A hands-on children's museum in St. Petersburg with sensory backpacks to borrow, a cool down room near Admissions, and Great Connections, a free monthly morning for families of kids with disabilities when the museum closes to the general public.
Sensory supports. Sensory backpacks, cool down room, free monthly morning.
Hours
Monday to Saturday, 10:30 am to 4 pm; Sunday, 12 to 4 pm. Closed Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
“Great Explorations has sensory backpacks available for check out at the Guest Services desk.”
“I can use the cool down room in the front area near Admissions if I need a break.”
“Great Connections is an exclusive monthly program tailored for children with special needs and their families.” greatex.org
Great Connections is free and typically on the second Sunday of the month, 9 am to noon. During it the museum closes to the general public, and there is a dedicated cool down room for a quiet break. It has a maximum capacity of 100 guests. The museum describes it with fewer crowds, dimmed overhead lighting and soft, calming music, and still encourages families to bring extra sensory support, like noise cancelling headphones or a favorite stuffed animal. For more information, email info@greatex.org.
The museum is listed as Autism Friendly in the CARD Autism Friendly Business Directory, and its staff has attended trainings with CARD. Speak with a staff member about any accommodations or modifications you might need.
Admission is valid for the full day, and you may leave and come back. Free cubbies hold personal items.
No food or drinks in the Gallery; eating and drinking are OK in the lobby. Outside food or drink is on the museum's prohibited items list.
There are two family/all gender restrooms in the Gallery and larger restrooms in the lobby.
Cool down room, in the front area near Admissionsquiet zone
Admission: free for children under 12 months, $15 for kids age 1 to 17, $12 for adults.
Museums for All: show your WIC, SNAP or standard EBT card when you arrive for $3 per person, any day of the week, for up to five family members.
Blue Star Families: free admission all year for the military ID holder and up to five family members, with a valid DD Form 1173 or DD Form 1173-1 ID card at check-in. $1 off admission for military families, teachers, first responders, AAA and senior citizens.
Parking is free. Accessible parking spaces are to the west of the front entrance. Service animals are welcome.
Museum rules: adults (18 and over) must be with a child and children (17 and younger) must be with an adult; all adults stay with their children; no running; shoes, shirts and pants are required (no bathing suits or leotards). Prohibited: outside food or drink, weapons, illegal drugs, alcohol, explosives, tobacco or e-cigarettes, and professional photography equipment.
Questions: (727) 821-8992. Great Connections: info@greatex.org.
