Study: Children’s Museum of Pooler generates $8.7 million in annual regional economic impact

POOLER, Ga. (WTOC) - The Children’s Museum of Pooler brings in millions of dollars each year to the local economy while drawing families to surrounding businesses, according to a newly released economic impact study.

The analysis, conducted by Georgia Southern University’s Center for Business Analytics and Economic Research, estimates the museum generates approximately $8.7 million in annual economic output across the Coastal Empire.

Researchers found operations and visitor spending linked to the facility support 85 regional jobs, generate $2.87 million in labor income, and contribute nearly $5 million in added economic value each year.

The study analyzed operational expenses alongside survey data collected from nearly 400 non-local museum guests between June and July 2026.

Key findings from the Georgia Southern report include:

• Primary Draw: About 81% of traveling visitors surveyed cited the Children’s Museum as their main motivation for visiting Pooler. While many traveled from elsewhere in Chatham County, others arrived from Bryan, Effingham, and Liberty counties, as well as South Carolina.
• Secondary Spending: Nearly 64% of visiting groups reported shopping at Tanger Outlets during their trip, and more than 62% dined at local restaurants.
• Daily Expenditures: Day-trip groups spent an average of $164 per day, primarily on dining and retail. Overnight visitors, representing nearly 19% of non-local guests, spent an average of $625 per day on lodging, food, and entertainment.

“This study gives us the opportunity to see that impact through another lens,” Crystal Daniels, executive director of the Children’s Museum of Pooler, said in a news release. “It shows that the Children’s Museum is not only an educational resource for children and families, but an economic asset that brings people to Pooler and contributes to the community around us.”

The museum, which operates inside the Tanger Outlets complex, opened its doors in March 2020.

Museum leaders noted that realizing this level of financial impact without a permanent, standalone facility offers strong momentum as the nonprofit looks to expand in the future.