Welcome to the Florida Children’s Museum, an exciting hub of learning and play located in Lakeland, Florida. Established in 1991 as the Explorations V Children’s Museum, it has been a central element of Central Florida’s educational landscape, serving over 1.6 million children and their families. This museum isn’t just about displays—it’s about interaction, creativity, and, most importantly, play.
The museum recently underwent a significant transformation when it moved to the sprawling Bonnet Springs Park in 2021. This relocation marked the museum’s second major expansion in its history, and it has more than doubled its capacity to welcome young explorers. Set within a 180-acre public park, the Florida Children’s Museum is designed to be a state-of-the-art facility that captivates the imagination of children and adults alike.
Visitors can embark on various adventures across several themed galleries. ‘Watermelon Seeds’ is a delightful gallery dedicated to the youngest visitors, where infants and toddlers can learn about agriculture and the origins of food through play. ‘Design Park’ offers an innovative space where children can engage in design thinking through hands-on projects, encouraging them to experiment and learn through trial and error.
The museum also plays a critical role in addressing educational needs in the community, particularly focusing on early learning. Through partnerships with organizations like United Way of Central Florida, the museum provides free learning opportunities to low-income families, emphasizing the importance of education from a young age.
Not only does the Florida Children’s Museum focus on fun and learning, but it also serves as a community resource for cultural programming and education. With its strategic vision and dynamic approach, the museum is set to inspire the next generation of learners and leaders in Central Florida.
