Volunteers Plan First Children’s Museum in Ames

A volunteer group is exploring the former Tribune building to host the new facility.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Child Care

Bold vector editorial illustration of colorful wooden building blocks arranged on a floor, representing a new children's museum space. — A community group is working to establish the Ames Children's Museum and Family Hub within the former Tribune building in Iowa. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Organizers are launching efforts to establish the Ames Children's Museum and Family Hub. The group is currently evaluating the former Tribune building as a primary site for the project.

Why it matters

The proposed facility is intended to provide a dedicated indoor space where local children can remain active during extreme weather conditions. This initiative seeks to fill a community gap by offering a year-round environment for youth engagement.

The proposed facility would occupy approximately 17,000 square feet at the former Tribune building on 317 Fifth St. Organizers are targeting $2 million to secure the property.

The players

Ames Children's Museum and Family Hub

This is the proposed nonprofit organization and facility currently under development by a group of local volunteers.

Nelson Electric Co.

This company acquired the building located at 317 Fifth St. in April 2021.

The details

Volunteers are working to form a nonprofit organization to lead the development of the museum. The prospective site would likely feature dedicated amenities for children, including a Lego library.

1929: The Ames Tribune began occupying the building.
April 2021: Nelson Electric Co. purchased the property.

Culture Shift

The push for the Ames Children's Museum follows the broader trend of expanding indoor play spaces in Midwestern cities during winter months. This project reflects a societal move toward providing climate-controlled environments for youth physical activity.

If realized, this facility would provide a permanent, accessible indoor destination for families to visit throughout the year. It represents a potential new hub for daily recreation in the downtown Ames neighborhood.

The takeaway

The creation of this museum represents an early-stage effort to diversify recreational options for families in the city. Interested residents can track the progress of the nonprofit formation and fundraising milestones to see how the project evolves.