On the first floor of The Florida Children’s Museum, right behind the lobby and near the main entrance, grows the world of the watermelon. Here, explorers move through the various lifecycle stages of a watermelon. Just as they change and develop, so do the areas of play.

The Watermelon Seeds gallery focuses on the youngest of children playing with us:
ages 0-6. Unlike our current space, which is primarily for ages 2 and up, The Florida Children’s Museum serves as a vessel of learning for ALL children, including newborns.
The exhibit features an area built just for those under the age of 1.

Seed Pod:
Specifically curated for your littlest little ones.

The beginning stage of the watermelon starts with seeds. Where would we find seeds? In the seed pod! This semicircular space houses age-appropriate activities for caregivers to help newborns begin a lifetime of exploration.

Grove:
Sensory Sensation

As seeds begin to germinate, they are settled into a grove. Roots emerge from the seeds and shoots can be seen rising from the earth. The grove is a sensory experience, encouraging toddlers to investigate how things look, feel, and sound.

Sprout:
Refining motor skills

The watermelon plants begin to flower. Once pollinated, they can begin to grow fruit. This is the stage of children preparing for kindergarten. Focusing on fine motor skills, explorers can try their hand at pollination, or wash and transport ripened fruit.

Vine:
Climb the Vine
The plants mature, developing leaves along a vine that will continue to grow until the melon is harvested. Melons grow to full size. Young children can climb their way up and over a vine jungle gym complete with roots.

Enhance Your Experience: 
A nursing room is available in this gallery, although mothers are welcome to feed anywhere they feel comfortable in the Museum. 
This gallery will not be included in field trip tours.