Peabody North Shore Children's Museum Sells 30K Tickets In First Year

PEABODY, MA — The Peabody North Shore Children's Museum drew more than 30,000 visitors from 277 cities and towns across 37 states in its first year after opening as one of the celebrated pillars of the city's downtown rejuvenation following the COVID-19 health crisis.

The museum, which opened in the former TD Bank building on Main Street, will celebrate its first anniversary on Oct. 15 with $1 admission that whole weekend to its 15 diverse exhibits featuring interactive, educational components designed to encourage learning through play.

"It's truly been an honor to have a hand in developing this special space for the North Shore," Children's Museum Executive Director Ali Haydock said. "Every day we get to see hundreds of smiles, precious moments between caregivers and children, and curious minds discover new things about themselves and the world around them.

"We are so grateful for the dozens of partners who have made the past year possible."

As Mayor Ted Bettencourt sought City Council financing for the project, he said the only children's museum north of Boston in the state would be a driver of tourism downtown and be a benefit to the local economy.

A year later, Bettencourt said the venture had fulfilled that promise.

"The North Shore Children's Museum has become a destination for children and families across our region," he said. "In addition to being a place for kids to have fun and learn, the museum has helped generate additional foot traffic downtown, which contributes to the success of other local businesses.

The museum recently created a 501c3 arm — Friends of North Shore Children's Museum, Inc. The foundation will allow the museum to raise money for special exhibits, continue to offer exclusively free programming, and supplement income-based admission prices.

Haydock said that access has been a key part of the museum's mission with 28.3 percent of all admissions being discount or free admissions in its first year.

The $1 admission will be sold on a first-come, first-service basis with reservations available on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15 here.

The reduced admissions are offered through the support of sponsors. Gold sponsors contributing to the $1 anniversary discount are Holden Family, GraVoc, EMaxx, 5 Star Rims; Silver Sponsors: Crystal Joyce Dance Academy, Metro North YMCA, Lyon Waugh Auto Group; Bronze Sponsors: Dematos Landscaping, Rock the Spectrum, Savvy Support, Stadium Oil; Friends Sponsors: Steve Smith, Citizens Inn, Office Concepts Inc.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)