Where Play Meets Purpose

Story by Cindy Reid  |  Photography by Kody Bliek / Shot by Somi Studios

Every week, kids at the Children’s Museum of Pooler milk a life-size cow, explore a wind tunnel and ring up groceries in a store built just their size. Parents play along, or stand back and take it all in.

In January, the museum’s lease runs out, and it still doesn’t know where it’s going.

For the families who count on it, that uncertainty hits home, because the museum was built on one simple idea.

“At the Children’s Museum of Pooler, we believe in ‘where play meets purpose,’” said Crystal Daniels, executive director and co-founder. “Our hands-on exhibits and programs give children opportunities to explore, create and build confidence while developing skills in problem-solving, communication, literacy and working together.”

Daniels said a child’s early years lay the foundation for how children learn, communicate and connect with others, and the museum, known as CMOP, gives those experiences room to happen naturally. Designed for children from infancy to age 10, it complements classroom learning and gives families ways to encourage curiosity long after their visit.

Along with its exhibits and indoor playground, the museum hosts weekly programs designed to spark creativity, movement and scientific discovery. Its field trip and homeschool programs serve more than 12 counties, welcoming schools from more than two hours away as well as local classrooms. CMOP also provides free STEM programming at local schools’ STEAM Nights and takes part in Career Days.

Searching for a Forever Home

In February 2025, the museum learned it had to leave its original space at Tanger Outlets Savannah. Daniels said community support helped CMOP secure a new, though temporary, spot in the same complex.

“So many supported us by calling and raising awareness of our need for space, and we are very grateful,” she said. “We had also looked at other areas but could not find anything, so when Tanger offered this new space weeks before we had to move, even with only a one-year lease, we took it.”

Relocating was difficult and expensive. Now, with the lease ending in January 2027, the museum faces another move. It is negotiating to extend its current lease or take another space at Tanger, while also pursuing new locations.

What CMOP needs is a permanent home with room to grow, ideally by buying an existing building or land and building what it needs. Annual memberships and ticket sales have kept the museum self-sustaining, but not in a position to make a major real estate purchase.

“A permanent, sustainable home must be found,” Daniels said. “We are working toward a permanent home in Pooler so we can continue serving families and expand learning opportunities for years to come.”

A Boost for the Local Economy

A study by Georgia Southern University’s Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research found that CMOP generates $8.7 million in annual economic output across the Coastal Empire. Researchers surveyed visitors between June 8 and July 20, 2026, and published their findings Sept. 29, 2026.

The museum’s operations and visitor spending support 85 regional jobs and $2.87 million in labor income, and add nearly $5 million in economic value each year. Among surveyed visitors from outside Pooler, 81% said the museum was their main reason for coming, and more than 62% ate at local restaurants.

“Our impact extends beyond our doors,” Daniels said, “because a visit to the museum often becomes a day of shopping, dining and exploring our community.”

The museum has been named the Pooler Chamber’s 2026 Small Business of the Year, Best Museum in Georgia in the Georgia Business Journal’s Best of Georgia awards, and Best Nonprofit and Best Kids Activities in Pooler Magazine’s Best of Pooler.

How You Can Help

As a nonprofit, CMOP depends on the community. Local health care volunteers staff its Teddy Bear Clinic, and more than a dozen local businesses sponsored its recent Great Pumpkin Carve-Off Fundraiser.

“Supporting us is an investment in our children, our families and the vitality of our community,” Daniels said.

Families can help by visiting, buying an annual membership, volunteering or sponsoring a program. The museum also welcomes partnerships with local governments, corporations and small businesses, including anyone who knows of a building or land that could become its forever home.

“Fred Rogers reminded us that ‘for children, play is serious learning,’” Daniels said. “At the Children’s Museum of Pooler, we see that learning every day in a child solving a problem, discovering a new interest or making a friend. When our community supports those opportunities, we’re helping children grow, bringing families together and investing in the future we share.” ■