Florida Children's Museum
Interactive museum with 3 floors of educational games, pretend play zones, and outdoor fun, perfect for kids of all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for toddlers
Florida Children's Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for toddlers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Interactive museum with 3 floors of educational games, pretend play zones, and outdoor fun, perfect for kids of all ages.
"An absolute gem in Central Florida! The Florida Children's Museum is an amazing destination for families. "
Bring a Towel for the Slide
The outdoor alligator slide is a blast! A towel or boogie board helps with a smoother, cooler ride. :athletic_shoe:
Infant Area is a Hit
Little ones under 6, and even infants, have dedicated, safe spaces to explore and play. :baby:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Blinky the Alligator Slide
Outdoor Playground
A giant, fun yellow slide playground right outside the museum entrance. Perfect for a quick play before or after exploring inside.
DOT the Dragon Sculpture
Museum Entrance
A massive, interactive dragon sculpture filled with toys, setting a playful tone for the museum experience.
Pretend Play Zones
Second Floor
Engage in imaginative play at the grocery store, vet clinic, food truck, and police department. Costumes included!
Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites
Special Exhibit Area
An immersive exhibit bringing beloved childhood stories to life, perfect for sparking young imaginations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Tickets & Membership Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring a Towel for the Slide
The outdoor alligator slide is a blast! A towel or boogie board helps with a smoother, cooler ride. :athletic_shoe:
Infant Area is a Hit
Little ones under 6, and even infants, have dedicated, safe spaces to explore and play. :baby:
Combine with Bonnet Springs Park
The museum is part of a larger park, perfect for a full day of family fun and exploration. :park:
Check for Special Exhibits
The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibits like Storyland and seasonal events.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring a Towel for the Slide
The outdoor alligator slide is a blast! A towel or boogie board helps with a smoother, cooler ride. :athletic_shoe:
Infant Area is a Hit
Little ones under 6, and even infants, have dedicated, safe spaces to explore and play. :baby:
Combine with Bonnet Springs Park
The museum is part of a larger park, perfect for a full day of family fun and exploration. :park:
Check for Special Exhibits
The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibits like Storyland and seasonal events.
Stroller Parking Available
Wide spaces make it easy to park strollers while you and your kids explore the exhibits. :stroller:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Florida Children's Museum, calling it an 'absolute gem' with engaging, hands-on exhibits for all ages. The outdoor playground and pretend play zones are highlights, and the museum's integration with Bonnet Springs Park enhances the experience. While most interactions are positive, one reviewer noted a less-than-pleasant encounter with front desk staff regarding food policies.
"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
What an absolute gem in Central Florida! The Florida Children’s Museum in Lakeland is an amazing destination for families with kids of all ages.
Before you even go inside, the fun starts with Blinky the Alligator, a giant yellow slide playground right out front. (Pro tip: bring a towel or boogie board for sliding if it’s hot!) Inside, you’re greeted by DOT the Dragon, a huge sculpture full of toys — setting the tone for nonstop imagination and play.
🎟️ Tickets are reasonably priced: $20 general admission, $16 for Florida residents, and they even offer a $2 discount for military and first responders. Memberships are a great deal too — $150 for two adults and it pays for itself in just a few visits.
🧒 The first floor is packed with hands-on fun for infants to early school-age kids. From an adorable watermelon garden area for kids under 6, to interactive air tables, building blocks, and a glowing Lite-Brite wall — there’s something for every developmental stage.
🎵 Head up to the second floor for music, noise, pretend play, and exploration! Our favorites were the grocery store, the veterinarian clinic, weather station, food truck, police department (with costumes!), and the loud room where kids can bang away on drums and pans.
👶 Our 6-month-old loved the infant area, and our friends’ toddler had the time of his life. The space never felt overwhelming — just the right crowd size, friendly staff, and plenty of room to explore at your own pace.
💡 Bonus: This museum is part of Bonnet Springs Park, so you can easily make it a full-day outing.
We’ll definitely be back again as our little one grows. If you’re within an hour or two, it’s 100% worth the trip!"
Gregory Engeler
"We enjoyed a special Rotary fundraiser that was held in the children’s museum. I had no idea there was such a great event space inside. It was excellent. I gather the space was setup a lot differently than day to day operations for the event, but I would definitely recommend you look into it for your larger event needs"
Jared Weggeland
"Large & spacious parking lot. Clean and organized areas. Easy to find and navigate around. Children & family oriented. The Black Box perfect for personal children and performers experience. Surroundings are perfect for family activities."
CESAR COSS
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Lakeland, Florida, about 45 minutes from Orlando. It's part of Bonnet Springs Park. Ample, spacious parking is available on-site.
Yes, the museum offers a large and spacious parking lot that is free for visitors.
Absolutely! There's a dedicated infant area and many exhibits are designed for younger children, ensuring fun for all ages.
Yes, the museum has wide spaces that make it easy to navigate with a stroller and designated areas for parking.
Many visitors find it to be an excellent day trip, offering a break from theme parks with engaging activities for kids.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is $20 per person. Florida residents receive a discount at $16. Children under 2 are free.
Yes, Florida residents get a discount. Military and first responders may also receive a $2 discount per ticket.
If you plan to visit multiple times a year, a membership ($150 for two adults) can be a great value, paying for itself in just a few visits.
The museum is typically open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with shorter hours on Sundays (10 AM to 3 PM). Always check their official website for the most current hours.
While not always explicitly stated as required, booking in advance is recommended, especially for weekends or special events, to ensure entry.
🎫 🎡 Onsite Experience
Don't miss Blinky the Alligator slide outside, DOT the Dragon sculpture inside, the pretend play zones on the second floor, and the Storyland exhibit.
Yes, there's a dedicated and safe infant area, as well as a watermelon garden exhibit specifically for kids under 6.
Kids can enjoy hands-on exhibits like an air table, Lite-Brite wall, grocery store, vet clinic, weather station, and a music/noise room.
Crowds can vary. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. The space is described as spacious and well-organized, so it rarely feels overwhelming.
Yes, there's a fantastic outdoor playground featuring Blinky the Alligator slide, making it a great spot for active play.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Outside food and drinks are generally not allowed in the play areas. There was an instance where a visitor was politely (though loudly) informed about this rule.
While specific cafe details aren't always highlighted, it's common for children's museums to have a small snack bar or cafe. Check their website for current offerings.
Yes, the museum is part of Bonnet Springs Park, which offers beautiful surroundings. There are also local dining options in Lakeland.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed for capturing memories. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas.
DOT the Dragon, the outdoor slide, and the various themed pretend play areas offer great photo opportunities.
Absolutely! The museum encourages capturing your child's joy and discovery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Toddlers & Infants
Arriving early on weekdays is highly recommended to enjoy the exhibits before they get too crowded. The spacious layout and stroller parking also make navigating with a young child much easier. Don't forget the outdoor slide for some energetic fun!
🚗 Day-Trippers from Orlando
Plan to spend at least half a day here, and consider combining it with a visit to Bonnet Springs Park for a full day of exploration. The reasonable admission price and the variety of activities make it a worthwhile excursion.
💰 Budget-Conscious Families
Consider packing snacks or a picnic to enjoy in Bonnet Springs Park to save on dining costs. The museum provides excellent value through its extensive interactive exhibits and engaging play spaces.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Bonnet Springs Park
Visitors can easily combine a museum visit with exploring the park's natural beauty. The park itself is well-maintained and offers a refreshing contrast to the indoor interactive exhibits, making it an ideal destination for a full day of family activities.
Consider packing a picnic to enjoy in the park, or simply take advantage of the pleasant surroundings for some outdoor relaxation. It's a fantastic way to make the most of your trip to Lakeland.
Interactive Exhibits for All Ages
Upstairs, the museum transforms into a hub of imaginative play. Children can step into roles at the pretend grocery store, veterinarian clinic, or even a police department, complete with costumes. The 'loud room' with drums and pans is a particular hit for energetic youngsters.
Even infants have a dedicated space, ensuring that the youngest visitors can explore and interact safely. The thoughtful design ensures that there's always something new and exciting for every child to discover, fostering learning through play.
Special Events and Exhibits
One notable temporary exhibit mentioned is 'Storyland: A Trip Through Childhood Favorites,' which immerses children in the worlds of beloved books. These special attractions are often highlighted on their social media channels and website, so it's worth checking in advance.
The museum also serves as an excellent event space, with reviews noting its suitability for fundraisers and other gatherings. This adaptability showcases the venue's versatility beyond its daily operations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit