Building cool forts is my Roman Empire. A new exhibit in the heart of downtown Tampa is offering a joyful, creative outlet. The Glazer Children’s Museum (110 W Gasparilla Plaza) is home to the beloved FORTS exhibit. It’s expanded to a massive 1,100-square-foot space on the second floor—four times bigger than before—giving kids endless room to dream, design, and build their ultimate hideaways.
Replacing a former traveling exhibit area, this new, permanent play zone is all about imagination and creativity. Little builders can construct their own castles, rocket ships, or secret hideouts using:
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- Larger-than-life framework furniture for custom fort-building
- Whimsical hideaways and interactive projection mapping
- Vintage touches like a grandfather clock for a nostalgic, magical vibe
Family-friendly fun with FORTS in Tampa
“Play is at the heart of everything we do, and fort-building is an incredible way to spark creativity,” said Sarah Cole, President & CEO of the museum. “With this expansion, we’re giving children an even bigger space to construct, collaborate, and explore—all through the power of play.”
Building forts isn’t just fun—it helps kids develop key skills like problem-solving, storytelling, and teamwork. Whether they’re creating an enchanted castle or a top-secret spy bunker, kids ages 10 and under can immerse themselves in hands-on, imaginative play.
“There’s nothing quite like the sound of children giggling as they build their own worlds,” Cole added. “That’s learning and creativity at work.”
Sensory-friendly activations at the children’s museum
The new FORTS exhibit is packed with features to engage every child, including:
- Soft textiles and blankets for safe, tactile play
- Bright colors and interactive elements to stimulate young minds
- Cozy book nooks and quiet hideaways for sensory-friendly fun
- Bilingual signage for Spanish-speaking families
Recently ranked among the Top 10 children’s museums in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best, Glazer Children’s Museum continues to lead in play-based learning. The expanded FORTS exhibit cements its reputation as a must-visit for families in Tampa Bay and beyond.
Plan your visit online.
