Welcome, dear readers, to a world of exploration, fun, and learning at the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples. This is a must-visit destination for families with children in the Naples area. Feel free to take a stroll through this child-friendly museum’s various exhibits including the tots area, the giant maze, the Everglades, and the water play zone among others. It’s a place where children can learn new things, express themselves creatively and experience exciting adventures all at the same time. Join us, as we explore the ins and outs of this interactive museum and all of the fun it has to offer.
The Fascinating Story of Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) is an interactive museum that offers children and families an educational and entertaining experience, all in one location. The museum is a product of a great vision and inspiration of the minds behind the project. The museum has an engaging collection of exhibits that have been thoughtfully designed to educate kids using fun and playful ways. It is evident from the moment you step into the museum that every aspect was created with the kids in mind.
From Concept to Creation
The notion of creating a museum for children’s edification was first considered in 2003 by a group of like-minded people in Naples, Florida, who were keen to provide young children, specifically those aged between infancy and ten years of age, with a unique educational experience. The group realized that there were limited options for children’s museums in Southwest Florida, and this was the driving force behind creating one.
The group put together a committee to oversee the project, and they did extensive research on the subject. They visited various museums to get ideas for their own museum, and ultimately, they decided to build a museum where children could have a hands-on experience while exploring their surroundings. Thanks to the generous donation from Tom Golisano, a member of the committee and the chairman of Paychex Inc., the museum began taking shape in 2005.
A Museum for Kids, by Kids
One of the unique features of Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is that it was founded not just for kids but also by kids. The museum was designed by a group of children who contributed their imaginative ideas for the exhibits and activities. This approach gave the museum a distinct character and made it feel much more personal. Each exhibit was created with the children’s inspiration in mind to ensure that the museum is an engaging and welcoming space.
Unlike traditional museums, visitors will not find collections of items on display. Instead, the museum is full of interactive exhibits that are intended to encourage children to explore, discover and have fun while learning about art and science. The exhibits include interesting elements such as a construction site where kids can operate a crane and diggers as well as an interactive puppet theatre where kids can perform shows using a range of puppets.
Opening Day and Beyond
The museum opened its doors on February 2, 2012, to rave reviews and a packed house. It was an instant success and quickly became one of the most popular destinations in Naples for families with young children. Within a year of its opening, CMON had welcomed more than 100,000 visitors.
The museum continues to grow in popularity, and it is a testament to its organizers for creating an oasis of learning and imagination. They have provided a space that is both fun and educational and will continue to entertain and educate generations of children for many years to come.
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is a must-visit for families looking for an engaging, interactive, and educational experience. Whether you’re a resident or a tourist in Naples, Florida, a trip to the museum is an excellent way to spend a day with your family.
Explore Science, Art, and Math at Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
Located in sunny Naples, Florida, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is a favorite among both children and adults. The museum offers a wide range of interactive exhibits and activities that cater to children’s interests in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Here’s a closer look at what you can expect during your visit to this exciting museum.
Exhibit Highlights
The exhibits at the museum are thoughtfully curated to engage and entertain children of all ages. From crawling infants to curious teens, visitors can explore a broad range of STEAM-themed exhibits, including:
- The Build It! exhibit, where children can use their imagination and creativity to design and build unique structures using foam blocks, magnetic shapes, and other building materials.
- The Do It Yourself exhibit inspires children to solve problems and explore their creativity through pop-up maker stations. These stations allow kids to experiment with materials, tools, and techniques as they create their unique projects.
- The DinoDig exhibit is ideal for little children who love dinosaurs. They can excavate for dinosaur bones in a fun and interactive sandbox, or explore the interactive exhibits that demonstrate the science of paleontology and dinosaurs.
Aside from these exhibits, the museum also has an outdoor playground and garden wherein families can get some fresh air and engage in various activities. The various exhibits in the museum are perfect for exploring the curiosity of children and building their intellectual capacity in a fun and interactive way.
Activities and Events
Besides the immersive indoor exhibits, the museum offers several daily activities and special events that cater to the whole family. Every day, the museum hosts storytime sessions where children can hear engaging tales that foster their interest in reading and storytelling. They can join science experiments, art classes, and other fun activities where they can express their creativity and learn new things.
The museum also offers special events and camps, such as Spring Break camps, Summer camps, and Winter break camps during school holidays, where children can experience hands-on learning in a fun and safe environment. The camps are available in different themes, ranging from science, art, and nature to cooking and theatre.
Planning Your Visit
Before heading to the museum, visitors should take note of the admission prices, hours of operation, and other essential details to ensure they have a great experience. The museum is open every day of the week, except on major holidays. Admission prices are affordable and include access to all exhibits and events.
Moreover, the museum offers memberships for frequent visitors, which provides exclusive discounts and other perks. The museum’s website provides more information about the admission prices, hours of operation, and how to purchase a membership. Additionally, the museum is handicapped accessible, and there is ample parking for visitors.
Final Thoughts
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples provides an excellent way for children to explore and learn about science, technology, engineering, art, and math in a fun and interactive way. With its broad range of exhibits and activities, the museum offers something for everyone in the family. So, if you are planning a trip to Naples, make it a point to visit the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples for a unique STEAM experience that your children will cherish for a lifetime.
Volunteering and Donating to Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is a non-profit organization that provides a fun and interactive environment for children to learn and grow. While the museum relies on revenue from admissions, it is the generosity of the community that allows it to offer quality programs and exhibits. There are two ways that individuals can contribute to the museum’s success: volunteering and donating.
Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteering at the museum can be a rewarding experience for those passionate about education and childhood development. Volunteers are essential to the day-to-day operations of the museum and have opportunities to help with various tasks such as leading tours, assisting with exhibits, and running events. Volunteering at the Golisano Children’s Museum is a great way to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the lives of children.
There are several types of volunteer opportunities available at the museum, including long-term commitments and one-time projects. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old, attend a training session, and complete a background check before they can start. Once they are cleared, they will be assigned to a job based on their skills and interests.
Some of the benefits of volunteering at the Golisano Children’s Museum include gaining new skills, making new friends, and making a difference in the lives of children. Volunteers who complete a minimum of 100 hours in a year are eligible for some extra perks such as discounts at the museum gift shop and yearly appreciation events.
Donating to the Museum
As a non-profit organization, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples relies heavily on the support of the community to keep its doors open and its exhibits fresh and exciting. There are several ways that individuals and businesses can donate to the museum, including monetary gifts, sponsorships, and program partnerships.
One of the easiest ways to donate is to contribute a monetary gift. Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and go towards funding educational programs and special exhibits. Individuals can also become members of the museum by paying annual dues, which not only shows support but also comes with some fantastic benefits such as unlimited museum visits and discounted ticket rates for friends and family.
Sponsorships are another great way to support the museum and gain exposure for your business. Businesses can choose from several sponsorship levels, each with their own set of benefits such as signage at the museum, invitations to special events, and recognition in museum materials.
Program partnerships are also available for businesses looking to support a specific program or exhibit. The museum partners with local businesses to offer special events, hands-on activities, and in-museum promotions. This is a great way to give back to the community while also gaining exposure for your business.
The Impact of Your Support
By volunteering or donating to the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, you are helping to promote childhood learning, creativity, and critical thinking skills. The museum’s exhibits and programs are designed to engage children in hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity and exploration.
Your support helps provide educational opportunities for children in the Naples community, ensuring that they have access to quality programs and exhibits even if they cannot afford to pay admission. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of children and help inspire a lifelong love of learning.
In conclusion, volunteering or donating to the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is a great way to give back to the community while supporting childhood education and development. Whether you choose to give your time, talent, or financial resources, your support is essential to the success of the museum. So why not get involved today and make a positive impact on the lives of children in Naples?
Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples: A Great Place for Field Trips
If you are a teacher, homeschooler, or work with children in any capacity, you know that field trips are an essential part of a child’s education. They offer a chance for children to learn outside the classroom and make connections between what they are learning and the world around them. The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is a perfect destination for a field trip as it offers children the opportunity to learn through play and exploration.
The Benefits of Field Trips
Field trips can be a fantastic way to bring learning to life. In a classroom, children learn through books and lectures. But on a field trip, they can see, touch, and experience what they have learned. This hands-on experience helps make learning more memorable and relevant.
Children who go on field trips are also exposed to different environments and experiences, which can broaden their horizons and expand their perspective. For some children, it may be their first time leaving their hometown or visiting a museum, and these experiences can be life-changing.
The Museum’s Education Programs
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples offers a wide variety of educational programs for school groups, homeschoolers, and other organizations. These programs can be customized to fit the needs of the group and can include curriculum-based activities. The museum’s educators are experienced in working with children of all ages and backgrounds to make sure they have a fun and educational experience.
One popular program is the “STEAM Tour,” which focuses on science, technology, engineering, art, and math. During this tour, children can participate in hands-on activities that promote problem-solving skills and creativity. Other programs include “Storybook Adventures” and “Fitness Fun,” which incorporate literary and physical activities, respectively.
Planning a Field Trip to the Museum
Before planning a field trip to the museum, it’s important to know the admission rates, program options, and scheduling. The museum offers a variety of admission rates, including discounts for school groups and homeschoolers. It’s also important to book in advance to ensure availability.
The museum also offers pre-visit materials and follow-up resources to help make the field trip more impactful. These materials can help children prepare for their visit to the museum and continue their learning after the trip has ended. The museum’s website provides additional resources, including lesson plans and activities, for educators looking to incorporate the museum’s content into their classroom curriculum.
Conclusion
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is a fantastic destination for field trips. It offers children the opportunity to learn through play and exploration in a safe and educational environment. Field trips can be a powerful learning tool, and the museum’s educational programs and resources make it easy for educators to plan a fun and educational experience for their students.