TRAVERSE CITY — The Great Lakes Children’s Museum saw a 111% increase in families participating in its PLUS membership program in 2025, a surge the museum said reflects growing need for affordable access to hands-on learning experiences for children across the region.
PLUS memberships, short for Playful Learning for the Underserved, allow families with limited financial resources to visit the museum at a significantly reduced rate.
In response to the increased demand, the museum said it is expanding access through a yearlong partnership with Michigan State University Federal Credit Union, which will sponsor all rotating exhibits and special events throughout 2026.
The museum said the sponsorship will help it continue offering new experiences for families year-round while sustaining and growing access through the PLUS membership program.
“The growth of our PLUS membership program tells us that families value this space and need access to it,” Tracie MacPherson, executive director of the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, said. “Support like this allows us to respond to that need in a meaningful, sustainable way and continue welcoming families of all income levels.”
Arianna Ridderbusch, Michigan State University Federal Credit Union vice president of community impact, said the credit union is continuing its partnership with the museum in 2026.
“At MSUFCU, we believe that access to playful, hands-on learning experiences helps children build confidence and discover their potential,” Ridderbusch said. “The Museum consistently creates spaces where curiosity thrives and families connect, and we’re honored to support the meaningful impact they have throughout our community.”
The museum said Michigan State University Federal Credit Union’s support will be visible across rotating exhibits and special events throughout 2026, reaching tens of thousands of visits and helping make hands-on learning available to families who rely on PLUS memberships.
The Great Lakes Children’s Museum said it is celebrating 25 years of providing interactive, informal educational environments designed to invite exploration, encourage participation and support early learning through play.
Curiosity Place, powered by the Great Lakes Children’s Museum, is a new location inside the Grand Traverse Mall with new and rotating exhibits, educational programs, camps, clubs, birthday parties, special events and the Power of Play Store.
More information about the PLUS membership program and upcoming exhibits and events is available at www.greatlakeskids.org.
The Curiosity Place is inside the Grand Traverse Mall at 3200 W. South Airport Rd., Ste. 420. The museum’s phone number is (231) 932-4526.