How, when, and why did you start your business?

Inspired by the need for a children’s destination, where kids could be kids and parents could interact with their kids, a group of three dedicated community members joined together in 2012 to form the founding committee of the Children’s Imaginarium. The founders were parents of young children with backgrounds in non-profit organizations, fundraising, finance, tourism, and children’s museums.

What began as wishful conversations turned into a true questioning of whether Marathon County needed a children’s museum. They began to ask friends, teachers, community leaders and business owners if they felt there was a need; the answer was a resounding yes, and the real planning began.

Aware of the fact that the concept of a children’s museum had been presented to the community several times before, the three dedicated their efforts to researching the need and sustainability of a museum. The Founders reached out to their vast networks of contacts for advice, input, and support and moved forward with enhancing the area with one more community treasure.

What makes your organization unique?

A children’s STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) museum is defined as an institution committed to serving the needs and interests of children by providing professionally designed exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity and motivate learning. Adding a children’s museum to our community is a critical next step for Central Wisconsin and helps address many of the concerns that face our community.

Additionally, the Children’s Imaginarium can help reduce screen time and provide a location for rainy/snowy days, as well as attract and retain young professionals and help with tourism dollars.

What product/service is your most popular, or what are you known for?

All our exhibits were professionally designed by Kid Zibits out of St. Paul, Minnesota. Undoubtedly, the most in-depth and time intensive part of developing the children’s museum has been the creation of the exhibit concepts. Input from educators, business leaders, parents, community members and other children’s museums has helped to shape the exhibit plan and framework.

From the moment you step into the Children's Imaginarium, you'll find familiar elements that celebrate our community. Whether it's the iconic Ski Hill depicted in the mural along the back wall or the Water Gallery inspired by the Wisconsin River and the local kayak course, every detail has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the city and county we call home. These intentional touches create a sense of connection, ensuring that every child sees a piece of their world within the museum.

Last year alone, we had 4,200 school children from 24 different school districts through our doors. We partnered with 80+ organizations to offer STEM programming. The Children’s Imaginarium is the only STEM based Children’s Museum in the Central Wisconsin area.

Why did you locate your business in the Wausau River District?

After several unsuccessful attempts to secure a location for the Children’s Imaginarium, an opportunity arose through the Wausau Opportunity Zone (WOZ). HOM Furniture, looking for a tenant, connected with WOZ, which then approached our Board of Directors to present this exciting possibility.

At the same time, negotiations for another location were falling through, making the River District an ideal choice. This opportunity allowed us to establish the Children’s Imaginarium in the heart of downtown Wausau, ensuring accessibility for families, schools, and the broader community while contributing to the revitalization of the area. Our location near key landmarks, such as the Wisconsin River, the kayak course, and the 400 Block, helps us integrate the spirit of our city into our museum experience.

Additionally, we wanted to be part of the movement making downtown Wausau a destination—a place where people of all ages can explore, engage, and create lasting memories. By choosing the Wausau River District, we are investing in the future of our community while ensuring children and families have a dedicated space for STEM learning and playing.

What motivates you as an organization?

At the Children's Imaginarium, we are driven by the joy of discovery—the smiles, giggles, and moments of wonder that happen when children and families connect through hands-on learning. Our mission is to create an accessible, engaging space where curiosity thrives, and every child, regardless of background, can explore the world of STEM. Seeing families come together, learn, and make lasting memories motivates us to continue breaking down barriers and provide enriching experiences for all.

How do you measure/define success?

At the Children's Imaginarium, we define success by the impact we have on children, families, and our community. Success is measured by engagement and learning, accessibility and inclusion, connection, sustained growth, and long-term impact. Ultimately, success is measured in the moments of joy, learning, and connection that happen every day at the Children's Imaginarium.

How do you generate new ideas?

At the Children’s Imaginarium, we generate new ideas through a collaborative and community-driven approach. Our creativity is fueled by listening to families and children, community partnerships, staff brainstorming and research, adapting and evolving when needed, and looking beyond our walls. By fostering creativity, collaboration, and curiosity, we ensure the Children's Imaginarium remains a dynamic and inspiring space for all.

Talk about your staff.

The Children's Imaginarium is powered by a passionate and diverse team dedicated to inspiring young minds through hands-on STEM learning. Our staff include retired educators and former Wausau School District staff, AmeriCorps members, youth apprentices, and dedicated volunteers. Together, our team creates a welcoming, engaging environment where children and families can explore, learn, and grow.

What excites you most about the future of downtown Wausau?

Being part of the revitalization of downtown Wausau is both exciting and deeply rewarding. We feel privileged to be on the ground floor of this transformation, witnessing firsthand the energy, growth, and renewed investment in our community. Every day, we see families exploring, businesses thriving, and a shared enthusiasm for the positive changes taking place.

Hearing the excitement from visitors, community members, and business owners reaffirms the impact of this revitalization—not just in spirit but in tangible economic benefits. The increased foot traffic, new partnerships, and enhanced cultural and educational opportunities are shaping Wausau into an even more vibrant destination.

At the Children's Imaginarium, we are forever grateful to contribute to this movement, providing a space where children and families can learn, connect, and be inspired. The future of downtown Wausau is bright, and we are honored to be a part of its transformation.