Children’s museums focus on providing hands-on, experimental learning opportunities in various subjects such as science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) as well as cultural and historical topics. At present there are more than 300 children’s museums in the world serving millions of families. Although they are known for being joyful spaces for learning and play, they have much broader impact on the areas they serve. While being a local destination with exhibits, educational laboratories and opportunities, the most important may be that they act as a community resource and advocate for children.

The nearest children’s museums to our community are quite a distance away, which poses a challenge for families seeking accessible educational opportunities:

• Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa: 60 miles
• Great Explorations in St. Petersburg: 50 miles
• Golisano Children’s Museum in Naples: 100 miles

Currently, there is a significant gap of 150 miles between Tampa and Naples without any children’s museums. This gap highlights a notable absence of conveniently located educational resources for our families. The distance to the nearest museum, Great Explorations in St. Petersburg, entails a 100-mile round trip. This distance can be a significant burden, especially for families with young children, limiting their access to a potentially enriching experience due to the costs and time involved in traveling. Establishing a local children’s museum would provide a valuable resource, allowing families to enjoy educational fun and learning just a short drive away.