an exhibit through donation or sponsorship

• Volunteer your time and talents

• Partner with us on educational programs

• Join our email list to stay in the loop​

We're creating something special here – one playful moment at a time.

Come be part of it.