To provide an accessible, interactive space where children, youth, and families build belonging and community through play.
HEART OF PLAY honors childhood and believes that a safe play environment is vital for learning, joy, and a flourishing community. To achieve this, HEART OF PLAY is dedicated to creating an accessible and innovative play-based children’s museum and community hub that fosters intergenerational connections and encourages mutual learning for all ages.
Dream it
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Build it
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Grow it
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Dream it • Build it • Grow it •
What We’ll Offer…
STEAM exhibits (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) designed for children from infancy through age 12
Hands-on programming for elementary and middle school learners
Leadership, employment, and internship opportunities for high school and college-age students
A countywide early learning resource supporting families, educators, and caregivers
An educational partner for Whatcom County elementary schools and the homeschooling community
A welcoming, inclusive community hub for all who come
It Takes a Community to Build a Children's Museum
Heart of Play is possible because of the businesses, organizations, and community partners who believe every child and family in Whatcom County deserves opportunities to play, learn, connect, and belong. Together, we're restoring play-based childhood experiences, strengthening healthier communities, and building tomorrow's children's museum. Thank you to these Community Supporters:
Want to Join the Movement?
When you become a Community Supporter, you're investing in more than a children's museum. You're investing in joyful childhoods, stronger families, a resilient future workforce, and healthier communities for generations to come.
Your company’s gift of $2,500 or higher will unlock recognition opportunities. Want to learn more?
Reach out to Nina at nballew@heart-of-play.org.
FAQs
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We don’t have an opening date yet. Like many children’s museums, our journey began as a grassroots effort. While some museums launch within 3-5 years, others take longer to bring their vision to life. Our timeline remains flexible as we focus on securing the funding needed to make this extraordinary project a reality. In the meantime, check our social media pages to join us for a mobile museum pop-up event!
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We are actively exploring property and commercial real estate options between North Bellingham and Main Street in Ferndale, WA. Our goal is to create a location that is easily accessible to the northern communities of Whatcom County, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience all that Heart of Play has to offer. We are excited and deeply committed to becoming a vibrant and integral part of this region!
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This is currently in process in two ways! First, we are working with two local consultants to conduct a feasibility study with potential donors. Thank you to Chuckanut Health Foundation who generously sponsored this effort! Additionally, we are collaborating with the University of Washington’s Museology Department on a benchmarking feasibility study to guide our development. Currently, we are focused on securing the necessary funding to bring this important project to fruition.
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Exciting things are still on the horizon!
While we weren’t able to secure funding as quickly as we’d hoped, our mobile museum is still in the works—and it’s coming your way as soon as the community helps bring it to life!We’re aiming for a launch by spring 2026 (or sooner!) and can’t wait to spark joy, creativity, and connection across Whatcom County.
Until then, we are “popping-up” around town with hands-on activities. Visit our ‘Upcoming Events’ page to see where we’ll be this summer 2025!