Our mission is to inspire wonder, creativity, and the love of learning through interactive play.

WHAT IS

A CHILDREN'S MUSEUM?

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.

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Why a children's museum in Sarasota Florida pic of a child pondering.

Why A Children's Museum?

Children’s museums symbolize how a community values and respects its youth. The presence of a children’s museum helps cultivate more child-friendly communities where curiosity is encouraged and young minds can thrive.

- ASSOCIATION OF CHILDREN'S MUSEUMS

WHY

SARASOTA?

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.

why sarasota

EDUCATIONOur Focus

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Science

Explore the wonders of science! Engage with activities that spark curiosity and encourage a deeper understanding of the natural world around us.

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Technology

Discover the power of technology through interactive activities. Learn how tech shapes our world and how we can use it creatively in our everyday lives.

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Engineering

Step into the world of engineering where creativity meets functionality. Engage in activities that challenge your problem-solving skills and inspire innovation.

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Art

Dive into the arts and let your creativity flow. Participate in activities that encourage artistic expression and integrate creativity with other STEAM fields.

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Math

Uncover the fun in mathematics with activities designed to strengthen critical thinking and numerical skills. Explore how math is foundational to understanding and interacting with the world.

Ways to Support

Explore the various ways you can contribute to our mission! Whether through volunteering, donations, or participating in community events, your support makes a real difference. Join us in making a positive impact together.

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VOLUNTEER
Join our team and make a difference! We're seeking volunteers to help bring our projects to life. Whether you have a few hours or a few days, your time and talents can have a big impact.
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BUSINESS SPONSOR
Partner with us and make an impact! We're seeking business sponsors to support our initiatives and expand our reach. Your involvement can help provide valuable resources and opportunities to our community. Join us in making a lasting difference!
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MEMBERSHIP
Become a member today and enjoy exclusive benefits! Join our community to gain access to special events, discounts, and early notifications about our programs. Your membership helps support our mission and ensures ongoing access to enriching experiences.
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PROUD MEMBER

Proud member of the association of children's museums logo

NEWSLETTER

LOCATION

Currently hosting mobile events across Sarasota, we are actively working towards establishing a permanent brick-and-mortar location to better serve our community.

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Sarasota Children’s Museum is a registered 501(c)(3) EIN #93-3906428. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for this donation. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-HELP-FLA OR ONLINE AT www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com; REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.” REGISTRATION #:CH74032.