Kids' Valentine's Dance Adds to the Fun at Glazer

Feb 3rd 2011 12:00PM / by Nanette Wiser

Make believe is now officially open in downtown Tampa. The Glazer Children's Museum features 170 interactive exhibits in 12 themed areas that teach children how things work while having fun.

They can learn how the Port of Tampa works, diagnose stuffed animals as a wannabe vet, race a clock to assemble a tooth puzzle as a dentist, or suit up to fight invisible flames in the Fire House. In Art Smart, tykes can color with paint, create sculpture with pool noodles, and even make a kaleidoscope.

In addition to all the interactive fun, you can take refuge in the Tiny Bites Cafe and enjoy salads, sandwiches and wraps. You can have your tyke's birthday party here, and on Feb. 13, your little sweethearts can enjoy a Valentine's dance.

Climb up and down nets in the 35-foot Water's Journey, stage a newscast, dig for pirate treasure, shop Publix, dance or make paper airplanes or race animals in "Get Moving." Hands on, high tech is the catch of the day, and the kid-size exhibits are an amazing addition to downtown Tampa's must-see spots adjacent to the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The museum spans 55,000 square feet and plans to host camps on site this summer. On the first Tuesday of every month from 4pm to 8pm, museum admission is free. Other museum highlights include:

Airplane Travel: A replica of a 1900s biplane that allows children to become pilots! Did you know Tampa Bay was the site of the first ever commercial passenger airplane flight? Made in 1914 by Tony Jannus, the flight took the Mayor of St. Petersburg to Tampa in just 23 minutes. Until this point, travel between the two cities took many hours. Airplane gives kids the experience of swooping over our own Tampa Bay much the way Tony Jannus did! Nearby aeronautical models and murals help highlight historic aviation.
Cruise Ship: This exhibit features a large make-believe cruise ship for children to become captains, sailors and explorers. Pick your destination and pilot the ship -- and all its passengers -- safely to your chosen destination. Peek underwater through a special periscope. Explore your own private island where young explorers can find mounds of buried treasure!
Outback Steakhouse Cafe: Kids can be a chef, a server or a customer in an Outback Steakhouse Cafe . Make a sandwich or a pizza, ring up the order, or just sit back and enjoy a meal with a great view! (Don't forget to tip the server!)
Hospital: Take a look inside the body in the hospital. Can you identify the sounds the body makes? Or put the teeth back in the right order? How does it all work together?
1110 W. Gasparilla Plaza, downtown; 813-443-3861