IMAG History & Science Center - Fort Myers, Florida

Introduction

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of the IMAG History & Science Center, a premier educational and entertainment destination located at 2000 Cranford Avenue, Fort Myers, Florida 33916. This captivating center offers a unique blend of history, science, and interactive learning experiences, making it an ideal spot for both residents and visitors alike.

Main Services

• Museum Exhibits: IMAG History & Science Center houses a myriad of captivating exhibits that cater to both children and adults. Some of the permanent exhibits include the Waterway Clean Up exhibit, which educates visitors about the importance of protecting local waterways, and the Lake Francsis exhibit, where you can observe native Florida fish and plants.
• Aquarium: This 35,000-gallon aquarium is home to an array of fascinating marine life, including sharks, eels, and a diverse collection of fish. The aquarium also features a 2,000-gallon tank dedicated to local estuary species.
• Children's Museum: The center boasts a dedicated space for young learners, offering hands-on, interactive exhibits designed to stimulate curiosity and creativity. Here, children can explore, learn, and have fun while developing essential skills.
• Gift Shop: The IMAG History & Science Center gift shop offers a wide variety of unique, educational, and fun items for visitors of all ages. From plush marine life toys to science-themed games and books, there's something for everyone.
• Science Museum: The center's science museum features a range of interactive exhibits that delve into various scientific fields, including physics, engineering, and technology. Visitors can explore concepts like force, motion, and energy through engaging, hands-on activities.

Location and Access

The IMAG History & Science Center is nestled in the heart of Fort Myers, along the beautiful Caloosahatchee River. It is conveniently located near several major thoroughfares, including I-75 and US-41, making it easily accessible by car. For those who prefer public transportation, the LeeTran bus system operates nearby, with several routes stopping within walking distance of the center.

The facility offers ample on-site parking, with spaces reserved for both regular and handicapped visitors. Additionally, the center is committed to ensuring accessibility for all, providing wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, and restrooms.

Featured Characteristics

• Live Performances: The IMAG History & Science Center hosts a variety of live performances throughout the year, including science shows, animal encounters, and live feedings. These engaging events provide visitors with unique, up-close experiences that deepen their understanding and appreciation for the natural world.
• Onsite Services: The center offers a range of onsite services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit for all. These include a restaurant, where visitors can refuel with a variety of tasty options, and a restroom conveniently located within the facility.
• Good for Kids: With its wealth of interactive, hands-on exhibits and dedicated children's museum, the IMAG History & Science Center is an ideal destination for families with young children. The center's focus on education and fun makes it an excellent choice for school field trips as well.
• Free Parking: The center provides free on-site parking for all visitors, making it an affordable and convenient option for families and individuals alike. This added perk allows guests to focus more on learning and enjoying their experience and less on the cost of parking.

Practical Information

The IMAG History & Science Center is open Tuesday through Sunday, with varying hours depending on the season. It is recommended that visitors check the center's website or contact them directly to confirm operating hours before planning a visit. Admission prices are reasonable, with discounts available for seniors, children, and members of the military. The center also offers group rates and special pricing for field trips.

Positive Aspects from Reviews

Many visitors have praised the IMAG History & Science Center for its engaging and interactive exhibits, with one reviewer noting, "Lots of hands-on exhibits for the kids and adults to learn." The center's commitment to education was also commended, with another visitor commenting, "They have a lot of experiences and learning activities for children." The staff at the IMAG History & Science Center has also been recognized for their friendliness and knowledge, with one reviewer saying, "The staff was nice and knowledgeable." Additionally, the center's appeal to both children and adults was highlighted, with a reviewer stating, "We went just adults and had a great time." These positive aspects contribute to the center's overall 4.2/5 average rating on Google My Business, with 1722 reviews, indicating its popularity and value as an educational and entertainment destination.

👍 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.