CAMARILLO, California, Jan 6, 2025 - kidSTREAM Children’s Museum is thrilled to announce the achievement of a transformative milestone: the completion of its $6 million fundraising goal to break ground on its highly anticipated facility. Set to open in 2025, the museum will offer immersive, play-based learning experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking for children and their caregivers across Ventura County and beyond.
Founded in 2016 by local educator, mother, and advocate Kristie Akl, kidSTREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math) was envisioned to address a critical gap in Ventura County. Despite being home to over 200,000 children, the region has long lacked a dedicated children’s museum to foster learning and development through play. Recognizing the transformative power of early educational experiences, kidSTREAM has worked tirelessly to engage the community, conducting feasibility research and outreach to ensure the museum aligns with the needs of local families.
“This is an extraordinary moment for kidSTREAM and our entire community,” said Michael Shanklin, Executive Director of kidSTREAM. “When this journey began eight years ago, we were driven by the belief that every child deserves a space to learn, imagine, and grow through play. Research consistently shows that early childhood education and hands-on learning are foundational to cognitive and social development. kidSTREAM will be a place where children can explore, experiment, and connect, setting the stage for lifelong success. Thanks to the incredible support of individuals, businesses, and foundations, we are closer than ever to making this dream a reality.”
Since its inception, kidSTREAM has been deeply rooted in the community. The organization has already reached over 60,000 children and families through pop-up events, distribution of STREAM Kits, and targeted outreach events. These efforts have laid the groundwork for its future success, showcasing its commitment to access and equity in education even before opening its doors.
“As a parent of three young daughters and someone whose professional work is centered on learning in the corporate environment, I am immensely proud of what kidSTREAM represents for Ventura County,” said Bryan Yee, Board Chair of kidSTREAM. “Reaching our $6 million goal is not only a testament to the generosity of our community but also a reflection of the urgent need for spaces like kidSTREAM. Our vision is clear: to inspire, empower, and equip every child—regardless of their background or ability—to discover, dream, and do. This museum will provide transformative opportunities for children to experience the joy of learning and the power of possibility.”
kidSTREAM’s mission is supported by a growing body of research highlighting the importance of play-based learning. Studies show that hands-on, interactive environments help children develop critical 21st-century skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. kidSTREAM Children’s Museum is set to be a cornerstone of early childhood education in the region, enriching the lives of children and families for generations to come.
To celebrate this milestone, kidSTREAM’s senior staff and board of directors will host a private groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 2 PM at the museum’s future site, located at 3100 E. Ponderosa Dr., Camarillo, CA. The event will feature remarks from government officials, community leaders, major supporters, and stakeholders who have played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life.
For more information about kidSTREAM Children's Museum, visit www.kidstream.org.
About kidSTREAM
kidSTREAM is an emerging children’s museum, coming soon to Ventura County. With a focus on science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math (the “STREAM” in kidSTREAM), we are building a children’s museum that aims to inspire curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills in young learners. Because early childhood educational experiences can change a child’s life trajectory, kidSTREAM is committed to access for all children, regardless of socioeconomic,
physical, developmental and emotional ability. Through interactive exhibits, educational programs, and community partnerships, the museum will provide an engaging environment where kids explore, play, and discover.
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