Founded in July 1991 by parent volunteers, the museum moved from its original location into the four-story historic Kress building in 1999.

The Museum has also built an additional building, which serves as the anchor institution of the new Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland.

The lower floor exhibits introduce children to local history and the world through an interactive orange factory and cultural displays.

The second floor features early science interactives, a small children's art gallery, and program/party rooms which host daily programs, field trip workshops, and out-of-school/after-school camps.

Explorations V is a teacher-approved field trip destination for several school districts and attracts home-school families, daycare centers, scouts, teen parent programs, and boys and girls celebrating birthdays.