A Hands-On Adventure, A Children's Museum

Mission Statement

Educating children in a world of discovery, curiosity and imagination through hands-on play.

HISTORY & MISSION

In the fall of 2006, a group of moms decided to explore the possibility of creating a hands-on, interactive children's museum for Lancaster, Ohio. After research, meetings, and assessment of community interest, the group decided to go forward with their idea of opening a museum. In January of 2007, AHA! A Hands-on Adventure, A Children's Museum, joined the Association of Children's Museums as an Emerging Member. In March of 2007, the museum received 501(c) (3) non-profit status with the Internal Revenue Service  and fundraising efforts began in April of 2007.

A site for the museum at 315 S. Broad Street was selected and the museum opened to the public on March 2, 2008. A capital campaign began in the fall of 2014 to build a new facility on donated land near the River Valley Mall. In April 2018, the new building at 1708 River Valley Circle South will open.

The sole mission of AHA! is to surround children and the adults in their lives with a hands-on, interactive, playful and educational environment that invites curiosity, allows exploration, encourages participation and celebrates the child-like wonder in us all.