Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa [Photo: Daniel Wallace/ St. Petersburg Times]

Tampa

» The Glazer Children's Museum, which opened in September 2010, includes 12 themed areas. One explains how the area's waterways are used and another encourages kids to "get moving" with virtual sports games. The museum holds special events several times a month.

Davie

» The Young at Art Children's Museum, a longtime favorite of Broward County parents, will open in a 55,000-sq.-ft. building in May only blocks from its current site in a strip shopping center. The $26-million facility includes four permanent galleries; studios for painting, drawing and ceramics; a 4-D video studio; a teen center; and gardens and green spaces.

Naples

» After a major fundraising effort, Golisano Children's Museum of Naples is scheduled to open in February in the North Collier Regional Park. The museum will feature 13 exhibit galleries. Inside provides thousands of different play and learning experiences that encourage physical activity, exploration and discovery. They were created to meet Florida's Sunshine State curriculum standards.

Lakeland

» In the heart of historic downtown, Explorations V Children's Museum celebrated its 20th birthday with a major extravaganza. The museum has three floors of exhibits that allow kids to explore and learn. \

Fort Lauderdale

» In November, the already popular Museum of Discovery & Science downtown opened its much-anticipated 34,000-sq.-ft., two-story EcoDiscovery Center for children. The expansion includes interactive explorations in geology and archaeology and an otter exhibit.