Glazer Children’s Museum | Tampa

The Glazer Children’s Museum, located in downtown Tampa, Florida, is a vibrant, interactive museum designed for children and families. It provides an engaging environment where young minds can explore, discover, and learn through hands-on exhibits, creative play, and educational experiences. The museum spans more than 50,000 square feet and features a variety of exhibits and activities that cater to different interests and age groups.

Location

The museum is situated at 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, right next to the Tampa Museum of Art and Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, making it easily accessible to visitors in the downtown area.

Hours of Operation

Regular Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day): Monday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

The museum is closed on Mondays and certain holidays such as Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Gasparilla Parade, New Year’s Eve (early closure at 3 PM), and Independence Day (early closure at 3 PM).

Admission Fees

General Admission: $24.95

Florida Residents: $19.95

Children under 1: Free

Community Helpers (active military, first responders, educators, seniors): $2 off

Museums for All: $5 admission for up to 4 guests with EBT, SNAP, or WIC cards

Exhibits & Interactive Experiences

The museum offers a wide array of engaging exhibits, with both educational and fun elements. Some of the key exhibits include:

Big John: This exhibit houses the world's largest triceratops fossil, providing an interactive experience for children interested in paleontology. Kids can learn about dinosaurs and even try their hands at fossil excavation.

Water’s Journey Climber: A two-story climbing structure that teaches children about the water cycle. This hands-on exhibit allows kids to climb, explore, and learn about the movement of water in nature.

Safety Village: A mini-town where children can role-play various community helpers, such as firefighters, veterinarians, and police officers. This exhibit helps children understand the importance of safety and teamwork.

Tugboat Tots: A toddler-friendly area that features ocean-themed play spaces, allowing young children to explore maritime activities in a safe and fun environment.

Farm: A hands-on agricultural exhibit where children can engage in activities like picking tomatoes and racing tractors. This exhibit teaches children about farming and food production.

Vet Clinic: This exhibit simulates an animal care clinic where children can pretend to be veterinarians, performing check-ups and caring for animals.

Twinkle Stars Theater: A space for children to explore the performing arts. Kids can act, sing, and dance in front of an audience, fostering creativity and self-expression.

Central Bank: A pretend banking experience where children can learn about financial literacy, such as saving, budgeting, and understanding money.

Parking & Accessibility

Parking: There is convenient parking available at the William F. Poe garage, which is adjacent to the museum. The garage uses a ticketless ParkMobile system, making parking easy. Accessible parking spaces are available on Levels 1, 2, and 4 of the garage.

Amenities: The museum offers several amenities to ensure comfort and convenience for visitors, including:

A Creativity Café for food and refreshments

Water bottle refill stations

Stroller parking

A GoBaby vending machine for baby necessities

A nursing room for parents with young children

Special Events

The museum hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including the Imagination Gala, which is the museum's largest fundraiser. The proceeds from this event support the museum's mission to provide engaging, educational experiences for children and families.

Educational Programs

In addition to exhibits, the Glazer Children’s Museum offers educational programs that focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), art, literacy, and more. These programs are designed to enhance learning outside of the classroom, offering children opportunities to engage in creative play and explore new concepts in a fun environment.

Community Involvement

The museum places a strong emphasis on being an inclusive space for the local community. The Museums for All program offers discounted admission for families who may need assistance. The museum also partners with local schools and organizations to provide educational resources and field trips that cater to a wide range of learning styles.

Overall, the Glazer Children's Museum is an excellent destination for families looking to enjoy a day of fun and educational experiences in a safe, interactive environment. Whether you're exploring dinosaurs, climbing water cycle structures, or role-playing as a community helper, there's something for everyone.