History & Cultural Museums + Educational Centers
Clearwater Historical Society Museum
LOCATION: 610 S. Fort Harrison Avenue, Clearwater
727-754-8019
FEE: FREE
HOURS: Wednesday thru Saturday 10am – 2pm
The Clearwater Historical Society Museum and Cultural Center is located on the five-acre campus of the historic South Ward School at 610 South Fort Harrison Avenue in Clearwater. Open since June 2019, work continues creating new exhibits, developing programs, seeking funds to renovate the other historic campus buildings and many other exciting events.
Clearwater
The Collection on Palmetto
LOCATION: 2116 Palmetto Street, Clearwater
727-953-8356
FEE: Family Yearly Membership $50 (Enjoy admission throughout the year with your family. Includes museum admission and train rides, with some other perks. Stop by the museum to purchase your family membership.)
HOURS: The Collection is now Tuesdays-Saturdays, from 10-3. We are open most Saturdays but call or check the website to confirm prior to your visit. The Train runs on Tuesdays & Saturdays
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Museum of antique automobiles and engines. Beauty and innovation realized.
Clearwater
Dr. Carter Woodson Museum African American History Museum
LOCATION: 2240 9th Ave S., St. Petersburg
HOURS: Tuesday - Thursday from 12pm - 5pm and Friday from 11am - 4pm
The museum presents the historic voice of this St. Petersburg, Florida community from the perspective of local, regional, and national history, culture, and community. It is another demonstration of the commitment to revitalize the Midtown St. Petersburg area.
St. Petersburg
Dunedin Historical Society & Museum
LOCATION: 349 Main St., Dunedin
727-736-1176
FEE: Members are FREE, $5 for Non-Members, Children 6 & under are FREE
HOURS: Tuesday - Sunday 11am - 5pm
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Embark on a city exploration with our knowledgeable guides, immerse yourself in exhibitions through themed programs, events and activities. Uncover the history that has shaped our vibrant city.
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Walking Tours
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Victoria Drive Sunset Stroll
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TONS other events & exhibits
Dunedin
The Florida Holocaust Museum
LOCATION: 55 Fifth St. S., St. Petersburg
727-820-0100
FEE:
Children 6 & Under are FREE
Students, College Students & Military (w/ID) (7-17) $10
Adults $20
Seniors $15
HOURS: Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 5pm
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The Florida Holocaust Museum honors the memory of millions of innocent men, women and children who suffered or died in the Holocaust. The Museum is dedicated to teaching the members of all races and cultures the inherent worth and dignity of human life in order to prevent future genocides.
St. Petersburg
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
LOCATION: 115 10th Avenue, St. Petersburg
727-552-1610
FEE: $20 individual membership & $30 family membership
HOURS:
Friday & Saturday 10am - 4pm, Sundays 1 -4pm
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The permanent collection includes a time-line display from 1500 to present, hundreds of then and now photographs and maps, postcards, local school yearbooks, Haley’s personal memorabilia, a WWII exhibit, artifacts from island churches, and a special Don CeSar Hotel display.
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The museum also has a gift shop featuring books, local art, vintage-style wares, and island-inspired items for visitors of all ages.
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The museum is operated entirely by volunteers, and our mission is “To collect, preserve and exhibit the history of the barrier islands.”
St. Petersburg
Palm Harbor Museum
LOCATION: 2043 Curlew Rd., Palm Harbor
FEE: Free/Donation Tours can be docent-led or self-guided
HOURS: Thursday - Saturday, 10am - 2pm
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For the more than 60,000 residents of the Palm Harbor area, only one organization is dedicated solely to collect, preserve and share the rich historical heritage of The Palm Harbor region that includes Palm Harbor (formerly Sutherland), Crystal Beach, East Lake, Curlew, Indian Bluff, Ozona and Wall Springs: Palm Harbor Historical Society (PHHS), which operates Palm Harbor Museum.
Palm Harbor
Pinellas County African American History Museum at the Curtis
LOCATION: P.O. Box 5785, Clearwater
FEE: $10 for Adults & $$5 for children (5-16 yrs old)
HOURS: Tuesdays & Saturdays 10am - 2pm
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The purpose of the Pinellas County African American History Museum is to preserve and celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans of the past and present through exhibits, educational programs, and research materials that document the African American social and cultural experience.
Clearwater
Safety Harbor Museum & Cultural Center
LOCATION: 329 Bayshore Blvd., South Safety Harbor
727-724-1562
FEE:
$5 per person
Children 6 and under free with adult paid admission
$4 Military and First Responders
HOURS: Thrusday thru Sunday 11am - 4pm
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The Safety Harbor Museum and Cultural Center is proud to offer a multitude of activities
that celebrate the history of Safety Harbor while welcoming the growing arts community.
Safety Harbor
St. Petersburg Museum of History
LOCATION: 335 2nd Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg
727-894-1052
FEE:
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Adults (18+): $15
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Seniors* (65+): $12
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Military and Veterans*: $9
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Teachers and Students*: $9
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Children "7-17": $9
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Children "6 and under": FREE
HOURS: Monday thru Saturday 10am - 5pm & Sundys 12pm - 5pm
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Make the St. Petersburg Museum of History a part of your sun-soaked day in downtown St. Pete. Located on the entrance to the spectacular Pier District, the Museum of History has shared stories of the Sunshine City for a century. Experience the world's first commercial airline, explore the world's largest collection of autographed baseballs, and stroll through the history of the Sunshine City. After enjoying the Museum, stroll down the St. Pete Pier and enjoy lunch or dinner at a variety of waterfront restaurants.
St. Petersburg
Tampa Bay Automobile Museum
LOCATION: 3301 Gateway Centre Blvd., Pinellas Park
FEE:
$16 General Admission
$14 Seniors (65+)
$10 Active Military
$10 Youth (9-17 y.o.)
Children under 8 free with paid adult
Groups of 12 or More $10 per person
HOURS:
Daily 10am - 4:30pm, Closed on Tuesdays
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The Tampa Bay Automobile Museum, features a unique collection of vintage cars and vehicles that demonstrate special creativity and imagination in their history and engineering.
Tampa Bay
Safford House Museum
LOCATION: 23 Parkin Court, Tarpon Springs
FEE: $3 for Tarpon residents & $5 for adults
HOURS: Wednesday thru Friday 11am - 3pm
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One of Tarpon Springs’ best kept secrets is the 1883 Safford House Museum. Visiting the home of one of the city’s original developers is a journey back in time.The Safford House has been restored to its original Victorian splendor and is open to the public. Today the Safford residence is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is owned and operated by the City of Tarpon Springs as a museum.
Tarpon Springs
Great Explorations Children's Museum
LOCATION: 1925 4th Street N, St. Petersburg
FEE: 12 months and under are FREE, $15 kids 1-17 yrs old and adults $12
HOURS: Monday – Saturday 10:30am – 4pm & Sunday 12 – 4pm
Learning Through Creativity, Play, and Exploration
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For more than three decades, Great Explorations has held its position as the foremost children’s museum in Tampa Bay, championing hands-on learning experiences through a well-established creative curriculum. Our commitment is unwavering, with a mission centered on stimulating learning through creativity, play, and exploration.
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As pioneers in the field, being the nation’s inaugural children’s museum to establish a licensed preschool, we take pride in fostering curiosity and delivering enrichment within a thoughtfully crafted, interactive learning setting.
St. Petersburg
Children's Art Museum
LOCATION: 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin
FEE: Members are FREE (you can join!), Children 2 & under are FREE, $3 for seniors and $4 for everyone else
HOURS:
January – May 2024
Monday – Friday (Double check to make sure there aren’t any tours booked) 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
June – September 6th, 2024
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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The David L. Mason Children’s Art Museum is an interpretive and interactive gallery space for children and their families. Starting September 9th, 2023, DFAC invites you to participate in a wonderful and unique opportunity, the 25th annual children’s hands-on exhibit, A Toy Story: New and beloved Favorites. This interactive, hands-on experience for 4.5 to 12 years old provides an environment where you can explore how Art and Science go hand in hand in the wonderful world of “Play”.
Dunedin
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
LOCATION: 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater
FEE:
Children 2 & under are FREE
Kids 3 - 12 yrs $30.95
Adults $39.95
Seniors $37.95
HOURS: Open daily (except certain Holidays) from 10am - 5pm. There's extended hours on select dates 9am - 6pm
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Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a non-profit marine animal hospital dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine life. It is the home to non-releasable animals including Hope the Dolphin, star of the Dolphin Tale movies. Each visit goes towards animal care and its conservation and research efforts.
Clearwater
Florida Children's Museum
LOCATION: 600 Bonnet Springs Blvd., Lakeland
FEE: $15 per person
HOURS: Monday thru Saturday 10am 5pm & Sundays 10am - 3pm
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Florida Children’s Museum serves as a center of the community. We are here to serve families. In response to changes in the community, we will change to match those needs. We hope to inspire the next generation and equip them with confidence, creativity, and a love of learning.
Lakeland
Florida CraftArt
LOCATION: 501 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg
FEE: Fees for tours
HOURS: Monday thru Saturday 10am - 5:30pm & Sundays 12pm - 5pm
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Florida CraftArt is a statewide non-profit organization headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL. Its mission is to: Grow the statewide creative economy by engaging the community and advancing Florida’s fine craft artists and their work. Fine craft art is presented in 2000 of the retail gallery as well as in the similarly sized exhibition gallery. Florida CraftArt presents 6 exhibitions each year. On the second floor of its building are 18 artists’ studios and a classroom where workshops are held.
St. Petersburg
Florida Railroad Museum
LOCATION: 12210 83rd Street E, Parrish
FEE: Book online for Train Rides & Events, fees vary
HOURS: Train Rides depart every Saturday & Sunday at 11am and 2pm
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Florida Rail Road Museum offers one of the most unique museum experiences in the world. Founded in 1982, the Florida Railroad Museum's mission is to acquire, preserve and operate historic examples of Florida's railroad history. Diesel train excursions operate on Saturdays and Sundays only. Train equipment is not available for public view during the week. Special events are scheduled throughout the year featuring themed train rides. Be sure to check our website before your visit for current train schedules.
Parrish
Glazer Children's Museum
LOCATION: 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa
FEE: Children 1 year and younger are FREE, $18 per person
HOURS:
OPEN
Tuesday – Sunday | 9:30am-5pm
CLOSED
Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Gasparilla Parade, New Year’s Eve (close early at 3pm), and Independence Day (close early at 3pm). September 9-11, 2024 closed for annual maintenance.
SUMMER HOURS
Memorial Day to Labor Day
Monday – Sunday, 9:30am-5pm
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Glazer Children’s Museum’s mission is to create and foster engaging, impactful PLAY experiences for children and families to learn and thrive. Our vision is a community that values PLAY as the foundation for the learning and development of children and families across generations.
Tampa
Henry B. Plant Museum
LOCATION: 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
FEE: Donations are welcomed, 2nd Saturday of each month thru November, there's FREE admission
HOURS: Tuesday thru Saturday 10am - 5pm & Sundays 12pm - 5pm
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The Henry B. Plant Museum is housed in the former Tampa Bay Hotel, which was a Victorian railroad resort that operated from 1891 - 1932. Since 1933, the Tampa Bay Hotel has been home to the Henry B. Plant Museum and the University of Tampa. The building, renamed Plant Hall, is a National Historic Landmark. Unlike most museums dedicated to lifestyles of the past, it contains the actual furnishings enjoyed by the first guests to visit here. The Museum accurately reflects the opulence of turn-of-the-century America and the vision of American transportation pioneer, Henry B. Plant.
Tampa
MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry)
LOCATION: 4801 E. Fowler Avenue, Tampa
FEE: $10 for children and $14 for adults
HOURS: Daily 10am - 5pm
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Get hands-on in Tampa’s iconic science center, where curious young minds can explore space science, weather, engineering, physics, the human body and more. MOSI’s Summer Science Camps bring Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) alive through hands-on experiments and building projects. From launching rockets, building robots and extracting DNA, we are about creating the experiences that expand interests and make dreams a reality. Doing real science with the tools and technologies used by industry professionals is just one way MOSI Summer Science Camps inspire our campers with a can-do attitude that can last a lifetime. Real science coupled with exciting experiments, simulations, explorations, and inventions will help you discover the innovator within.
Tampa
Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center
LOCATION: 700 2nd. Avenue NE, St. Petersburg
FEE:
Adult (Age 13-61): $8
Child (Age 4-12): $3
Senior (Age 62+): $6
Toddler (3 and under with an adult): FREE
Active Military (with ID): $3
Teacher (with ID): $3
HOURS: Daily 10am - 5pm and closed on Thanksgiving & Christmas Day
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Welcome to The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center, where visitors to the St. Pete Pier mix fun and learning. Located on the over-water walkway, the Discovery Center features an array of exhibits that tell the story of Tampa Bay’s unique water ecosystem.
St. Petersburg
Tampa Museum of Art
LOCATION: Cornelia Corbett Center, 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa
FEE: FREE!
HOURS: Monday thru Sunday 10am - 5pm & Thursdays 10am - 8pm
The Tampa Museum of Art offers all-day or half-day art camps where campers can create, learn, and play in our newly constructed education center, in the galleries, and in the Curtis Hixon playground. Camps have different themes based on the Museum’s permanent collection of antiquities, modern & contemporary art, and exhibitions on view in our galleries.
Tampa
Museum of Fine Arts
LOCATION: 255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg
FEE:
Children under 6 are FREE
Children 7 - 17 are $12
Adults $22
Seniors $17
HOURS: Tuesday thru Sunday 10am - 5pm & Closed on Mondays, Thanksgiving & Christmas Day.
The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg, Florida was founded by Margaret Acheson Stuart (1896-1980) and reflects her vision of providing outstanding examples of world art in an inviting, elegant setting.
St. Petersburg
Florida Botanical Gardens
LOCATION: 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo
FEE: FREE!
HOURS: Monday thru Sunday 7am - 5pm, closed the day after Thanksgiving & Christmas Day.
The Florida Botanical Gardens are a 100-acre Park, managed by the Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department, and supported by the Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation. The Gardens inspire and educate visitors by showcasing flora, fauna and natural resources in motivational surroundings that promote environmentally friendly techniques.
Largo