During our stay at Hutchinson Shores Resort + Spa in Hutchinson Island, FL, we were given the opportunity to check out our favorite children’s museum. I’m continuing our “Things to Do in Florida” series with The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast in Jensen Beach, FL.

What do your kids want to be when they grow up? Wouldn’t it be fun to pretend to do those jobs now, as a child? The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast is not just a museum, it’s a place where kids can dress up and pretend to be different things like a mechanic, firefighter, postal worker, veterinarian, dentist, builder, cashier and so much more. It takes imagination to a whole different level and my girls LOVE going there.

The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast is a family-friendly place that features bright, creative and hands on exhibits designed to spark discovery and creative thinking. Like children’s museums throughout the country, the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast, exists to support the very simple, but profound truth, children learn through play and that for the youngest among us, play provides the essential foundation for lifelong learning.

Every section of the museum opens a door to new possibilities.  We’ve been to the museum a few times over the last 5 years and each time, my girls find something new to explore. They love putting on the appropriate uniform for each area and explore what it means to be in each environment. I love watching them instantly transform into character.

Spanish Galleon

When you first walk in the doors of The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast, you can’t miss the 16th Century Spanish Galleon. Upstairs, children are able to load and fire cannons while keeping the ship safe from enemies. The cannons shoot plastic balls down to the people below and my daughters can’t get enough. With Daddy down below collecting the balls, my girls can stay there for hours. On the ground floor, you’ll find the Captains Quarters, full of little games, fun facts and a hammock that all three of my girls are obsessed with. I had to pull out the pictures from our first trip in 2013. While the hammock has gotten an upgrade, not much else has changed. It’s the little things that bring the most joy to my girls.

Fire Truck and Car Care Center

Another favorite is the 1923 Fire Truck. Kids can let their imagination fly as they pretend to be firefighters. They can try on real bunker gear and imagine driving to a call. Even Daddy loves to get in on the fun every time we go. I think a part of him has always wanted to be a firefighter.

One of Falynn’s favorites  at The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast was the car care center, sponsored by Auto Nation. Children can imagine themselves as a racecar driver or a skilled mechanic. They can change a tire, check underneath the chassis, or trade in an old muffler. They will have the opportunity to role play and use hands-on tools as they pretend to check the oil, top off the fluids and test the engine.

The Mail Stop and Interactive Train

The mail stop gives kids a place to sort and deliver mail. Considering how much they love to check the mail at our house, it didn’t surprise me that they wanted to spend some extra time there.

Falynn also spent a good amount of time at the interactive train exhibit. You don’t just watch the train, you can push buttons and bring the entire set to life by turning on lights, making the little people move and so much more.

The Vet Clinic and Town Wellness Center

If your children love playing doctor, there are two exhibits at The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast that are perfect for them.

The Vet Clinic, sponsored by the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, allows children to play the role of veterinarian. Just like a real veterinarian, children can wear a lab coat while examining (stuffed) animals,  view x-rays and apply bandages.

In the Town Wellness Center children can learn about their body systems enjoying interactive activities involving a healthy heart, digestion and the digestive system sounds, the skeletal system as they ride bike and see how their skeletal system moves, and a test for your brain. There is a life sized Operation game where you can try to remove parts without being buzzed. And yes, it’s equally as fun for the adults. You can also pretend to be a dentist or a patient at the dentist, or simply test your eyes as you try to locate certain items in the classic I-spy game.

Our Town Market

If I had to pick my personal favorite, it would have to be Our Town Market, sponsored by Publix. Children can pretend that they are shopping for produce, dairy, meats and dry-goods. The mini-Publix comes complete with shopping carts and checkout station. They also have the opportunity to work in the market as a cashier. The best part? The cash registers actually work! My girls had too much fun scanning each item and collecting imaginary money from their customers. My first job was at Publix as a bagger and it brings back so many memories each time we visit.

Interactive Garden and Learning Landscape

Once you’ve checked out everything inside, you can head outdoors to The Children’s Interactive Garden and Learning Landscape which includes a Pizza Garden, Butterfly Garden, giant vegetable play structures, musical instruments and more. Though it was raining when we visited this last time, it didn’t stop my girls from having a blast and getting a little wet.

If you’re in the Jensen Beach area, we highly recommend The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast! It’s a great way to spend an afternoon learning and pretending!

Do you have a favorite local children’s museum? Comment below and let us know!

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