Our Story

​The idea of the Temple Children’s Museum originated in 2016 by a group of moms who wanted somewhere local to bring their children for educational play. With the help of the Cultural Activities Center, the Temple Children’s Museum was established as a 501(c)3 nonprofit educational organization. They held their first fundraiser “100 Women,” which raised enough money to launch Temple Children’s Museum, a museum without walls in 2017 as they began traveling around Bell County doing “pop-up” exhibits.

In 2018, the lease to the 4th St. property was signed and renovations began in preparation for launching a physical site for TCM. Though the national pandemic of 2020 delayed opening, the museum provided educational packets that parents could pick up and complete with their children at home.

​In 2021 the TCM opened to the public in a building, hired its first employees, and continued its fundraising efforts. In December 2022, the TCM board hired its first Executive Director and in January 2023 expanded its operating hours. Along with the expanded hours, in 2023, the TCM expanded its exhibit space, staffing, and programming. The future is bright for the TCM as it looks to move into a permanent facility in Downtown Temple.