New Exhibits, Big Impact: What’s New at CMON Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples This Fall

The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) is more than just a place to play, it’s a vibrant hub for learning, imagination, and family connection in Southwest Florida. Founded from the vision of Naples resident Allyson Loos, who was inspired after losing her 13-month-old daughter Bianca, CMON grew from a dream into a thriving museum that welcomed over 160,000 visitors in its first year. Today, it remains the only dedicated children’s museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast between Naples and Miami.

A Museum Designed for Learning Through Play

Located in North Collier Regional Park, CMON combines play with hands-on education, designed by accredited teachers to align with Florida school curricula. Exhibits are interactive, allowing children to explore real-world roles - whether as farmers, chefs, artists, or engineers - while parents engage, connect, and build community alongside them.

Highlights of CMON’s Most Popular Exhibits

• EFC Farms Exhibit - Opened in May, the EFC Farms Exhibit brings farming to life with aquaponic seed planting, chicken coops, climbing structures, and hands-on lessons in agriculture. Partnering with EFC Farms and US Sugar, CMON gives children a chance to experience what it’s like to be a farmer in Southwest Florida.
• Publix Mini Grocery Store - This mini Publix exhibit, launched in December, has quickly become a fan favorite. Children push carts, shop for multicultural groceries, check out at self-service registers, and even try their hand at sushi or deli prep. Written in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, the exhibit reflects the diversity of Southwest Florida families.
• The World Café - At CMON’s World Café, kids “travel” to a new country every few months. The current featured country is Chile, where young explorers can experience scents, foods, artifacts, and cultural highlights, encouraging curiosity about global cultures.
• Art Studio & Library - The art studio is where creativity gets messy (without the cleanup at home!). With projects themed around art history periods like the Renaissance and Baroque era, kids explore painting, sculpture, and tactile play. When it’s time to unwind, the CMON library offers cozy reading nooks, puppet shows, puzzles, and plenty of books to spark young imaginations.

What’s Coming This Fall at CMON

• Marvelous Magnets (September): A hands-on science exhibit exploring magnetism, light, and engineering with interactive murals, light walls, and magnetic building tiles.
• Sockefeller Center (November): A holiday-inspired “sock skating rink” complete with a New York City skyline, taxis, subway play, and a giant Christmas tree.
• Early Learning Center (2026): Construction begins this fall on CMON’s very own preschool, offering year-round care and education for 3–5 year olds, blending the power of a museum with early childhood development.

More Than a Museum

With programming that includes homeschool workshops, Pre-K readiness classes, music and art lessons, and daily pop-up activities, CMON continues to grow as a vital community resource. It’s a space where children and parents alike can learn, play, and connect.

As CEO Johnathan Foerster puts it: “This is the first place where kids can start learning about other cultures and learn that the world is kind of a big place.”

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Naples, Florida, the Golisano Children’s Museum is a must-visit destination this fall.