Glazer Children's Museum

What Glazer Children's Museum does

Glazer Children's Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization operating a 35,000-square-foot interactive children's museum at 110 W. Gasparilla Plaza along the Tampa Riverwalk in downtown Tampa, Florida. The facility, originally established as Safety Village in 1965 and rebranded upon its 2010 downtown opening, houses 19 themed exhibits across three levels anchored by Big John, the World's Largest Triceratops fossil from the Pagidipati Family Collection, plus water-play, healthcare role-play, grocery, firehouse, fort-building, and optical-illusion environments. The museum serves families with children from birth through age 12, with explicit programming for the birth-to-5 segment via Learn & Play Tampa Bay community sessions and the Play to Thrive pilot.

Revenue is generated through a diversified mix of consumer and institutional streams: general admission ($24.95 standard / $19.95 Florida resident / $5 Access Pass for EBT/SNAP/WIC holders), eight membership tiers ranging from $125 to $5,000 annually, birthday party packages ($400-$800), Camp Imagination day camps at $350 per child per week, school field trips, corporate and private venue rentals, and donations plus corporate sponsorships across Discovery and Play giving tiers. Distribution extends beyond the physical site through CityPASS Tampa Bay bundling, a four-county library Discovery Pass lending program, Pirate Water Taxi reciprocity, and ACM Reciprocal Network benefits at 140+ children's museums worldwide.

Operating partnerships are extensive, including healthcare relationships (Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital for Sunshine Sunday sensory-friendly programming, BayCare / St. Joseph's Children's Hospital), retail and corporate sponsors (Publix Super Markets Charities, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation, TECO Energy, PNC, Raymond James, Suncoast Credit Union), government funders (City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, Children's Board Hillsborough County), and major philanthropic supporters (Lilly Endowment, Glazer Vision Foundation, Vinik Family Foundation). The museum holds dual autism-accessibility certifications (IBCCES Certified Autism Center and CARD Certified Autism-Friendly Business) and is governed by a board chaired by Grayson Kamm with Sarah Cole as Chief Executive Officer.

Name

Glazer Children's Museum

Legal name

The Children's Museum of Tampa Inc

Website

https://glazermuseum.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Glazer Children's Museum is a Tampa-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a 35,000-square-foot interactive children's museum featuring 19 hands-on exhibits, anchored by Big John (World's Largest Triceratops), serving Tampa Bay families from birth through age 12 through admissions, memberships, camps, and community programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Children's Museum / Educational Entertainment

NAICS

Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Museums (71211), Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation (71)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Children’s Museums (THAJADAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Kids & Family Learning Workshops (Family Crafts, Junior Maker Classes) (THAJAKAO), Kids Party Entertainment (Clowns, Magicians, Characters) (HSACACAG)

Keywords

• Children's museum
• Interactive exhibits
• Play-based learning
• Early childhood education
• Family entertainment

Headquarters

HQ city

Tampa

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. General Admission: Visitors pay for daily admission to access 35,000 square feet of interactive exhibits. Standard pricing at $24.95, with discounted rates for Florida residents ($19.95) and free admission for babies under 1 and members.
2. Memberships: Annual membership tiers ranging from $125 to $5,000 providing unlimited access, guest passes, discounts, and donor benefits. Family memberships at $255/year, with premium donor levels offering tax-deductible contributions.
3. Birthday Parties: Private party room rentals with Play Party ($400-$500) and Play Party Plus ($700-$800) packages. Additional fees for extra guests and optional catering.
4. Camp Programs: Seasonal day camps for grades K-5. Summer camp at $350 per child per week with optional lunch add-on at $65. School break camps at varying daily rates.
5. Venue Rentals: Corporate meetings, nonprofit fundraisers, cocktail parties, and full museum buyouts for private events. Scenic riverfront setting with views of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and downtown Tampa.
6. Donations and Sponsorships: 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by corporate partnerships, individual donors, sponsorships, and gala events. Imagination Gala serves as signature annual fundraising event.
7. Field Trips: School groups pay for chaperoned educational visits connecting curriculum goals to museum exhibits. Title 1 school scholarships available.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Glazer Children's Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating 35,000 square feet of interactive, themed exhibits across three levels in downtown Tampa, offering hands-on play experiences for children and families. Revenue is generated through general admission ($24.95 standard, $19.95 Florida residents, $5 Access Pass for EBT/SNAP/WIC holders), tiered annual memberships ($125-$5,000), birthday party packages, seasonal Camp Imagination programs, school field trips, venue rentals, and signature events such as the Imagination Gala.

Product overview

Glazer Children's Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit children's museum offering a unified hands-on play experience centered around 35,000 square feet of interactive exhibits across three levels. The core product portfolio includes 19 themed exhibits (Big John Triceratops, KidsPort water table, Firehouse, Hospital, Farm, Publix grocery, and more), seasonal Camp Imagination programs, Birthday Party packages, Field Trips, and Community Programs (Learn & Play Tampa Bay, Play to Thrive). The museum generates revenue through general admission tickets, annual Memberships at multiple tiers ($125-$5,000/year), and Venue Rentals for private events. Signature Events like Summer of Play, Pirate Invasion, and Imagination Gala drive seasonal engagement. The museum prioritizes accessibility with Sunshine Sunday sensory-friendly mornings and Access Pass programs for low-income families.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Museum Exhibits 35,000 square feet of interactive exhibits inviting children to splash, climb, build, pretend, create, and discover. Includes 19 themed exhibits such as Big John (World's Largest Triceratops), KidsPort (water table), Water's Journey (climbing structure), Firehouse, Hospital, Farm, Publix grocery store, and more. Targeted at families with children seeking hands-on play experiences.
• Museum Memberships Annual family memberships offering unlimited museum access with various tiers: Individual Membership+ ($125/year), Family Membership+ ($255/year), All-In Family Membership+ ($350/year), and Donor level memberships ($500-$5,000/year) with tax-deductible contributions, ACM Reciprocal Network access, discounts on camps and birthdays, and perks.
• Camp Imagination Year-round camp program for children in grades K-5 offering themed weeks with hands-on learning, STEM challenges, arts exploration, and movement-based play during summer, fall, winter, spring, and school break periods. Summer camp at $350 per child per week.
• Birthday Parties Full-day play party packages including private party room rental, full museum access, digital invitations, and birthday shirt for the child. Options include Play Party ($400-$500 for 5-30 guests) and Play Party Plus ($700-$800 for 30-45 guests). Targeted at families hosting children's birthday celebrations.
• Field Trips School-year, summer, and digital field trip options connecting curriculum goals to hands-on exhibits for hands-on learning experiences aligned with educational standards. Targeted at Pre-K through 5th grade school groups. Title 1 school scholarships available.
• Digital Field Trips (GCM Cl@ssroom) Remote learning program bringing Glazer Children's Museum educational experiences directly into classrooms via digital format when in-person visits are not possible. Targeted at schools and classrooms nationwide.
• Learn & Play Tampa Bay Free community-based play program bringing joyful learning to neighborhoods across Tampa Bay for children from birth to age 5 and their caregivers, featuring bilingual sessions with songs, stories, movement, and discovery. Hosted at 7 Children's Board Family Resource Centers throughout Hillsborough County.
• Play to Thrive Pilot play-based program supporting babies and their caregivers during early development, using play to nurture foundational character skills like love, wonder, resilience, and sense of self.
• Signature Events Seasonal celebrations including Pirate Invasion (January), Spring Into Art (February-May), Summer of Play (May-July), Toddler Takeover (August-September), Spooky Science (October), Gingerbread Village (November-December), Downtown Countdown (December), Birthday Bash, and Imagination Gala (signature annual fundraising event).
• Venue Rentals Private event venue rental offering light-filled lobby, flexible classrooms, immersive exhibit spaces, and outdoor terrace with views of Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and downtown Tampa skyline for corporate events, fundraisers, cocktail parties, and full museum buyouts.
• Sunshine Sunday Monthly sensory-friendly experience for children with sensory sensitivities and their families, featuring reduced lights and sounds, additional supports, and a calmer environment. Presented by Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital.
• Access Pass Reduced-cost admission program offering $5 admission per person for up to four guests with valid EBT, SNAP, or WIC benefits for Florida residents. Valid for 12 months.

Quantifiable outcome

• 50% off admission at 140+ children's museums through ACM Reciprocal Network
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature4 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• Johns Hopkins All Children's HospitalmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare partner presenting Sunshine Sunday sensory-friendly events for families of children with sensory sensitivities. Supports neurodiversity-affirming programming and accessibility initiatives.
• Glazer Vision FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFounding partner and primary supporter. Sponsors the Let's See! exhibit which features optical illusions and vision science experiences. Deep connection to museum naming.
• Publix Super Markets CharitiesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsors the Publix grocery exhibit featuring realistic grocery shopping experiences. Major charitable supporter across Discovery tier of giving.
• BayCare Health System / St. Joseph's Children's HospitalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsors the Hospital exhibit where children explore healthcare through role-play with ambulance, Skelevision, and CT scanner experiences.
• Tampa Bay WatercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSponsors the Water's Journey exhibit featuring a two-story netted climber representing the water cycle, complementing KidsPort water table.
• Glazer Vision FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresents the Let's See! exhibit featuring optical illusions, funhouse mirrors, and vision science interactives.
• Dairy JoyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal ice cream business sponsoring the Ice Cream Parlor exhibit featuring pretend ice cream scooping and customer service role-play.
• MosaicminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate sponsor of Big John Triceratops exhibit, the World's Largest Triceratops fossil on display.
• RIPA & Associates and LaFace FamilycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresenting sponsor of Big John exhibit collection from Pagidipati Family Collection. Major donor in Play tier of support.
• Ball Corp.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorporate sponsor of Earth Day Celebration event and environmental programming. Discovery tier supporter.
• University of TampacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational institution partner creating memory-matching game for Discovery Den exhibit. Discovery tier supporter with ongoing relationship.
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNFL team foundation supporting museum in Discovery tier of giving. Connects sports community engagement to museum mission.
• PNC BankminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial institution partner in Discovery tier of giving. Supports museum operations and access programs.
• Raymond James FinancialminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial services firm supporting museum in Discovery tier. Aligns brand with trusted community institution.
• Suncoast Credit UnionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCredit union partner in Discovery tier supporting community access initiatives and museum programs.
• City of TampacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMunicipal government partner providing operational support. Connection to downtown district and Tampa Riverwalk.
• Hillsborough CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCounty government providing operational funding and support for community programs.
• Children's Board Hillsborough CountymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary funder of Learn & Play Tampa Bay community program bringing play sessions to Family Resource Centers countywide. Play tier supporter.
• Pirate Water TaximinorGTM or Marketing PartnerTransportation partner offering reciprocal $2 off discounts for museum members and $2 off adult admission for Water Taxi annual pass holders.
• Visit Tampa BaycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial tourism marketing organization promoting Tampa Bay attractions including museum. Discovery tier supporter.
• Primrose SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEarly education partner connecting school-age care programs to museum experiences.
• TECO EnergyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUtility company supporting museum in Discovery tier of giving.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Please Touch Museum: Philadelphia-based children's museum operating interactive exhibits, birthday party packages, and membership tiers for families — directly comparable in product offering, pricing structure, and community-focused nonprofit model.
• Port Discovery Children's Museum: Baltimore children's museum with three floors of interactive exhibits, memberships, and community programs — directly comparable in mid-size children's museum operating model and family programming.
• Children's Museum of Indianapolis: The largest children's museum in the world and a direct peer operating hands-on educational exhibits, membership programs, and signature events for families with children — comparable in mission, business model, and target audience.
• Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose: Silicon Valley-area children's museum with 30,000+ square feet of interactive exhibits, memberships, and community outreach — comparable in physical footprint scale and exhibit-driven programming.
• Madison Children's Museum: Wisconsin-based children's museum emphasizing hands-on exhibits and community programming — comparable in mid-size nonprofit museum operations and play-based learning mission.
• Boston Children's Museum: Long-established children's museum with hands-on exhibits, school programs, and membership tiers serving families in a major U.S. metro — comparable in exhibit-based play model and tiered membership revenue.
• The Strong National Museum of Play: Rochester, NY museum dedicated to play with interactive exhibits spanning toys, games, and learning experiences — directly comparable in play-based learning mission and family target audience.
• Children's Museum of Atlanta: Atlanta children's museum with interactive exhibits, birthday party programs, and field trip offerings serving metro families — comparable in scale, exhibit-based model, and nonprofit governance structure.

Broad incumbents

• Cincinnati Children's Museum (Cincinnati Museum Center): Larger multi-disciplinary museum complex including children's programming — comparable audience but broader scope and larger scale than a dedicated children's museum.

Regional players

• Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI Tampa): Tampa Bay-area science museum serving families with children — regional peer competing for the same local family-outing, field-trip, and birthday-party market in the Tampa metro.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@glazerchildrensmuseum
• Facebookfacebook.com/GlazerChildrensMuseum
• Instagraminstagram.com/glazerchildrensmuseum

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles22 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Glazer Children's Museum