I AM Children’s Museum Is Coming to Winter Garden: A New Destination for Central Florida Families

A major new family destination is taking shape in Winter Garden. The I AM Children’s Museum is planned for East Plant Street near Downtown Winter Garden, bringing hands-on learning, creative arts, literacy, outdoor exploration, and play together in a new cultural destination for children and families.

The project is being developed as Orange County’s first dedicated children’s museum and is planned for a 2.57-acre site at 971 E. Plant Street. Current plans envision approximately 35,000 square feet of experiences across the campus, with indoor museum space, outdoor educational areas, a historic home serving as a welcome center, and more than two miles of Discovery Trails connecting directly to the West Orange Trail.

More Than an Indoor Museum

One of the things that makes the I AM Children’s Museum especially interesting is its combination of indoor and outdoor experiences.

Current plans include approximately 20,000 square feet of indoor museum experiences and 12,000 square feet dedicated to outdoor eco-educational experiences. Children will be encouraged to create, build, explore, solve problems, experience real-world roles, and learn through imaginative play.

Outside, plans envision nature-based discovery, water play, climbing areas and trails, extending the museum experience beyond the building itself.

A Natural Addition to Winter Garden

The location is particularly exciting. The future museum will sit on East Plant Street, close to Downtown Winter Garden and directly connected to the West Orange Trail.

For families who already enjoy spending time along Plant Street, visiting the farmers market, riding the trail, dining downtown or attending community events, the museum could add another meaningful reason to spend the day in Winter Garden.

The project also incorporates a historic home into the campus as its welcome center, connecting a new family destination with the character and history that make Winter Garden distinctive.

The Project Recently Reached an Important Milestone

The museum continues to move through planning and funding stages. In August 2026, Orange County’s Tourist Development Tax Citizen Advisory Task Force voted to advance the project for further consideration. The nonprofit behind the museum has requested up to $25 million in Tourist Development Tax funding toward the larger project.

It is an important step, but the project is still developing. Designs, timelines and individual elements may continue to evolve as planning, permitting, fundraising and construction move forward.

What This Means for Winter Garden

As someone who lives and works in Central Florida real estate, I love seeing Winter Garden continue to grow while investing in amenities that serve families and the community.

The I AM Children’s Museum is particularly meaningful because it complements so much of what already makes Winter Garden special: a walkable downtown, the West Orange Trail, community events, local businesses and a strong sense of place.

Projects like this also illustrate how Winter Garden continues to evolve beyond simply adding new homes. The city is attracting new cultural, educational, hospitality and recreational destinations while maintaining the identity that has made it one of Central Florida’s most recognizable communities.

Living in Winter Garden, Florida

For homebuyers considering Winter Garden, the area offers a wide variety of neighborhoods, from homes near historic Downtown Winter Garden to newer communities, luxury properties and established residential areas throughout West Orange County.

Thinking about making Winter Garden home? Explore my Winter Garden real estate guide and current homes for sale, or contact me for help finding the neighborhood and property that best fit your lifestyle.