Florida is brimming with fun ways to spend your days—swimming, boating, golfing, and more! However, this state also hosts some of the country's most engaging museums, perfect for anyone traveling with kids. For a day of equal parts learning and fun, check out these family-friendly museums in Florida.
Related Blog: A Guide to Hidden Gems and Local Favorites: Plan Your Family Trip to Southwest Florida
The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art
Located in Sarasota, The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is home to a breathtaking collection of artworks—housed in an equally breathtaking building. With a unique history, The Ringling was first built by John Ringling, a circus showman in the Roaring Twenties. Inside the Venetian-inspired Gothic architecture, you'll find many exhibits but a crowd favorite is the circus exhibit dedicated to John's roots and his performance routine, "The Greatest Show on Earth." Kids and adults alike are certain to get a kick out of this one-of-a-kind museum, and there are plenty of wow-worthy exhibits for adults to enjoy as well.
Great Explorations Children's Museum
One of the best museums to visit in Florida is the Great Explorations Children's Museum in St. Petersburg. For 35 years, this hands-on children’s museum has focused on stimulating learning through creativity, play, and exploration. With exhibits like The Smile Spot, where children explore dental hygiene and Great Beginnings, a farm-themed environment for young guests to practice motor skills, there is something here for everyone.
The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Located in Bradenton, Florida, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature boasts an extensive collection of exhibits ranging from fossils and Florida's natural history to a state-of-the-art planetarium that offers a cosmic journey beyond our planet. With its emphasis on lifelong learning and discovery, The Bishop Museum not only offers a window into Florida's rich ecological and cultural past but also bridges the understanding of our place in the cosmos. Visitors to the museum are sure to leave with a deepened appreciation for the intricate tapestry of life and the wonders of the universe.
IMAG History & Science Center
The IMAG History & Science Center, situated in Fort Myers, Florida, invites visitors of all ages to explore over 60 exhibits, showcasing everything from the region's rich history and archaeological past to live marine animals and cutting-edge virtual reality experiences. With its dual focus, the center not only immerses guests in the storied past of Southwest Florida but also sparks curiosity about the scientific phenomena that shape our world. A visit to IMAG ensures an educational journey that stimulates both the mind and the senses.
Florida Museum of Natural History
The Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville is a can't-miss stop for curious minds of any age. Whether you're getting up close and personal with spiders of all shapes and sizes or investigating fossils and pottery from bygone eras, there is plenty to discover at this museum. Plus, this museum has on-site labs dedicated to unraveling the history of this big, blue world. General admission is free for both children and adults, but for special exhibits, there is a charge.
Apart from visiting museums, make sure you also come out for a round of adventure golf! Smugglers Cove offers the best mini-golf courses across Florida, including Fort Myers, Indian Shores, Sarasota, Bradenton, and Madeira Beach. Visit us today to have an unforgettable experience, or contact us for more information.
