New Winter Garden children’s museum moves closer to reality
The I AM Children’s Museum, a $40 million project in Winter Garden, is set to offer hands-on learning experiences for families, with an opening planned for 2030.
WINTER GARDEN, Fla. —
A new children’s museum in Winter Garden is one step closer to becoming a reality, promising hands-on learning and play for Central Florida families.
The I AM Children’s Museum will offer 35,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor activities designed for kids and families.
The plans include hands-on art and maker spaces, a child-sized community, covered outdoor exhibits and nearly two miles of interactive Discovery Trails—all created with accessibility in mind.
The museum is projected to welcome about 250,000 visitors each year and bring an estimated $45 million in economic activity to the community.
Sara Meyer, the founder of nonprofit 8 Waves, which is behind the project, joined WESH 2 to share how the museum aligns with the nonprofit’s mission to support local students who face barriers.
The $40 million project is now in the final recommendation stage, with a request for $20 million in tourism tax funding.
However, no funding has been awarded yet.
The Orange County Commission will make the final decision.
Groundbreaking is anticipated in 2027, with the museum set to open by 2030.