WATERVILLE — On Friday, 2-year-old Beckham Merrill donned his cardboard binoculars to peer at the animals perched at every station at the Children’s Discovery Museum of Central Maine. In the background, soft music played against the sounds of jungle birds and animals.

After a multiyear effort to raise $1.9 million to buy and renovate the former First Congregational United Church of Christ at 7 Eustis Parkway, the Children’s Discovery Museum recently celebrated its first year of full operations.

Beckham, of Oakland, was taking part in a music and movement event hosted by Caitlyn Walker, the museum’s program director. He squealed with delight as his grandmother Winnie Chaney played along.

“I found the museum on Facebook and then we decided to check it out,” Chaney said. “And then right away I got a membership because we come here weekly. We love it that much. We spend a good two hours here.”

The museum hosts exhibits and activities that seek to ignite children’s curiosity and encourage learning through play, something Chaney applauds.

While March was the busiest month this year and September was slower because of the start of school, families like Chaney’s are frequenting the museum more, particularly as cooler weather sets in. 

A retired longtime Belfast kindergarten teacher and 45-year resident of Searsport, Chaney said she moved to Oakland two years ago to be closer to family and babysit her grandchildren. Discovering the museum was a bonus.

“I really connect to this because of all the developmental pieces for the children, and the hands-on exhibits,” she said. “They get to express themselves in so many ways.”

The nonprofit museum bought the former church in 2020 and moved there from Augusta, but the renovations and opening were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We exceeded all of our projections, so basically everything from people coming through the door to memberships and birthday parties,” Executive Director Amarinda Keys said Friday, as the museum bustled with activity.

While the memberships are mostly from people who live in the central Maine area, those who live out of state also come through on their way to other places and, being at a high visibility intersection at Main Street, it is an easy stop from Interstate 95.

A draw to the region

The Children’s Museum is a prime example of effective, place-based economic development, Garvan Donegan, president and CEO of the Central Maine Growth Council and Dirigo Labs, said.

“Its central location on upper Main Street, directly accessible from I-95 and within walking distance of downtown, positions it as a key quality-of-life amenity that attracts families and visitors while strengthening local and regional economic activity,” Donegan said. “With programs occurring downtown and its facility just outside the core district, (the museum) also supports a powerful emerging trend: Downtown Waterville is experiencing an +8.9% year-over-year increase in district visitors, contributing to a +14.8% overall surge over the past three years.”

Donegan said the numbers illustrate how targeted investment in high-quality community anchors generates measurable returns through increased visitation, expanded retail and dining activity and enhanced regional competitiveness.

Kimberly N. Lindlof, president and CEO of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, concurs with Donegan about the museum’s role in the growth of economic development in the region and adds that it is more than just a place to play.

“It has quickly become a cornerstone of community vitality in central Maine,” Lindlof said. “Through hands-on exhibits, educational programs and inclusive events, the museum sparks curiosity in our youngest residents while creating lasting memories for families.”

Lindlof said museum leaders help organize and coordinate beloved traditions like Kringleville and the annual Parade of Lights during the holiday season, which transforms downtown Waterville into a winter wonderland and draws thousands of visitors, energizing local businesses. This year, the parade is set for Nov. 29 and Kringleville opens that evening and remains open every weekend until Christmas.

“The museum is a magnet for families seeking a vibrant, welcoming place to raise children — where learning is celebrated, community is strong, and every season brings something magical,” Lindlof said. “It’s not just a museum — it’s a reason to call mid-Maine home.”

Playing to learn

The exhibit hall is in the former sanctuary of the Congregational Church, which has moved to College Avenue.

The wide-open space with huge windows and high ceilings is packed with hands-on exhibits including a river-themed play area, train table, hardware store, pizza oven and a farmstand, complete with a bakery, fruit and vegetables. Keys said three new exhibits will open this winter, including a research cabin and gem cave.

On Friday, 2-year-old Mila Birmingham edged up to the farmstand counter and began to grind espresso beans in a little wooden grinder in which tiny pebbles of wood served as the beans.

Her parents, Kassidy and Dylan Birmingham of Vassalboro, sat on stools at the counter, waiting to be served.

Kassidy said Friday was her and Mila’s fourth time visiting the museum, which she said is very affordable.

“We just became members today,” she said, adding that Mila loves the exhibits that spark her imagination.

“I like how Montessori-based it is — very open-ended play that allows children to be creative,” she said. “Most everything is open-ended and they always change things for the season, so its always different when we come, which is very nice.”

Dylan Birmingham said it was his first visit to the museum, which he found extraordinary.

“I’m really impressed, actually,” he said. “There are a lot of fun things to do.”

Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, the museum hosts regular events such as Hodgepodge and Hullabaloo, which includes science, art and magic activities and demonstrations; campfire stories, a story and activity held in the forest zone; an obstacle course; music; kids’ yoga; and songbirds activity.

All programs and events are listed on the museum’s website, childrensdiscoverymuseum.org.. Daily rates are $8 for Waterville residents ages 1-100 and $12 for nonresidents. Annual memberships cost $125.

Upcoming special events include the Halloween-themed Trail of Treats slated for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 at Viles Arboretum in Augusta where families can wander a scenic trail and take part in hands-on activities at each stop, experience nature-inspired fun and try tasty treats. Then from 5-7 p.m., Nightmare on Main Street is planned for Waterville.

A fundraiser is set for 6 p.m. on Oct. 17 at the museum called “Play it Forward,” for adults only, that will include games and a live auction, with food and drink from Maine Grains, Freedom’s Edge Cider, Cushnoc Brewing Co., Crooked Face Creamery and Early Ground Farm. Tastings also will be offered by local artisans.

Keys said the museum is hosting a mini-fundraising campaign to renovate the gathering hall with new doors, paint and floors. That hall is used for birthday parties and other special events, and anyone may rent it for such gatherings. Donations may be made on the museum website.