Two things that don’t traditionally go together naturally: ketchup and jam, music and libraries and best of all kids and museums. Children are often noisy, energetic and have a tendency to not watch where they are walking. Bringing that into an art museum or other museum that lends itself towards a quiet atmosphere does not sound fun. Luckily there are several museums for kids in Tampa that are actually fun for kids and adults alike.
These museums have exhibits or activities where kids can learn in a hands-on way that feels like playing. These are the perfect places to escape the heat in Florida for the day with kids. They can play indoors in a space that is safe for them and their surroundings so that you don’t have to worry.
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Glazer Children’s Museum
Address: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
The Glazer Children’s Museum can be hectic at times, like if you try to visit on a free Tuesday but it is popular for good reason. There are several permanent exhibits like the pint sized Publix store and the water table. As well as rotating exhibits so that there is something new every time you visit.
This is one of the best museums to visit with kids of any age because the entire building is designed for kids. Everything can be touched, everything is durable and kids love running, climbing and playing all day long. Plus Glazer Children’s Museum is conveniently located downtown next to the Tampa Riverwalk and so many other amazing things to do.
Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI)
Address: 4801 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33617
The Museum of Science and Industry or MOSI for short has dozens of interactive exhibits for kids to play with and have fun in a hands-on way. Although the museum may not be quite as engaging for toddlers there are a variety of exhibits to explore. Younger kids may just find it helpful if a parent is nearby to assist with certain tasks.
The museum is centered around one large room that contains a variety of science based activities that teach scientific principles in a fun way. We loved the machine that tested reaction time and were shocked by how slow we were.
The Tampa Bay History Center
Address: 801 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
The Tampa Bay History Center covers the history of Tampa and luckily for us and our kids, that history is very exciting. From pirates in the treasure seekers exhibit which has a giant boat to Cuban immigrants no one will be bored here. There are even a few exhibits where kids can learn in a hands-on way like the saddle to sit on in the cattle ranchers display or the toy trains to play with and even a pioneer cabin where they can play dress up. So bring the whole family over for a fun day in the air conditioning.
Tampa Firefighters Museum
Address: 720 E Zack St, Tampa, FL 33602
Located in a fully restored Tampa Firefighters Museum is a paradise for young kids, especially if they love trucks. One of the top free things to do in Tampa with kids this museum is home to a real fire truck that kids can walk around. Alongside the truck are many other tools and devices used by firefighters either past or present. The best part for the young museum goers though is the interactive children’s area. Kids can try on child size fireman’s gear, crawl through a “smoke filled” hallway and more!
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Galactic Playgrounds Interactive Science Center
Address: 1041 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon, FL 33511
The Galactic Playgrounds Interactive Science Center is a playground and science museum combined. With the goal to work both a child’s mind and their body at the same time. The multiple exhibits are all powered by your kids which allows them to observe scientific principles at work as they wear themselves out without even noticing. Each of the exhibits fit into a S.T.E.A.M. category which stand for science, technology, engineering, art or mathematics. The founders felt that most programs work either a child’s mind or their body but never both. This is the solution, a fun location to play and learn together in perfect harmony.
Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Pete
Address: 1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Pete is a great way to escape the heat and play indoors for a change. This museum is full of play equipment and craft stations that kids of all ages can explore and play with. Imagination is encouraged as kids turn everyday objects into creative fun times with their friends. Plus kids may even get to meet Morris the Explorasuarus while they play, the museum’s very own mascot.
The Dali Museum
Address: 1 Dali Blvd, St Petersburg, FL 33701
The Dali Museum is home to a huge collection of works by the famous artist Salvador Dali. Although there are other works of art by other artists on display as well. This is not typically the type of place I want to bring a toddler. No way do I want to be on the hook for replacing a priceless piece of art and I couldn’t even count the number of times I would have to say “don’t touch that ”.
However the museum offers storytime at the Dali where parents and kids can come visit the ground floor of the museum and listen to a museum volunteer read stories. This event is free unless you want to access the rest of the museum galleries which then requires a general admission ticket.
St Petersburg Museum of History
Address: 335 2nd Ave NE, St Petersburg, FL 33701
If your child or yourself is a baseball fan then the St. Petersburg Museum of History is an absolute must to visit. This museum is home to the largest baseball collection in the WORLD. Yes, that is right, of all places in the world St. Petersburg, Florida is home to the largest collection of baseballs in existence. Other exhibits contain planes, cannonballs and even an Egyptian mummy. All in all, it seems like quite the eclectic collection however kids are sure to find it fascinating.
The James Museum of Western and Wildlife Art
Address: 150 Central Ave, St Petersburg, FL 33701
The James Museum is dedicated to western and wildlife art, picture cowboys, pioneer women, and native american works of art. These would be fascinating works of art to see on their own but the museum goes out of its way to be family friendly. There are days offered for Trotting Tots, which is created with kids ages 0-3 in mind. As you visit through the museum there are touchable objects, stories and songs to listen to.
For families with older kids you can visit on a family day to join a story time, go on a kid friendly tour and even take part in an art making workshop. There really is fun to be had for the whole family.
More to Do in Tampa:
Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum
Address: 102 N Palmer St, Plant City, FL 33563
One word: TRAINS!!! It is worth the drive outside of Tampa to visit the free Robert W. Willaford Railroad Museum. Here you can watch real working trains go by from the observation platform outside. Next head over to the train cars on display outside the museum where kids can “oh and ah” at the impressive caboose and locomotive car. Or head indoors to view the collection of railroad memorabilia. Any kiddo that likes moving vehicles is sure to love this museum.
Explorations V Children’s Museum
Address: 109 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
Let your kids explore three whole floors of fun play areas at Explorations V Children’s Museum. The big emphasis here is to experience the world with your five senses in an area that allows play without screens. Kids can draw, create music and play pretend in so many different ways. My favorite part is the orange grove where kids can pick and pack their own fake oranges in a nod to Old Florida heritage.
Although this museum is the furthest away, located in Lakeland, Florida, it may be worth a visit on its own or while you are already out that way.
Practical Information for Tampa, FL
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The Best Children’s Museums In and Around Tampa
These are the 11 best children’s museums in and around Tampa. Each one offers a fun and safe environment for kids to play and learn in. Having museums for kids in Tampa is important to keep learning fun and foster each child’s natural sense of wonder and curiosity. Although visiting traditional museums can be a source of stress, these kid friendly museums have gone out of their way to decrease that stress and keep things fun.
Feel like any museums are missing from this list? Let me know below!
