When looking for things to do in Orlando with kids, museums probably aren’t top of the list; they might not even be on the list, but they definitely should be. A lot of the museums in Orlando, even though they are not kids museums do have family friendly programming or special activities just for kids.

Updated February 2021

Museums for Kids in Orlando

Below, please find museums for kids in and around Orlando that are worth checking out.

Albin Polasek Museum

Albin Polasek Museum is a living museum with outdoor gardens dating back to 1949.  

The sculpture garden is located on 3 acres and it is home to many beautiful native Florida and subtropical species.  The museum is home of the works of Albin Polasek, and opportunities for all ages to learn and experience art.

Location: 633 Osceola Avenue Winter Park, FL 32789
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM,  Sunday: 1:00PM – 4:00PM,   Mon: Closed

Fort Christmas Historical Park

Fort Christmas Historical Park is an open air museum that is a full-size replica of the original Fort Christmas that was built in 1837. There are 7 restored homes that visitors can see which detail pioneer life from the 1870s to the 1930s. Key themes presented include: homesteading, cattle, citrus, hunting, fishing and trapping. Special events are held at the museum throughout the year, including the Agricultural Fest in January, Florida Living History Festival in February and a Cracker Christmas featuring pioneer life demonstrations in December.

Location: 1300 North Fort Christmas Road, Christmas, FL
Phone: (407) 254-9312
Cost: FREE (there is a charge for special events)

Mennelllo Musem of American Art

Every second Sunday of the month, Mennello Musem of American Art holds a free family fun day. Families will get to create a free miniature art project and take a family friendly docent led tour of the museum.

Location: 900 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FL
Phone: (407) 246-4278
Cost: Adults $5/Kids 6-17 $1 (Family Fundays are FREE for everyone)

Orange County Regional History Center

The Orange County Regional History Center has four floors of exhibits showcasing the history of Orange County. Exhibits include African American History, Aviation, Cattle and Citrus, Destination Florida, a Pioneer Cabin from the 19^th Century and more. The museum holds a Home School Day every month that has hands-on art activities for kids in grades K-5. The museum also offers special exhibits including Pez displays and Muppets that kids will find interesting.

Location: 65 East Central Avenue, Orlando, FL
Phone: (407) 836-8500
Cost: Adults $8/Kids 5-12 $6

 Orlando Fire Museum

The Orlando Fire Museum is a small museum that showcases the history of the Fire Department in Orlando. See fire department uniforms, a historic engine from the 1920s, equipment that firefighters use to stay safe, water pumps, canisters and more. The museum is only open on Fridays and Saturdays.

Location: 814 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL
Phone: (407) 246-3468
Cost: FREE, donations requested

Orlando Museum of Art

While the Orlando Museum of Art may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Child friendly museum, you would be surprised to learn that they have many family friendly programs. They hold a hands-on art program on Tuesday and Friday afternoons for kids 5-8 and for kids 9-13 that are homeschooled or in Virtual School. They also hold art camps during school breaks and in the summer for kids.

The first Saturday of the month, they do a family highlights tour that takes families through the museum highlighting specific works on a child friendly level. If you want to create art together as a family, a Family Art Workshop might be for you. You will be able to experiment with new tools and art styles while creating art around a centralized theme.

Location: 2416 North Mills Avenue, Orlando, FL
Phone: (407) 896-4231
Cost: Adults $15/Kids 4-11 $5

Orlando Science Museum

The Orlando Science Museum is 3 floors of interactive exhibits for kids. Kids can learn about dinosaurs and hunt for dinosaur bones, experience a hurricane in a hurricane simulator, learn about the plants and animals in the Central Florida ecosystem including live animal encounters, and learn about the fundamentals of force including Newton’s Laws while building and testing their own creations.

The Science Museum also has science demonstrations using tools such as dry ice and different gases to show reactions. Be immersed in Antarctica or the Ocean in the CineDome or watch a 3D or 4D movie in the Digital Adventure Theater.

Location: 777 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FL
Phone: (407) 514-2000
Cost: Adults $20.95/Kids 3-12 $14.95

Railroad Museum

Central Florida Railroad Museum in Winter Garden is a hidden gem for Central Florida.

Learn how the railroad played such an integral road in shaping Winter Gardens history.  Take in pictures and memorabilia from years past and hear stories from the volunteers that hope to keep this history alive for years to come.

Location:101 S Boyd St, Winter Garden, FL 34787
Hours: Fridays only 11:00AM – 3:00PM
Cost: Free

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not is a museum with hundreds of unusual oddities found along the world travels of Robert Ripley.  Fun interactive exhibits and multiple attractions are a treat for kids.  

Location: 8201 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Hours: Monday – Friday: 12:00PM-8:00PM, Saturday: 10:00AM – 12:00 AM, Sunday: 10:00AM – 10:00PM,
Cost:  Ages 3-11: $15.99, Ages 12+: $23.99

Museums for Kids near Orlando

While not in Orlando, these museums are a day trip away.

Barberville Pioneer Settlement

Take a step back in time at Barberville Pioneer Settlement.  Get outside and take a walk through history at this Non-Profit Historical Village Museum. Living History Demonstrations are back on Saturdays 11:00AM – 2:00PM.  Make sure to read Info Here for Covid regulations, pricing, and information on tours.  A family day pass for 2 adults and children 18 and under is $25.

Location: 1776 Lightfoot Lane Barberville, Florida 32105
Hours: Thursday – Sunday, Times: 10:00AM – 3:00PM
Cost:   $25 One Day Family Pass –Two adults with children/grandchildren ages 18 and under, $10 General Admission, $9 Seniors (62+), Veterans and Groups of 5 or more, $4 Ages 6-12, Under age 5 FREE

Related Post: Barberville Pioneer Settlement

Great Explorations Museum

Great Explorations Children’s Museum in St. Petersburg works to stimulate curiosity and learning through hands on play, creativity, and exploration.  

Location: 1925 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Hours: New Hours will come into effect February 20, 2021
Monday – Saturday: 10:30AM – 4:00PM, Sunday: 12:00PM – 4:00PM,
Cost:  Under 12 months: FREE, Ages 1 – 54: $12.00, Ages 55+: $11.00      

Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum

Located in Daytona Beach, the Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum is the only hands-on science center between Jacksonville and Orlando.  Learn about various principles of science through fun activities like a race track, tennis ball launcher, video light microscope, and more.

Location: 352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00AM – 5:00PM,  Sunday: 11:00AM – 5:00PM
Cost:  Seniors & Students: $10.95, Adults: $12.95, Children 6-17: $6.95

Children’s Museum of the Highlands

Kids ages 1-12 can learn through hands-on play at Children’s Museum of the Highlands located in Sebring, Florida.  Explore exhibits such as a mini publix, post office, fitness area, fire department, and more.  Weekly Artsy Fun classes are back on,  check back for Tot Fun and STEAM activities to start back up.

Location: 219 N Ridgewood Dr. Sebring, Florida 33870
Hours: Sunday – Tuesday – Closed, Wednesday & Thursday – 10:00AM – 4:00PM, Friday & Saturday – 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Cost: $7 per person for all day admission

Explorations V Children’s Museum

Visit Explorations V in Lakeland for hands-on learning and fun.  Built on the Premise that we all, children and adults alike, use all 5 primary senses to explore and learn in the world around us.  Their 3 level museum focuses on just that, with exhibits and activities focused on stretching the mind through sensory play.

Location: 109 N Kentucky Ave, Lakeland, FL 33801
Hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00AM-5:00PM Sunday: 10:00AM-3:00PM
Cost:  Members and Age 1 and under: FREE, Age 2 – Adult: $10.00, Seniors, 65+, with ID: $5.50, Teachers & Military 50% off with ID

Glazer Children’s Museum

In Tampa visit Glazer Children’s Museum.  Kid’s can become anything in their interactive exhibits, a vet, a firefighter, an actor and so much more.  Special exhibits come along from time to time.  Like the Wild Kratt adventure taking place through May 16, where kids can learn and engage through various STEM activities.

Location: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL 33602
Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10:00AM – 5:00PM ,  Saturday: 10:00AM – 6:00PM,  Sunday: 1:00PM – 6:00PM
Cost:  Under Age 1:Free, Children Ages 1-12: $13.00,   Adults: $15.00, Members are Free

The Ringling 

The Ringling located in Sarasota Florida is open for visits as well as virtual experiences.

The Ringling has so much to offer for kids and families, print out a scavenger hunt, head out on an art adventure, or check out the virtual experiences.

Location: 5401 Bay Shore Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Hours: Daily, 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Cost:   Adult: $25.00, Senior 65+: $23.00, Children 6-17: $5.00,  Children 5 and under: Free & Members are Free

Which of these museums is your favorite?

by Abby O’Connor and Mikaela Walker

Pin It – Save it for later!