IMAG History & Science Center - Fort Myers, Florida

Introduction to IMAG History & Science Center

The IMAG History & Science Center, located at 2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916, is a premier educational and entertainment destination that combines history, science, and culture in a unique and engaging way. This non-profit museum offers a wide range of interactive exhibits, live animal encounters, and educational programs that cater to both children and adults. Let's delve into the main services, location, featured characteristics, practical information, and positive aspects of this popular attraction.

Main Services

• Interactive Exhibits: Explore over 60 hands-on exhibits that cover a broad range of topics, including physics, biology, anthropology, and more. These exhibits encourage curiosity and learning through play.
• Aquariums & Animal Encounters: Get up close and personal with a variety of marine life and other animals at the aquariums and touch tanks. Meet live rays, turtles, tortoises, and other exotic creatures during scheduled animal encounters.
• Live Science Shows & Demonstrations: Witness awe-inspiring science demonstrations and shows that showcase the wonders of the natural world. These live performances are both educational and entertaining.
• History Museum & Art Gallery: Step back in time and explore the rich history of Southwest Florida through immersive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations. The art gallery features rotating exhibitions from local and regional artists.
• Gift Shop: Browse a wide selection of unique souvenirs, educational toys, and science kits in the museum's gift shop. Find the perfect memento to commemorate your visit.
• Educational Programs & Workshops: The IMAG History & Science Center offers a variety of educational programs, including field trips, camps, and workshops, designed to enhance learning and inspire curiosity.

Location and Access

The museum is situated in the historic River District of Fort Myers, offering easy access to nearby attractions, restaurants, and shopping. It is conveniently located just off US-41 (Cleveland Avenue) and is easily reached from I-75 and the Florida Turnpike.

• Address: 2000 Cranford Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33916
• Phone: 239-243-0043
• Website: theimag.org

The museum has ample free on-site parking, with designated spaces for handicapped visitors. The facility is also wheelchair accessible, featuring a ramped entrance, accessible restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible paths throughout the exhibits. Valet parking is available for a small fee during special events.

Featured Characteristics

• Interactive Learning: The IMAG History & Science Center is designed to be a hands-on, interactive experience that encourages visitors to engage with exhibits and learn through exploration.
• Live Animal Encounters: Unlike traditional aquariums, the museum's animal encounters allow visitors to touch and interact with a variety of marine life and other creatures under the guidance of knowledgeable staff.
• Educational Focus: The museum's mission is to inspire curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning through engaging, interactive experiences that blend history, science, and culture.
• Dynamic Exhibits: The IMAG History & Science Center regularly rotates and updates its exhibits to keep the visitor experience fresh and exciting. Special temporary exhibits and events are also hosted throughout the year.

Practical Information

• Operating Hours: The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM. It is closed on major holidays. Last admission is at 4:30 PM.
• Admission: Admission prices vary depending on age, military status, and group size. Discounted tickets are available for seniors, students, and active military personnel. Children under 3 years old receive free admission.
• Membership: Become a member of the IMAG History & Science Center to enjoy unlimited free admission, exclusive discounts, and other valuable benefits.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors consistently praise the IMAG History & Science Center for its engaging, hands-on exhibits and live animal encounters. Many reviewers appreciate the museum's ability to cater to both children and adults, providing an enjoyable experience for the whole family. The knowledgeable and friendly staff is often commended for their dedication to educating and engaging visitors. Some of the most frequently mentioned positive aspects include:

• Interactive exhibits that encourage learning through play
• Live animal encounters and touch tanks
• Dynamic science shows and demonstrations
• Well-maintained facilities and exhibits
• Educational programs and workshops for children and adults
• Convenient location and ample free parking
• Accessibility features, such as wheelchair ramps and accessible restrooms
• Affordable admission prices and membership options

With an average rating of 4.2/5 on Google My Business and over 1700 reviews, the IMAG History & Science Center has established itself as a must-visit attraction in Fort Myers. Its combination of engaging exhibits, live animal encounters, and educational programs make it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages seeking a fun, interactive, and informative experience.

👍 Reviews of IMAG History & Science Center

Phil V.

5/5

Lots of hands-on exhibits for the kids and adults to learn. Live rays, turtles, tortoise and other exotic creatures. A live science experiments with hot and cold things was fun for all. We visited on a half price community day so it was worth it.

Kathryn H.

5/5

We had a fantastic experience. The staff was nice and knowledgeable. They have a lot of experiences and learning activities for children. We went just adults and had a great time. Without watching the shows, I’d recommend setting aside 1.5 hours to take everything in. Not a huge place but cool display collections and animals.

Miley R.

2/5

We were really looking forward to visiting IMAG in Ft. Myers, and while the staff was super nice, I have to be honest—over half of the activities for kids were broken. I’m not exaggerating. I don’t mind paying to take my toddler somewhere new, but $80 for two hours of barely anything to do just isn't worth it. It's frustrating to see so many exhibits out of order, especially when you're charging full price. The only highlight of our visit was getting to pet Lucas. IMAG has a lot of potential, but they really need to maintain and fix the exhibits before charging families these prices.

Toni T.

4/5

This history and science center offers a variety of science experiences and a great look at Florida history of the Seminole Indians. Some of the exhibits are not working, including one of the Virtual Reality headsets. I enjoyed the sting ray tank, that was not crowded.
The tortoises are awesome to see up close, with tortoises from North Africa and South America.
The outdoor exhibits highlight the Okefenokee Swamp and Florida flora.
Prior to the entry, prior to paying, the tribute to the 911 event at the World Trade Center in NYC includes a huge chunk of the original World Trade Center is worth a visit.
Picnic tables available. The cafe is not open at this time. Reasonably priced gift shop items that are all fun science toys and stuffed animals.
The price is slightly high considering that several exhibits are not working.Annual memberships available.
Wheel chair access van free parking. Touch pad accessible entry. All wheel chair access on lower level.
Strollers and wheel chairs available during your visit.
Wheel chair accessible womens and mens restrooms with hands free hand wash.

McKie R.

3/5

Free parking. Wheelchair accessible. They have a very small luncheon station where you can buy, fries, sandwiches, popcorn pop etc. Outside they have a memorial for 9/11. As you enter the building there is a shop for merchandise and novelty items. Also on the main level is pool with Ray Sharks that you can pet and live presentations throughout the day. There is a tribute to the World Wars and Naples contribution, along with the First Nations Indigenous Peoples. Outdoors they have a theatre that plays movies every 40 minutes. Outdoors they also have turtles. Stairs will take you to the upper level which is dedicated to Space and a short live presentation. Some of the interactive games and modules were not working. The place looked slightly run town. Staff seems uninterested in their jobs. Food was mediocre. In the theatre they provided 3D glasses and a disinfectant for patrons to reuse/ re-wear. I thought this was extremely unhygienic. Overall I wish there was more to see at the centre.

Erika M.

4/5

It was very fun. However, I felt it was meant for kids younger than me. The boat play place was interesting, we couldn't get my brother to leave, but it was kind of small. So it might be beneficial for them to expand the boat play place. The 9/11 fact boards out front were cool. I like the timeline of events.

Kristen P.

5/5

Great place for birthday party! They do everything & all I was responsible for was the cake. We chose the “science” theme & the kids were led in a few experiments. The room decor was cute. The pizza & lemonade were great. The staff was AMAZING. They had our 2 hours scheduled out perfectly. All of the guests enjoyed their experience at the IMAG. I highly recommend hosting your child’s birthday here.

Beth Y.

5/5

Unfortunately there was a tropical storm during our vacation to Florida so we took the kids to history and science center. The kids loved it and there was plenty to do. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see much outside due to rain. But it slowed down for about 20 min for us to go wander the garden and see the tortoise. It wasn’t ridiculously expensive. if you’re looking for somewhere to take your kids out of the weather check this place out.

Mar’Tavis D.

5/5

My niece and I visited on a Monday around noon and found the experience to be quite enjoyable. The staff was welcoming, and the lack of crowds allowed for ease of movement. Overall, the visit was positive and entertaining, and we anticipate returning frequently.

Sirinity F.

5/5

Super fun way to spend an afternoon out of the sun when visiting fort Meyers Beach. Between the extreme UV index and the occasional afternoon storms we needed something to keep the 9 and 10 year old busy, that would also be appropriate for the 11 week old baby. This was a mega win. The 15 year old also enjoyed the exhibits, especially the sting ray tank. The 3D shows were nice also, for sitting and relaxing for 23 minutes.

Brian S.

5/5

This place is really great. The exhibits are very engaging and often interactive and the rhe staff are great. There's lots to explore and it would be easy to spend a half day at this place.
We loved the 3D movie about blue whales in particular.

Taking A. R.

5/5

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the IMAG History & Science Museum, and it was an absolute delight! From the moment we walked in, we were captivated by the diverse and interactive exhibits. It's truly a place where history and science come alive for all ages.
​The museum strikes a perfect balance between educational content and hands-on fun. We particularly loved the marine touch tank, where you can get up close with local sea life. The animal area was also a highlight, getting to be upclosewith so many amazing, and many adorable creatures was our favoritepart! Plus we got to play with a few of the snakes and even held the bearded dragon😍. My kids were completely enthralled, and honestly, so was I!
​What truly makes IMAG stand out is the passion of the staff. They were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to share their love of the museum's subjects. Their enthusiasm made our visit even more special and personal.
​Whether you're a family looking for a fun and educational outing, a couple on a date, or just someone curious about the world around you, IMAG is a must-visit. It's a hidden gem that offers a fantastic experience for everyone. We can't wait to go back and explore more!

Kimberly A.

4/5

We’ve visited several times and always enjoyed the variety of indoor and outdoor activities. On our most recent visit, though, several attractions were closed or out of order, with no signs posted and no discount offered for the inconvenience. Some areas are also showing wear, like the foam blocks and faded water boats, which could use updating. Still a fun place overall, but we’ll likely wait to return until more of the attractions are updated, repaired or replaced.