Explorations V Children's Museum
Explorations V Children's Museum is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Children's Museums are family magnets and Explorations V Children's Museum is
no exception. Founded in July 1991 by parent volunteers, Explorations V is located
in the heart of historic downtown Lakeland, Florida. It is the only hands-on museum in
Polk County dedicated to the education and cultural development of children and families.
Our mission is providing a hands-on, fun-filled adventure in learning for children and their families! This is accomplished via three floors of kid-powered interactive exhibits and programs that celebrate the five senses, hence the "V" in the name. Exhibits & programs are designed with hidden learning concepts complementing Florida Sunshine State Standards for PreK through 5th grade. Art and science are the pathways for many learning concepts, freeing the child's creativity and unleashing the power of play!
The original Museum was located in a 4,500sf storefront and served 40,000 children and families annually through attendance and outreach activities. In December 1998, the Museum purchased the four-story historic 1929 Kress Building just one block away from its original location. Board, staff, volunteers and professionals contributed more than 3,500 volunteer renovation hours. Board members ran a capital campaign, collecting over $1.5 million in cash and in-kind pledged gifts, and Explorations V Children's Museum debuted in its new location on October 21, 2000.
The relocated Museum covers three floors with action-packed exhibits and program rooms,
party rooms, and a gift shop. The fourth floor is rented to local businesses in need of
affordable, prime downtown space. The Museum serves as a field trip destination for
school systems in several Florida counties, home-school families, daycares, scout groups, teen parents, homeless shelter residents, members, locals and tourists. Museum admissions average 50,000 annually, with 20,000 education program attendees and 25,000 outreach attendees for an average total impact of 95,000.
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