This summer, children around the San Joaquin Valley got the opportunity to have some fun while learning. 
Realizing the shortage of informal learning opportunities for children in Merced County, UC Merced professors Mayya Tokman and Angelo Kyrilov, and former Merced County District 2 Supervisor Lee Lor founded the nonprofit Kids Discovery Station, creating the first children’s museum in Merced.
“Our mission is to provide an environment where children of all abilities and their families can engage in joyful play and discovery. Improving quality of life for families in our region is one of our major goals,” said Tokman.
The affordable admission fee will allow young museum visitors to explore different professions, including those within the medical field, emergency response, coding, agricultural technology, among other fun interactive activities.
Last month Kids Discovery Station hosted field trips for students in preschool through second grade.
To help bring these unique learning experiences to families of the Central Valley, the museum is actively looking for donations and volunteers. Until Kids Discovery Station opens its doors to the public, interested organizations have an opportunity to become not only sponsors but also founding partners of the museum.
The museum is located at 350 W. Yosemite Ave. and will open its doors in September.
For more information about the Kids Discovery Station and ways to get involved, individuals can visit the museum's Facebook page or website.
The following organizations have already joined these efforts as founding partners of Kids Discovery Station:
Community Foundation Merced County
Merced County Office of Education
Merced Breakfast Lion’s Club
