Museum of Florida History
About
The Museum of Florida History offers an exciting journey through the Sunshine State's past with interactive exhibits that bring history to life for young learners. Kids can explore authentic artifacts, engage with hands-on displays about Native American culture, and discover fascinating stories from Florida's diverse heritage in this highly-rated downtown Tallahassee treasure.
Highlights
- ✓Interactive Native American cultural exhibits with authentic artifacts
- ✓Hands-on activities that let kids touch and explore historical items
- ✓Replica mastodon skeleton that captivates young dinosaur enthusiasts
- ✓Engaging displays about Spanish conquistadors and early Florida settlements
- ✓Rotating exhibits featuring different aspects of Florida's diverse history
Pro Tips
- 1.Visit on weekday mornings for the quietest experience, as school groups often arrive after 10am
- 2.Admission is FREE, making this an excellent budget-friendly activity for families
- 3.Stop by the Florida State Capitol building next door for panoramic views from the 22nd floor observation deck
- 4.The museum gift shop has excellent educational toys and books about Florida history at reasonable prices
- 5.Parking is available in nearby state garages; the Kleman Plaza Garage offers convenient access
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings between 9-10am offer the calmest experience before school groups arrive. Avoid Tuesday through Thursday late mornings when educational tours are most common. Summers and school breaks can be busier, so arriving right at opening is ideal.
What to Know
Admission is completely FREE for all visitors. Street and garage parking is available nearby for a fee. The museum doesn't have a café, so plan for nearby lunch options, and the facility is fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays). The museum is an ideal rainy-day activity during Florida's summer thunderstorm season. Check their website for special holiday programming and themed events throughout the year.
Nearby Eats
The Egg Café & Eatery (3 blocks away) serves breakfast and lunch with kid favorites like pancakes and grilled cheese. For casual dining, try Gaines Street Pies for kid-friendly pizzas in a relaxed atmosphere about a mile from the museum.
More Activities Near Tallahassee
Tallahassee Museum
The Tallahassee Museum offers an immersive outdoor experience where kids can explore 52 acres of authentic historic buildings, walk scenic nature trails, and get up close with native Florida wildlife including black bears, red wolves, and Florida panthers. This unique combination of living history and natural habitats makes learning about Old Florida feel like an adventure rather than a typical museum visit.
Florida Historic Capitol Museum
Step back in time at this stunning 1902 Capitol building where Florida's government history comes alive through interactive exhibits designed with young learners in mind. The beautifully restored rooms, engaging theatrical presentations, and hands-on displays make civics lessons fun and memorable for the whole family.
Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee
The Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee transforms kids into astronauts and mission control specialists through immersive space simulations that make STEM learning an adventure. With a state-of-the-art planetarium, hands-on exhibits, and authentic mission scenarios where children work together to solve real problems, this interactive science center sparks curiosity about space exploration in ways textbooks never could.
TooJay's Grill
TooJay's Grill offers a welcoming escape for Tallahassee families looking for stress-free dining with kids in tow. The casual atmosphere and comfortable booth seating make it easy to settle in with little ones, while the diverse menu ensures even picky eaters will find something they love. Parents appreciate the relaxed vibe that doesn't require kids to be perfectly quiet, making mealtime actually enjoyable for everyone.