The Children's Museum of Tacoma was established in 1985 by parents, teachers and community leaders dedicated to creating unique resources for families in Tacoma and the South Puget Sound Region. The Museum opened in 1986 as a non-profit organization and remained in its original location, in the heart of downtown Tacoma, for 10 years; rotating single theme exhibits every 18-months.

Due to excellence in education, programming and hands-on exhibits, the Museum earned a reputation as a cornerstone for early learning. As a result, the Museum's physical location and size could no longer accommodate the community's demand for its services. The Museum's Board of Directors voted to relocate to the Theater Districtís historic Kress Building.