Play space pays off as new Children’s Museum welcomes 250,000 in year one

The London’s Children’s Museum is marking one year at 100 Kellogg with a major spike in attendance. Here’s CTV’s Sean Irvine.

The London Children’s Museum is celebrating a major boost in visitors.

Since relocating to 100 Kellogg Lane in January 2025, attendance has more than doubled.

Staff hoped visits would grow from 100,000 at the old location on Wharncliffe Road to 150,000 in the first year at the new site.

They were shocked but pleased to discover that the numbers had jumped by 140 per cent.

“The response has been incredible and exceeded our expectations. We have welcomed over 250,000 people through our doors!” said Executive Director Kate Ledgley.

She reports that visitors checking out the new facility are only part of the reason for the spike.

Another is the museum’s location amidst other attractions.

“The hotel, the museum, the factory, there is so much to do here for families over a weekend, and that has really contributed to the growth we’ve seen here.”

With the museum’s history spanning three locations over nearly 50 years, nostalgia also plays a significant role. Many grandparents remember bringing their kids to the old location.

“I sure do, but this place is ten times better,” said grandparent Kim Chapman, who attends regularly with her grandkids and children she provides daycare services to.

Parent Olivia Grigg has fond memories of the old museum from her childhood, but welcomes the new space as a fresh experience for her children.

“It’s just different. It’s different in a good way. I feel like it’s fun. I have three kids, and they all really enjoy coming here all the way up to age nine.”

The boost in attendance has generated new revenue. But as a charity, Ledgley said the museum still relies on donors to help cover its $3 million annual budget.

“Having such a response has been really incredible and certainly contributes to our sustainability as an organization, which is one of the reasons why we moved to this new location. But also, we want to remain accessible, inclusive, and we rely on community support to ensure that we can keep our doors open and make sure that every child can access the play that happens here,” said Ledgley.

The museum will host family events this Saturday to celebrate its first anniversary at the Kellogg Lane location.