IMAG History & Science Center - Fort Myers, Florida

Introduction to IMAG History & Science Center

The IMAG History & Science Center, located at 2000 Cranford Avenue, Fort Myers, FL 33916, is a premier destination for families and individuals seeking an engaging and educational experience. This multifaceted institution, operated by the Museum of the Imagination, offers a unique blend of history, science, and cultural exhibits that cater to visitors of all ages.

Main Services

• History Museum: Explore local and regional history through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations. Topics range from the Calusa Indians and Spanish explorers to the growth of Fort Myers and the impact of World War II on the area.
• Aquarium: Dive into the underwater world with a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and colorful fish. The aquarium features touch tanks, allowing visitors to interact with gentle sea creatures.
• Children's Museum: Designed specifically for young learners, this area offers hands-on exhibits that encourage curiosity and creativity. Children can explore a mini Fort Myers, conduct science experiments, and even pilot a boat in a water table.
• Gift Shop: Browse a variety of unique, educational, and fun items related to the exhibits. The gift shop is an excellent place to find souvenirs or gifts for all ages.
• Science Museum: Discover the wonders of science through engaging exhibits and live demonstrations. Topics include physics, chemistry, and technology, with a focus on making learning fun and interactive.

Location and Access

The IMAG History & Science Center is situated in the historic McGregor neighborhood of Fort Myers, providing easy access to nearby attractions, restaurants, and accommodations. The center is conveniently located near major thoroughfares, including US-41 and Colonial Boulevard, making it easily accessible by car. Public transportation is available through the Lee County Transit system, with the closest bus stop located just a short walk from the center.

Parking is abundant and free, with designated spaces for standard vehicles, oversized vehicles, and those with disabilities. The center is wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the exhibits with ease.

Featured Characteristics

The IMAG History & Science Center boasts several unique characteristics that set it apart from other museums and attractions in the area.

• Live Animal Encounters: Visitors can observe and interact with a variety of live animals, including turtles, tortoises, rays, and even a gopher tortoise named Albert. These encounters offer opportunities for learning and engagement with nature.
• Science Demonstrations: Daily live science demonstrations captivate audiences with fascinating experiments involving hot and cold, air pressure, and other scientific principles. These interactive shows provide an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family.
• Art Galleries: The center hosts rotating art exhibitions featuring local, regional, and national artists. These galleries showcase a variety of mediums and styles, providing an additional cultural experience for visitors.
• Educational Programs: The IMAG History & Science Center offers a range of educational programs for schools, homeschool groups, and other organizations. These programs align with state and national standards, providing teachers with valuable resources for reinforcing classroom learning.

Practical Information

The IMAG History & Science Center is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The center is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Admission is $16.75 for adults, $14.75 for seniors (60 and up), and $11.75 for children (3-12). Children under 3 receive free admission. Membership options are available, offering numerous benefits and savings for frequent visitors.

The center's on-site restaurant, The Bistro, serves a variety of delicious and affordable options for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Diners can enjoy their meals in the air-conditioned dining area or on the outdoor patio, which offers views of the nearby Caloosahatchee River.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Visitors to the IMAG History & Science Center consistently praise the center's hands-on exhibits, live animal encounters, and engaging science demonstrations. Many reviewers appreciate the diverse range of exhibits, catering to both children and adults. The knowledgeable and friendly staff is often commended for enhancing the overall experience, providing valuable insights and assistance throughout the visit.

The IMAG History & Science Center's combination of history, science, and cultural exhibits creates a unique and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. With its convenient location, free parking, and abundance of interactive displays, this Fort Myers attraction is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

👍 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.