Glazer Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum for families in downtown Tampa, beside Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Tampa Riverwalk. Its three floors invite young children to learn through pretend play, building and sensory activities. On the lower level, kids can explore a water-play area inspired by the Port of Tampa; upstairs, they can role-play in places such as a grocery store, fire station and farm, then visit the dinosaur exhibit on the top floor. Allow time to explore at your child’s pace, with a break at the Creativity Café if needed.
A museum built around play
At 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Glazer Children’s Museum sits in downtown Tampa beside Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Tampa Riverwalk. The museum is designed for children to learn by doing: they can pretend, build, make art and explore activities that introduce them to the world around them.
The three floors give families different kinds of play to move between. Children can try out familiar roles, experiment with hands-on activities and take breaks as they go. The exhibits are particularly suited to younger children; older kids may find the activities less engaging.
Explore the three floors
The lower level has a water-play area inspired by the Port of Tampa. Children can get hands-on with water and activities connected to ships and the movement of water. Pack spare clothes if your child is likely to get wet.
The second floor brings together themed areas for imaginative play. Children can take on roles in a grocery store, fire station, farm or hospital, or spend time building and making art. The museum also has activities connected to engineering, science and creative play. A theater area introduces children to film-making basics, while other activities include light blocks and experiments with weather and water.
The top floor has a dinosaur exhibit. Exploring every level gives children a mix of pretend play, creative activities and sensory experiences, so allow enough time to follow their interests rather than rushing from one area to the next.
Plan a comfortable visit
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Monday. Weekdays may be quieter than school-trip or holiday periods. Some families find it useful to begin upstairs and make their way down, ending at the water-play area.
The Creativity Café provides an on-site place to pause for food. If you prefer to bring lunch, a picnic outside is another option. Nearby paid parking garages make it possible to park close to the museum, though parking costs can rise when events are taking place at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
A visit can take several hours, and families with young children may want to leave room for breaks and repeat visits to favourite areas. The museum has a nursing room and wheelchair-accessible entrance and restrooms. It is beside the park and Riverwalk, so you can add outdoor time before or after exploring indoors.
FAQ
Where is Glazer Children’s Museum?
It is at 110 W Gasparilla Plaza in downtown Tampa, beside Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Tampa Riverwalk.
How long should you spend at the museum?
Allow a few hours to explore the three floors. Families with young children may want extra time for breaks and favourite exhibits.
Is there parking near the museum?
Paid parking garages are available nearby. Parking costs can rise when an event is taking place at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
What should children bring for the water-play area?
Bring a change of clothes in case your child gets wet.
