Ames Plans First Ever Children's Museum
Volunteers are working to open an indoor family hub for local residents at a historic downtown location.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Child Care
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Community volunteers in Ames are planning to establish the city's first children's museum, potentially utilizing the former Tribune building. The proposed project, called the Ames Children's Museum and Family Hub, aims to provide an indoor space for kids to play during periods of extreme weather.
Why it matters
Local organizers want to provide an active, climate-controlled environment for area families year-round. This project would repurpose a historic downtown property into a dedicated community resource for young children.
The proposed site at 317 Fifth St. offers 17,000 square feet of space for the project. Organizers have set an initial fundraising goal of $2 million to secure the property.
The players
Ames Children's Museum and Family Hub
An emerging nonprofit organization currently led by volunteers working to establish a new indoor play space for children in the city.
Nelson Electric Co.
A private business that currently holds ownership of the former Tribune building on Fifth St.
The details
The volunteer group is currently forming a nonprofit organization to manage the project and oversee fundraising. The plan focuses on transforming the former newspaper headquarters into an interactive family facility, which may feature amenities like a Lego library. This effort is in the preliminary stages as organizers work toward acquiring the downtown building.
Timeline
1929: The Ames Tribune began occupying the building on Fifth St.
April 2021: Nelson Electric Co. purchased the former Tribune building.
The Home Front
The potential conversion of the Tribune building follows the documented trend of adaptive reuse in downtown districts across the country. Converting historic commercial structures into community-focused spaces can impact local property valuations and downtown pedestrian traffic.
Ames families should monitor future fundraising announcements to see how the project progresses. Residents interested in the facility's development can track the nonprofit's progress regarding the acquisition of the 317 Fifth St. location.
The takeaway
This project represents a significant effort to increase local indoor activity options for children. Families can stay informed about the museum's progress as the volunteer group works to secure the necessary funding for the former Tribune building.
Further reading
Learn more about local resources for families in the Ames Child Care section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by USA TODAY.
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