Our Story
Mission
The mission of Glazer Children’s Museum is to create and foster engaging, impactful PLAY experiences for children and families to learn and thrive.
Vision
Our vision is a community that values PLAY as the foundation for the learning and development of children and families across generations.
Our Child-Centered Approach
At Glazer Children’s Museum, we believe childhood is not something to rush through. It is something to honor. We see children as whole beings, with bodies made to move, hearts full of feeling, and minds alive with curiosity. We celebrate their creativity, trust their intelligence and intuition, and believe that the most meaningful learning happens when play is child-led.
We believe every child has a right to play.
The right to move. A right to explore the world in ways that feel joyful, safe, and true to who they are.
Every child is special, and every child belongs here.
That is why we are committed to being a welcoming, inclusive, and affirming space where all children and families can feel safe, valued, and inspired to play. These beliefs guide how we design exhibits, shape programs, and create experiences that help children learn, grow, and thrive through play.
Our History
Glazer Children’s Museum’s history dates back to the 1965 opening of Safety Village in Lowry Park and has grown over the years, just like the children we serve. Since the opening of our downtown building in 2010, GCM has been a landmark along the beautiful Tampa Riverwalk.
Ranked one of the Top 10 Children’s Museums in the country by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
GCM serves as a vibrant hub for play-based learning in Tampa Bay. With over 35,000 square feet of interactive exhibits, Glazer Children’s Museum encourages children to play with purpose while exploring science, art, health, and more. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Museum has been committed to being an educational, cultural, and accessible resource for families across Central Florida.
