Little City Kids™ was founded in 1998 by Robin and Howard Stearns. The dream started more than a year earlier, when they were looking for childcare for their own children. They dreamed of a special place where their own kids could explore and create. A place that would stimulate their curiosity, but let them be the drivers of their own educations. It was a place where children, parents and caregivers could play and learn together, not only for the benefit of the children, but for the benefit of the families and the community as well.

All the pieces fell into place one day while the family was at the Betty Brin Children's museum in Milwaukee. Robin turned to Howard and asked, "Why can't you just have a day care center in a children's museum?" And the dream became a reality.