Florida's Children's Museums

By Dawn Henthorn

Florida Travel Expert, about.com

Children's museums are great educational opportunities for children of all ages, but they also can also be fun. Unlike their adult counterparts, these museums offer children opportunities to touch. It's those hands-on experiences that are favorites with kids, the ones where they are likely to learn the most and remember the longest, like the popular Publix Supermarket exhibit at Glazier Children's Museum in Tampa.

[post_ads_2]

Whether you're looking for a children's museum experience as a home school field trip, a boredom buster or a respite from Florida's hot sun or rain, there are an array scattered around the state. Visiting from out of state? If you have young children, do consider a visit. It is sure to enhance their vacation experience by exposing them to exhibits they may not see in their home state, such as Pirate Island, an exhibit at Miami Children's Museum running through September 6, 2015.

Be sure to check out the websites for each museum. Some have interactive games and learning experiences that your child can access from any home computer or tablet.

Florida's Children's Museums (in alphabetical order)

Boca Raton Children's Museum - Boca Raton
498 Crawford Boulevard
Boca Raton, FL
Ph: 561-368-6875
Website: Boca Raton Children's Museum
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Children's Museum of the Highlands - Sebring
219 N. Ridgewood Drive
Sebring, FL
Ph: 863-385-5437
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

[post_ads_2]

Explorations V Children's Museum - Lakeland
109 N. Kentucky Avenue
Lakeland, FL
Ph: 863-687-3869
Website: Explorations V Children's Museum
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 9:00 a.m.

to 5:30 p.m. Closed Sundays.

Glazier Children's Museum - Tampa
110 W. Gasparilla Plaza
Tampa, FL
Ph: 813-443-3861
Website: Glazier Children's Museum
Hours: Open 7 days a week. Monday-Friday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.; and, Sunday 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Golisano Children's Museum of Naples - Naples
15080 Livingston Rd
Naples, FL
Ph: 239-514-0084
Website: Golisano Children's Museum
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10:00 a.m.

until 5:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Closed Wednesdays.

Great Explorations - St. Petersburg
1925 4th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL
Ph: 727-821-8992
Website: Great Explorations
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday 12 noon until 4:30 p.m.

Jacksonville "Hands On" Children's Museum - Jacksonville
8580 Beach Boulevard
Jacksonville, FL
Ph: 904-642-2688
Website: Jacksonville Hands On Children's Museum
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 9:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Miami Children's Museum - Miami
980 MacArthur Causeway
Miami, FL
Ph: 305-373-KIDS (5437)
Website: Miami Children's Museum
Hours: Open daily 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Pensacola Children's Museum - Pensacola
115 Zaragoza Street
Pensacola, FL
Website: Pensacola Children's Museum
Hours: Tuesday thru Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Before you go tips...

• Research the exhibits to learn what might interest your children and if any exhibits might be ending soon.

• Plan ahead. Museums are often closed one or more days a week and check the museum hours, making sure you leave enough time for the visit.

• Arrive early. Avoid crowds at some of the more popular exhibits by arriving at the time the museum opens.

• Food at the museums is often over-priced and not all that good (if they have a cafeteria at all). You are better off packing snacks and a picnic lunch that can be enjoyed at a nearby park.

• Tickets are often less expensive when purchased in advance from the museum's website. If you are not visiting from out of state, you may be able to save money and visit multiple times by purchasing a family membership.

• Pack light, but don't forget the wet wipes and hand sanitizer.