Pensacola Children's Museum: A World of Discovery
Explore Pensacola's past through play at this interactive children's museum, offering hands-on exhibits and historical fun for the whole family.
Step into a world of imagination and learning at the Pensacola Children's Museum, where kids can explore over 450 years of Pensacola history through interactive play. Housed in the historic Arbona building in downtown Pensacola, the museum offers two floors of engaging exhibits designed to spark curiosity and creativity. The first floor, known as the Discovery Gallery, recreates colonial life in Pensacola, allowing children to step back in time and experience what life was like in a bygone era. Kids can visit the Panton Trading Post, explore a Native American village, or even sail away on the Galveston. A special Kiddie Corral is reserved for the museum's youngest visitors, ensuring a safe and stimulating environment for toddlers. The second floor delves into Pensacola's diverse history, with exhibits focusing on military, maritime, industrial, multicultural, Native American, and Civil War themes. Children can explore a Publix SuperMarket exhibit, a Colonial Classroom, and the Strickly Briks Makerspace, offering a wide range of learning experiences. The Pensacola Children's Museum is committed to providing a safe and accessible space for all visitors. The museum's exhibits are designed to be inclusive, and staff are available to assist visitors with any special needs. Starting in August 2025, the museum will begin renovations on the first-floor gallery to transform it into "Our Town". The museum will be closed during renovations and will feature new exhibits when it reopens, including a toddler spot, diner, train station, construction house, mural, and fishing smack.
Local tips
- Check the museum's website for updated programming and special events to enhance your visit.
- The museum is geared towards children ages 8 and under, but older children can still enjoy the second-floor exhibits.
- Consider visiting on a Sunday for discounted rates.
- The museum is part of Historic Pensacola, so consider a unified ticket for access to other nearby museums and attractions.
A brief summary to Pensacola Children's Museum
- 115 Zaragoza St, Pensacola, Downtown, Florida, 32502, US
- +1850-595-1559
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
Getting There
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Walking
From Palafox Street, a main thoroughfare in downtown Pensacola, walk north towards Zaragoza Street. Turn left onto Zaragoza Street and continue for about 0.5 miles. The Pensacola Children's Museum will be on your right at 115 Zaragoza St. There are sidewalks along the route.
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Public Transport
From Pensacola Beach, take ECAT Route 64 towards Downtown Pensacola. Transfer to Route 57 towards the Pensacola Transit Center at the Palafox St and Garden St stop. Get off at the stop on Palafox St at Government St. Walk north on Palafox St and turn left onto Zaragoza St. Continue walking for about 0.5 miles, and you will find the Pensacola Children's Museum at 115 Zaragoza St on your right. A single ECAT fare is $1.75.
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Driving
From I-110, take Exit 1C for Garden Street. Turn left onto Tarragona Street. Follow Tarragona Street south to Church Street and turn right. Continue to Zaragoza Street and turn left. The Pensacola Children's Museum will be on the right. Parking: City-owned lots: Free for the first 30 minutes, then $1 per hour. Paid parking is enforced Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 11:59 PM. Free on Sundays and national holidays. Payment can be made at kiosks with cash or credit card, or via the ParkMobile app (with a $0.25 fee). Private lots: Rates start at $2 per hour and can rise during high-demand times or events.