My name is Lauren Jensen. My family including four kids (almost 5!) and husband, Kyle, have spent countless hours at the children’s museum exploring and participating in programs. My involvement with the museum began before my children were born. I fell in love with the mission, was elected to the Board of Directors in 2012, and have volunteered for the last ten years. Here is our story and why we support local families through the children’s museum.
When I had my first child in 2016, my trips downtown became mom trips. Back then the Museum was called Explorations V and playing together brought my daughter out of her shell. As she grew, our group got bigger and we welcomed Adeline, Thomas, and Henry.
I watched in wonder as this environment strengthened my children’s confidence and gave them the space to develop new skills. The awesome museum educators shared insightful tips through educational programming and I brought these tidbits of advice home. Their first few years were spent more in the museum than anywhere else.
When Explorations V became Florida Children’s Museum, all of the kids were so excited. Our first few visits ended in tears because no one wanted to leave. A Jensen kid favorite is City Play, but no one plays harder in the J. Burns Food Truck than their Dad, Kyle.
A year into the new space, a record-breaking 40,000 people have visited the Museum through free admission opportunities liking checking out tickets at the Lakeland Public Library or completing a class at the Children’s Resource Center. Our community is at a critical crossroads. The Museum wants 1,000 visits to be sponsored by the end of the year for families who cannot afford admission.
Florida Children’s Museum will forever hold a piece of my heart. Kyle and I have made our pledge towards this goal.
Are you able to join us and give a gift today?