Lions St Petersburg Beach, 9300 W Gulf Blvd, Treasure Island, FL 33706, US

It may seem an odd name, but the "V" in Explorations V refers to the five senses. This three-story children's museum in downtown Lakeland, Florida focuses on teaching kids up to age 12 about their five senses while stimulating them with hands-on exhibits. Though not a large place, the museum features a good mix of permanent and temporary exhibits covering a wide range of subject matter.Best and Worst Time to Go to Explorations V Children's MuseumThe museum is considerably busier on Saturdays than on weekdays. It hosts spring break and summer camps, so these are more crowded times. While much of the patronage is from local families, crowds swell when visitors come to town during summer and around the end-of-year holidays. At other times, it's unlikely you'll find the attraction too busy to enjoy.Three Must-See Exhibits at Explorations V Children's MuseumFor another slightly quirky name, check out "O is for Oranges, from Seed to Our World" on the basement level. It's a large play area where kids explore Central Florida's citrus industry, from harvesting oranges to packing and transporting them to juicing them in a factory. The "Explore Store," a kid-sized Publix supermarket replica, is on the ground floor and always a hit. Don't miss the giant kaleidoscope and cool array of brain teasers on the second floor, either.Admission to Explorations V Children's MuseumThe museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It's an affordable stop at less than $10 per person. Kids under 2 get in free, and admission is discounted for seniors, military families, families of teachers, and AAA members.Parking and Public Transportation to Explorations V Children's MuseumFind metered and free 2-hour street parking all around or use the parking garage at Main Street and Massachusetts Avenue; area street and garage parking is free on weekends. Routes 3 and 12 of the Polk Transit Citrus Connection stop at the museum, but the Lakeland Downtown Terminal is only three blocks away, and many routes run there.Food at Explorations V Children's MuseumFood isn't available inside the museum. However, it's in the heart of downtown Lakeland and surrounded by cafes and restaurants. A visit of about three hours is adequate, so if you eat something beforehand you should be able to hold out for a meal.Insider Tip for Visiting Explorations V Children's MuseumVisitors to Lakeland will quickly realize the city is obsessed with swans, and that's because it's home to swans of royal lineage. Seek out the display tucked away near the back of the first floor to learn the locally famous story.Author's bio: Eric Mohrman is a freelance travel and food writer living in downtown Orlando. Crazily enough, he really likes traveling, eating and writing.