The new space will provide opportunities for indoor and outdoor play to children and their families across the Northern Colorado region
The Children’s Museum of Northern Colorado (CMNC) has secured a new location to build its brand new space: Loveland Yards, located on the northwest corner of I-25 and U.S. 34. The museum will bring playful, hands-on learning experiences to families across the region.
CMNC will include approximately 14,000 square feet of hands-on indoor and outdoor exhibits. Early plans call for exhibits themed around water, agriculture, art, STEM and construction. CMNC anticipates attracting over 150,000 visitors annually with a target demographic of children 10 and younger and their families. 
“Research on child development could not be clearer. Play is the primary mechanism for young children to learn about themselves and their world,” says Ryan Howard, CMNC executive director. “With 80 percent of brain development occurring in childhood, it’s concerning that opportunities for play have decreased in recent times, but we hope to address the shortfall by providing a dedicated space for it. A children’s museum is an essential component of the cultural and educational opportunities available to families. Northern Colorado is ready for a children’s museum of its own.”
It was important to find a space that would be conducive to both indoor and outdoor learning experiences for children and their families. “This location is the right opportunity at the right time,” Howard adds. “In order to be a truly regional museum, it was vital to identify a site centrally located to all of Northern Colorado’s communities. Now the path ahead is to complete our capital campaign and bring the vision to life.” CMNC has launched a new website to share imagery and plans for the museum with the community.
The Children’s Museum has assembled a team to design and build the space, including Wember Owner’s Representative, Cambridge Seven Architecture, Clark & Enersen Architecture and PCL Construction. Design is underway. The transaction was arranged by Melissa Moran and Jon Rue of CBRE.
The Children’s Museum of Northern Colorado is a 501(c)3 organization working to open the region’s first and only dedicated children’s museum. Once open, CMNC will be a vibrant hub dedicated to the joy of play, not just for kids, but for families and the entire region. Recognizing that childhood matters, the museum embraces the ethos of experiential learning, providing countless opportunities for young minds to thrive and develop. Within the mission of more than 150,000 smiling visitors each year, the organization cherishes the moments of discovery and delight that fill the soon-to-be halls, fostering a love and play that lasts a lifetime. For more information, visit childrensmuseumnoco.org.