The Children’s Discovery Center, conveniently located on Minnesota Avenue in Breckenridge, is gaining momentum in its fundraising efforts
The Children’s Discovery Center in Breckenridge continues its transformation from a vacant movie theater to a children’s museum geared towards learning and play.
Five short years ago the idea was born to create a place where children can play, create and imagine. They’re currently in the midst of a Capital Campaign, fundraising to transform the former Cinema 6 Theater into a vibrant space for kids to play, learn and explore while contributing to downtown revitalization.
The center’s acquisition was kickstarted in large part thanks to the Wilkin County Commissioners and the Joint Powers Authority approving $650,000 towards the purchase of the old movie theater, the center’s future home.
Now, the center has reached a pivotal milestone.
“We’re proud to share that we’ve reached 75 percent of our fundraising goal … with just $1 million left to raise to transform the old movie theater into something entirely new for our community,” The Children’s Discovery Center announced in an April 13 Facebook post.
The center plans to have several exhibits that blend play and learning — featuring various activities such as agriculture, banking, broadcasting, gardening and more. These interactive areas are sponsored by many local and regional businesses, with announcements available on the center’s official Facebook.
The center shared these initial renderings of its “Growing Off the Land” exhibit, paid for entirely with grant funding from the Minnesota Legacy Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.
Right now, the old theater bays are nothing more than concrete walls and dirt floors. But with the support of the community and region, the center can transform them into vibrant, interactive spaces where children can play, learn, and grow.
More Information about proposed galleries:
- Building Our Community: A child-sized town where imagination leads the way- think post office, clinic, construction, coffee shop, airport (and so much more!) https://bit.ly/3JQXBYe
- Growing Off the Land: an immersive exploration of our local AGRICULTURAL landscape. Farmers market, agronomy, greenhouse, dairy barn, and so much more! Become a sponsor for this exhibit: https://bit.ly/3JQXBYe
- Tree Climber: a towering tree stretches from the gallery floor to the ceiling, inviting children to embark on an unforgettable journey of movement and imagination—the kind of play that builds gross motor skills and nurtures imagination & mental well-being.
- The Creation Corner: Kids can let their imaginations soar in the Creation Corner, a space designed for hands-on discovery. From painting and pottery to music and cultural exploration, children are encouraged to experiment, express themselves, and celebrate creativity together.
- The Celebration Station: The Celebration Station is the perfect place for birthdays and special gatherings. This flexible, festive space invites families and friends to come together, make memories, and celebrate life’s big moments in a playful museum setting.
The Children’s Discovery Center is collaborating with local businesses and manufacturers to bring real-world experiences into the museum, connecting kids to the careers and industries that shape our region. Through programming, students can explore STEM, problem-solving, and creativity in hands-on ways that inspire future pathways and strengthen community connections.
Check out the sponsorship levels at the link below if you’d like to help bring these spaces to life. Every gift makes a difference. https://bit.ly/3JQXBYe
Local business owner Lisa Kunkel visited with KBMW about the impact of the center.
Breckenridge mother Sydney Wiertzema talks about the center’s exciting possibilities.
Learn more from the mothers working behind the scenes to create the center.
The Children’s Discovery Center hosted its first “Community Conversation Event” in April 2025. Learn more about how individuals and business can contribute to its completion at www.discoverycentermn.org/donate.
