Children’s Museum of the Shoals (CMS) | Athens AL

The Children’s Museum of the Shoals (CMS) in Florence, Alabama, is a hands-on, interactive learning center designed to inspire curiosity, imagination, and exploration in children while also reflecting the culture, science, and history of the Tennessee Valley region. It is one of the most family-focused attractions in northwest Alabama and plays a significant educational and community role.

Origins and Development

The idea for a children’s museum in Florence first surfaced in the mid-1990s when local educator and community leader Anne Bradshaw Craig, along with civic supporters, began working toward creating a dedicated educational space for children. By 1995, the effort gained nonprofit status, and with support from volunteers, businesses, and families, the museum secured space at the entrance of Deibert Park.

The museum officially opened in 2001, housed in a renovated building that once served as part of the farm estate donated by the Deibert family. Its original exhibits included a Tennessee River model, an imaginative grocery store, and themed play areas. In 2015, it closed temporarily for renovations, and after fundraising and board reorganization, it reopened in 2017 with expanded and modernized exhibits.

Museum Layout and Exhibits

The museum is spread across two main indoor floors plus outdoor learning areas. It is intentionally designed to be interactive, letting children learn through play, role-playing, construction, science exploration, and creative expression.

Ground Floor Exhibits

Wee Explore – a safe play area for toddlers with age-appropriate sensory activities.

This Little Piggy – a farm-themed interactive exhibit connecting children with agriculture.

Construction Zone – a hands-on building space with blocks, tools, and imaginative engineering play.

Anderson Science Center – focuses on experiments, discovery, and STEM learning.

Lego Room – filled with building materials for open-ended creative projects.

Party/Creation Station – a multipurpose space for art, crafts, birthday parties, and group workshops.

Second Floor Exhibits

Renaissance Castle – allows children to step into a medieval-style setting with costumes and role play.

Tennessee River Campsite – connects to local geography and outdoor life, complete with tents and props.

Shoals Sound Stage – celebrates the musical legacy of Muscle Shoals, giving children instruments and a stage to perform.

Cliff Cave – an imaginative cave setting that inspires exploration and adventure.

Rockin’ Restaurant – a child-sized diner where kids role-play cooking, serving, and ordering food.

Puppet Tree – a whimsical stage for storytelling and performance.

Pet Vet – teaches responsibility and empathy through pretend animal care.

Bank of the South – a financial literacy exhibit where children role-play banking and handling money.

Nursery – a caregiving play area with dolls and nursery equipment.

Outdoor Areas

Mine Site – themed around Alabama’s geological history and mining traditions.

Dino Dig – a sandpit where children can “excavate” fossils and dinosaur bones.

CMS Garage – a transportation exhibit highlighting vehicles and mechanical play.

Outdoor Classroom – used for seasonal educational programs, nature exploration, and hands-on learning tied to the environment.

Educational Programs and Events

The museum offers year-round programming that extends beyond its exhibits:

STEM Camps – focused on science, technology, engineering, and math with hands-on experiments.

Art Workshops – including painting, sculpture, and themed sessions such as “Impressionism for Kids.”

Themed Days – examples include “Water Day” in summer, geology days, or agricultural activities.

Sewing Saturdays – teaching practical skills in a creative way.

Special Needs Programs – designed to be inclusive, with activities tailored for children of different abilities.

Birthday Parties and Field Trips – customizable experiences for schools and families.

These programs often tie into local culture and history, reinforcing the Shoals’ identity as a hub for music, agriculture, and river life.

Community and Cultural Role

The museum sits in Deibert Park, which enhances the experience with walking trails, playgrounds, and natural scenery. CMS is more than an entertainment venue-it is a cultural anchor that emphasizes place-based learning. For example:

The Shoals Sound Stage connects directly to Muscle Shoals’ global reputation in music.

The Tennessee River Campsite ties into the geography and natural history of the area.

Agricultural exhibits highlight the region’s farming traditions.

Its nonprofit structure relies on community volunteers, donations, and partnerships. Local schools regularly bring students for field trips, and the museum has become a training ground for creative learning methods in early education.

Visitor Information

Location: 2810 Darby Drive, Florence, Alabama, within Deibert Park.

Hours: Open Wednesday through Saturday, 9 AM – 4 PM; closed Sunday through Tuesday and on major holidays.

Admission: $10 per person; free for children 18 months and younger.

Parking: Ample free parking at Deibert Park, which also makes it easy for families to combine a museum trip with time outdoors.

Overall Character

The Children’s Museum of the Shoals is best described as a blend of playhouse, science center, and cultural museum designed on a child’s scale. Instead of passive displays, every area invites children to touch, build, role-play, and create. Its mission is rooted in the belief that learning should be active, imaginative, and connected to the local environment and culture.

It remains one of the Shoals’ most valuable community resources for families, combining education with play in a way that introduces young visitors to science, history, arts, and everyday life skills while honoring the unique identity of the Tennessee Valley.