kidSTREAM Children’s Museum Grand Opening in Ventura County – May 2026
kidSTREAM Children’s Museum has announced that it will officially open on May 21, 2026, delivering on a long-standing commitment to families and caregivers across Ventura County. This landmark moment establishes a dedicated space where children can engage with science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math (STREAM) through interactive exhibits and programs—opportunities that were previously limited in the region. For more than 200,000 local children, the museum represents a new hub designed to nurture curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
“This moment goes beyond a simple ribbon-cutting—it represents a promise fulfilled to our community’s children,” said Bryan Yee, Board Chair of kidSTREAM Children’s Museum. “As a parent, I’ve witnessed how the right environment can build confidence and expand a child’s sense of possibility. As we prepare to welcome families, we do so with deep appreciation for everyone who helped make this vision a reality and ensured that every child has access to meaningful learning experiences.”
Highlighted in the April 19, 2026 edition of the New York Times, the grand opening reflects a collective achievement made possible by early supporters, volunteers, and community partners. Key contributors include Driscoll’s, the Gene Haas Foundation, and Amgen, which donated $1 million, along with an additional $1 million from the Amgen Foundation.
“We’re honored to be part of kidSTREAM’s journey,” said Scott Heimlich, president of the Amgen Foundation and executive director of philanthropy at Amgen. “Establishing a hands-on science center in our local community—especially in a county that hasn’t had one before—aligns with our belief that science should be accessible to all. This project represents a shared effort, and we’re proud to support it both financially and through the involvement of our employee volunteers.”
Situated on the former Camarillo Public Library site in central Camarillo, the museum will feature around 21,000 square feet of exhibit space within a 30,000-square-foot campus. Outdoor attractions include a Channel Islands-themed fossil dig where children can uncover replica pygmy mammoth bones. The agricultural exhibit highlights Ventura County’s farming heritage with an edible garden featuring local crops. Inside, visitors can explore the STREAM gallery and participate in hands-on building challenges in the makerspace, an engineering-focused design lab.
Research shows that interactive environments are key to developing essential skills like problem-solving and emotional resilience. kidSTREAM is built around this philosophy, with a professional team dedicated to engaging families through play-based learning. The museum also supports the local economy by creating jobs and empowering staff to deliver high-quality educational experiences.
“Education has always been central to my family,” said Mae Wan, a longtime Ventura County resident and museum supporter. “We’ve seen that meaningful learning extends beyond the classroom. kidSTREAM will give families a place to come together, explore, and discover in ways that spark joy and curiosity.”
The May 21 grand opening will begin with a private morning ceremony for founding partners, followed by a public launch in the afternoon for families and visitors. To mark the occasion, the museum will release its final Early Explorer Memberships, offering special perks such as invitations to preview events and discounts. Standard memberships will also be available, providing year-round access to exhibits and programs.
“As we open our doors, we’re unlocking new opportunities for children across our region,” Yee added. “This isn’t the end of a journey—it’s the beginning of our most impactful chapter. We’re deeply thankful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life and create a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Click here to know more.
“This moment goes beyond a simple ribbon-cutting—it represents a promise fulfilled to our community’s children,” said Bryan Yee, Board Chair of kidSTREAM Children’s Museum. “As a parent, I’ve witnessed how the right environment can build confidence and expand a child’s sense of possibility. As we prepare to welcome families, we do so with deep appreciation for everyone who helped make this vision a reality and ensured that every child has access to meaningful learning experiences.”
Highlighted in the April 19, 2026 edition of the New York Times, the grand opening reflects a collective achievement made possible by early supporters, volunteers, and community partners. Key contributors include Driscoll’s, the Gene Haas Foundation, and Amgen, which donated $1 million, along with an additional $1 million from the Amgen Foundation.
“We’re honored to be part of kidSTREAM’s journey,” said Scott Heimlich, president of the Amgen Foundation and executive director of philanthropy at Amgen. “Establishing a hands-on science center in our local community—especially in a county that hasn’t had one before—aligns with our belief that science should be accessible to all. This project represents a shared effort, and we’re proud to support it both financially and through the involvement of our employee volunteers.”
Situated on the former Camarillo Public Library site in central Camarillo, the museum will feature around 21,000 square feet of exhibit space within a 30,000-square-foot campus. Outdoor attractions include a Channel Islands-themed fossil dig where children can uncover replica pygmy mammoth bones. The agricultural exhibit highlights Ventura County’s farming heritage with an edible garden featuring local crops. Inside, visitors can explore the STREAM gallery and participate in hands-on building challenges in the makerspace, an engineering-focused design lab.
Research shows that interactive environments are key to developing essential skills like problem-solving and emotional resilience. kidSTREAM is built around this philosophy, with a professional team dedicated to engaging families through play-based learning. The museum also supports the local economy by creating jobs and empowering staff to deliver high-quality educational experiences.
“Education has always been central to my family,” said Mae Wan, a longtime Ventura County resident and museum supporter. “We’ve seen that meaningful learning extends beyond the classroom. kidSTREAM will give families a place to come together, explore, and discover in ways that spark joy and curiosity.”
The May 21 grand opening will begin with a private morning ceremony for founding partners, followed by a public launch in the afternoon for families and visitors. To mark the occasion, the museum will release its final Early Explorer Memberships, offering special perks such as invitations to preview events and discounts. Standard memberships will also be available, providing year-round access to exhibits and programs.
“As we open our doors, we’re unlocking new opportunities for children across our region,” Yee added. “This isn’t the end of a journey—it’s the beginning of our most impactful chapter. We’re deeply thankful to everyone who helped bring this vision to life and create a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Click here to know more.
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