How Will the Museum Connect with the West Orange Trail?

The I AM Children's Museum is exploring the development of an approximately two-mile network of Discovery Trails connecting the museum campus directly to the renowned West Orange Trail. More than a pedestrian connection, the Discovery Trails are envisioned as an outdoor extension of the museum experience—combining environmental education, outdoor recreation, eco-tourism, public art, and family engagement into a year-round destination.

The Discovery Trails would create an immersive outdoor learning environment while strengthening connectivity between the museum, Historic Downtown Winter Garden, the West Orange Trail, nearby parks, restaurants, retail, and future tourism destinations.

Potential Visitor Experience

Families could:

• Arrive by bicycle, golf cart (where permitted), or vehicle

• Explore the museum's indoor exhibits

• Continue onto the Discovery Trails

• Visit interactive environmental learning stations

• Enjoy outdoor classrooms and shaded gathering areas

• Walk or bike into Historic Downtown Winter Garden

• Dine, shop, and attend local events before returning to the museum or trail

This creates a seamless full-day destination experience rather than a single attraction.

Potential Discovery Trail Features

• Approximately 2 miles of Discovery Trails

• Direct connection to the West Orange Trail

• Outdoor STEM learning stations

• Florida wildlife interpretation

• Native pollinator gardens

• Butterfly habitat

• Water conservation exhibits

• Outdoor classrooms

• StoryWalk® literacy experience

• Shaded gazebos and picnic areas

• Public art installations

• Environmental education signage

• Bicycle parking and repair station

• Drinking fountains and bottle refill stations

• Family gathering spaces

• Nature play areas

• Interactive scavenger hunts

• Seasonal educational programming

Potential Economic Benefits

Increased Length of Stay

A traditional museum visit may average approximately 2--3 hours.

With the Discovery Trails, a family experience could increase to approximately 1-2 hours, creating additional opportunities for visitors to explore the surrounding community.

Expanded Visitor Spending

Longer visits may increase spending at:

• Restaurants

• Coffee shops

• Ice cream shops

• Local retailers

• Bicycle rentals

• Farmers Market vendors

• Downtown businesses

• Special events

Attraction of New Visitor Markets

The Discovery Trails broaden the museum's appeal to include:

• Cycling enthusiasts

• Eco-tourists

• Outdoor recreation visitors

• Nature enthusiasts

• Walking groups

• Homeschool families

• Wellness travelers

• School field trips

Increased Repeat Visitation

Outdoor programming and seasonal experiences encourage year-round return visits through:

• StoryWalk updates

• Seasonal gardens

• Wildlife observation

• Community art

• Environmental programming

• Holiday experiences

• Family festivals

Potential Planning Metrics

(Planning estimates for project development purposes.)

• Discovery Trail Length ~2 miles
• Outdoor Learning Stations 8--12
• Outdoor Classrooms / Gazebos 3--5
• Native Habitat Areas 5--8
• Public Art Installations 8--15
• Family Seating Areas 10--15
• Bicycle Parking Capacity 50--100 bicycles
• Outdoor Educational Programs 100+ annually
• Estimated Increase in Visitor Stay 1--3 additional hours
• Potential Museum Visitors Utilizing 30--50% the Trail
• Repeat Outdoor Experiences Year-round