Children's Museum outdoor play area

Nurture Imagination

Transformation of the Moody Family Children’s Museum

The Moody Family Children’s Museum is one of the most beloved and visited spaces at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, consistently identified as the primary reason for visiting the Museum by families with young children. After 11 years, advancements in understanding how children learn and solve problems necessitate a new design. Additionally, the gallery’s overall footprint must expand to accommodate more families and students effectively. Current research on early childhood development (18 months-7 years) calls for open-ended experiences driven by a child’s observations and experimentation. The Perot Museum is investing in this transformation because it is a science museum; science is based on evidence, and scientific evidence indicates that we will better serve, excite, and prepare the children of North Texas for careers and life by adapting this important hall for our future STEM leaders.

Explore the Space
Children's Museum entrance
Children and families at Children's Museum entryway
Children and families inside Children's Museum space
Children's Museum outdoor play area

The Moody Family Children’s Museum will look radically different by mid-2025, and the new dynamic environment and diverse interactives will:

  • Stimulate imaginations
  • Welcome bilingual learners
  • Foster creativity
  • Engage curiosity
  • Spark wonderment
  • Encourage exploration and discovery
  • Support learning through play

 

The new Children’s Museum will empower young children to re-imagine the future. It will be a space of wonder in an inviting environment — a fun and dynamic larger-than-life playscape that inspires young children while also engaging caregivers. A space where anything goes and young children feel free.

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited, imagination encircles the world. — Albert Einstein

Naming Opportunities

We are delighted to offer exclusive naming opportunities for dedicated supporters who want to leave a lasting legacy. Below, you will find a preview of unique recognition opportunities for gifts of $25,000 and above.

$1,000,000+

Supporters at this level will be recognized on a large sign above their respective zone.

 

  • Imaginarium $2,000,000 — Commitment secured
    An innovative, immersive audio and visual experience, where all surfaces are reactive to children’s motions and will allow them to dream and wonder. This is central to the “Nurture Imagination” theme and flows into the design of the entire gallery.
  • Outdoor Climb — Rainbow Hill $1,500,000
    This bold and colorful climbing wall/slide and rainbow structure will allow children to be brave and scale new heights to discover perspectives from above, all while collaborating with their peers.
  • H20 Outside — Trinity Falls $1,000,000 — Commitment secured
    The outdoor three-tiered fountain area features an interactive waterfall where children can bring digital designs to life in water and enjoy sensory experiences with exciting water activities.
  • Indoor Climb — Woven Wonders $1,000,000
    This iconic playscape is a work of art by internationally renowned artist Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam, where children can climb for hours on a colorful and whimsical netted structure.
  • Toddler Garden $1,000,000
    This vibrant play space for toddlers is designed to nurture our youngest guests, allowing them to explore freely and safely to encourage curiosity, enabling them to make discoveries about the world around them.

$500,000 – $999,999

Supporters at this level will be recognized on a large wall plaque within their respective zones.

 

  • RollAround $750,000
    Children will have the opportunity to test their own innovative mobile designs and experiments by rolling objects and their own bodies through this organic indoor playscape.
  • H20 Inside — Water Hillscape $500,000
    This interactive and educational water play area, where young visitors can explore the wonders of water through hands-on activities and exhibits, will spark wonder and encourage children to explore the wonders of water dynamics.
  • Makery & Duplo Waterfall $500,000 — Commitment secured
    Children’s imaginations can soar in this space, where creations with Duplo, paper, wood, and wheels come to life, nurturing a passion for STEAM learning.

$100,000 – $499,999

Supporters at this level will be recognized on a plaque placed near the exhibit object.

 

  • Central Flower Chairs
    These eye-catching, central flower seats will offer comfort and beauty to our visitors.
  • Individual Ponds Within the Toddler Garden
    Each pond in our Toddler Garden offers a serene, tactile, and playful environment for our youngest guests.
  • Outdoor Bubble Zone
    This whimsical area brings joy and laughter to children and families alike with bubbles of all sizes.
  • Outdoor Musical Wall Flowers (Under Consideration)
    These musical wall flowers provide various ways to create music and fun outdoors.
  • Outdoor Wall Mural
    Our outdoor wall mural’s vibrant, artistic expression inspires creativity and wonder while connecting to the themes of nurturing imagination in the indoor hall.

$25,000+

Supporters at this level will be recognized on a digital donor display at the entrance of Children’s Museum.


 

Construction and Opening Timeline

  • Construction Begins: January 2025
  • Ribbon cutting: Memorial Day Weekend 2025

Support Us

For more information or to discuss these opportunities in detail, please contact Ashley Chellgren, senior director of development, at ashley.chellgren@perotmuseum.org or 469.573.0188.

Thank you for your generosity and commitment!