Unlike other areas of the US, the southeast isn’t “known” for its museums, especially not for children. However, Sarah, our Twins Traveling Mom, has discovered just how great these southeastern children’s museums can be. If you want to experience friendly, educational atmospheres for yourself and your children, then you need to make plans to head south this year. Although not as famous as their northern counterparts, the south boasts some excellent, educational museums. Sarah has got our roundup of some of the best children’s museums southeast.

Best Children’s Museums Southeast

Most folks don’t travel to the southern US specifically for the museums. But they should! I caution you not to miss these unique experiences we have to offer just because you didn’t know about them.

Hands-on learning opportunities abound in every state. You just have to know where to look. I asked a few of my fellow southern-based Traveling Moms to help me come up with some of the best children’s museums in southeast. Boy, did they deliver! These gems can be found from Arkansas to North Carolina to Florida and everywhere in between. These are the best children’s museums in the southeast.

Arkansas

First on our list is Arkansas. Heidi, Big Family Traveling Mom, says the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville is a great place for children of all ages to enjoy. “Scott Family Amazeum offers endless opportunities for kids of all ages to learn through play, by tinkering, crafting, constructing, designing, climbing, and splashing,” she says.

Alabama

A museum I want to share just so happens to be from my home state. My fellow Alabamians would be aghast if I failed to mention the McWane Science Center in Birmingham. From Itty Bitty Magic City to the Dino Discovery dig to the traveling exhibits like “The Magic of Model Trains” and “Body Worlds RX,” there is something for every age group to engage with.

Florida

In Florida, Taty, our Cross Cultural Mom, spends her time in the Miami Children’s Museum. “I love it because it is a great way to introduce the concept of museum to the kids, and they get a chance to explore an art gallery like exhibit as well as educational hands on activities,” she says.

Fabulously Frugal Mom, Hannah, appreciates the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples and the Imaginarium in Fort Myers. Additionally, it was difficult to get her toddler to leave the Children’s Museum without a tantrum, so you know it’s gotta be a good one!

Lastly, Tampa is home to the Glazer Children’s Museum. Britini, Toddler Traveling Mom, has been with her family and says that it is big and fun!

Georgia

After Florida, we head to Georgia. Inquisitive Traveling Mom Amy says, “The Children’s Museum… utilizes every single nook and cranny, every perfect architectural touch, to carve out spots for the most low-tech childhood fun.” Amy’s other suggestions include the Georgia State Railroad Museum, Savannah History Museum, and the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

Anuja, our Cosmopolitan with Kids Traveling Mom, loves the Children’s Museum of Atlanta. She says, “Children’s museums have become our haven on our travels with our kids. You can always count on areas to be baby-proofed where they can run about and explore to their heart’s’ content while the parents catch a break.”

North Carolina

Hopping across state lines, we come to North Carolina. Charlotte boasts Discovery Place, an interactive experience focusing on STEM topics. Leslie, our Frequent Flyer Traveling Mom, has visited with her family and her sister’s family. She says it’s an enjoyable, immersive experience.

Deb, Traveling Mom with Daughters, has visited the Wilmington Children’s Museum. She had this to say about it, “From viewing all kinds of fish, touching stingrays and sharks and measuring their hands against a giant shark tooth – to exploring miniature railroad models with a game of ‘seek-and-find’ and ringing the bell on an actual locomotive… My girls had an absolute blast.”

South Carolina

South Carolina is the next state on our list. Recently on a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, I searched for places to suit both of my girls because they are so vastly different.  One of my twins was fascinated by the exhibits in The Charleston Museum. The other twin appreciated the freedom to roam in the Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.

Tennessee

Noteworthy in Tennessee are Chattanooga’s Creative Discovery Museum and Memphis’s Children’s Museum. My family has visited the one in Memphis most recently, and we could have spent our entire day there. From the “real” FedEx delivery plane to the mock Publix grocery store to the expansive outdoor playground, the Children’s Museum of Memphis is well worth your time.

While not comprehensive, this list is certainly enough to get you started. Check out this great article for more tips on getting the most out of these museum visits! Which children’s museum do you want to visit first?