Florida Homeschool Field Trip Directory
| Florida offers homeschoolers many opportunities for field trips. Our list includes both educational and entertainment venues (and some that meet both criteria), organized by county. In some cases, group discounts are available – something to consider if you are part of a homeschool support group.Note: Some counties have numerous parks and these make great locations for field trips or homeschool park days. Unless a park has a specific historic or nature feature, it will not be listed separately, but will be found under the “More Parks!” heading at the end of each county’s listings.We need your help to make this page as helpful as possible to others. If you know of an opportunity we should include, please tell us. |
Alachua
Bivens Arm Nature Park
Where: Gainesville
What is it: This trail offers an enjoyable natural retreat just minutes from Interstate 75. The trail meanders through uplands past numerous large live oaks, while the boardwalk and main pavilion border a small marsh.
Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park
Where: Gainesville
What is it: Nature trails, picnicking and wildlife viewing.
Florida Museum of Natural History
Where: Gainesville
What is it: Homeschool groups may tour the museum and butterfly rainforest with a docent (Tuesday-Friday) or on a self-guided tour.
Harn Museum of Art
Where: Gainesville
What is it: Art museum on the University of Florida campus offers occasional programs for children, school groups, and families. Extensive educator resources available on the site.
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens
Where: Gainesville
What is it: Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is comprised of 24 major collections visually accessible from a 1 ½ mile paved walkway. These include the state’s largest public display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Some of Kanapaha’s gardens are organized taxonomically; others demonstrate principles of ecology or natural selection. Kanapaha’s signature plants include a premier stand of Chinese royal bamboo (Wong Chuk), and–during the warm months–giant Victoria water lilies and Asian snake arums. Allow two weeks to schedule group tours.
Living History Farm
Where: Gainesville
What is it: The Living History Farm is located at Morningside Nature Center, Gainesville’s premier nature park. Morningside Nature Center, is one of the last remaining examples of fire-dependent longleaf pine woodlands in the area. More than six miles of trails wind through sandhill, flatwoods, cypress domes, and areas where native vegetation is being restored. Morningside boasts a spectacular wildflower display and opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife. On Living History days (Saturdays, September to May) farm visitors can observe daily life in 1870 as costumed staff interpret bygone days through chores and activities.
Lubee Bat Museum
Where: Gainesville
What is it: over 200 bats representing 10 species, including the Malayan Flying Fox which can attain a wingspan of 6′.
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park
Where: Cross Creek
What is it: Visitors to this Florida homestead can walk back in time to 1930s farm life where Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings lived and worked in the tiny community of Cross Creek. Her cracker style home and farm, where she lived for 25 years and wrote her Pulitzer prize-winning novel The Yearling, has been restored and is preserved as it was when she lived here.
Matheson Museum
Where: Gainesville
What is it: School groups will learn about the history of Gainesville and Alachua County, the Matheson family and the Museum’s collections in a docent-led interactive tour. Some tours may include an architectural walking tour of the Southeast Historic District’s Victorian-era homes. Teachers may download the Matheson Museum’s Curriculum Guide, a teacher’s introduction to the tour experience with suggestions for pre- and post-activities for the classroom.
Micanopy Historical Society Museum
Where: Micanopy
What is it: Small museum gives a good feel of what Florida life was like in the early to mid- 1800’s. A children’s room allows for dressing up and invites children to “please touch.” Best suited for small groups or families.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Where: Micanopy
What is it: Bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking/nature trails, wildlife, and more. 25+ geocaches hidden on site, plus an earthcache.
Poe Springs Park
Where: High Springs
What is it: Poe Springs Park is a 202 acre public park filled with scenic woodlands and rolling fields, located along the banks of the Santa Fe River. Poe Springs is one of the least crowded springs in the Gainesville region. The shallow water makes it kid-friendly. No pets or alcohol are permitted. Scuba diving is not allowed, although you can explore a small underwater cave if you can hold your breath! Depths are about 25 feet.
Santa Fe Teaching College Zoo
Where: Gainesville
What is it: Zoo and planetarium offering guided and self-led tours for groups.
The Thomas Center
Where: Gainesville
What is it: This nearly one-hundred-year-old building is the setting for two magnificent art galleries, three period rooms and numerous historical exhibits. We offer several tour packages that can be tailored to fit the needs and interests of any group. Possible options available: a tour through the Thomas Center and its lush gardens with a knowledgeable guide in authentic 1920s attire; a walk through the Thomas Center Galleries; a luncheon or picnic; a look at neighborhoods comprised of period architecture; tours of historic homes; and more
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Bay
Gulf World Marine Park
Where: Panama City Beach
What is it: During your time at Gulf World, your group will encounter exciting animals from around the world, including dolphins, sea lions, alligators, sharks, penguins, flamingos and tropical birds. Through experiential learning and up-close animal interactions, students will discover the importance of the ocean’s fragile ecosystem—as well as ways to protect the environment in their everyday lives.
Panama City Beach Amusement Park
Where: Panama City Beach
What is it: Amusement Park
Water Planet
Where: Panama City Beach
What is it: Swim with Dolphins educational programs, including programs for special needs children. Our dolphin watch and dolphin swim program is very personalized. It is conducted off of one 28 foot and two 24-foot pontoon boats for a maximum of six guests per boat.
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Baker
Olustee Battlefield State Park
Where: Olustee
What is it: This park commemorates the site of Florida’s largest Civil War battle, which took place February 20, 1864.Olustee Battlefield has a visitor center with historical information and artifacts. A reenactment is held every February and a Civil War Expo takes place in late summer.
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Bradford
The Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park
Where: Starke
What is it: The State of Florida established Camp Blanding in 1939 for the Florida National Guard. It was utilized in Federal Service during WWII. Today it continues to serve the Florida National Guard as well as other units from around the world. The Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park is dedicated maintaining the nationally significant history of Camp Blanding.
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Brevard
Air Force Space and Missile Museum
Where: Patrick AFB
What is it: The Air Force Space and Missile History Center, an extension of the museum, is open to the general public six days a week. The History Center is located just outside the south gate of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Admission is free. No access pass is required for a visit.
Andretti Thrill Park
Where: Melbourne
What is it: Andretti Thrill Park offers exciting attractions, including: 5 Go-Kart Tracks, “The Minors” 18-Hole Miniature Golf, Andretti Edge, Batting Cages, Lazer Tag, Kiddie Rides, Playground, Wave Rave Paddle Boats, Train Rides, and the Space Coast’s Largest Arcade! Students aged 16 or older who have a driver’s license can try the Andretti Challenge.
Brevard Museum of History and Natural Science
Where: Cocoa
What is it: Students, adults, and children’s groups have the opportunity to visit the “Hands-On-Learning” classroom with a number of educational hands-on activities. Lesson plans for grades 1-6 are available on the site.
Brevard Zoo
Where: Melbourne
What is it: Our education department offers a multitude of fun activities and programs for children ages 2 and up. These programs are available to the public, and private groups can also book their own event.
Cape Canaveral Lighthouse
Where: Cape Canaveral
What is it: Weekly tours are currently being offered by the 45th Space Wing through the Public Affairs office. The three-hour tour includes a visit to the Air Force Space and Missile Museum, active and retired launch pads, and the historic Cape Canaveral Lighthouse.
Enchanted Forest Nature Sanctuary
Where: Titusville
What is it: Visitors to the 471-acre Sanctuary experience wildlife observation and diverse plant life on over 4 miles of hiking trails. The Management & Education Center offers hands-on Exhibit Room, Discovery Room, gift shop, reference library and restrooms. There is an outdoor, open-air butterfly garden and the screened porch and amphitheater provide venues for outdoor education. Student programs require a minimum of 8 participants.
Historic Rossetter House Museum & Gardens
Where: Melbourne
What is it: The gardens at the Rossetter House, Houston Cemetery, and Visitor Parlor at the Roesch House are open free to the public during regular museum hours. The interior of the Rossetter House is only accessible on guided tours.
Kennedy Space Center
Where: Cocoa Beach
What is it: KSC Visitor Complex offers Florida youth programs and kid-friendly vacations for many grades and interests, including Camp Kennedy Space Center®, Overnight Adventures, Field Trips, Girl Scout and Boy Scout Days and Salute to Homeschoolers Days.
Space Walk of Fame
Where: Titusville
What is it: We offer a multitude of tours for groups and visitors of all ages. You can choose to tour the museum to see all the exciting exhibits and then check out the awe-inspiring park monuments we have created to honor the memory of all those who worked so hard to give us and our children the knowledge that even the far reaches of space are within our grasp if we have the resolve to work towards our dreams.
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Broward
African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
Where: Fort Lauderdale
What is it: Literary collections of African-American authors, books and artifacts from Africa, the Caribbean, and North and South America
Anne Kolb Nature Center
Where: Hollywood
What is it: The Anne Kolb Nature Center at West Lake Park is a remarkable mangrove eco-system that invites you to explore its brackish 1,500-acre realm by paddle, bike or foot.
Art and Culture Center
Where: Hollywood
What is it: The Art and Culture Center of Hollywood presents contemporary gallery exhibitions, live stage performances, and high-quality education programs for adults and children.
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens
Where: Fort Lauderdale
What is it: Chicago-born artist Frederic Clay Bartlett created Bonnet House in 1920 on South Florida oceanfront land given to him and his second wife, Helen Louise Birch, by her father, Hugh Taylor Birch, a prominent Chicago attorney, real estate investor, and naturalist. For more than seventy years, Bartletts and Birches then resided on and sustained and enhanced these 35 acres, their buildings, and decorative contents. Today, the estate is a preeminent house museum dedicated not only to historic and environmental preservation, but also to learning and creative expression – much like the Bartletts and Birches themselves.
Butterfly World
Where: Coconut Creek
What is it: Hummingbirds, Sunbirds of Africa, Longtailed Doctor Birds and thousands of butterflies (which will often rest on your hand). Group rates for educational groups.
C.B. Smith Park
Where: Pembroke Pines
What is it: This 299-acre site is ohttps://www.broward.org/Parks/Pages/park.aspx?park=5ne of Broward County Parks and Recreation’s most diverse parks, as well as one of its most popular. Along with a water park that includes water-slides and a tube ride, the park offers a large campground, a tennis complex, a family golfing center, and many other amenities.
Crepe Cafe
Where: Deerfield Beach
What is it: Learn how a French crepe is made (batter, twirl, toppings)… and then taste it.
Deerfield Island Park
Where: Deerfield Beach
What is it: Deerfield Island is a 53.3-acre nature-oriented park that offers outdoor recreational opportunities and environmental education. Accessible only by boat, this roughly triangular-shaped park is bordered by the Intracoastal Waterway and the Hillsboro and Royal Palm canals. The eastern portion of the area once included slash pines, while most of the western part was a treeless freshwater marsh. Today, remnants of the wetland are evident, although red and white mangroves are the dominant species. Many of the site’s native plants and animals have succumbed to invasive, non-native species over the years, but native plants that provide food for native animals are now being reintroduced.
Easterlin Park
Where: Fort Lauderdale
What is it: This 46.6-acre Designated Urban Wilderness Area is a magnificent example of cypress and mixed cypress forest. Cypress trees 250 years old and 100 feet tall are common in the park, which also includes a scenic lake.
Fern Forest Nature Center
Where: Coconut Creek
What is it: This 247.1-acre Urban Wilderness Area takes its name from the abundance of ferns (more than 30 species) found on the property. Getting people of all ages involved in the appreciation of nature is the focus of many of the programs at Fern Forest. Opportunities include activities for boy and girl scouts, children’s programs, school field trips, private group tours, special events, and more.
Flamingo Gardens
Where: Davie
What is it: Flamingo Gardens Education Department offers a variety of field trips for students, summer campers and other groups. We offer a unique opportunity for students to observe and learn about trees, plants, birds, native wildlife and nature using a hands-on approach.
International Game Fish Association Museum
Where: Dania
What is it: Our exhibit galleries and educational programs offer the opportunity to discover the “essence of fishing.” The IGFA is recognized as a Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center in partnership with Coastal America. Science labs are conducted for all grade levels and meet the FCAT and Florida Sunshine State Standards. IGFA is a Broward County School Board approved field trip site under the Arts and Science Supplement Grant. Schools and groups of 15 or more are welcomed to the IGFA at a discounted price.
International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum
Where: Fort Lauderdale
What is it: The Museum, Library and Archive contain the world’s largest collection of aquatic memorabilia and the single largest source of aquatic books, manuscripts and literature.
Museum of Art
Where: Davie
What is it: The Museum underscores its exhibition calendar with educational programming and classes throughout the year. With the theme set by exhibitions, visitor interpretation may take many forms: lectures, gallery talks, storytelling, docent-led tours, hands-on visitor activities, studio art classes and performances.
Museum of Discovery and Science
Where: Fort Lauderdale
What is it: Permanent exhibits include: Watch the playful antics of North American river otters; take a ride on the Everglades Airboat Adventure; experience hurricane force winds; dig for fossils alongside a giant prehistoric megalodon; come face-to-face with a saber-toothed cat; walk under a 12-foot-tall Imperial Mammoth; discover the natural path of water through Florida; learn how you can help protect and conserve the Everglades; visit the new 100-seat Keller Science Theater; live animal shows.
Off the Wall Trampoline Center
Where: Coconut Creek
What is it: Indoor trampoline park, laser tag, rock wall.
Old Davie School Historical Museum
Where: Davie
What is it: A 2-hour interactive field trip program which includes a guided tour of the Old Davie School and Pioneer Village. Participants step back in time to investigate life as it was for Davies pioneers through artifacts, photographs, and hands-on activities. Activities and stations may include participating in a 1920s classroom, writing with an old fashioned dip pen, exploring a replica 1909 pioneer house, squeezing fresh orange juice, pumping water from a well, learning to quilt, and with a group of over seventy-two 3rd grade and up students, interacting with live farm animals provided by Project Stable
Plantation Historical Museum
Where: Plantation
What is it: The Library and Museum are inside the Botanical Gardens Park. Permanent exhibits include artifacts from the Seminole and Tequesta tribes, memorabilia from the Fire and Police departments, and historically significant families, including the Peters’. Each December, the Historical Society creates a Winter Wonderland featuring trees decorated in many designs and cultures. Throughout the year, there are featured exhibits from the State and other museums.
Quiet Waters Park
Where: Deerfield Beach
What is it: Wide variety of water sports, water park, playground and playing fields. Across from Butterfly World and site of an annual Renaissance Festival.
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Where: Weston
What is it: Your field trip experience will include a narrated 30 minute airboat adventure. In addition you will enjoy our Exotic Wildlife Show, Alligator and Reptile Show, “Swamp”Yard Exhibit area and “Our Everglades Story” video!
Secret Woods Nature Center
Where: Dania Beach
What is it: Broward County’s first nature center, which opened in September 1978, comprises three vegetative communities found along and influenced by the New River: an inland freshwater cypress/maple wetland, a pond apple/mangrove community along the river, and, farther inland, a laurel oak hammock. The 57-acre site is now designated as an Urban Wilderness Area. An environmental education classroom that can accommodate classes of up to 20. Nature center staff can customize a lesson plan to meet the needs of most groups looking to learn more about the local environment.
Seminole Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
Where: Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation
What is it: The Education Division at the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum seeks to educate the general public about Seminoles through tours, programs, instructional resources and partnerships with outside organizations; thereby providing information and inspiring an understanding of the rich culture and history of the Seminole people. For younger groups, we have integrated a variety of methods into our tours, which include crafts, stickball game, and touchable artifacts.
South Florida Railway Museum
Where: Deerfield Beach
What is it: The history of railroading and how it affected the population growth and industry boom from the 1940’s to the 1960’s in the South Florida area. We do our best to explain this through the use of railroad artifacts and railroadiana. There is also an active model railroad contingent within the organization, with a mobile “HO” layout under construction, a permanent HOn3 layout display, and a mobile “N” scale layout.
Stranahan House
Where: Fort Lauderdale
What is it: Travel back in time and learn about the first permanent settlers to the area, Frank and Ivy Stranahan, and the creation of the city of Fort Lauderdale. The Stranahan House was built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, Fort Lauderdale’s first postmaster, and his wife Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, the area’s first school teacher. The house has served as a trading post, post office, community center, restaurant, and home to the Stranahans. This is a story of a family, a house, and a city.
Tree Tops Park
Where:Davie
What is it: The 243.3 acres of this park range from 23 acres of restored freshwater marsh accessible by a 1,000-foot boardwalk to the 102.2-acre Pine Island Ridge, an archaeological site that includes equestrian and nature trails and, at 29 feet above sea level, is the highest natural elevation in Broward County. Inside the park is Safety Town, a program of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital featuring an early-childhood education course that is designed especially for kindergartners and first graders with the goal of reducing accidental injuries and deaths. The child-size town features working traffic signals, street signs, crosswalks, miniature houses, and small tricycles, along with a variety of interactive stations. Safety Town is open year round by appointment only during the week for public and private schools, charter schools, and children’s groups of 15 to 60 students.
TY Park
Where: Hollywood
What is it: T.Y. Park is home to Castaway Island water park, 13 picnic shelters, an abundance of open picnic areas, and a large, open field suitable for a variety of group activities. There is a two-mile loop of paved pathways for walking, jogging, skating, and biking. Other popular areas within the park are the large shaded playground, basketball and tennis courts, the fishing pier, and the scenic lake water fountain.
More parks! Full list of Broward County parks and nature centers.
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Calhoun
Panhandle Pioneer Settlement
Where: Blountstown
What is it:The Panhandle Pioneer Settlement, a living-history museum, has a collection of 18 historical buildings, dating from 1820 to the 1940s. Now arranged on five acres to replicate an idyllic farm community, the buildings were moved from their original locations throughout Calhoun County. During the year, the Settlement is home to numerous events and festivals, and offers classes on the trades and crafts of the past.
Torreya State Park
Where: Liberty
What is it: High bluffs overlooking the Apalachicola River make Torreya one of Florida’s most scenic places. The park is named for an extremely rare species of Torreya tree that only grows on the bluffs along the Apalachicola River. Torreya is popular for camping, hiking, and picnicking. Bird-watching is also a popular activity. Over 100 species of birds have been spotted in the park. Forests of hardwood trees provide the finest display of fall color found in Florida. Ranger-guided tours of the Gregory House, a fully furnished plantation home built in 1849, are available.
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Charlotte
A.C. Freeman House
Where: Punta Gorda
What is it: The home has a spacious wrap around porch featuring Queen Anne trim, a veranda and a third story tower. When it was slated for demolition in 1985, the Medical Center Foundation coordinated a community effort to relocate and restore it. Currently the A.C. Freeman House is owned by the City of Punta Gorda and is home to a Museum, operated by the Punta Gorda Historical Society, and offices for the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.
Babcock Wilderness Adventures
Where: Punta Gorda
What is it: Eco-trail, museum and guided tours.
Blanchard House Museum
Where: Punta Gorda
What is it: Museum of African American History and Culture of Charlotte County
Charlotte County Historical Society
Where: Charlotte Harbor
What is it: Changing Exhibits focus on particular people, places, events and fascinating subjects
Gasparilla Island State Park and Lighthouse
Where: Boca Grande
What is it: Separated from the mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound, this island is part of a chain of Gulf Coast barrier islands. The centerpiece of Gasparilla is the restored Boca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and nature study are popular activities. Shelling is particularly good in the winter months. Two picnic areas offer pavilions for shade and scenic views of the surrounding water. The lighthouse is open to the public 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily and on Sundays noon – 4:00 p.m. from November through April. From May through July and September through October it is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Kidstar Park
Where: Port Charlotte
What is it: Amusement park and arcade. Group rates available.
Military Heritage Museum
Where: Punta Gorda
What is it: The mission of the Military Heritage Museum is to promote an understanding and respect for the rich military heritage of the United States and the sacrifices made by our country’s veterans, living and dead, emphasizing that freedom is not free.
Muscle Car City
Where: Punta Gorda
What is it: As per its name, the museum’s major focus is on the “muscle cars” of the mid 60’s to early 70’s – the Pontiac GTOs, Chevy Corvettes, Oldsmobile Cutlass 442s, Chevelles, Camaros and high-horsepower Impalas that revved up the imaginations of teens and young adults all over.
Octagon Wildlife Center
Where: Punta Gorda
What is it: Since the mid 1970’s, Octagon has been rescuing and rehabilitating exotic wildlife. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day at Octagon. We are wheelchair accessible and have beverages available for purchase. There are multiple areas to sit, eat, relax, or cool off at the misting stations.
Punta Gorda Historical Society
Where: Punta Gorda
What is it: Site of multiple buildings: Cigar Cottage, The Trabue Land Sales Office, Price House, and The Calaboose.
Punta Gorda Railroad Depot
Where: Punta Gorda
What is it: The Depot, built in 1928, was the southernmost train station in the United States at that time. It is the only one remaining of six depots built by the Atlantic Coast Line in the Mediterranean Revival style then popular. The building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was designed mainly to handle freight. The passenger area occupies a small portion of the northern end of the building. The racially separate ticket windows, waiting areas, and bathrooms reflect the segregation practice at the time of its construction.
Worden Farm
Where: Punta Gorda
What is it: Take a tractor-drawn wagon hayride with a friendly guide, and get introduced to life on a working organic family farm. Learn about certified organic vegetable production in Florida, see the family collection of farm animals – beef cattle, dairy goats, chickens, and pigs, and get your questions answered about how to garden organically.
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Citrus
Fort Cooper State Park
Where: Inverness
What is it: The sparkling waters of Lake Holathlikaha were a welcome sight to sick and wounded soldiers during the Second Seminole War. In 1836, the First Georgia Battalion of Volunteers built a stockade for the soldiers resting here, enabling the Volunteers to hold their own through several skirmishes with the Seminole Indians. The park´s diverse natural areas provide a refuge for many plants and animals, including threatened and endangered species. Fishing in Lake Holathlikaha is a popular activity; swimming is available only when the lake level is high enough. Private boats are not allowed on the lake, but paddleboat and canoe rentals are available. Nearly five miles of self-guided trails offer some of the best bird and wildlife viewing in Citrus County.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
Where: Homosassa
What is it:Located on the Homosassa River, is a showcase for native Florida wildlife and endangered species. The park is also a rehabilitation center and refuge for the endangered West Indian Manatee. Other wildlife, seen in their natural habitat, includes alligators, crocodiles, snakes, deer, bears, bobcats, otters and cougars. Bird wildlife includes pink flamingos, eagles, herons, egrets, ducks and others.
Rails to Trails
Where: Inverness
What is it: A 46-mile stretch of railroad track that was converted to a paved recreational trail suitable for hiking, biking, and skating, Horseback riding is available on a separate trail along side the paved trail. (See Map) The North end of the trail is located in Citrus Springs south of Dunnellon, Florida and extends 46 miles to the south ending at the trailhead at Highway 301 in Dade City, Florida.
More Parks!
Where: Citrus County
What is it: Full list of Citrus County parks and nature centers.
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Clay
Clay County Fair
Where: Green Cove Springs
What is it: Annual County Fair (usually held in April or May) that features livestock, a circus, music performances, and a midway.
Mark Roess Gold Head Branch State Park
Where: Keystone Heights
What is it: Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing along the park´s nature trails and a 5.44-mile stretch of the Florida National Scenic Trail. For aquatic recreation, visitors can swim or fish in the lake, or spend a lazy afternoon canoeing. A large picnic area, with tables and grills, pavilions, and a playground are available for visitors to enjoy.
Spring Park
Where: Green Cove Springs
What is it: The Park is nestled serenely along the western bank of the St. Johns River. As the river’s cool breeze sweeps through the Park, the Spanish moss draping the beautiful oaks becomes animated and visitors are captivated by the majestic St. Johns River. Nature’s signature piece of art is the mystical spring. The water surges up from below at a rate that has at times exceeded 3,000 gallons per minute and at a constant temperature of 78 degrees. It flows out the spring, through the municipal swimming pool and finally into Spring Run as it makes its journey to the St. Johns River some 200 feet away.
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Collier
Artis Naples
Where: Naples
What is it: Discover learning through the visual arts through exhibition displays, interpretation, and programs. The Naples Museum of Art offers a variety of programs and resources which encourage understanding and appreciation of the arts for teachers, students, families and adults.
Big Cypress National Preserve
Where: Off I75
What is it: Protecting over 729,000 acres of this vast swamp, Big Cypress National Preserve contains a mixture of tropical and temperate plant communities that are home to a diversity of wildlife, including the elusive Florida panther.
Collier County Museums
Where: Naples
What is it: Established in 1978, the Collier County Museum preserves and interprets the history, archaeology and development of Southwest Florida’s last frontier. The Museum’s five acre historical park at the County Government Center in Naples, and its branch sites in Everglades City, Immokalee, Marco Island, and the Naples Depot offer a full range of education, family activities and cultural programs. Educational programming is available.
Collier Seminole State Park
Where: Naples
What is it: Experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the Everglades, as well as a forest of tropical trees at Collier-Seminole State Park. The 7,271-acre park lies partly within the great mangrove swamp of southern Florida, one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world. Collier-Seminole also contains one of the three original stands of the rare royal palm in Florida. The park is the site of a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark, the last existing Bay City Walking Dredge. Visitors to Collier-Seminole have the opportunity to explore the park’s wilderness in many ways, including hiking, bicycling or canoeing. Collier-Seminole provides canoe rentals, as well as a boat ramp with access to the Blackwater River, where anglers can fish for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Collier-Seminole offers full-facility, primitive and youth camping. The picnic areas have pavilions and grills for use on a first-come, first-served basis.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Where: Naples
What is it: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is an unmatched outdoor classroom. Our 2.25 mile boardwalk with a private C.L.A.S.S. section, lends the opportunity for participants of all ages to explore pristine habitats and engage in informative seminars and presentations. Students study and explore upland pine forests, open wet prairie and marsh wetlands and the largest contiguous stand of virgin bald cypress in North America. On site restoration and land management projects provide an opportunity for students to get on the ground experience and observe critical habitat restoration in action. Guided boardwalk programs can be tailored to specific age groups and topics of study.
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Where: Naples
What is it: This two-hour naturalist-guided field trip through the newly renovated Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center includes many new experiences and delights! View over 150 animals and new exhibits in the Dalton Discovery Center. Then head over to the new von Arx Wildlife Hospital for some wildlife viewing and tips on wildlife care. Continue your excursion to the Shotwell-Wavering Filter Marsh to explore how the Conservancy is improving water quality into Naples Bay. Finally, enjoy a narrated electric boat cruise on the Gordon River.
CREW Land and Water trust
Where: Immokalee
What is it: The CREW Trust welcomes all school groups to explore the CREW Trails with us, and engage in focused environmental education activities that help children learn to love and understand the natural world. We work directly with Collier and Lee County schools as well as many home school groups and private schools in southwest Florida. Students will hike, explore, learn about plants and animals, test water quality, collect data on ecosystem parameters, dip-net, journal, learn about prescribed fires, and more. Each trip is custom designed the group and grade level.
Everglades Tours
Where: Everglades
What is it: Wide variety of options for touring the Everglades.
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
Where: Copeland
What is it: The Fakahatchee Strand is a linear swamp forest, approximately twenty miles long by five miles wide and oriented from north to south. It has been sculpted by the movement of water for thousands of years and clean fresh water is the key to its existence. Beneath a protective canopy of bald cypress trees flows a slow moving, shallow river or slough that is warmer than the ambient temperature in the winter and cooler in the summer. The buffering effect of the slough and the deeper lakes that punctuate it shield the forest interior from extreme cold temperatures and this fosters a high level of rare and endangered tropical plant species.
Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
Where: Naples
What is it: Over 30,000 square feet of interactive environments with age-appropriate programs and activities for children pre-K to grade 5. Programs will provide hands-on learning opportunities that expand upon formal learning in the arts, sciences, humanities, health sciences, and math, and are closely aligned with Florida’s Sunshine State Standards and the Common Core State Standards. Home school groups are eligible to reserve field trips as long as they have a minimum of 10 children.
Holocaust Museum
Where: Naples
What is it: The Museum houses over 1,000 World War II and Holocaust artifacts and original photographs displayed chronologically from the rise of Nazism to Allied Liberation and the Nuremberg Trials.
Immokalee Pioneer Museum
Where: Immokalee
What is it: One of the oldest and biggest historical cattle ranches in Florida. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places on Oct. 4, 2003. Experience daily working life on a typical Southwest Florida homestead and citrus grove from the early 1900s.
M & H Stables
Where: Naples
What is it: Offers trail riding on the Picayune Strand State Forest’s Equestrian Trail, as well as other Everglades trails, riding lessons, group outings and horse boarding facilities. Groups can enjoy the use of picnic area after hay rides, develop skills, or learn about horses.
Museum of the Everglades
Where: Everglades City
What is it: Escape Naples’ dazzling pace of development for a day and spend a lazy afternoon exploring the history of nearby Everglades City. The museum’s permanent and rotating exhibits provide visitors with an in-depth look at over 2,000 years of human history in the area and tell the story of those adventurous enough – and stubborn enough – to settle Southwest Florida’s lush “River of Grass.”
Naples Backyard History
Where: Naples
What is it: Collaborative ‘out of the box thinking’ has led has led to a prototype City of Naples and Collier County Heritage Trails with GPS and iPhone applications currently being designed. Then guests, residents and students alike will be able to conveniently find all there is to experience for local history such as local museums, parks, preserves, exhibits and interesting areas off the beaten path.
Naples Botanical Garden
Where: Naples
What is it: Creating a useful school garden takes good planning and work and the Naples Botanical Garden Collier Greens program was created to provide educators with tips, trainings and technical support to ease your ‘growing pains’. Join the Collier Greens school garden network to meet others involved in school gardens to share ideas, failures and successes and receive a manual on growing school gardens in Collier County.
Naples Historical Society
Where: Naples
What is it: The Palm Cottage™ house museum, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and The Norris Gardens at Palm Cottage™ represent a genuine window to Neapolitan life in the early 1900s. Our engaging Docent-led tours include tales about Naples adventurous pioneers, turn-of-the-century gardening stories, and introductions to some of Naples most prestigious, local architectural gems.
Naples Lionel Train Museum
Where: Naples
What is it: See the scenic, multi-level Lionel Train Display in action. Help operate many Lionel accessories. Ride the outdoor scale train pulled by live steam or diesel locomotives. Explore the original 1909 Soo Line Caboose and the 1947 Club Car. Reminisce at the Wall of Trains featuring original Lionel locomotives and rolling stock.
Naples Trolley Tours
Where: Naples
What is it: We invite you to join us for a fascinating tour of the Naples area. We are proud of the natural beauty, history and charm of Naples, and we are certain you will find your tour interesting, informative and fun. Our guides look forward to sharing their expertise and local knowledge with you.
Naples Zoo
Where: Naples
What is it: In this tropical setting, you can take delight at seeing many of your favorite animals like lions, kangaroos, monkeys, and bears. In addition, you’ll also discover feature exhibits and an array of more rarely seen creatures like the fosas of Madagascar or an Asian deer that barks and eats meat. Group gatherings take on a little wild excitement inside our nationally accredited zoo and botanical garden.
Philharmonic Center for the Arts
Where: Naples
What is it: The performing ensembles at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts have a wonderful season of concerts to offer you during the 2012-13 season. We hope you will take advantage of our discounted tickets for teachers, students and parents in Collier County. It is an incredible experience to see a live musical performance and we hope you will be a part of our audience as often as possible. In August you will see the new list of performances. We invite you to attend at a special education discount price. We look forward to seeing you at the Phil!
Rookery Bay
Where: The Rookery Bay and Ten Thousand Islands ecosystem is a prime example of a nearly pristine subtropical mangrove forested estuary. RBNERR is located in the West Florida subregion of the West Indian Biogeographic Region. The total estimated surface area of open waters encompassed within proposed boundaries is 70,000 acres, 64 percent of RBNERR. The remaining 40,000 acres are composed primarily of mangroves, fresh to brackish water marshes, and upland habitats. Educational programs are avaialble for grades 4-12.
Shy Wolf Sanctuary
Where: Naples
What is it: sanctuary for exotic animals in need of rescue and refuge, while screening and re-homing those better suited to family life. Guided visits available for students age 7+. No set cost; donations are needed.
Skunk Ape Research Headquarters
Where: Ochopee
what is it: The Headquarters also features a Reptile & Bird Exhibit of huge gators, constrictors and a variety of exotic birds.
Sun and Fun Lagoon
Where: Naples
What is it: Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is the county’s publicly owned water activity center which is surrounded by a plush preserve and a large athletic complex for soccer and softball.Sun-N-Fun Lagoon’s interactive water features include water dumping buckets, water pistols, four pools including a family pool, Tadpole pool for Children 6 and under, and Turtle Cove for kids 5 to 12. In addition there is a lap/diving pool and Sunny’s River, a lazy river attraction. There is a water tower which takes those 48″ and taller 38 feet in the air to come back down on one of five fantastic water slides.
Swamp Buggy Races
Where: Naples
What is it: Home of the World Famous Swamp Buggy Races. Held annually every January March and October at the Florida Sports Park, in Naples, FL.
Von Liebig Art Center
Where: Naples
What is it: Ever-changing exhibitions of international, national and locally-known artists provide a wonderful educational opportunity to expose young children and teenagers to a wide variety of art. Depending on the time of year, students may also have the opportunity to peek in on one of our adult and children’s art classes. We are a working facility with six studios classrooms.
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Columbia
Columbia County Historical Museum
Where: Lake City
What is it: The museum is located in an 1870’s era house in Downtown Lake City, FL. It contains exhibits related to the history of this Northern Florida County.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Where: Fort White
What is it: canoeing, kayaking, hiking, nature trail, scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming (no lifeguuard), and tubing.
O’Leno State Park
Where: High Springs
What is it: Located along the banks of the scenic Santa Fe River, a tributary of the Suwannee River, the park features sinkholes, hardwood hammocks, river swamps, and sandhills. As the river courses through the park, it disappears underground and reemerges over three miles away in the River Rise State Preserve. One of Florida’s first state parks, O’Leno was first developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. The suspension bridge built by the CCC still spans the river. Visitors can picnic at one of the pavilions or fish in the river for their dinner. Canoes and bicycles are available for rent. While hiking the nature trails, visitors can look for wildlife and enjoy the beauty of native plants.
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DeSoto
Canoe the Peace River
Where: Arcadia
What is it: Paddle from our dock or we can shuttle you upriver to see alligators, blue heron, wood storks, eagles and all other sorts of wildlife. Group rates available.
Creation Adventures Museum
Where: Arcadia
what is it: Creation Adventures Museum, Inc. is a Christian ministry whose purpose is to explore the awesome wonders of nature, teaching young and old to ask questions about their origin, history, and destiny, encouraging Christians to understand God’s world in the light of God’s Word.
Paleo Discoveries
Where: Peace River
What is it: Our purpose is to educate and create a sense of appreciation for Florida’s paleontological history. Programs strive to be both fun and educational. Question and answer sessions to further explore related topics in geology and archeology are always encouraged. The Fossil Discovery Hour can be tailored for all age ranges. This program is designed to encourage further research in class or at home. Kid digs and tours also available.
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Dixie
Big Bend Wildlife Management Area
Where: Various locations throughout Dixie County
What is it: The five units comprising the Big Bend Wildlife Management Area – Hickory Mound, Spring Creek, Tide Swamp, Jena, and Snipe Island – filled a void in a 200-mile stretch of the Gulf coast already protected in public ownership.Each of the units has a slightly different character and each offers its own special combination of recreational opportunities. On Jena, you can drive, bike, or horseback ride on named or numbered roads, while viewing sandhills, exposed limestone, salt marshes and the Gulf. At Hagen’s Cove on Tide Swamp, you can scallop, gig for flounder at night, picnic, and barbeque. On Spring Creek and at Tide Swamp you’ll find the only remaining coastal scrub on Big Bend, and at the Hickory Mound Impoundment, you can crab, hunt waterfowl in season, and observe a diverse abundance of birds year-round.
Dixie County Parks
Where: Dixie County
What is it: List of state parks and nature centers.
Dixie Mainline
Where: Suwannee
What is it: Hike, bike or slowly drive (25 m.p.h. maximum) this nine-mile trail north from the community of Suwannee. The trail passes through upland pine forest, hardwood hammock, wetlands and tidal creek environments. Expect special nature and wildlife experiences in this undisturbed environment. Watch for herons, egrets, ibis, barred owls, alligator, turtle, small mammals and a variety of plant life.
Shired Beach
Where: Suwannee
What is it: Part of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, the Shired Island Boat Ramp & Trail provide access to the Gulf, shoreline fishing, and a short trail to a 7,000 year-old archaeology site. You’ll want to bring your camera. After enjoying the walk out to the point, you’ll see millions and millions of sun-bleached shells.
Suwannee River State Park
Where: Suwannee
What is it: The Suwannee River is a federally designated wild river. It is the only major waterway in the southeastern United States that is still unspoiled. The Suwannee flows from the Okefenokee Swamp in southern Georgia to the Gulf of Mexico in Florida. It winds for almost 266 miles through swamps, high limestone banks, hammocks of hardwood, and salt marshes. It is said to have about 80 springs along the way. The river’s limestone outcroppings and a drop in elevation create Florida’s only whitewater rapids at Little Shoals and Big Shoals located several miles upstream from the city of White Springs.
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Duval
Adventure Landing
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Our Flagship Park, Adventure Landing and Shipwreck Island Water Park in Jacksonville Beach, is the largest Family Entertainment Center in northeast Florida. Offering individual & family fun for all ages, Adventure Landing can accommodate private and semi-private group events.
B.E.A.K.S
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: When wild creatures are injured and need a safe place to recover and gain strength, B.E.A.K.S. comes to the rescue. Calling itself a “Bird Emergency Aid and Kare Sanctuary,” the facility serves more than 2,000 birds and animals each year. Their amenities offer you an opportunity to get a close look at eagles, owls, seagulls and other bird species while they recuperate. Call for an appointment for a guided tour.
Big Talbot Island State Park
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Big Talbot Island State Park is primarily a natural preserve providing a premier location for nature study, bird-watching, and photography. Explore the diverse island habitats by hiking Blackrock Trail to the shoreline, Big Pine Trail to the marsh or Old Kings Highway and Jones Cut through the maritime forest. Visit The Bluffs and enjoy a picnic at one of the pavilions overlooking the water or take a quick stroll down the trail to Boneyard Beach. The unique beach is famous for the salt-washed skeletons of live oak and cedar trees that once grew near the shore.
Diamond D Ranch
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: The Diamond D Ranch is an actual working horse and cattle ranch covering over 600 acres. One of the highlights of the student’s visit is the wagon ride around the ranch where they experience first hand just how the ranch operates. They learn the history of the ranch and how a real working horse and cattle ranch works. The children will get to meet some of the cattle up close and personal during their stop at the cattle pasture. The final stop on the wagon ride is at the petting zoo with Deer, Antelope, Goats, Sheep, Emus, and the star of the show, “Bubba” the American Bison buffalo.
Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is committed to engage and inspire through the arts, gardens and education. A permanent collection of nearly 5,000 works of art and historic gardens on a riverfront campus offers more than 110,000 annual visitors a truly unique experience on the First Coast. Nationally recognized education programs serve adults and children of all abilities.
Huguenot Park
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Huguenot Park offers visitors waterfront campsites, a bird observation area, and gorgeous views of some of North Florida’s remaining natural areas. Amenities include swimming, fishing, surfing, a boat launch area, picnic shelters, restrooms, and shower facilities. The park is also a part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Hands On Children’s Museum
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: With bright colors and a building shaped like a castle, the Hands On Children’s Museum opened it’s doors in October 2000 , with generous community support. Group tours welcome.
Jacksonville-Baldwin Trail
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: The Jacksonville-Baldwin trail offers a sense of seclusion you might not expect from a trail that starts about 5 miles from downtown Jacksonville. Built along a former railroad corridor, this trail traverses a diversity of natural habitats including pine flatwoods, wetlands, and hardwood uplands. These areas attract a variety of wildlife such as songbirds, hawks, wild turkey, and white-tailed deer. The dense canopy that covers most of the trail provides shade on a sunny day and, in certain locations, even gives the illusion of traveling in a tunnel. The trail also crosses McGirts Creek near Camp Milton, a site rich in Civil War history.
Jacksonville Gem and Mineral Society
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Museum of rocks and minerals
Jacksonville Zoo
Where: Jacksonvillehttp://www.jacksonvillezoo.org/
What is it: Escape to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. Discover the earth’s wildlife through interactive and educational experiences. A true family adventure, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is growing and changing daily and is dedicated to consistently improving. Beginning in 2004 with Range of the Jaguar and continuing with Giraffe Overlook and Savanna Blooms garden, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is quickly becoming a world-class establishment. The Zoo has something for everyone with more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants. Offers field trips and homeschool classes.
Karpeles Manuscript Museum
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: World’s largest private holding of important original manuscripts & documents.The archives include Literature, Science, Religion, History and Art. Among the treasures are the original draft of the Bill of Rights of the United States, the original manuscript of The Wedding March, Einstein’s description of his Theory of Relativity, the Thanksgiving Proclamation signed by George Washington, Roget’s Thesaurus, Webster’s Dictionary and over one million more.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Splash park, beach, lake for kayaking and canoeing, trails for biking and hiking, picnic areas.
Little Talbot Island State Park
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: With more than five miles of beautiful, white sandy beaches, Little Talbot Island is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Northeast Florida. Maritime forests, desert-like dunes and undisturbed salt marshes on the western side of the island allow for hours of nature study and relaxation. The diverse habitats in the park host a wealth of wildlife for viewing, including river otters, marsh rabbits, bobcats and a variety of native and migratory birds.
Mandarin Museum and Historical Society
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Ancient Live Oak trees draped with Spanish moss. Tannin-colored waters of the St. Johns River lapping the trunks of cypress trees along the shore. Timucuans and English and Spanish explorers came by canoe, on foot and by horseback. Civil War soldiers, farmers, citrus growers and their families traveled by boat and by steamship. Today, children jump off the school bus, run along the riverfront boardwalk and race up the path to explore the 1875 homestead.
Merrill House
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: The Merrill residence is the largest and most architecturally interesting of the nineteenth-century houses remaining in East Jacksonville. It serves as an annex to the Jacksonville Historical Society’s headquarters and as a house museum celebrating the American Victorian period in Jacksonville.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Presents a wide variety of programs for audiences of all ages. Utilizing the collections and exhibition resources of the Museum education programming and events are designed to align with exhibitions in our galleries.
Museum of Science and History
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Science and natural history exhibits along with a planetarium and a naturalist center. Special educational programming available.
Ribault Monument
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Located on one of the highest points in the Jacksonville area, the Ribault Monument is a silent reminder of the years when France battled Spain for control of Florida.
Sally Corporation
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Explore Sally’s exciting dark rides (interactive, black light and classic), animatronic musical shows, and lifelike human and animal animatronics that have delighted guests at parks and attractions since 1977. And discover imaginative interactive exhibits created for international museums and educational venues—“edutainment” at its best.
St. Johns River Ferry
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Dating back to 1948, the St. Johns River Ferry gives passengers a scenic break from highway travel aboard one of the last remaining public ferries in the state, connecting the historic village of Mayport to Fort George Island.
Sweet Pete’s Candy
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Candy making. Field trips available.
Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve (including Fort Caroline and Kingsley Plantation)
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Visit one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast. Discover 6,000 years of human history and experience the beauty of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks.
Theodore Roosevelt Area
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: A 600-acre natural treasure of hardwood forest, wetlands, and scrub vegetation. Part of the Timicuan State Park.
Tillie K. Fowler Park
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Park with wildlife observation post, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Tree Hill Nature Center
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Located in the center of Jacksonville, Florida, Tree Hill Nature Center is THE place to connect with nature for individuals and homeschoolers (and others). Schedule an Animal Encounter or a Guided Trail Tour today. Stop by with your friends to explore 50-acres and three eco-systems. Plan a family reunion or evening reception in the beautiful Joseph A. Strasser Amphitheater. Enjoy fresh air, plentiful trails and an on-site butterfly house.
Veterans Memorial Wall
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: The outdoor memorial was promoted as the largest of its kind and the only wall that honors veterans from all service branches (Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine). The beautiful, 65 foot-long black granite monument contains the names of servicemen and women from World War I through Operation Desert Storm and the current war on terrorism. In front of the wall stands a torch whose eternal flame burns in “proud remembrance and humble tribute”.
Yellow Bluff Fort Historic State Park
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: Located near the mouth of the St. Johns River, this site was an important military position during the Civil War, allowing access to the inland areas of Florida’s east coast. There was never an actual fort on Yellow Bluff, but an encampment that was fortified and equipped with large guns for protection. Constructed in 1862, the site was occupied by both Confederate and Union troops during the Civil War and-at its peak-housed over 250 soldiers. The site has a T-shaped earthworks and covers about 1.3 acres. Located on Yellow Bluff peninsula on the north side of the St. Johns River (on New Berlin Road).
More Parks
Where: Jacksonville
What is it: List of City of Jacksonville Parks
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Escambia
Big Lagoon State Park
Where: Pensacola
What is it: The park’s 655 upland acres separate the mainland from Perdido Key and the Gulf of Mexico. Natural communities, ranging from saltwater marshes to pine flatwoods, attract a wide variety of birds, especially during the spring and fall migrations, while the beaches, shallow bays, nature trails and open woodlands offer splendid opportunities for nature study. The park also beckons visitors to camp, swim, fish, boat, canoe and hike. Crabbing in the shallow waters of Big Lagoon is a popular activity as well. The West Beach picnic area, shaded by pines and oaks, is just the place to enjoy a relaxing meal.
DeVilliers Cultural Heritage e-Museum
Where: Pensacola and Online
What is it: Virtual museum and occasional events. Check website for details.
Gulf Islands National Seashore
Where: Escambia and other counties (covers 160 miles)
What is it: Millions of visitors are drawn to the islands in the northern Gulf of Mexico for the white sandy beaches, the aquamarine waters, a boat ride, a camping spot, a tour of an old fort, or a place to fish.
Historic Pensacola Village
Where: Pensacola
What is it: Barkley House, Museum of Industry, Children’s Museum, Commerce Museum, and Arcadia Mill Archaeological Site. The Education Staff of West Florida Historic Preservation, Inc. believes in the importance of bringing classroom lessons to life. We draw from Florida Sunshine State Curriculum Standards and all of our programs emphasize historical awareness and critical thinking skills. Historic Pensacola Village offers teachers several school program options to choose from.
Naval Aviation Museum
Where: Pensacola
What is it: The mission of the Flight to Excellence (FTE) educational field trip program is to optimize the use of the National Naval Aviation Museum as an educational tool for teachers and visiting students in grades K-12. The program achieves this by incorporating educational IMAX® movies and accompanying Teachers’ Walking Tour guides into a field trip.
Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum
Where: Pensacola
What is it: The Pensacola Lighthouse and Museum offers climbing tours of the landmark 1859 lighthouse. The Lighthouse is situated on Pensacola Bay across from the Naval Aviation Museum
Pensacola Museum of Art
Where: Pensacola
What is it: The mission of the Pensacola Museum of Art is to be a bridge to the visual arts for the diverse populations of Pensacola and the surrounding communities by providing an array of stimulating exhibitions within our historic building; collecting and preserving works of art from the 20th and 21st centuries with an emphasis on modern and contemporary art; and implementing age-specific educational programs to inspire and encourage an appreciation of the arts.
Petsel’s Blueberries
Where: Pensacola
What is it: U-pick farm.
Quina House Museum
Where: Pensacola
What is it: Built in 1810 the Quina House is Pensacola’s oldest surviving house still located on its original site. The historic home is furnished with pieces dating from 1790 through the 1880’s with noteworthy items such as a horse hair-cloth sofa and footstool circa 1830, a pine pembroke table circa 1820, a quilt made in the wandering drunkard’s pattern, and a sleigh bed circa 1830.
More Parks
Where: Escambia County
What is it: List of Escambia Conty parks and their amenities.
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Flagler
Art and Soul Studio
Where: Palm Coast
What is it: A contemporary paint-your-own-pottery studio. In addition to painting pottery, we offer glass fusion and mosaics, and will always be adding new things to try.
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
Where: Flagler Beach
What is it: The 150 acres of Bulow Plantation Ruins stand as a monument to the rise and fall of sugar plantations in East Florida. In 1836, the Second Seminole War swept away the prosperous Bulow Plantation where the Bulow family grew sugar cane, cotton, rice and indigo. Ruins of the former plantation, a sugar mill, a unique spring house, several wells and the crumbling foundations of the plantation house and slave cabins show how volatile the Florida frontier was in the early 19th century. Today, a scenic walking trail leads visitors to the sugar mill ruins, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites.
Earth Wonders Museum
Where: Bunnell
What is it: The Earth Wonders Geological Museum & Lapidary Arts Learning Centre houses a world-class collection of specimens including rocks, minerals, rough and finished gemstones, faceted gems and fossils.
Flagler Beach Historical Museum
Where: Flagler Beach
What is it: Experience history from the Stone Age to the Space Age at the Flagler Beach Historical Museum. Begin with prehistoric bones and fast forward to dehydrated astronaut food and a flag that rode the Shuttle Endeavour into space.
Florida Agricultural Museum
Where: Palm Coast
What is it: Students will be led to draw comparisons between the lives of rural farm families and their own, and will gain an appreciation of Florida’s rural past through hands-on activities. Guided tour of a fully furnished and functional 1890s farmhouse. Hands-on farm activities. Collect eggs, pump water, shuck corn, wash clothes, and more. Ride through the woods on tractor pulled trailers. Meet the farm animals (cracker horses, mule, donkey, cracker cattle, chickens, and Sally, (the farm dog). Compare Cracker Horses to other horses, mules and donkeys.
Holden House
Where: Bunnell
What is it: Tour the 1918 Holden house and also the annex, which contains clothing, furniture, and other artifacts of early Flagler County along with many fine collections including bound volumes of The Flagler Tribune, 1918-1980; copies of the Bunnell Home Builder, 1912-1918; early Florida, St Johns and Flagler County maps; over 125 matted and framed photographs of the early years; over 6,000 alphabetized obituaries published in area newspaper; individual files on early Flagler; individual files with information on Flagler places and organizations; and a searchable computer family data base of over 235,000 names from Northern Florida and Southern Georgia.
Oh Happy Clay
Where: Flagler Beach
What is it: Paint your own Pottery Studio that also offers art classes such as Stained Glass, Water Color and more.
Palm Coast Lanes
Where: Palm Coast
What is it: Bowling for all ages. Field trips and youth leagues available.
Princess Place Preserve
Where: Palm Coast
What is it: Princess Place Preserve with its rich history and 1500 pristine acres, attracts nature enthusiasts from near and far. Visitors can take in the environment on one of the many hiking trails, spend time fishing in the salt marshes along the Matanzas River and Pellicer Creek, or camp out under the stars.
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park
Where: Palm Coast
What is it: The Homes, Gardens and Groves of Louise P. and Owen D. Young have been placed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Tour the house, picnic, hike, fish, or swim.
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Franklin
Apalachicola Historic District
Where: Apalachicola
What is it: More than 900 historic homes and buildings from the National Historic District, dating from the 1830s, can be seen on the city’s walking tour.
Apalachicola Maritime Museum
Where: Apalachicola
What is it: The museum was founded to celebrate and preserve the maritime history of Apalachicola in a hands-on learning environment with active sailing program and adventure programs, boat-building, restoration and educational programs. Collectively, the activities of the AMM will provide a glimpse into the rich and diverse history of the three rivers that come together to form the largest river in Florida, the Apalachicola.
Apalachicola Museum of Art
Where: Apalachicola
What is it: Art, photography and the Fry-Conter House.
Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Where: East Point
What is it: The reserve includes barrier island, estuarine, riverine, floodplain and upland environments which are closely interrelated and influenced by each other. Florida Natural Areas Inventory – Managed Area Tracking Record Information is available through the Reserve.
Apalachicola National Forest
Where: Apalachicola
What is it: Outdoor recreation in the forest includes a wide spectrum of activities, from kayaking and canoeing the waterways to mountain biking, horseback riding, hunting and fishing, ATV and motorbike riding, backpacking, and some of the best birding and botanical study in Florida.
Bald Point State Park
Where: Alligator Point
What is it: Some of the most picturesque scenic areas along north Florida’s Gulf Coast are found within the park which supports 4,065 upland acres. Located on Alligator Point, where Ochlockonee Bay meets Apalachee Bay, Bald Point offers a multitude of land and water activities. Coastal marshes, pine flatwoods, and oak thickets foster a diversity of biological communities that make the park a popular destination for birding and wildlife viewing. Each fall, bald eagles and other migrating raptors, along with monarch butterflies, are commonly seen heading south for the winter. Bald Point offers access to two Apalachee Bay beaches for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing.
Camp Gordon Johnston WWII Museum
Where: Carrabelle
What is it: Nationally honored by the Smithsonian Magazine for three straight years. Our new facilities, located within the Carrabelle City Complex, house over 5,000 square feet of artifacts, vehicles, photos, memorabilia and memories of the soldiers, sailors and other military as well as civilian personnel who trained and worked here during the WWII years. Three Infantry division and two Special Brigades left here after training to confront tyranny both in Europe and the Pacific. Learn about their dedication, fears and heroism at our museum.
Crooked River Lighthouse
Where: Carrabelle
What is it: For 116 years the Crooked River Lighthouse has stood as a beacon, guiding timber ships as well as local fishermen and oystermen through the treacherous pass between Dog and St. George Islands, along Florida’s Panhandle. Built in 1895, this iron and steel structure replaced the lighthouse on Dog Island, which was destroyed by hurricane in 1873.
Dog Island Beach
Where: Dog Island (barrier island)
What is it: This island is small at 6.8 miles in length, accessible only by boat, ferry or airplane.Most of Dog Island is a nature preserve – the entire western end of the island is owned by the Nature Conservancy. In the fall and early Spring, the island is alive with migrating birds.
Fort Gadsden
Where: Apalachicola
What is it: Built by the British during the War of 1812, the post was called the “Negro Fort” by the U.S. Government. Inside its walls were 300 African American men, women and children and around 20 Choctaw warriors. Some were free residents of Florida, but others had escaped from slavery and came here to live in freedom.
John Gorrie Museum State Park
Where: Apalachicola
What is it: A young physician named John Gorrie moved to Apalachicola in the early 1800s when it was a prominent port of trade, commerce, and shipping in Florida. Gorrie served as postmaster, city treasurer, town councilman, and bank director. Concern for his yellow fever patients motivated Gorrie to invent a method for cooling their rooms. He became a pioneer in the field of air conditioning and refrigeration by inventing a machine that made ice, and received the first U.S. Patent for mechanical refrigeration in 1851. A replica of his ice-making machine is on display at the museum, as well as exhibits chronicling the colorful history of Apalachicola.
Orman House Historic State Park
Where: Apalachicola
What is it: Built in 1838 by Thomas Orman, this antebellum home overlooks the Apalachicola River, and was used for both business and social gatherings. Orman was a cotton merchant and businessman in Apalachicola from 1834 to the 1880s. He helped the tiny town become one of the Gulf Coast’s most important cotton exporting ports during the mid-19th century. The house features details of both Federal and Greek revival styles with wooden mantelpieces, molded plaster cornices and wide heart-pine floorboards.
The Raney House
Where: Apalachicola
What is it: The three decades prior to the Civil War were prosperous ones for Apalachicola. Revenues from the cotton trade built several fine mansions, including the Greek-Revival Raney House, completed in 1838 by David Greenway Raney. Raney made his fortune in the cotton trade, and served two terms as mayor. Group tours welcome.
St. George Island Lighthouse
Where: St. George Island
What is it: On Friday, October 21, 2005, the Cape St. George Light collapsed into the Gulf of Mexico. On Monday, December 1, 2008, the reconstructed lighthouse was opened to the public. Built in 1852 on what is now Little St. George Island, the Light finally succumbed to beach erosion and pounding waves. Working with state and federal government support, the St. George Lighthouse Association spearheaded the effort to salvage the pieces of the Light. Volunteers cleaned the mortar off thousands of the old bricks. The original plans were obtained from the National Archives in Washington, D.C. and the lighthouse was reconstructed on St. George Island, using as much of the original materials as possible.
St. George Island State Park
Where: St. George
What is it: Miles of undeveloped beaches on this barrier island provide the perfect setting for this park, which offers ample opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, canoeing, boating, hiking, camping and nature study. Few parks offer better opportunities for shelling. Sea turtles and shore birds such as the snowy plover, least tern, black skimmer and willet nest in the park during the summer.
St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
Where: Apalachicola
What is it: The refuge is managed to preserve, in as natural a state as possible, its highly varied plant and animal communities. Ten separate habitat types have been identified: tidal marsh; freshwater lakes and streams; dunes dominated by live oak/mixed hardwood understory; scrub oaks; relatively pure stands of cabbage palm; and four different slash pine communities, each with its own unique understory species.
Tate’s Hell State Forest
Where: Carrabelle
What is it: Many species of wildlife make their home on the forest. Those with confirmed sightings on Tate’s Hell State Forest that are currently listed as threatened, endangered or species of special concern are: bald eagle, Florida black bear, gopher tortoise, and red-cockaded woodpecker. Rare plant species living on the forest include: Thick-leaved Water-willow (Justicia crassifolia), White Birds-in-a-nest (Macbridea alba), Florida Bear grass (Nolina atopocarpa), Chapman’s Butterwort (Pinguicula planifolia), and Small-flowered Meadow beauty (Rhexia parviflora).
Veteran’s Memorial Plaza
Where: Apalachicola
What is it: The Three Servicemen Statue is part of The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Washington D.C. (1982 – 1984). Along with The Wall, this monument serves as a symbol of our nation’s honor and recognition of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War. This monumental figurative work of soldiers speaks to what renowned sculptor Frederick Hart called “their true heroism that lies in the bonds of loyalty”.
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Gadsden
Dezzell House
Where: Greensboro
What is it: With its unusual architecture and great location on Highway 12, this time capsule of sorts provides a one-of-a kind glimpse into the rich history that is Gadsden County.
Gadsden Arts Center
Where: Quincy
What is it: Bring your group of 4 or more to the Gadsden Arts Center to explore special highlights of the Center’s collections and exhibitions at an easy pace with a specially prepared volunteer for an educational guided tour, free of charge.
Havana Bead Show
Where: Havana
What is it: Semi-annual bead show. Bead lovers from all around the world come to Havana to find that one special piece in one of Havana’s most “colorful” events.
Havana Pumpkin Festival
Where: Havana
What is it: Annual (October) event. Streets are lined with art, crafts, and food vendors selling their wares. The town comes alive in a carnival-like atmosphere full of activities for the entire family: hay & pony rides, obstacle courses, costume contests, games, face-painting, magicians, pumpkin decorating and much, much more. Local merchants show their creativity with beautiful displays of pumpkins, Halloween and fall décor.
Quincy Historic Tour
Where: Quincy
What is it: Slef-guided walking tour of historic sites in Quincy.
Quincy Music Theatre
Where: Quincy
What is it: Live theater, movies and more for youth and adults.
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Gilchrist
Ginnie Springs
Where: High Springs
What is it: Privately owned freshwater springs nestled in over 200 wooded acres along the banks of the Santa Fe River in Florida. Group rates available.
Blue Springs Park
where: High Springs
What is it: Swim or float in a tube in the crystal-clear blue waters, walk the boardwalk along the spring run, canoe or kayak the Santa Fe River, and camp at our fully-equipped campground.
Hart Springs Park
Where: Bell
What is it: Enjoy camping — from tent to full hookups, picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, birding, biking and hiking.
Fanning Springs State Park
Where: Fanning Springs
What is it: Visitors can enter the park by boat from the Suwannee River or by car from U.S. 19/98. Visitors enjoy the picnic area, playground and sandy volleyball court. A boardwalk overlooks the spring and river.
Nature Coast State Trail
Where: Near Fanning Springs
What is it: Adventure awaits you on the Trail! Don’t miss the Suwannee River bridge near Fanning Springs. Winter time provides perfect weather for hiking, biking and other strenuous exercise. In the early 1900’s the railroad was replacing the steamship as the freight and passenger carrier of the Nature Coast. Trains hauled crops and timber throughout the Suwannee Valley, making passenger stops in small towns such as Chiefland, Cross City and Trenton. Today you can travel in the shadow of these early trains by retracing their historic route in the Nature Coast State Trail. The 31.7 miles of the Nature Coast Trail connects three counties and five communities.
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Glades
Fisheating Creek Outpost
Where: 14 miles west of LaBelle
What is it: Paddling and Hiking tours.
Gatorama
Where: Palmdale
What is it: Steeped in old Florida charm, Gatorama is an original Florida roadside attraction. Thousands of snaggle tooth ‘gators and crocs of the swampy southern lowlands call Gatorama home. Our 1000 foot long boardwalk at Gatorama has kept its sense of days gone by. With a simple metal roof to keep the sun and rain at bay, you’ll get up close and personal with many Florida native and exotic animals
Geocaching
Where: Ortona Indian Mound
What is it: At first the terrain is quite easy but gets rougher as your nearing the location. Look for an ammo can. More importantly, look at the sandy mounds and think about the Native people who once lived here. Typical stuff: plastic creatures, little books, a polished rock, CD, candle stick holders, and, oh, a travel bug. Make sure to look at as much of the park as you can and reflect on what once was.
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Gulf
Cape San Bals Lighthouse
Where: Cape San Blas
What is it: Lighthouse and grounds tour, museum being built.
No Name Cafe
Where: Port St. Joe
What is it: Cafe, bookstore and art supply shop that also offers classes.
St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Reserve Center
Where: Port St. Joe
What is it: St. Joseph Bay is the only embayed body of water in the eastern Gulf of Mexico not influenced by the inflow of fresh water. St. Joseph Bay is host to one of the richest and most abundant concentrations of marine grasses along the north Florida coast. Five different species of seagrasses occur within these vast meadows that cover approximately one-sixth of the bay bottom.
St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve Center
Where: Port St. Joe
What is it: St. Joseph Bay State Buffer Preserve contains 20 known archaeological and historical sites, dating from prehistoric times to the 20th century.
T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
Where: Port St. Joe
What is it: An abundance of wildlife and provides excellent opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing. The park offers two nature trails, picnic area, playground, 119 family camp sites, youth group camping or primitive camping and hiking in the 1900 acre wilderness preserve, which encompasses the northern end of the peninsula
More Parks!
Where: Gulf County
What is it: Listing of parks in Gulf County
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Hamilton
Big Shoals State Park
Where: White Springs
What is it: This park features the largest whitewater rapids in Florida. Limestone bluffs, towering 80 feet above the banks of the Suwannee River, afford outstanding vistas not found anywhere else in Florida. Over 28 miles of wooded trails provide opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing. The Woodpecker Trail, a 3.4 mile long multipurpose paved trail, connects the Little Shoals and Big Shoals entrances to the park.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Where: White Springs
What is it: Situated on the banks of the legendary Suwannee River, this center honors the memory of American composer Stephen Foster, who wrote “Old Folks at Home,” the song that made the river famous. The museum features exhibits about Foster’s most famous songs and his music can be heard emanating from the park’s 97-bell carillon throughout the day. In Craft Square, visitors can watch demonstrations of quilting, blacksmithing, stained glass making, and other crafts, or visit the gift shop. Hiking, bicycling, canoeing, and wildlife viewing are popular activities. Miles of trails wind through some of the most scenic areas of North Florida.
Twin Rivers State Forest
Where: Western Hamilton County
What is it: There are many natural communities within Twin Rivers State Forest. Among these are sandhill, floodplain, swamp and sinkhole communities. Found within the natural communities are a wide variety of tree species. For example, American elm, river birch, sweetgum, water hickory and bald cypress can be found in the floodplains. Located in the drier sandhill areas are longleaf pine, turkey oak, post oak and live oak. In addition, clear running springs are located on the Anderson Springs and Pott Springs Tracts.
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Hardee
Solomon’s Castle
Where: Ona
What is it: Home and galleries of internationally known artist and sculptor, Howard Solomon. Join us for a guided tour through the castle galleries and enjoy Howard’s tongue-in-cheek sense of humor and puns!
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Hendry
Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum
Where: Clewiston
What is it: The Museum exhibits and artifacts show how our Seminole ancestors lived in the Florida swamps and Everglades. The Museum film, ‘We Seminoles,’ tells our story in our own words, including our dramatic struggle to remain in Florida. Nature trails will take you throughout the beautiful 60-acre cypress dome to a living village.
Clewiston Museum
Where: Clewiston
What is it: The Clewiston Museum invites you to come enjoy our Historical Eco-Tour. The trip starts with a morning at South Florida Water Management District’s fabulous “Stormwater Treatment Area 5,” a popular birding destination in Florida. The wonderful morning of birding is followed by a relaxing lunch at the scenic, Roland Martin Marina in Clewiston.
Labelle Heritage Museum
Where: Labelle
What is it: History of Western Hendry County
Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest
Where: Off CR832, 30 miles east of Ft. Myers
What is it: The Okaloacoochee Slough, the forest’s namesake, is a 13,382 acre pristine slough that is oriented north-south through the forest. The natural systems of the Fakahatchee Strand and Big Cypress Preserve are dependent on the water supplied by the Okaloacoochee Slough. The Okaloacoochee Slough is one of the few places in south Florida in which the pre-Columbian landscape, north of the Everglades or Big Cypress National Preserve, can be observed
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Hernando
Boyett’s Grove
Where: Brooksville
What is it: During the citrus season, guests can watch fruit as it is washed, waxed, polished, sorted and packed in a style used a half-century ago.
Brooksville Historic District
Where: Brooksville
What is it: Walking tour through historic Brooksville. Check website for places to see along the way.
Hernando Heritage Museum
Where: Brooksville
What is it: Come visit the beautiful Hernando Heritage Museum and see the 11,000 plus artifacts on display here! The Museum is home to the Brooksville Raid, which was voted by the Florida Reenactors as the best and largest Civil War reenactment in Florida! School groups are free.
Weeki Wachee Springs
Where: Spring Hill
What is it: Weeki Wachee Springs is a magical entrance into a mysterious blue underwater world of mermaids, manatees, turtles and bubbles. Sitting in the Mermaid Theater, visitors feel like they are inside the flowing spring, and are transported back to simpler times, before super theme parks and super highways appeared.
More Parks!
Where: Hernando County
What is it: List of county throughout the county, with links to each.
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Highlands
Archbold Biological Station
Where: Venus
What is it: Archbold Biological Station protects a 5,193-acre globally significant Florida scrub preserve located on the southern end of the Lake Wales Ridge, an ancient sandy ecosystem of south-central Florida. Other Archbold divisions are the working ranch, the MacArthur Agro-ecology Research Center (10,500 acres), nearby at Buck Island Ranch, and the restoration landscape of the Archbold Reserve (3,648 acres) adjacent to the Station.
Avon Park Air Force Range
Where: Avon Park
What is it: As the largest Wildlife Management Area in the southwest region of Florida, APAFR is known as a world-class destination for Hunting, Fishing, Camping, Hiking, Birding and Educational Opportunities for all ages.
Boney Marsh, Bluff Hammock Units and Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area
Where: Near Sebring
What is it: Boney Marsh: airboating, boating, camping (tent), canoeing, fishing, hiking hunting, kayaking. Bluff Hammock Units: airboating, boating, canoeing, equestrian trails, fishing, hiking, kayaking, hunting, picnicking. Hickory Hammock: airboating, bicycling, boating, camping (tent), canoeing, equestrian trails, fishing, hunting, kayaking, shelters
Caladium Arts and Crafts
Where: Lake Placid
What is it: The Caladium Arts and Crafts Cooperative in Lake Placid began as a permanent showplace for local artists and craftsmen to display and sell their work as well as to share their talents through classes and workshops.
Children’s Museum of the Highlands
Where: Sebring
What is it: We offer young visitors a first museum experience, where they can learn about themselves and the world around them. The museums’ educational exhibits can be used as a tool to reinforce concepts learned in school. These hands-on exhibits encourage children to use their senses to explore, discover, and experience new ideas and feelings.
Depot Museum
Where: Avon Park
What is it: We tell the stories of Avon Park in a variety of ways. We boast a traditional museum rich in local history. In addition, we host a variety of programs for the community where our members share their memories of growing up in Avon Park (for example, their school days, their World War II days). We also provide a unique dining experience in our railroad dining car. Groups from 15 to 40 can arrange for lunch or special occasions.
Florida Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
Where: Sebring — inside Highlands Hammock State Park (below)
What is it: The CCC Museum is a joint venture of the State of Florida and the National Association Of CCC Alumni ( NACCCA).
Highlands Hammock State Park
Where: Sebring
What is it: Many visitors enjoy bicycling the scenic 3-mile loop drive or hiking along the park´s nine trails. An elevated boardwalk traverses an old-growth cypress swamp. Picnicking is another popular activity as are ranger-guided tours of the park.
Highlands Little Theatre
Where: Sebring
What is it: Live performances. Group rates available.
Highlands Museum of the Arts
Where: Sebring
What is it: Art museum. Highlands Museum of the Arts(MOTA) has been selected as a Museum on Main Street site to host Journey Stories, a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution. The Florida Humanities Council has selected and funded six rural organizations throughout the state to host the exhibition for six weeks each, and to develop companion programming that connects their stories to the themes in the exhibition. MOTA will host Journey Stories from December 8, 2012, to January 19, 2013.
Lake Placid Historical Society Depot Museum
Where: Lake Placid
What is it: Listed in the National Register of Historic Places™ in 1993, the Depot Museum welcomes visitors with a display of historic furnishings, photos. documents, clothing, tools, lanterns, turpentine industry equipment, a switchboard, and linotype machine. The grounds also feature a 1929 steam engine, 1920 era jail, and caboose whch stands ready for visitors.
Mural Society
Where: Lake Placid
What is it: The Mural Society contributes to the beauty of our town and helps preserve our colorful history. 42 murals grace the sides of buildings around town and even the trash containers have color and style.
Sebring Historical Society
Where: Sebring
What is it: The Sebring Historical Society has compiled a total of 95 organized collections of photographs, documents and articles pertaining to specific institutions and individuals having an impact on the development of the community. We have placed these colorful and informative collections throughout the Archives, making them easily accessible for patrons doing research on certain subjects or those who just like to look at the history of our town.
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Hillsborough
Adventure Island
Where: Tampa
What is it: Water park on 30 acres. Ease into island time in a place where corkscrew slides, waterfalls, a giant wave pool, a rambling river, and other family attractions create a laid-back atmosphere and hours of sun-drenched fun.
American Victory Ship
Where: Tampa
What is it: Bring your group on a guided tour of the SS American Victory. Your group will walk the decks of the American Victory just like sailors, soldiers, and airmen did during the wars. An experienced guide will lead you on an on board adventure. Learn about the dangers the merchant ships overcame. Students will engage in shipboard life with different hands-on age appropriate activities.
Big Cat Rescue
Where: Citrus Park
What is it: Sanctuary (not a zoo) for big cats rescued from the entertainment, pet, and fur farm indistries. Tours are all guided and provide an educational experience that includes the plight of big cats in the wild and in captivity and what you can do to save them.
Busch Gardens
Where: Tampa
What is it: Theme park
Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center
Where: Ruskin
What is it: Free admission to this nature preserve open to the general public with trails, nature center, fossil museum, native camp, picnic tables and more in its 160 acres.
Cracker Country
Where: Tampa
What is it: Cracker Country is open for Smithsonian Magazine Museum Day in September, Christmas in the Country in December, the Florida State Fair in February, Homeschool Day, and private scheduled tours. Cracker Country is not open daily to the public.
Dinosaur World
Where: Plant City
What is it: Life sized models of dinosaurs welcome families and classes to learn, have fun, or just enjoy a quiet encounter with the lifelike animals. Field trips welcome.
Florida Aquarium
Where: Tampa
What is it: Come to the Aquarium for monthly Homeschool science classes. Each class uses inquiry based learning and hands-on experiments and activities to discover science. Classes are 45 minutes for 3-5 year olds and 1 hour for ages 6-8 year olds and 1 1/2 hours for 9-14 year olds. In addition to monthly classes we also offer labs and field trips!
Florida Museum of Photographic Arts
Where: Tampa
What is it: The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is now in its new home, the Cube at Rivergate Plaza. The museum occupies the 2nd and 3rd floors in the architecturally significant Cube – the soaring, six-story atrium recognized as one of the most impressive interior spaces in Tampa. The museum collects, preserves and exhibits historic and contemporary works by nationally and internationally known artists. To date, the museum has mounted 49 major photographic exhibitions.
Glazer Children’s Museum
Where: Tampa
What is it: With over 170 ‘interactivities’ in 12 themed areas to explore, there are tons of fun ways to grow the minds of parents and children alike.
Grand Prix Family Fun Center
Where: Tampa
What is it: Go-karts, mini golf, bumper cars, paintball, bowling and more.
Hillsborough River State Park
Where: Thonotosassa
What is it: The river provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Hikers can walk over seven miles of nature trials: Rapids Trail, Baynard Trail, a sub-section of the Florida Trail and the Wetlands Restoration Trail. Note: Wetlands Restoration accommodates both bicyclists and hikers only. When the weather calls for it, visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim in the park’s ADA accessible swimming pool.
In the Breeze Ranch
Where: Tampa
What is it: Trail and pony rides for riders of all levels of experience (including none)
Lowry Park Zoo
Where: Tampa
What is it: The Zoo School is a 17,400 square foot hands-on learning facility that houses a Lecture Hall, 13 classrooms and a Resource Center. Choose from amazing animal encounters or a guided tour from one of our animal experts for an “EdZOOcational” adventure!
Old McMicky’s Farm
Where: Odessa
What is it: Educational and interactive farm.
Henry B. Plant Museum
Where: Tampa
What is it: If you’re railroad magnate Henry Bradley Plant, in the midst of the sand swamps that would be Tampa, you construct the most astonishingly magnificent hotel of its day, then fill it with treasures from around the world. Field trips welcomed, teacher’s resources on the site.
Museum of Science and Industry
Where: Tampa
What is it: Admission to MOSI includes access to more than 450 hands-on activities! Homeschool classes and field trips offered.
Sweetware Organic Farm
Where: Tampa
What is it: Excellent opportunity for children of all ages to learn about sustainability and organic farming. Students get an opportunity to learn about composting, water usage, gardening, animal care, as well as getting a chance to try a farm-fresh salad!
Tampa Airport
Where: Tampa
What is it: Self guided and guided tours of the aiport, airfields, artwork, etc, and scavenger hunts as well
Tampa Bay History Center
Where: Tampa
What is it: Step inside the 60,000-square-foot History Center in Tampa’s bustling Channelside District and take a journey through 12,000 years of powerful stories. Follow in the footsteps of the first native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors, pioneers, sports legends and railroad tycoons. During your journey, you will stroll through a 1920s-era cigar store, row up the Hillsborough River, ride along with a cattle drive and learn about the early exploration of Florida in a dramatic theater presentation. Homeschool classes and field trips.
Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center
Where: Apollo Beach
What: environmental education facility in Apollo Beach to experience Florida-friendly butterfly gardens, vibrant displays, a 900-foot tidal walk, games, a hurricane simulator and – when Tampa Bay water temperature falls below 68 degrees Fahrenheit – manatees!
Tampa Museum of Art
Where: Tampa
What is it: Each year, approximately 11,000 people visit the Tampa Museum of Art on Docent-led tours. Whether visiting the Museum to view a current special exhibition, or to enjoy works of art from the museum’s permanent collection, a Docent-led (guided) tour can be arranged for any group visit. Teachers’ resources available on the site.
Upper Tampa Bay Trail
Where: Tampa
What is it: Over 7 miles of trail for biking, hiking,skating, equestrian and other pursuits.
USF Botanical Gardens
Where: Tampa
What is it: The USF Botanical Gardens is part of the Department of Geography, Environment and Planning in the College of Arts and Sciences. It consists of about 16 acres of gardens and greenbelt on the USF Tampa campus. The Gardens maintains a living collection of more than 3,000 of plants, animals and natural habitats.
Ybor City Museum
Where: Tampa
What is it: The Ybor City Museum State Park is an urban park and historical museum. The park consists of a main exhibit space, housed in the historic Ferlita Bakery building, as well as a lush Mediterranean-style garden and a recreated cigar worker’s house. Enjoy a guided tour through the park with one of the knowledgeable park rangers or volunteers, or embark on a walking tour of the Ybor City Historic District to immerse yourself in the unique flavor of the area. However you decide to explore the park, you will experience an urban oasis and learn about the immigrants who settled, lived in and built the thriving community of Ybor City.
More Parks!
Where: Hillsborough County
What is it: List of all county parks in Hillsborough County.
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Holmes
Cypress Cattle and Produce
Where: Ponce de Leon
What is it: U-Pick, plus year-round fishing on over 62 acres of cypress ponds for largemouth bass, bream and crappie as well as custom cut lumber from our cypress and pine forests on the farm.
Ponce de Leon Springs State Park
Where: Ponce de Leon
What is it: The main spring is a convergence of two underground water flows, and produces 14 million gallons of water daily. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along two self-guided nature trails through a lush, hardwood forest and learn about the local ecology and wildlife. Rangers also conduct seasonal guided walks. Picnicking is a popular activity at the park; grills and pavilions are available.
Vortex Spring
Where: Ponce de leon
What is it: The Swimming area slopes gently from shallow to deeper water, where there is a diving board, a high jump platform, a “zip line”, 4 swimming pool sized slides, and everyone’s favorite toy…the “ole’ fashion” rope swing. Water entry from these toys is fun and refreshing.
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Indian River
Birding
Where: Various parks throughout the county
What is it: List of county parks known for diverse bird life.
Captain Forster Nature Preserve
Where: Vero Beach
What is it: The 110-acre preserve contains trails through mature maritime hammock and coastal hammock habitats. New restrooms and parking are located one mile south of County Road 510 on Jungle Trail. Seasonal tours are offered and self-guided walks are a great way to see a remnant of “old Florida.” Trails are easy walking and are open from 8am until sunset.
Environmental Learning Center
Where: Vero Beach
What is it: The ELC’s mission is to provide stimulating environmental education programs that instill an understanding of the natural world, enrich people’s lives, and inspire participants to be active stewards of the surrounding natural resources.
Hallstrom House
Where: Vero Beach
What is it: The brick house was built in the late 1910s by citrus and business pioneer Axel Hallstrom for his family. Axel’s daughter, Ruth, bequeathed the house to the Indian River County Historical Society in 1999. Over the past dozen years, the Society has restored the house, inventoried the furnishings and begun cataloging the documents related to the family and its agricultural and business activities. Trained docents provide tours of the home, focusing on the family’s Swedish heritage, Axel Hallstrom’s horticultural innovations, and the Hallstroms’ contributions to the economic and cultural life of the community.
Indian River Citrus Museum
Where: Vero Beach
What is it: The Indian River Citrus Museum tells the story and preservers the artifacts, photographs and memorabilia of the pioneers who established the most distinguished citrus fruit in the world.
Laura Riding Jackson Foundation
Where: Vero Beach
What is it: The Laura (Riding) Jackson Foundation mission is to preserve and interpret the home of the late poet, Laura (Riding) Jackson, and to promote literary programs that nurture a passion for the written word. Laura (Riding) Jackson, widely noted avant-garde poet of the 1920s and 1930s, settled in Indian River County in the latter part of her life in a “cracker” style house built around 1910.
McKee Botanical Garden
Where: Vero Beach
What is it: The garden is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a historic Florida landmark. It has been endorsed by The Garden Conservancy as a project of National Significance and received the Florida Trust’s “Outstanding Achievement in Landscape Architecture” in 2002. Field trips welcome.
Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge
Where: Pelican Island
What is it: Public facilities on the refuge were made open to the public on March 14, 2003 as a part of the Centennial Celebration of Pelican Island and the National Wildlife Refuge System. The facilities include a boardwalk and observation tower to view Pelican Island and 2 salt marsh impoundment trails and restrooms. Recreational Opportunities at this site include hiking, wildlife observation and photography and bank fishing.
Sebastian Inlet State Park
Where: Sebastian
What is it: State park that hosts two museums: The McLarty Treasure Museum features the history of the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet; the Sebastian Fishing Museum tells the history of the area’s fishing industry.
Vero Beach Museum of Art
Where: Vero Beach
What is it: The Vero Beach Museum of Art offers a wide range of art and humanities programs for adults, families, and children for nearly thirty years. Last year more than 20,000 individuals participated in Museum programming, from the sellout presentations of the International Lecture Series to the record-setting crowds for Children’s Art Festival.
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Jackson
Florida Caverns State Park
Where: Marianna
What is it: This is one of the few state parks with dry (air-filled) caves and is the only state park in Florida to offer cave tours to the public. The cave has dazzling formations of limestone stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, flowstones and draperies. Blue Hole Spring is here, too.
Three Rivers State Park
Where: Snead
What is it: Where Florida meets the southwest corner of Georgia, the Chattahoochee and Flint rivers converge to form Lake Seminole, the setting for this peaceful park. Hiking through forested hills of pine and mixed hardwoods, visitors might catch sight of fox squirrels, white-tailed deer, gray foxes, or many species of native and migratory birds.
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Jefferson
Full Moon Farm
Where: Monticello
What is it: We produce honey, make beeswax candles, natural soaps and lotions, and provide pollination services for area farmers. We also produce free range eggs and breed AKC Airedale Terriers. We’re pleased to have you stop by and see what we have to offer and hopefully learn a little about the amazing Honeybee.
Jefferson Arts Gallery
Where: Monticello
What is it: We bring art to children, teens, adults and senior citizens. And they visit our gallery for exhibits and classes.
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Lafayette
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
Where: Mayo
What is it: Visitors can take a dip in this first magnitude spring, walk across the natural limestone bridge that crosses the spring run flowing into the Suwannee River or picnic under the oaks with their swaying Spanish moss.
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Lake
Children’s Splash Park
Where: Tavares
What is it: Seaplane-themed water park. Covered picnic gazebos and the Wooton Wonderland playground are located adjacent to the Splash Park.
Citrus Tower
Where: Clermont
What is it: The glass enclosed observation deck allows visitors to observe the panoramic view of the rolling hills of Florida’s ridge section and hundreds of spring-fed lakes in the surrounding 8 county area.
Classic Dreamcars
Where: Mount Dora
What is it: Collection of antique, muscle, and foreign cars. For ages 14 and up only.
Clermont Bowling Center
Where: Clermont
What is it: Bowling alley.
Clermont Historic Village
Where: Clermont
What is it: Historic village. The Train Depot was built on this site about 1925. Follow the brick circle around from the Train Depot to the Townsend House, the Kern House, the original Cooper Memorial Library building, and the Quonset Hut which is a WWII museum – with music! The Bike Trail which runs all the way to Apopka goes right beside the Historic Village. It was part of the “Rails to Trails” initiative and the Trail runs right next to the Train Depot station following the path of the railroad tracks. Lake Minneola gives a beautiful water view as you jog, walk, bike or sit on the Train platform with covered porch, picnic tables & restrooms!
Eustis Historical Museum
Where: Eustis
What is it: The Clifford House, which is home to the museum, was built in 1910-1911, and remains much the same today as the day it was built. The Citrus Museum tells a tale of Eustis’ early days and the booming citrus industry that brought many settlers to Eustis. Groups welcome.
Florida Carriage Museum
Where: Weirsdale (on the Grand Oaks property)
What is it: The museum includes several equestrian artifacts. The experience can include shopping in the gift shop, a carriage ride through the 400 acre resort complete with a guided Stable Tour. Visitors may tour the museum independently or arrange for a trained docent to guide them.
Groveland Historical Museum
Where: Groveland
What is it: Open Saturdays and by special arrangement.
Lady Lake Historical Society Museum
Where: Lady Lake
What is it: From 1883 to the Present, find information on the Log Cabin, or the Seminole Indians who resided here, or the colorful histories of the first Mayors of Lady Lake. Check out the history of the train depot of the town as well as many other unusual and surprising items of interest from Lady Lake’s history. Special tours available.
Lake Museum of Art
Where: Eustis
What is it: Art museum with permanent and special exhibits. Call for tour information.
Lake County Historical Museum
Where: Tavares
What is it: The Lake County Historical Museum offers an exciting and informative view of Lake County’s history. Every month, new exhibits are on display and the museum offers a variety of programs for the community’s enjoyment.
Leesburg Heritage Museum
Where: Leesburg
What is it: The museum is crammed with artifacts and items that help tell the story about Leesburg – from the days that citrus was king and the popular Watermelon Festival was a highlight for kids and adults alike, to the Leesburg Centennial in 1957 and gathering places such as the Magnolia Hotel and the Lake View Hotel.
Long and Scott Farms
Where: Mount Dora
What is it: Working farm with maize mazes and other activities and events. Homeschool groups welcome.
Mount Dora History Museum
Where: Mount Dora
What is it: See the infamous moonshine still of Calvin Calhoun. Step inside one of the Jail Cells, take in the citrus displays. Homesteading history,tourism and the Chautauqua are some themes at this eclectic museum.
Showcase of Citrus
Where: Clermont
What is it: Stroll through acres and acres of groves; check out the 50+ varieties of citrus, ripe for the picking; spread out your blanket and enjoy a picnic.
Uncle Donald’s Farm
Where: Lade Lake
What is it: Where else can you milk a goat, pet a bristly pig, touch a chicken, or feed a cow? Since 1980 our family owned farm has allowed visitors to pet and feed a variety of animals and see wildlife up close. Hand feed our beef cattle, watch for llamas and ostriches on the hayride.
If you know of an opportunity we should include, please tell us.
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Lee
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
Where: Sanibel
What is it: The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum offers special programs and tours to groups of all ages. The unique guided tour consists of a slide presentation on the lifestyles of mollusks, and a hands-on display of Southwest Florida shells. Also highlighted are certain exhibits in the Great Hall of Shells, including live mollusks.
Bob Rauschenberg Gallery
Where: Fort Myers
What is it: The Gallery is open to the public and is handicap accessible. There is no charge for admission but donations are accepted. Groups of 20 or more planning to visit the exhibit are asked to call for reservations.
Bonita Beach Park
Where: Bonita Beach
What is it: This beautiful beach front park is on the northern tip of Bonita Beach. It offers a variety of amenities. You will find restrooms, shelters with tables and grills, a playground, and a sand volleyball court.
Bonita Nature Place
Where: Bonita Springs
What is it: Bonita Nature Place (BNP) provides a local place for learning experiences, volunteerism, and outdoor family activities that strengthens the environmental stewardship commitment within the community while fostering an awareness of old Southwest Florida in its unique, natural setting.
Bowditch Point Park
Where: Estero Island
What is it: Walking trails, through the restoration/preserve area, carry you through varied environments and offers an excellent opportunity for bird watching while being highlighted by panoramic views of Estero Bay. This is one of the first beaches LCPR made accessible for individuals with disabilities from parking area to the Gulf of Mexico.
Bowman’s Beach
Where: Sanibel
What is it:Bowman’s Beach offers some of the Sanibel’s best shelling, and some of the island’s most remote beach space. There is a quarter mile or so walk from the parking lot to the beach, in which you’ll cross a wooden bridge over freshwater.
Calusa Heritage Trail
Where: Pineland
What is it: Visitors to the Randell Research Center can tour the Calusa Heritage Trail, a 3,700-foot interpretive walkway that leads visitors through the mounds, canals, and other features of the Pineland archaeological site.
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
Where: Fort Myers
What is it: Strolling through our Museum, visitors can learn about Southwest Florida’s natural history. Daily educational programs allow visitors an up close and personal view of some of our resident creatures, including a skunk, albino raccoon, fox, Butterfly Aviary, and an Audubon Aviary which houses permanently injured birds of prey (hawks, vultures, bald eagles, owls and more!).
Cape Coral Historical Museum
Where: Cape Coral
What is it: The Museum was established by The Cape Coral Historical Society to preserve the history of Cape Coral and Southwest Florida. Tours of the museum and gardens are available.
Cayo Costa State Park
Where: Off Pine Island
What is it: With nine miles of beautiful beaches and acres of pine forests, oak-palm hammocks and mangrove swamps, this barrier island park is a Gulf Coast paradise. Cayo Costa is accessible only by private boat or ferry. Visitors may see manatees and pods of dolphins in the waters around the 2,426 acre park, as well as a spectacular assortment of birds.
Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs
Where: Bonita Springs
What is it: We invite you to visit us in person and take advantage of the many art exhibitions, experiences and programs available to the public. The Center for the Arts is a private not-for-profit with an exceptional focus on education and cultural adventures.
CROW Wildlife Rehabilitation
Where: Sanibel
What is it: CROW offers a variety of youth programs designed to educate and inspire young ones. Among the most popular is the “Rescue Me” series, where children learn about science, nature and wildlife through guided discovery and exciting activities. Educators use videos, projects, games and hands-on experiences to make these learning opportunities compelling and fun.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Where: Ft. Myers
What is it: Visitors to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers will enjoy 20 acres of historical buildings, historic gardens, the Edison Botanic Research Lab and the Edison Ford Museum. The newly restored buildings include the Edison Main House, Guest House, and Caretaker’s House and the Ford House. The 1929 historic landscape is throughout the property including the award winning Moonlight Garden. The Edison Ford Museum has hundreds of inventions, artifacts and special exhibits.
Everglades Wonder Gardens
Where: Bonita Springs
What is it: Join a guided tour through lush tropical gardens while learning about Florida’s vanishing wildlife. Alligators, crocodiles, black bears, panthers, flamingos, owls, white-tail deer, and more. Alligator feedings and otter shows, are everyone’s favorite! Visitors dare to cross a swinging bridge over a breeding alligator pit.
Florida Repertory Theatre
Where: Fort Myers
What is it: Student Matinee tickets are discounted to $10 for these performances, from our regular $45 ticket price! Tickets for the Lunchbox Theatre Series are $12 and include a bagged lunch from the Downtown Deli (noted below). All student performances include corresponding study guides and a talkback with the performers following the show!
Fossil Expeditions
Where: Fort Myers
What is it: Guided fossil-collecting for all ages. Fossils from ancient sharks including the giant Megalodon, sea cows, dolphins, camels, mammoths, mastodons, horses, ground sloth and saber-toothed cats. Fossils identyfied by fossil author and guide.
Gasparilla Island State Park
Where: Boca Grande
What is it: The centerpiece of Gasparilla is the restored Boca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and nature study are popular activities. Shelling is particularly good in the winter months. Two picnic areas offer pavilions for shade and scenic views of the surrounding water. The lighthouse is open to the public.
Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park
Where: Cape Coral
What is it: 4 go-cart tracks, 19-hole miniature golf, 8 batting cages, 6,000sf arcade, paintball field, & more.
IMAG History and Science Center
Where: Fort Myers
What is it: Visit this hands-on science center or participate in monthly homeschool days. This exciting day offers homeschool families a fun-filled opportunity to explore educational exhibits, activities, and programs. Homeschool children of all ages learn together with their families, taking advantage of museum materials and knowledgeable education professionals. Workshops are based on the Sunshine State Standards and include a Curriculum Guide with vocabulary, additional activities, and recommended resources.
Koreshan Historic State Park
Where: Estero
What is it: Today the park maintains the heart of Dr. Teed’s ‘New Jerusalem’ as it would have appeared more than 100 years ago in the early 20th century. Eleven buildings on the National Register of Historic Places are located throughout the landscaped grounds that include the Victorian Gardens. Visitors can get a glimpse of how the Koreshans lived from the Founders House, Planetary Court, Damkohler, Vesta Newcomb and Members Cottages within the settlement. Their role in commerce and industry is evident in the Bakery, New Store, Large and Small Machine Shops and the Generator Building.
Lovers Key State Park
Where: Fort Myers Beach
What is it: A haven for wildlife, the islands and their waters are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. The two mile long beach is accessible by boardwalk or tram and is popular for shelling, swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing. Black Island has over five miles of multiuse trails for hiking and bicycling.
Manatee Park
Where: Ft. Myers
What is it: Manatees seek warm water during the winter months and find it here. Picnic facilities available.
Mantanzas Pass Preserve
Where: Estero Island
What is it: The 60 acre preserve runs along
Matanzas Pass and is one of the few undeveloped, protected areas on the island. Educational program available.
Mound House
Where: Fort Myers Beach
What is it: Experience old Florida at Mound House where Estero Island’s oldest standing structure sits on an ancient Calusa Indian Mound. Through archaeology and history 2,000 years of island life are revealed in a variety of tours and educational programs.
Mound Key Historic State Park
Where: Estero
What is it: Framed in forests of mangrove trees, the shell mounds and ridges of Mound Key rise more than 30 feet above the waters of Estero Bay. Prehistoric Native Americans are credited with creating this island’s complex of mounds with an accumulation of seashells, fish bones, and pottery. Mound Key is believed to have been the ceremonial center of the Calusa Indians when the Spaniards first attempted to colonize Southwest Florida. Interpretive exhibit available.
Museum of the Islands
Where: Pine Island Center
What is it: Pine Island’s past is preserved for tomorrow in the collections and activities of the Museum of the Islands. Group tours available.
Ostego Bay Foundation
Where: Fort Myers Beach
What is it: The Center provides a Marine Science Experience through interactive exhibits, aquariums, touch tank, collections and displays. Call for feeding times.
San Carlos Bay/Bunche Beach Preserve
Where: Fort Myers
What is it: This 719-acre facility is a natural tidal wetlands area that is located on San Carlos Bay. It is a pristine, completely natural area that is indicative of the entire area before the introduction of exotic plant species, it is “Old Florida.” This is living ecosystem that ranges from a sandy beach to Mangrove forests to salt flats and contains a wide variety of wildlife for viewing and offers great photographic opportunities from the flora & fauna to fantastic sunsets.
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
Where: Sanibel
What is it: The story of Sanibel is told from the Calusa and Spanish eras to the early pioneer families who settled on the island in the 1800s. It tells of warriors, adventurers, fishermen, farmers and proprietors.
Shell Factory and Nature Park
Where: North Fort Myers
What is it: At our Nature Park and Botanical Gardens, you will find over 350 animals living here from alligators to a zebra! Petting zoo and playground also on site.
Sky Zone of Fort Myers
Where: Fort Myers
What is it: Trampoline park
Sun Splash Water Park
Where: Cape Coral
What is it: Water park with group progams and rates.
Tarpon Bay Explorers
Where: Sanibel Island
What is it: See wildlife up-close and discover the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge with an experienced naturalist by your side. Tarpon Bay Explorers offers many guided tours designed to be both educational and fun! Birds, dolphins, manatees, and alligators are just some of the amazing wildlife found in the pristine native tropical and subtropical vegetation of Sanibel Island.
Useppa Museum
Where: Useppa Island
What is it: The Barbara Sumwalt Museum building was originally built as a Useppa cottage. Through the vision of Barbara Sumwalt and from the generous donations made by Useppa Island Club and the Useppa Island Historical Society’s members, the building was moved, reconstructed and opened to the public in 1994. Useppa is a private island and arrangements must be made in advance through Useppa Island Club to visit the Museum.
Working Cow Restaurant
Where: Cape Coral
What is it: You can visit this Cape Coral restaurant by car or boat and enjoy the fenced in playground at Four Freedoms Park right across the street.
Zoomers Amusement Park
Where: Fort Myers Beach
What is it: Go-karts, mini gol, laser tag and other attractions.
More Parks!
Where: Fort Myers
What is it: List of city parks.
If you know of an opportunity we should include, please tell us.
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Leon
Alfred B. Maclay State Park
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: For walking enthusiasts, two short nature trails meander through the woods overlooking the lake. Hikers, bicyclists and equestrians can enjoy five miles of shared-use trails and five miles of designated biking trails winding through the woods surrounding Lake Overstreet, located on park property adjoining the gardens. The Maclay house is open January – April.
Apalachee Regional Trail
Where: Talahhassee
What is it: This new track and trail system will provide the running community the premiere site in the northern section of Florida. Teams from all over the state of Florida and Georgia will be looking forward to running on this trail system.
Barbershop Harmony Society
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: Weekend schools, seminars, workshops, and other educational programs. Educators’ resources available on site.
Beadel House at Tall Timbers
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: The two-story frame house at Tall Timbers Research Station in Leon County, FL near Tallahassee represents an important period in Panhandle history. The house was developed and used when vast areas that had been plantations were occupied by Northerners who hunted quail. The living room/study is a museum that contains books, photographic equipment, and tools used for research and collecting by Henry Beadel. The room is paneled in brown sweet gum wood. Heavy oak beams support its twelve-foot-high ceiling. A seven-foot-wide fireplace dominates the north wall of the thirty-six-by-forty-foot room, and mounted fish and beehives hang from the walls.
Bear Creek Educational Forest
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: Bear Creek Educational Forest is a 492-acre tract of Lake Talquin State Forest. Programs are FREE for any public or private school group, Scout Troop, daycare, or any other youth organization. Each program option may include a lesson, game, and hands-on activity in the forest. An interpretive hike and souvenir craft to make and take home may also be included. The Bear Creek Tract also offers hiking and camping opportunities as well as the audio enhanced Living Forest trail where the trees tell their own stories.
Black Archives Research Center and Museum
Where: Talahassee
What is it: Exhibit areas consist of informative displays on various people, groups, and subjects important to African American history and culture. The exhibits span the time period of ancient Africa to the present. The museum component of the Black Archives is open to the public Monday through Fridays from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. There is no admission fee. Museum tours are self-guided. Groups of 10 or more people can call to schedule a guided tour.
Calhoun Street Historic District
Where: Talahassee
What is it: Dubbed “Gold Dust Street” in the late 1800s because of the affluent political and social residents who built homes here from 1840-1940, six of which still stand today.
Capitol Complex
Where: Talahassee
What is it: One of only four state capitols in the U.S. featuring a panoramic view of the city from the 22nf Floor observatory/art gallery. House and Senate viewing galleries also come alive during the annual legislative session March – May.
Challenger Learning Center
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: The Challenger Learning Center is the area’s premiere “edutainment” destination. With a space mission simulator, state-of-the-art IMAX® theatre and out-of-this-world planetarium theatre, your field trip to the Challenger Learning Center will be one your students won’t soon forget.
City Hall Gallery
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: Housed on the second floor of city hall, managed by the Council on Culture & Arts, and part of the City of Tallahassee’s Art in Public Places Program, this intriguing gallery offers a diverse selection of works by both regional and local artists. Exhibits change every six to eight weeks, and feature all media from contemporary to traditional paintings, drawings, photographic works and sculptures.
Desoto Winter Encampment
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: Almost within sight of Florida’s capitol complex is the De Soto Winter Encampment Site. Now a small state-owned park area, the site preserves the ground where De Soto and his men camped during the winter of 1539-1540.
Dorothy B. Oven Park and House
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: The Dorothy B. Oven Park Main House features a classic manor-style home with rare magnolia paneling, wooden floors, antique furniture and artwork, full kitchen facilities and a charming lanai. The Park is located in the heart of more than six acres of lush North Florida garden filled with azaleas, camellias, palms and other local flora giving the park an ambience not found elsewhere.
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
Where: Wakulla Springs
What is it: Home of one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world, this park plays host to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, deer, and birds. Daily guided riverboat tours provide a closer view of wildlife, and glass bottom boat tours are offered when the water is clear. A nature trail offers a leisurely walk along the upland wooded areas of the park.
Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: A beautiful 670 acre tract of land on the eastern shore of Lake Jackson. Offers a bluebird trail with a series of 30 bluebird boxes. Follow the trail and see how many of these beautiful birds you can spot.
Florida Historic Capitol Museum
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: The Florida Historic Capitol Museum serves to illuminate the past, present, and future connection between the people of Florida and their political institutions through programs of civic education, historic interpretation, and preservation. Daily and special tours; educational resources on site.
Foster Tanner Fine Arts Gallery
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: The Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Foster Tanner Fine Arts Gallery has a long and distinguished history of service to the areas of visual arts and art education as well as the entire FAMU community and the citizens of the State of Florida.
Goodwood Museum and Gardens
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: Walk around Goodwood Museum and Gardens and you’ll get a sense of Old Florida charm and splendor. Once the centerpiece of a 2,400-acre plantation, the main house has been restored. All furnishings are original to the house, and the plants and flowers outside also are “heirloom” – none are used that appeared after 1929. With majestic oaks, sprawling lawns and a breezy front porch, it remains a popular place for antique shows, lectures, demonstrations, holiday events and live music.
Governor’s Mansion
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: 30-minute, public tours of the Governor’s Mansion are available year-round. Additionally, we offer guided tours, led by trained volunteers of the Governor’s Mansion Docent Program, during the spring and holiday periods. Schools are welcome year round.
Greenwood Cemetary
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: The history of Greenwood Cemetery is intimately connected with the history of race relations in Tallahassee. Much about the subject is shameful by modern standards, yet all of it is important for a complete understanding of the city’s history.
John G. Riley House and Museum
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: John Gilmore Riley was born in 1857, when slavery was a way of life and educational pursuits for blacks were illegal. In 1881 he began teaching at Lincoln Academy, one of three freedmen schools built during the Reconstruction era in Florida to provide secondary instruction to blacks. In addition to his career as an educator, he also distinguished himself as a leader in business and was Grand High Priest of the Royal Arch Masons of Florida. John G. Riley died in 1954. The house he built for his family in 1890 stands today as a testament to the rich, cultural heritage of African-Americans.
Lake Jackson Mounds Archeological State Park
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: The park encompasses four earthen temple mounds, with two available for viewing by the public. The largest mound is 278 feet by 312 feet at the base and approximately 36 feet in height. The village at the base of these mounds was a cultural, religious and population center in 1100-1200 AD. Our trails offer visitors a chance to hike within the park. The interpretive trail passes remnants of Florida’s Territorial Period and early statehood (1825-1860) when the land was part of a large plantation owned by Colonel Robert Butler. The remains of an 1800s grist mill may be seen along the trail. The nature trail winds through a sandhill community, passing many native trees and plants.
LeMoyne Center for Visual Arts
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: LeMoyne is a center for the visual arts that provides fine art exhibitions, year round art classes, and special art-related cultural events for the citizens of Tallahassee and surrounding area.
Letchworth-Love Mounds Archeological State Park
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: Visitors to this archaeological site will see Florida’s tallest Native American ceremonial mound which was built between 1100 and 1800 years ago. The mound is 46 feet in height. The people who built the mound are believed to have been members of the Weeden Island Culture, a group of Native Americans who lived in North Florida between 200 and 800 A.D. The park offers picnicking, birding and hiking. An interpretive trail starts at the base of the ceremonial mound and winds past several smaller mounds. The picnic area and platform viewing area for the mound are wheelchair-accessible. Guided tours are available upon request.
Lichgate
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: Tucked away on three acres off High Road in the state’s capitol city is a fascinating property hidden from all traffic. A visitor walks down a wooded path and is greeted by a majestic live oak tree shading a soft lawn. This tree, a sapling in the time of Shakespeare, keeps company with something not seen in Florida, an English Tudor-style cottage, a cottage that looks as if it comes from the pages of a child’s book of fairy tales, with a steeply gabled roof, diamond-pattern leaded glass windows and stone
Mission San Luis
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: Modern day visitors to Mission San Luis discover a re-created community where time stands still. There they meet the people of San Luis going about the tasks that sustained life centuries ago. They walk the plaza where the Apalachees played their traditional ball games. They visit the most important structure in the Apalachee village, the council house, and also stop at the home of the Spanish Deputy Governor. Visitors are welcomed at the church built under the supervision of Franciscans, and at the friary where they lived. Mission San Luis is a very special place where history comes to life.
Museum of Fine Arts
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: MoFA has a history of exciting projects—from lush painting to dynamic sculpture exhibitions, from challenging installations to provocative photography shows. Every season begins with an international competitive exhibition that embraces all media and every semester closes with the youth and exuberance of the graduating-artist exhibitions. Tour times are arranged. Generally talks to groups are meant to impart information about exhibition artwork and understanding of concepts intrinsic to the artwork.
Museum of Florida History
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: the Museum of Florida History collects, preserves, exhibits, and interprets evidence of past and present cultures in Florida, and promotes knowledge and appreciation of this heritage. Guided and self-guided tours available.
Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: The historic battlefield site was named for its true biological feature that provides a crossing point at a section where the St. Marks River goes underground for a distance before reappearing, forming a natural bridge. The property is also the site of Florida’s second largest Civil War battle. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and cited as one of the top ten endangered Civil War sites in the United States by the Civil War Preservation Trust.
Railroad Square Art Park
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: Visit Railroad Square and you’ll find a thriving art park filled with galleries, working studios, shops and the only café in town that is built out of a real railroad caboose. Just inside the entrance is our first green space, a sculpture garden with memorial park benches. Next you’ll reach the loop road that leads you around the entire art park and through the various gallery “neighborhoods” within.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
Where: St. Marks
What is it: We currently have 18 programs that are offered, however if a teacher needs a program that is not listed we will do our best to provide something to meet their needs. Programs are designed to accommodate up to 60 students. Students will be divided into smaller groups so each student will get the most from their experiences at St. Marks NWR. Each program may include a game, lesson and a hands-on activity.
Tallahassee Automobile Museum
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: One of the southeast’s finest collections of rare automobiles and unique collectibles.
Tallahassee Museum
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: From amazing native animals and rare historic buildings to beautiful natural scenery to exciting public programs, special events, and educational programs, there’s something here for everyone.
Taylor House Museum
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: Florida’s first and only Civil Rights Museum
Windy Hill Farm Market
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: U-pick farm – grapes, blueberrires, blackberrires, and strawberries.
More Parks!
Where: Tallahassee
What is it: List of city parks, mapped by location and with amenties identified.
If you know of an opportunity we should include, please tell us.
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Levy
All About Elephants
Where: Williston
What is it: All About Elephants is an educational program held on site and also available for fairs, exhibitions and special events. This program is a result of a lifelong commitment to exotic animal conservation by owner and operator Patricia Zerbini.
Cedar Key Arts Center
Where: Cedar Key
What is it: Art gllaery with classes and other events.
Manatee Springs State Park
Where: Chiefland
What is it: Manatee Springs State Park offers 8.5 miles of nature trails that wind through cypress swamps, sinkhole ponds and uplands. Canoeing and kayaking also available.
More Parks!
Where: Levy County
What is it: List of Levy County parks
If you know of an opportunity we should include, please tell us.
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Liberty
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Madison
4H
Where: Madison
What is it: Day camps, clubs and other activities.
Four Freedoms Park
Where: Madison
What is it: The park is a beautifully landscaped city-block area containing a large gazebo and the Four Freedoms monument. This famous monument honors Colin P. Kelley, a former Madison County resident, recognized as the first U.S. hero of World War II and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his bravery and valor in combat.
Four Freedoms Trail
Where: Madison
What is it: The 12 mile recreational trail extends north from the city limits of Madison to the Withlacoochee River at the Florida-Georgia border. People can enjoy walking, biking and horseback riding along the paved trail, which provides covered rest areas along the way.
Haffye Hays Park
Where: Greenville
What is it: The park where the playground is located has a small lake, a picnic pavilion, a gazebo, restrooms, and, of course, playground equipment. The modular playground equipment has four slides, stairs to climb, and activity centers. The park is best known, however, for its memorial to Rhythm and Blues great, Ray Charles, whose childhood home was located in Greenville.
Ladell Brothers Outdoor Environmental Center
Where: Madison
What is it: Starting off on a boardwalk across a cypress swamp, the trail enters the deep shade of a thick hardwood hammock. Signs identify enormous trees, and numbered posts correspond to the interpretive guide. At the trail junction, choose your route. Two loops lead through the dark hammock along the edge of cypress swamps; the third works its way around one end of the Wood Duck Pond. Frequent benches make it an easy hike for all ages. Despite the trail’s proximity to campus buildings, you feel like you’re in a different world—and you will see wildlife.
Madison Blue Spring State Park
Where: Lee
What is it: Located in one of Florida´s newest state parks, this crystal clear, first magnitude spring is a popular spot for swimming. About 82 feet wide and 25 feet deep, the spring bubbles up into a limestone basin along the west bank of the Withlacoochee River. Scenic woodlands of mixed hardwoods and pines create a picturesque setting for picnicking, paddling, and wildlife viewing.
Treasures of Madison County
Where: Madison
What is it: The purpose of the Treasures of Madison County, Inc. is to develop, foster, and promote Madison County’s cultural heritage and its arts as experiences central to the lives of the citizens of Madison County.
Twin Rivers Birding Trail
Where: Madison
What is it: Part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. Located at the confluence of the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers, the 14,000-acre Twin Rivers State Forest has two tracts in Madison County: the Ellaville Tract off US 90 and the Sullivan Tract off CR 150. The Ellaville Tract features sandhills home to Wild Turkeys, Cooper’s Hawks and numerous species of resident and migratory songbirds. More than 5 miles of trails wind through hardwood and pine forest; the long stretch along the Suwannee River offers spectacular scenery.
Wardlaw-Smith House
Where: Madison
What is it: The architectural significance of the Wardlaw-Smith house has been recorded by the Historic American Buildings Survey and it is listed in the prestigious National Register of Historic Places.
If you know of an opportunity we should include, please tell us.
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Manatee
Around the Bend Nature Tours
Where: Bradenton
What is it: Around the Bend Nature Tours is delighted to announce our tenth year of cultural and ecology based field trips and activities for Homeschool families. Teachers’ materials available on site.
Astro Skate and Family Fun Center
Where: Bradenton
What is it: Roller skating, skate rentals, and more. Groups welcome.
Bishop Science Museum and Planetarium
Where: Bradenton
What is it: Museum, aquarium and planetarium. Homeschool classes are offered for grades 2-12.
Dakin Dairy Farms
Where: Myakka City
What is it: Dakin Dairy Farms school tours allow for a transfer of knowledge that is not only fun, but educational too! Children and adults will learn & see where milk comes from and watch it go from the cow to the bottle. All will learn about sustainable farming and the many benefits of fresh grass in our cows diet, then you will get to “taste the difference” by enjoying an ice cold glass of farm fresh milk produced and bottled right here on the farm. Come watch the cows at work and play! Even the teachers will learn something new and love this tour!
Ellenton Ice
Where: Ellenton
What is it: Ice Skating
Florida Railroad Museum
Where: Parrish
What is it: The Museum offers one of the most unique museum experiences in the world. Here you “Ride the Exhibits!”
Gamble Plantation Historic State Park
Where: Ellenton
What is it: This antebellum mansion was home to Major Robert Gamble and headquarters of an extensive sugar plantation. It is the only surviving plantation house in South Florida. It is believed that Confederate Secretary of State, Judah P. Benjamin, took refuge here after the fall of the Confederacy, until his safe passage to England could be secured. In 1925, the house and 16 acres were saved by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and donated to the state. Today, the mansion is furnished in the style of a successful mid-19th century plantation. Guided tours of the house are given six times a day.
Manatee County Parks and Preserves
Where: Manatee County
What is it: Multiple parks and preserves with various outdoor activities.
Manatee Village Historical Park
Where: Bradenton
What is it: Visit this collection of restored buildings from Manatee County’s settlement history and experience life in Manatee County before the arrival of modern conveniences such as automobiles and electricity. School tours available.
Mixon Fruit Farms
Where: Bradenton
What is it: Mixon owners, Dean and Janet Mixon, donated the use of a parcel of their farm property for the Wildlife Education Center. The mission is to rehabilitate injured wildlife for release back into the wild, and to promote education, appreciation, and respect for wildlife. Tours available.
Palmetto Historical Park
Where: Palmetto
What is it: Living museum. While touring the park, visitors can check for mail at the 1880 Post Office, write on slates in the Schoolhouse and try on pioneer clothing in the cottage.
Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf
Where: Bradenton
What: Mini golf.
If you know of an opportunity we should include, please tell us.
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Marion
Appletone Museum of Art
Where: Ocala
What is it: The museum’s permanent collections of approximately 16,000 objects include European, American, Asian, African, Contemporary and pre-Columbian art and artifacts, and a series of temporary traveling exhibitions are presented throughout the year. The museum is also building a collection of works of Florida artists which relates directly to the history and cultural heritage of our Central Florida community.
Brick City Park
Where: Ocala
What is it: Zip line, rope bridges and more.
Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area
Where: Ocklawaha
What is it: The site includes over 750+ acres of sandhill islands, causeways, wetland systems and shoreline beaches was acquired by Marion County to protect its ecological character and to provide a resource-based recreation area.
Chasin’ a Dream Farm
Where: Ocala
What is it: Farm tours. The two hour tour is a great introduction to the breeding and foaling operation of a race horse farm. The tour includes a brief overview of the history of the thoroughbred, explanations of conformation and pedigree, information about the sires standing in Florida, insight into the mating process, a tour of the facility, barn and paddocks, and personal one-on-one introduction to each mare and foal.
Cross Florida Greenway
Where: Ocala
What is it: The Baseline to Marshall Swamp area of the Cross Florida Greenway offers two trails, providing visitors the opportunity to experience a paved urban trail, or escape to a secluded hiking trail that weaves through the cypress swamp and hardwood hammock communities of Marshall Swamp.
Discovery Center
Where: Ocala
What is it: Many hands-on programs and workshops offered.
Farm Tours of Ocala
Where: Ocala
What: Tour leader Karen Grimes, an avid horseperson and long-time resident of Ocala’s Horse Country, will take you behind the scenes of working farms to get you up close and personal with equine athletes and the professionals who train and care for them. You can chat with the professionals and share Karen’s enthusiasm and knowledge of the Marion County horse scene.
Gysy Gold Horse Farm
Where: Ocala
What: Gypsy Gold Horse Farm is home to America’s first Gypsy Vanner Horses. Our 2 hour educational tour starts with a 1 hour history lesson about the history of the breed, and is followed by a 1 hour guided tour of the farm where you will meet our Gypsy Vanner Horses.
Ocala National Forest
Where: Ocala
What is it: Encompassing approximately 383,000 acres, it is the southernmost forest in the continental United States and protects the world’s largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. Opportunities for hiking and birding abound.
Rainbow Springs State Park
Where: Dunnellon
What is it: Archaeological evidence indicates that people have been using this spring for nearly 10,000 years. Rainbow Springs is Florida’s fourth largest spring and, from the 1930s through the 1970s, was the site of a popular, privately-owned attraction. The Rainbow River is popular for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking. Canoes and kayaks can be rented at the headsprings. A picnic area at the spring includes tables, grills, and pavilions. For large gatherings, private pavilions can be reserved.
Salt River Museum
Where: Ocala
What is it: The Center provides out-of-county, private and home school class trips on a space available basis. Two-hour and full-day options.
Sholom Park
Where: Ocala
What is it: With peace as its mission, Sholom Park was designed to thrive in the Central Florida climate, requiring little or no watering above that which is provided by nature. Generous portion of native plants are combined with cultivated ornamentals, perennials, and annuals creating a very beautiful, harmonious landscape. Check rules of conduct on web site.
Silver River Museum
Where: Ocala
What is it: This park has more than 10 distinct natural communities, dozens of springs and miles of trails. Visitors can canoe down the crystal clear river, hike or bike along one of the nature trails, or just sit and watch for the wide variety of birds and wildlife.
Silver Springs
Where: Ocala
What is it: Silver Springs has a wealth of educational opportunities for children of all ages. Take advantage of the park’s unique blend of geologic history, natural resources and wildlife by having students learn in a hands-on environment.
Wild Waters Park
Where: Ocala
What is it: Water park.
If you know of an opportunity we should include, please tell us.
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Martin
Allapattah Flats
Where: Stuart
What is it: Visitors may hike and bike along a 1.5- mile long “user-friendly” shellrock road leading to a panoramic open vista of marsh that wading birds frequent. You might see an alligator or two, but they are not here in great numbers.
Barley Barber Swamp
Where: Indiantown
What is it: Tour this native cypress community.
Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast
Where: Jensen Beach
What is it: Our mission is to offer children and families a place to explore and learn through hands-on, and interactive activities.
Elliott Museum
Where: Stuart
What is it: In The NEW Elliott Museum, the extensive historical collections of the current Elliott will be showcased in expanded galleries that provide a broader and more in-depth perspective of our region’s history. New exhibits will include expanded studio space for art instruction and student art and technology camps like Camp Invention, to inspire young minds and a connections timeline, juxtaposing a history of regional and national events as it tells the story of Florida’s Treasure Coast;
Fish House Art Center
Where: Stuart
What is it: The Fish House Art Gallery is housed in a two story building containing 3,000 sq. ft. of American Fine Art and Fine Craft. The Fish House Art Gallery is known as the “hidden gem of the Treasure Coast”. Additionally, The Fish House Art Center is “home” to eight resident artists’ studios that include a glass artist, fine art painters, silk artists who create wearable art, a weaver and a beaded jewelry artist . The resident artists work in their studios year round. The public is welcome to watch them work and purchase their creations.
Florida Oceanographic Society
Where: Stuart
What is it: Sea Turtle walks and more.
Halpatiokee Regional Park
Where: Stuart
What is it: The 65 acre active park is surrounded by 470 acres of wetland preserve area. Biking, hiking and walking trails, as well as picnic areas and pavillions.
House of Refuge
Where: Stuart
What is it: Offers a fascinating look at a bygone lifestyle along the sea. The museum today has been restored to showcase historical lifesaving equipment and the Keeper’s living quarters as they were in 1904.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Where: Hobe Sound
What is it: Visitors can enjoy paved and off-road biking, equestrian, and hiking trails. Boating, canoeing, and kayaking along the river are also great ways to see the park. Anglers can fish along the riverbank or from a boat. The nature and history of the park comes to life through exhibits and displays in the Elsa Kimbell Environmental Education and Research Center. Programs for the kids, or for the whole family, are also offered here.
Mansion at Tuckahoe
Where: Stuart
What is it: Overlooking the beautiful Indian River within Martin County’s Indian RiverSide Park, The Mansion at Tuckahoe, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, sits atop Mt. Elizabeth, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2002. Together, The Mansion at Tuckahoe and Mount Elizabeth create one of the most historically significant sites in Florida. The facility will offer a variety of learning opportunities, including symposia and forums, lectures, workshops, tours, student field trips and other viable educational experiences for diverse audiences.
Road to Victory Military Museum
Where: Stuart
What is it: Its mission is to honor and pay tribute to all the brave men and women who have served, and are presently serving our country in the Armed Forces. By the display of historical artifacts, uniforms, militaria, photographs, and vehicles both historical and personal, we are able to pay homage to these heroes while informing and educating the public of their noble endeavors and our freedoms as Americans.
Sailfish Splash Water Park
Where: Stuart
What is it: Water park.
Stuart Heritage Museum
Where: Stuart
What is it: From Americana to celebrities to the varied and interesting history of local business owners and citizens, the museum has a fascinating collection of artifacts from Stuart’s past.
Sunshine Wildlife Tours
Where: Stuart
What is it: Join Captain Nancy Beaver on a tour of the Indian River Lagoon. Enjoy up close views of Bottlenose Dolphin, manatee, sea turtles, and a vast array of birds. Full and half-day tours available.
If you know of an opportunity we should include, please tell us.
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Miami-Dade
Art Deco Walking Tour
Where: Miami Beach
What it is: This ninety-minute walking tour provides an introduction to the Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, and Miami Modern (MiMo) styles found within the Miami Beach Architectural Historic District. Explore hotels, restaurants, and other commercial structures with a visit to a number of interiors.
Bass Museum of Art
Where: Miami
What is it: Guided group tours give visitors an in-depth educational approach to the exhibitions and artwork on display. The Bass Museum offers tours to all types of groups and ages. Children’s groups have a craft activity and scavenger hunt available to them, as well as a cafe space to bring and eat a bagged lunch.
Bay of Pigs Museum
Where: Miami
What is it: This museum has a small but interesting collection of ephemera and memorabilia relating to the failed Bay of Pigs invasion of 1961, when a small brigade of Cuban exiles in Miami was trained by the CIA as part of a covert operation to invade the island and restore US interests.
Biscayne National Park
Where: Biscayne
What is it: Snorkeling, diving, boating, fishing, camping, picnicking and superb opportunities for wildlife watching are just a few of the many things to do here.
Coral Castle
Where: Miami
What is it: If you had you visited Coral Castle in the 1940s you would have been greeted enthusiastically by a man weighing a mere 100 pounds and standing just over 5 feet tall. He would have asked you for ten cents admission and introduced you to his fantasy world. As you moved around his sculpture garden in stone, and the significance of each piece was explained, you would have been witness to the great pride Ed Leedskalnin took in his work. Since it is documented that no one ever witnessed Ed’s labor in building his beloved Coral Castle, some have said he had supernatural powers. Ed would only say that he knew the secrets used to build the ancient pyramids and if he could learn them, you could too.
Duck Tours
Where: South Beach
What is it: Take a half-land, half-water based tour of South Beach.
Everglades National Park
Where: Homestead (and other locations)
What is it: The largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, boasts rare and endangered species. It has been designated a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance, significant to all people of the world.
Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens
Where: Miami
What is it: Behind the seemingly natural beauty of Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden lies a carefully orchestrated blend of science and art. Documented botanical specimens provide valuable resources in science and education, while horticultural displays and the classic landscape design by William Lyman Phillips offer visitors an unforgettable aesthetic experience. Wide variety of educational programs available.
Frost Science Museum
Where: Miami
What is it: A field trip to the Miami Science Museum is a day of learning, inspiration, and fun. Our exhibits, planetarium shows, theater presentations, wildlife encounters and related educational programming are designed to inspire people of all ages and cultures to enjoy science and technology, as well as to gain a better understanding of ourselves and our world.
Fruit and Spice Park
Where: Homestead
What is it: The unique 37-acre public facility is owned and operated by the Miami-Dade County Park and Recreation Department. Located in South Florida.The Park’s tropical climate can be found nowhere else in the continental U.S. and hosts over 500 varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and nuts, and other commercially important plant specimens from around the world. The Park showcases 150 varieties of mango, 75 varieties of bananas, 70 bamboo varieties, and numerous other exotic edibles.
Gator Park
Where: Miami (Everglades)
What is it: The Everglades National Park is known for its vast wildlife. There are hundreds of bird species, many of which are on the endangered or threatened list. You’ll see lots of large wading birds, such as the roseate spoonbill, great blue heron, white ibis and a variety of egrets, as well as the osprey. The Everglades’ marine life includes more than 200,000 alligators as well as American crocodiles. In abundance are fish such as large mouth bass, redfish, snapper, blue gil and catfish.
Gold Coast Railroad Museum
Where: Miami
What is it: While visiting the Gold Coast Railroad Museum, don’t miss seeing our “Exhibition” building displaying most model train scales, many amazing displays & our famous “Thomas” play table area.
History Miami
Where: Miami
What is it: Our education programs are designed to provide age and grade-level appropriate experiences, while focusing on different learning modalities. Critical thinking is elicited as students compare and contrast the past and present and are encouraged to visualize and discuss what the future may be like, based on patterns of the past.
Jungle Island
Where: Miami
What is it: Take off on a worldwide exploration at Jungle Island. Hop on over to Australia, and see the Red Kangaroo exhibit; welcome our loveable Lemurs direct from Madagascar; marvel at our smartly dressed South African Penguins. No journey is complete without a visit to our Everglades Habitat, a true replica of the Florida Everglades. Bring your group to explore!
Kampong Gardens
Where: Coconut Grove
What is it: The garden is named for the Malay or Javanese word for a village or cluster of houses. Some of the first plantings there came from Indo-Malaysia, brought there by the renowned explorer/horticulturist who introduced these species to the United States and who owned the property in the early 1900s. The Kampong serves as the mainland campus for the NTBG’s educational courses, as a living classroom used by universities and colleges for botany and horticulture courses, and is a popular spot for plant enthusiasts of all ages.
Metheson Hammock Park & Beach
Where: Miami
What is it: It’s a great beach for beginners, or those who simply enjoy a peaceful practice session. Matheson Hammock Park is a lovely scenic park with an unusual feature–a man-made atoll pool, which is flushed naturally with the tidal action of nearby Biscayne Bay. Its tranquil breeze-swept beach is a haven for families who enjoy its warm, safe waters and beautiful waterside views. Matheson is also a prime spot for Kite-Boarding. Its active breezes and calm shallow waters make launching easy.
Miami Children’s Museum
Where: Miami
What is it: Led by professional Museum educators, our explorations are available for Pre-K through 5th grade. A variety of programs is avaiable.
Miami Seaquarium
Where: Miami
What is it: Miami Seaquarium® boasts exciting displays of animals’ natural abilities and a variety of on-and-off site interactive programming focused on marine life.
Monkey Jungle
Where: Miami
What is it: Visitors today are immediately welcome by the Java monkey troop, now numbering in the 80’s. The Java monkeys forage through the Jungle eating natural foods. A total of 30 species of primates are represented at MONKEY JUNGLE including gibbons, guenons and spider monkeys. The Golden Lion Tamarin is native to the Brazilian jungle. Threatened with extinction, MONKEY JUNGLE proudly participates in an international effort to save the tiny creature.
Oleta River State Park
Where: North Miami
What is it: Florida’s largest urban park, Oleta River is located on Biscayne Bay in the busy Miami metropolitan area. Hiking, biking, nature trails and picnicking facilities.
Perez Art Museum Miami
Where: Miami
What is it: Miami Art Museum (MAM), a modern and contemporary art museum located in downtown Miami, FL, is dedicated to collecting and exhibiting international art of the 20th and 21st centuries with an emphasis on the cultures of the Atlantic Rim—the Americas, Europe and Africa—from which the vast majority of Miami residents hail. MAM serves one of the most diverse and fast-growing regions of the country, where a confluence of North and Latin American cultures adds vibrancy and texture to the civic landscape. MAM embraces its role as a cultural anchor and touchstone in a city that welcomes countless ethnic and age groups, lifestyles and ideas.
Rubell Museum
Where: Miami
What is it: The collection is constantly expanding and features such well-known artists as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker and Andy Warhol. In addition to displaying internationally established artists, the RFC actively acquires, exhibits and champions emerging artists working at the forefront of contemporary art.
South Pointe Park
Where: Miami Beach
What is it: Tot lot, playground, observation deck, interactive water features.
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
Where: Miami
What is it: Built by agricultural industrialist James Deering in 1916, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens features a Main House, ten acres of formal gardens, and a rockland hammock (native forest). With its phenomenal human-made and natural resources, Vizcaya was built in the 1910’s, a decade in which Gilded Age cultural standards were enlivened by the irreverent spirit of the dawning Jazz Age. It also introduces visitors to Miami’s place in this history—a time when America’s wealthiest industrialists created lavish homes inspired by the palaces of Europe.
Wolfsonian Museum
Where: Miami Beach
What is it: The Wolfsonian–Florida International University is a museum, library, and research center that uses objects to illustrate the persuasive power of art and design, to explore what it means to be modern, and to tell the story of social, historical, and technological changes that have transformed our world. The collections comprise approximately 120,000 objects from the period of 1885 to 1945—the height of the Industrial Revolution to the end of the Second World War—in a variety of media including furniture; industrial-design objects; works in glass, ceramics, and metal; rare books; periodicals; ephemera; works on paper; paintings; textiles; and medals.
Rock Climbing
Where: Miami
What is it: Not only is Indoor Rock Climbing something beyond the same old, same old, It’s SAFE, FUN and a great activity for all ages and levels of physical fitness! There’s truly something for everyone!
Zoo Miami
Where: Miami
What is it: One of the first free-range zoos in the country, the exhibits are entirely cageless. Animals are grouped according to their geographic territory and animals that live together peacefully in the wild are placed in exhibits together. Education department offers field trips, special programming and teachers’ resources.
If you know of an opportunity we should include, please tell us.
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Monroe
Animal Farm
Where: Stock Island
What is it: The farm began as a haven for homeless animals. The first inhabitants were Muscovy ducks and a group of chickens which were plaguing a nearby golf course and were being killed on a regular basis by vehicles traveling on the road leading to the jail. A short time after the chickens and ducks were brought to the area, the SPCA in Miami called and asked if the facility would have space for a blind horse they had found abandoned in their area. Using inmate labor, a pen was created for the horse, who was christened Angel, and the animal farm was born. Since, it has blossomed into a beautiful park, complete with an large aviary, reptile exhibit, rabbit warren, farm animals and other domestic and exotic animal species. Tours by appointment only.
Audobon House and Tropical Gardens
Where: Key West
What is it: A visit to the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens is an exploration into local history and folklore, while the gardens offer a lush one-acre view of tropical foliage. You will enjoy viewing the works of John James Audubon, world renown ornithologist. There are 28 first edition Audubon works in the house.
Conch Tour Train
Where: Key West
What is it: Your tour of Key West will give you a conch’s eye view of all the wonderful Key West attractions.
Crane Point Museum and Nature Center
Where: Marathon
What is it: Museum of Natural History, nature center, and Marathon Wild Bird Center.
Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park
Where: Key Largo
What is it: The park is home to 84 protected species of plants and animals, including wild cotton, mahogany mistletoe and the American crocodile. Exploring the park´s trails gives visitors a chance to see some of these rare species of plants and animals. Over six miles of nature trails provide a wealth of opportunities for birdwatchers and photographers. Most of the park´s trails are paved and accessible to both bicycles and wheelchairs. Signs along a self-guided nature trail provide information about the park´s ecosystem and wildlife. Ranger-guided tours are also available.
Dolphin Research Center
Where: Grassy Key
What is it: At Dolphin Research Center, a colony of bottlenose dolphins and the people who care for them are creating a greater understanding and appreciation of marine mammals and the environment we share. We are dedicated to learning from dolphins and teaching what we know for the mutual benefit of both species. To accomplish this goal, Dolphin Research Center provides a variety of educational opportunities.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Where: Tortugas
What is it: Explore a 19th Century Fort and snorkel crystal clear water with incredible marine life
Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
Where: Key West
What is it: Ernest Hemingway lived and wrote here for more than ten years. Calling Key West home, he found solace and great physical challenge in the turquoise waters that surround this tiny island. Step back in time and visit the rooms and gardens that witnessed the most prolific period of this Nobel Prize winner’s writing career. Educated tour guides give insightful narratives and are eager to answer questions.
Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail
Where: Key Largo to Key West
What is it: More than 70 miles of existing trail paved in segments along a planned, 106-mile corridor from Key Largo to Key West. The Trail provides opportunities for bicycling, hiking, fishing, in-line skating, paddling, snorkeling, swimming and diving.
Flagler Station Over-Sea Railway Historeum
Where: Key West
What is it: Guests will enter through a reconstruction of a section of the Key West Terminus. Inside visitors will find a themed mercantile store, filled with candies, turn of the century dolls and toys, dry goods, railroad memorabilia, gifts and related souvenirs. Visitors will then see the first of three film presentations. The first will show rare moving picture footage and photographs of the Key West Extension being built from its beginning in Homestead in 1905 to its completion and arrival on January 22, 1912 in Key West. They will meet the men responsible for this feat and experience the hardship, tragedy and grandeur of what was called by some “Flagler’s Folly.” A historyteller, will meet guests on the loading dock and tell them, first hand, of life as a worker on the Overseas Railway and how Key Westers felt as they anxiously awaited the arrival of the train. The Key West of January 22, 1912 will come to life.
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center
Where: Tavernier
What is it: Visitors are given the chance to see a large variety of native and migratory birds; both in enclosures as well as wild.
Fort East Martello Museum and Gardens
Where: Key West
What is it: Recent and past history of Key West and the Keys Exhibits of early settlement, sponging and fishing, Cuban influence, military involvement, writers and other characters and even Robert the haunted doll line the corridors of the old battery, itself an artifact of mid-19th Century history.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
Where: Key West
What is it: Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1973, Florida’s southernmost state park is popular for recreation, as well as U.S. military history. The fort was one of a series built in the mid-1800s to defend the nation’s southeastern coastline. Completed in 1866, Fort Zachary Taylor played important roles in the Civil War and Spanish-American War. Guided tours of the fort are available daily.
Founder’s Park
Where: Islamorada
What is it: Olympic-sized pool with diving area, a shallow water beach, water sports rentals, ball fields, fishing jetty, bocce, tennis and basketball courts, vita course with 18 exercise stations, multi-purpose path, skate park and dog park.
Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
Where: Big Pine Key
What is it: Great white herons are a white color-phase of great blue herons and are only found in the Florida Keys. The refuge was created to protect great white herons from extinction since the population was decimated by the demand for feathered hats. Protection of great white herons was successful, and these magnificent powder-white birds can be observed feeding on tidal-flats around hundreds of backcountry islands each dawn and dusk.
Harry S. Truman Little White House
Where: Key West
What is it: History has left its mark on the Truman Little White House since 1890 when it initially served as the command headquarters of the during the Spanish American War, World War I and World War II. In 1946 the historic building first served as the winter White House of President Harry S. Truman and a site for the Cold War response by later presidents. Today, the Truman Little White House is a public, living museum as well as a retreat and place of government business by our nation’s leaders.
History of Diving Museum
Where: Islamorada
What is it: Discover the history behind military, commercial and recreational diving. Learn how diving has contributed to marine science, underwater photography and treasure hunting. The Museum features the world’s largest international collection of diving helmets and artifacts.
Indian Key Historic State Park
Where: Islamorada
What is it: In 1836, Indian Key became the first county seat for Dade County. At that time, this tiny island was the site of a lucrative business-salvaging cargo from shipwrecks in the Florida Keys. Accessible only by boat, visitors come here to swim, sunbathe, and hike.
John Pennekamp State Park
Where: Key Largo
What is it: Snorkeling and scuba tours, glass bottom boats, and more.
Key West Aquarium
Where: Key West
What is it: The Key West Aquarium is proud to educate the public about the marine environment with a focus on our local ecosystems. We house predominately native species of game fish, tropical fish, sea turtles, and stingrays. We also display vital apex predators such as sharks and American alligators with a chance to meet them up close during our tours.
Key West Butterfly Center and Nature Conservancy
Where: Key West
What is it: Walk through a magical and inviting environment filled with hundred of the most beautiful winged creatures in nature. During your breathtaking journey you will experience an impressive collection of flowering plants, colorful birds, cascading waterfalls and trees that set the stage for the “flowers of the sky.” Witness a variety of some 50 to 60 butterfly species from around the world, along with over 20 exotic bird species, all under a climate- controlled, glass enclosed habitat.
Key West Lighthouse Museum
Where: Key West
What is it: The tower was originally 46 feet high and powered by 15 oil lamps with 15-inch reflectors, but was extended to 86 feet in 1894. Inside visitors now climb 88 iron steps to the observation deck that affords spectacular views.
Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden
Where: Key West
What is it: The Key West Forest & Garden is a special place where you can appreciate biodiversity and learn more about its importance. For instance, the forest has two of the last remaining fresh water ponds in the Keys and is a major migratory stopping point for neo-tropical birds from places as far as South America, as well as being home to many rare birds in the Florida Keys.
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park
Where: Islamorada
What is it: The virgin tropical hardwood hammock that thrives on this island was once common on most of Florida’s Upper Keys; most of these forests have been lost to development on other islands. In 1919, William J. Matheson, a wealthy Miami chemist, bought this tiny island and built a caretaker’s home with a windmill for electricity and a cistern for rainwater. Today, his hideaway is the visitor center for this island forest. Ranger-guided tours are given twice daily, Friday through Sunday. The park is accessible only by private boat or tour boat.
Marine Lab Experience
Where: Key Largo
What it is: MarineLab offers marine science field trips for elementary, middle school and high school student groups. Through introductory discussions, hands on lab activities and field observations, students learn about the interdependent, holistic nature of the marine ecosystem of the subtropical Florida Keys.
Mel Fisher Maritime Museum
Where: Key West
What is it: Bring your students and experience the history and science of the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.
Museum of Art & History at Custom House
Where: Key West
What is it: Follow a path once traveled by wreckers, pirates, and politicians to South Florida’s most important historic building. The Custom House, built in 1891, served as a post office, court house and government center when wrecking made Key West the richest city, per capita, in the U.S. But by the 1930s, the island city was bankrupt. Eventually, the building was boarded up and completely abandoned. Now, after a 9-year, $9 million restoration project, the Key West Art & Historical Society has returned the big red brick building to its former glory.
Nancy Forrester’s secret Garden
Where: Key West
What is it: Rare Macaw parrots and orchids.
National Key Deer Refuge
Where: Big Pine Key
What is it: The National Key Deer Refuge was established in 1957 to protect and preserve Key deer and other wildlife resources in the Florida Keys. The refuge is located in the lower Florida Keys and currently consists of approximately 9,200 acres of land that includes pine rockland forests, tropical hardwood hammocks, freshwater wetlands, salt marsh wetlands, and mangrove forests. These natural communities are critical habitat for hundreds of endemic and migratory species including 17 federally-listed species such as Key deer, lower Keys marsh rabbit, and silver rice rat
Oldest House
Where: Key West
What is it: The Oldest House in South Florida is located at 322 Duval Street in Key West. The house and gardens are free and open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm every day except Sunday and Wednesday. Staff and docents are available to provide historical information about the house and family, and to answer questions.
Sculpture Key West
Where: Key West
What is it: Sculpture Key West offers a dynamic and significant platform for contemporary sculpture. The exhibit is designed to inspire and educate the community of the Florida Keys and its visitors while offering opportunities for emerging and established artists.
SeaCamp
Where: Big Pine Key
What is it: An environmental education facility located on Big Pine Key in the unique tropical environment of the Florida Keys. We offer residential programs for elementary, middle, high school, college and adult groups from September through May.
Shipwreck Treasures Museum
Where: Key West
What is it: At the Key West Shipwreck Museum you will step back into time as you discover Key West’s unique maritime heritage and how it became the richest city in the United States. The Key West Shipwreck Museum combines actors, films and the actual artifacts from the 1985 rediscovery of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef.
Theatre of the Sea
Where: Islamorada
What is it: We specialize in providing your group a close-up encounter with native marine life through exciting and educational exhibits and shows.
Turtle Hospital
Where: Marathon
What is it: Guests are invited to take a guided educational tour of the hospital facilities and the sea turtle rehabilitation area. This educational experience lasts approximately 90 minutes and provides a presentation on sea turtles as well as a behind the scenes look at the hospital facilities and rehabilitation area. At the end of each program guests are invited to feed the permanent resident sea turtles.
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
Where: Islamorada
What is it: Formed of Key Largo limestone, fossilized coral, this land was sold to the Florida East Coast Railroad, which used the stone to build Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railroad in the early 1900s. After the railroad was built, the quarry was used until the 1960s to produce exquisite pieces of decorative stone called Keystone. Today, visitors can walk along eight-foot-high quarry walls to see cross sections of the ancient coral and learn about the quarry and its operation- an important part of Florida’s 20th century history. Samples of the quarry machinery have been preserved at the park. Visitors can enjoy the natural attributes of this island while strolling five, short, self-guided trails.
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Nassau
Amelia Island Lighthouse
Where: Amelia Island
What is it: Few structures in Florida boast heritage as long and intriguing as the Amelia Island Lighthouse, built in 1838. This is the state’s oldest lighthouse, and the only one from the Territorial Period, that has survived without major rebuilding. Tours available.
Amelia Island Museum
Where: Amelia Island
What is it: Student tours review local architecture, history, or Victorian times.
Amelia Island Nature Center
Where: Amelia Island
What is it: Including bike, segway and kayak tours discovering birds, turtles, edible plants, night creatures and crabs. Several tours are designed for children and include educational crafts about the featured topic. The Nature Center is open to the public.
Amelia Island State Park
Where: Amelia Island
What is it: The park protects over 200 acres of unspoiled wilderness along the southern tip of Amelia Island. Beautiful beaches, salt marshes and coastal maritime forests provide visitors a glimpse of the original Florida. Amelia Island State Park is one of the few locations on the east coast that offers horseback riding on the beach and riding tours along the shoreline. Visitors can stroll along the beach, look for shells or watch the wildlife.
Fort Clinch State Park
Where: Fernandina Beach
What is it: A part of the park system since 1935, Fort Clinch is one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the country. Although no battles were fought here, it was garrisoned during both the Civil and Spanish-American wars. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps began preserving and rebuilding many of the structures of the abandoned fort. Daily tours with period reenactors depicting garrison life bring the fort to life for visitors. Sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing are popular activities at the beach. Anglers can fish from the pier or take advantage of excellent surf fishing. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy a six-mile trail through the park. Self-guided nature trails provide opportunities to learn about and observe native plants and wildlife.
West Nassau Historical Society (Callahan Depot)
Where: Callahan
What is it: It is fortunate that one of the old railroad depots remains as the showpiece of an era gone by to help us collect, archive and display the historic gems of the past. Below are pictured the two Callahan depots that stood side by side from the early 1880s until the original passenger Florida Railroad depot on the left burned about 1909. The two railroads collaborated by doubling the size of the elevated freight depot on the right, adding a clerk’s office and ticket sales windows and passenger waiting rooms for white and colored on the far end. It is this building that remains as the headquarters of the West Nassau Historical Society/Museum and the Greater Nassau County Chamber of Commerce.
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Okaloosa
Air Force Armament Museum
Where: Eglin Air Force Base
What is it: Experience the aviation warfare armament from the early days of World War I right through to today’s high tech planes and bombs. Inside, you’ll find an extensive collection of weaponry and interactive displays that will amaze and intrigue. Outside displays include vintage military aircraft including the fastest plane ever built – the SR-71 Blackbird! Admission is FREE and all are welcome!
Baker Block Museum
Where: Baker
What is it: We are a living history museum. Take a walk through the past to gain knowledge and perspective of life, heritage and history of our local region. Learn about naval stores, lumbering, farming, land development,local military patriots and much more. Study in the Research Library. Use our genealogy resources. Tour our collection rooms and outdoor cabin exhibits.
Big Kahuna’s Water Park
Where: Destin
What is it: Water park.
Destin History and Fishing Museum
Where: Destin
What is it: Experience the feeling of swimming in the Gulf of Mexico with award winning examples of fish caught in Destin. This exhibit is displayed on a 100 feet of wall space depicting the Gulf floor. View a large collection of antique fishing rods and reels, the most unique is constructed of split bamboo with an original Penn Reel, that belonged to Ernest Hemingway. Get an idea of life in Destin before the arrival of electricity in the 1930s.
Destrin Laser Tag
Where: Destin
What is it: Laser tag, mini golf and arcade.
Emerald Coast Science Center
Where: Fort Walton Beach
What is it: At the Emerald Coast Science Center we encourage you to experiment, touch, discover and explore. Field trips available.
Fort Walton Skating Center
Where: Fort Walton Beach
What is it: Inline and 4-wheel skating rink. Skate rentals available.
Gator Beach
Where: Destin
What is it: Area students who attend the Gator Beach field trip learn about alligators and snakes and what to do if they come in contact with these magnificent reptiles in the wild. The children are actually able to experience up-close encounters with live alligators. In fact, the brave students even get to pet a live gator (whose mouth is securely taped shut).
Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
Where: Fort Walton Beach
What is it: Newly renovated aquarium that offers a variety of exhibits, shows, and educational programs for students in Grades preK-9
Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida
Where: Valparaiso
What is it: Education is central to the HMNF’s mission. Curriculum-based school tours and related hands-on activities offer students an opportunity to learn local and state history. Programs offered to educators are designed to meet Florida’s Sunshine State Standards. Programs are available to home schoolers as well as public and private institutions. Teacher’s resources available on the web site.
Heritage Park and Cultural Center
Where: Fort Walton Beach
What is it: The City of Fort Walton Beach Heritage Park & Cultural Center is the flagship of the Indian Temple Mound Museum, Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum, Garnier Post Office Museum, and the Fort Walton Temple Mound.
Sasquatch Zoo
Where: Crestview
What is it: Our Zoo was founded in 1987 on the Shoal River. The first animals were goats and sheep. A monkey here and a parrot there, and for the next two years it grew into a small menagerie of exotic animals. Then in June of 1989 the park was flooded. This was a major setback for the zoo. All animals had to be evacuated to the present location on Deer Springs Drive. Basically, this meant building a new zoo in a matter of days. This was achieved with the help of local agencies, companies, farmers, and concerned citizens. Although it provided adequate homes for the animals, it left much to be desired as the zoo we envisioned. Over the years with dedication and perseverance we feel we have provided our animals with a happy home. We hope when you visit you feel the same pride and admiration for “your zoo” as we do. Educational field trips available.
Track Family Recreation Center
Where: Destin
What is it: Go karts, mini golf, bumper rides, arcade and more.
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Okeechobee
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Orange
Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden
Where: Winter Park
What is it: The Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Garden in Winter Park, Florida is dedicated to preserving the works of Czech sculptor Albin Polasek, celebrating representational art and exhibiting regional and international artists.
Aloma Bowling Centers
Where: Orlando and Winter Park
What is it: Bowling
Art & History Museums of Maitland
Where: Maitland
What is it: The Maitland Art Center highlights the legacy of visionary artist and architect Jules André Smith. The Waterhouse Residence Museum (built in 1884) provides an impressive example of Florida life during the Victorian period. Its counterpart, the Carpentry Shop Museum, contains a collection of antique tools. The Telephone Museum details telephone technology through the years, as well as tells the story of the rise of a local telephone company. Tours available by appointment for school groups.
Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum
Where: Winter Park
What is it: Today, Casa serves the community as a historic home museum and rental location for private parties, weddings, and business events. Come visit during our public open house–each Sunday from 12-3. Private tours of 10 or more guests can be arranged.
Coco Key Water Park
Where: Orlando
What is it: Water park.
Rollins Museum of Art
Where: Winter Park
What is it: With one of the oldest and most distinguished collections in Florida, the Rollins Museum of Art can boast of more than 5,000 objects from antiquity to the contemporary.
Fort Christmas Historical Park
Where: Christmas
What is it: Local history, free entrance, groups available, different craft fairs and festivals throughout the year.
Fun Spot
Where: Orlando
What is it: Amusement/attraction park. Group rates available.
Gatorland
Where: Orlando
What is it: Thousands of alligators & crocodiles to see, an aviary, breeding marsh with observation tower, petting zoo, nature walk, and one-of-a-kind reptilian shows including the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, Gator Jumparoo and the Up-close Encounters Show.
Leu Gardens
Where: Orlando
What is it: Explore an amazing 50-acre botanical oasis minutes from downtown Orlando. Each garden is designed specifically to further our mission: inspire visitors to appreciate and understand plants. The Leu House Museum located in the heart of the gardens reveals turn-of-the century living for the families who once called this home. Classes and tours available.
Mennello Museum of American Art
Where: Orlando
What is it: The treasure of the Mennello Museum is the rare permanent collection of paintings by self-taught or “primitive” artist Earl Cunningham (1893-1977). This collection of Cunninghams is the largest in existence, and a rotating selection of paintings remains on display.
Morse Museum
Where: Winter Park
What is it: The world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany is housed at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. The Museum’s Tiffany collection includes jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, leaded-glass windows and lamps, and the chapel interior the artist designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. The Museum’s holdings also include a major collection of American art pottery and representative collections of late 19th- and early 20th-century American painting, graphics, and decorative art.
Orange County Regional History Center
Where: Orlando
What is it: Hours of fun and fascination await you at the Orange County Regional History Center! Find out how Central Florida’s history mirrors much of our nation’s past – explore three floors of exhibitions at our 67,000-square-foot history museum. Fully experiencing the History Center is more than just viewing historical artifacts in a gallery. We offer exhibitions, tours, and programs that trace our region’s roots back 12,000 years in unique ways. Homeschool classes also available.
Orlando Fire Museum
Where: Orlando
What is it: A showcase Orlando Fire Department’s history since its inception in 1885!
Orlando Museum of Art
Where: Orlando
What is it: Available resources include state approved lesson plans, classroom visual aids and professional development workshops, as well as school-sanctioned class learning trips.
Orlando Science Center
Where: Orlando
What is it: The Orlando Science Center is committed to learning by offering programs that help students discover the magic of science Field trips and homeschool classes available.
Ripley’s Believe it or Not
Where: Orlando
What is it: Our amazing 10,000 square foot “Odditorium” actually looks like it’s falling into a Florida sinkhole! Entertain the entire family with our interactive exhibits of the fascinating and outrageous. In our Odditorium you can explore an unbelievable variety of artifacts and displays in 16 unique galleries that pay tribute to the odd and strange from across the globe. Group tours and rates available.
Sea World
Where: Orlando
What is it: Theme park that offers summer camps and educational programs.
Skeletons
Where: Orlando
What is it: Fields trips include discounted group rates, hands-on education programs, lunch options, and scavenger hunts that keeps students engaged with the exhibits.
Super Awesome Cool
Where: Orlando
What is it: Pottery Studio
Titanic Exhibit
Where: Orlando
What is it: This 17 gallery tour includes full scale room re-creations where you visit Titanic’s Grand Staircase, First Class Parlor Suite, Boilers, Captain’s Bridge and Promenade Deck offering a haunting, emotional connection to lives abruptly ended or forever altered. In addition, you will now view more than 400 unique pieces of memorabilia and 100 artifacts recovered from the wreck site of Titanic- 21 of which have recently completed conservation and our on display for the first time. These celebrated pieces include a 3-ton portion of the Ship’s hull, the Captain’s wheel and personal belongings from Titanic’s passengers and crew.
Universal Studios Florida
Where: Orlando
What is it: Go behind the scenes, beyond the screen, and jump right into the action of your favorite movies at Universal Studios, a movie and TV based theme park.
Walt Disney World Theme Parks & Water Parks
Where: Lake Buena Vista
What is it: Multiple theme and water parks comprise the Disney empire.
Winter Club Indoor Ski and Snowboard
Where: Winter Park
What is it: Skis and snowboard indoors
Winter Park Historical Association Museum
Where: Winter Park
What is it: The mission of the Winter Park Historical Association is to collect, preserve, promote and research the history of Winter Park and its surrounding area and to share that history with the public through educational programs and the operation of a museum.
Wonder Works Indoor Amusement Park
Where: Orlando
What is it: Students will interact, discover and explore over 100 interactive and educational exhibits.
Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts
Where: Eatonville
What is it: Established in 1990, The Hurston is a program of the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, Inc. (P.E.C.). Its mission is to provide a place “in the heart of the community” where the public can view the work of artists of African descent, who live on the Continent and/or in the Diaspora.
More Parks
Where: Orange County
What is it: List of parks in Orange County.
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Osceola
Chocolate Kingdom
Where: Kissimmee and Orlando
What is it: Tour of chocolate factory and opportunity to make a custom chocolate bar.
Fun Spot
Where: Kissimmee
What is it: Amusement/attraction park. Group rates available.
Green Meadows Petting Farm
Where: Kissimmee
What is it: Offers a touching experience minutes from Orlando for children of all ages. We have a fun combination of rides and farm animal attractions.
Ice Factory Central Florida
Where: Kissimmee
What is it: Ice skating.
Museum of Military History
Where: Kissimmee
What is it: The museum exhibits and displays are dynamic, entertaining, hands-on, and interactive—to impart both knowledge and critical thinking skills—while at the same time inspiring a sense of fun and adventure. The MMH layers its exhibits and information on a number of different levels. This fosters learning for a diverse audience, including students, experts, and amateurs from local, national, and global audiences.
Old Town
Where: Kissimmee
What is it: Rides, restaurants and shops.
The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek
Where: Kissimmee
What is it: Field trip experience that incorporates learning the skills needed to safely paddle a canoe (i.e., teamwork, communication, safety checks, paddling techniques, etc.) with nature-based exercises and games. The classes include Birds in Flight, Predator-Prey Relationships, Eco-Discovery (using canoes or the 18ft electric Duffy boat), and assorted cooperative game-based exercises. The goal is to provide a relevant eco-based curricula with on-the-water skill building that is fun and challenging.
Prairie Lakes Wildlife Management Area
Where: Kenansville
What is it: Prairie Lakes Wildlife Management Area offers a six-mile loop trail provides hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Reptile World Serpentarium
Where: St. Cloud
What is it: Feel your heart pound as expert snake handlers milk the world’s most viscous and deadly snakes live before your very eyes with only the glass separating you from huge angry Cobras, Rattlesnakes, Copperheads, Water Moccasins and many more. Shiver in your shoes as you experience the thrill of watching close-up as their massive, razor sharp fangs sink into the skin of the receptacles and then explode their deadly venom as you watch it all from just a few feet away.
Split Oak Forest Wildlife and Environmental Area
Where: Kissimmee
What is it: Split Oak Forest is currently managed to enhance and preserve the habitat of the gopher tortoise, a state listed species, along with the other wildlife and plants that inhabit this diverse area. The site is under a fire management program, and visitors have a first hand opportunity to observe the positive effects this practice has on our native plant communities.
Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area
Where: Kissimmee
What is it: Within an hour’s drive of Disney World is the Kissimmee Prairie, one of the largest remaining expanses of dry prairie in the United States. A significant portion of the Kissimmee Prairie has been preserved within the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area. Named for the three lakes that border the area (Lake Kissimmee, Lake Jackson, and Lake Marian), Three Lakes offers ample opportunities for hunting, fishing, birding, nature study, hiking, horseback riding, and biking.
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Palm Beach
Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
Where: West Palm Beach
What is it: The Sculpture Gardens provide visitors of all ages a rare look at the life’s work of a truly American sculptor. The gardens contain monumental sculptures built directly in the gardens for the gardens which invoke mystery and surprise as you happen upon them while walking through rare palms. Group tours available.
Armory Art Center
Where: West Palm Beach
What is it: The Armory Art Center offers Group Tours of our exhibitions and facility. Hands on activities, demonstrations and catering are available upon request.
Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Where: Boynton Beach
What is it: The interactive exhibits in the Visitor Center opened to the public on October 17, 2009. The Virtual Airboat Tour and the Night Sounds of the Everglades are two of the most popular. The Cypress Swamp Boardwalk and the marsh areas are accessible by foot. The boardwalk is a 0.4-mile trail that loops through towering cypress trees, pond apple trees, ferns and other flora of the swamp.
Blowing Rocks Preserve
Where: Jupiter
What is it: This peaceful, barrier island sanctuary is a well known model for large-scale, native coastal habitat restoration. There are three hiking trails with interpretive signs where you will observe rare birds, plants and animals. Enjoy exhibits and shady porches at the Hawley Education Center.
Boca Raton Museum of Art
Where: Boca Raton
What is it: The Museum enhances the vital classroom learning experience by providing docent-led tours of our Permanent Collection and temporary exhibitions. Supporting the Sunshine State Standards, Museum tours engage and challenge students to achieve a greater awareness and understanding of language arts, social studies, science and math through the visual arts.
Boomers
Where: Boca Raton
What is it: Amusement park with bumper boats, laser tag, go-karts and arcade.
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary
Where: Jupiter
What is it: Since 1981, the staff of the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary has introduced the fascinating wonders of Florida’s natural ecosystems and wildlife to tens of thousands of people each year. Children and adults alike find the Sanctuary’s programs to be informative, entertaining, and extremely educational, offering a wonderful experience in learning about nature and wildlife. Reservations needed for groups.
Calypso Bay Water Park
Where: Royal Palm Beach
What is it: County water park.
Coconut Cove Water Park
Where: Boca Raton
What is it: County water park.
Daggerwing Nature Center
Where: Boca Raton
What is it: Features include an exhibit hall with live animals and interactive state-of-the-art exhibits, classroom facilities, laboratory, lobby, reading area, and an elevated boardwalk which takes you on a relaxing journey through a swamp. The boardwalk has two trails, bench-style seating, as well as an observation tower available for you to view the abundant plant and animal life including: osprey, woodpeckers, butterflies, endangered wood storks, alligators, and a wide variety of bromeliads. Be sure not to miss our namesake, the Ruddy Daggerwing butterfly, as it flutters through the trees! Educational trips and programs available.
DuPuis Management Area
Where: Canal Point
What is it: The Florida Center for Environmental Studies, in cooperation with SFWMD, has developed a field-based, interactive Education Program at DuPuis Visitors Center that targets secondary students, teachers, adults, families and the local community. Community outreach events and lectures are held at the Visitors Center located at Gate 5.
Film Camp in a Box
Where: Boca Raton
What is it: A mobile digital media literacy workshop that provides students with the opportunity to work in small film crews under the guidance of a filmmaker to create a short film, commercial, lego animation, claymation, breaking news, documentary, silent film or graphic novel. We provide all of the equipment for the workshop, including MacBooks, 4k cameras, tripods, boom microphones, green screens and more.
Flagler Museum
Where: Palm Beach
What is it: When it was completed in 1902, the New York Herald proclaimed that Whitehall, Henry Flagler’s Gilded Age estate in Palm Beach, was “more wonderful than any palace in Europe, grander and more magnificent than any other private dwelling in the world.” Today, Whitehall is a National Historic Landmark and is open to the public as the Flagler Museum, featuring guided tours, changing exhibits, and special programs. Free admission for school groups.
Grassy Waters Preserve
Where: West Palm Beach
What is it: Grassy Waters Preserve is exciting not only because of its unique educational activities and historic presence, but also because it offers a diverse array of recreational opportunities on the edge of extensive wetlands.
Green Cay Nature Center
Where: Boynton Beach
What is it: Green Cay Nature Center is the county’s newest nature center that overlooks 100 acres of constructed wetland and provides educational opportunities about this unique habitat. The wetland features 1.5 miles of elevated boardwalk featuring interpretive signs about the habitat. The Nature Center includes a lecture hall, gift shop, and live animals in an extensive exhibit room that highlights wetland attributes.
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
Where: Boca Raton
What is it: Our four outdoor tanks, 0.3-mile boardwalk loop with 40’ observation tower, butterfly garden, FAU observation gallery, north trail, and indoor Nature Center are all open and available to explore. Adults and children enjoy learning about coastal Florida inside the Nature Center, with our interactive displays and live animals (snakes, musk turtles, hermit crabs, and golden orb weaver spider). Educational field trips and programs available.
Johnson History Museum and Historical Society of Palm Beach County
Where: West Palm Beach
What is it: The Richard and Pat Johnson Palm Beach County History Museum opened to the public in March 2008 within the historic 1916 Courthouse in downtown West Palm Beach at 300 North Dixie Highway. The county-wide history museum enriches the lives of children and adults alike by making local history accessible, interesting and meaningful. The restored building also serves as the headquarters of the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. School tours available.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
Where: Jupiter
What is it:Schedule your group (children or adults) for a visit to the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum. Your group will be given a guided tour of the Lighthouse and grounds, outdoor exhibits and admission to the History Museum Exhibit Five Thousand Years on the Loxahatchee.
Kravis Center
Where: West Palm Beach
What is it: Performing arts center with special shows for school groups. Educator resources available onsite.
Lake Worth Playhouse
Where: Lake Worth
WHat is it: Classes and shows for children.
Lion Country Safari
Where: West Palm Beach
What is it: Feel the Excitement of a Real Drive-Through Safari with 4 miles of wild animals plus Enjoy Safari World Amusement Park! A wide variety of educational programs is available.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Where: Juno Beach
What is it: Our field trips offer an extensive education into the world of sea turtles. The guides will discuss sea turtle behavior, morphology, habitats, nesting, etc. We are happy to tailor our field trips to fit your needs! Our education team will design a customized program for you. The following area highlights may be included in your field trip depending on circumstance, weather, and other factors. Each portion of your trip will last 20-30 minutes.
Manatee Queen
Where: Palm Beach
What is it: One-hour educational charters down the Jupiter Inlet area. On the adventure students will learn about the Jupiter Lighthouse, Dubois Pioneer Home, and Florida East Coast Railway. Native plant and animal information will be highlighted, along with many other interesting historical facts about the first inhabitants. Cruisers will enjoy seeing the various water fowl and tropical fish. Though it is not a guarantee that local marine life such as manatees, river dolphins, and mantas can be be seen on every trip, we ALWAYS have our eyes out for them! On completion of the excursion, group lead will be given an educational packet with optional activities to use with their homeschool group.
Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Where: Delray Beach
What is it: Take your students on a captivating discovery of Japanese culture, art, gardens, food and more. Each tour option can be docent-led or self-guided but must have a reservation.
Mounts Botanical Gardens
Where: West Palm Beach
What is it: Mounts displays tropical and subtropical plants from around the world, including plants native to Florida, exotic trees, tropical fruit, herbs, citrus, palms and more.
Norton Museum of Art
Where: West Palm Beach
What is it: The Museum is internationally known for its distinguished permanent collection featuring American Art, Chinese Art, Contemporary Art, European Art and Photography. Its masterpieces of 19th century and 20th century painting and sculpture include works by Brancusi, Gauguin, Matisse, Miró, Monet, Picasso, Davis, Hassam, Hopper, Manship, O’Keeffe, Pollock and Sheeler. Group tours available.
Old School Square
Where: Delray Beach
What is it: The charming Cornell Museum of Art and American Culture (c. 1913) presents rotating local, national and international exhibits of fine art, crafts and pop culture. The intimate, 323-seat Crest Theatre (c. 1925) presents world-class musicals, comedy, variety, Broadway cabaret with New York’s hottest stars, and lectures with nationally renowned speakers.
Palm Beach Zoo
Where: West Palm Beach
What is it: Bring your group to the wildest place in town! With 1,400 exotic and endangered animals and 23 acres of beautiful tropical plants the Palm Beach Zoo is a delightful and educational outdoor classroom. We also offer a wide variety of education programs with hands-on learning opportunities for participants of all ages. All zoo programs meet the benchmarks of Florida’s Department of Education’s Sunshine State Standards.
Sandoway House Nature Center
Where: Delray Beach
What is it: The house is on the National Register of Historic Places and preserved as a unique Nature Center now home to native plants, live animals, and a world class shell collection. Group tours and programs available.
Cox Science Center
Where: West Palm Beach
What is it: Hands-on science museum that has field trips and educational programs for homeschoolers.
Wakodahatchee Wetlands
Where: Delray Beach
What is it: A three-quarter mile boardwalk winds through three of the wetland’s ponds, allowing visitors the opportunity to read interpretive signs and learn about water purification, wetlands ecology, natural history, and the interdependance of people and their environment.
Yesteryear Village
Where: West Palm Beach
What is it: Yesteryear Village is a history park nestled on 10 acres, showcasing buildings and artifacts from the 1895’s to the 1945’s. Discover a large collection of early, original and replicated buildings including an old school, a farm, a blacksmith shop, a general store, and several houses. We also have the only big band museum in the United States, the Sally Bennett Big Band Hall of Fame Museum. School tours available.
Parks
Where: Boca Raton
What is it: List of Boca Raton parks sorted by amenity. Check out Sugar Sand Park for science and Patch Reef Park for water features.
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Pasco
Barracks Museum
Where: Zephyrhills
What is it: Features memorabilia from WWII fighter pilots who lived and trained in Zephyrhills. Open on the third Saturday and Monday of the month.
Crystal Springs Preserve
Where: Crystal Springs
What is it: Crystal Springs Preserve has been developed as Florida’s Premier Living Laboratory. We take great pride in providing quality environmental education programs which empower students to make environmentally conscious decisions. Homeschool classes available.
Depot Museum
Where: Zephyrhills
What is it: Housed in the restored 1927 Atlantic Coast Railroad Depot. Model train display, railroad memorabilia, gift shop and artifacts from the original depot. Tours available.
Giraffe Ranch
Where: Dade City
What is it: Giraffe Ranch is a licensed working ranch that specializes in exotic species as well as domestic cattle and horses. Learn about exotic animals from an expert guide from the comfort of specially designed 4-wheel drive vehicles. We’ll show you our conservation efforts and how we are helping to preserve species that are extinct in the wild. Visit us for the ultimate eco-adventure
Old McMicky’s Farm
Where: Odessa
What is it: Get back to nature and experience a day on the farm! All ages will enjoy an up-close, hands-on encounter with farm animals on our educational tour overlooking our scenic 40-acre lake.
Pioneer Florida Museum and Village
Where: Dade City
What is it: On display are tools of the Florida Pioneer Man, showing how he built his house,made his furniture, plowed his fields, harvested his crops, and did his leather-work and blacksmithing. Also the Trilby Depot, the Lacoochee one room schoolhouse, is a 100 year old building. Methodist Church from Enterprise and the two story 1864 restored Overstreet House. On display in the Overstreet House and kitchen addition, are furnishings which reflect the Florida Pioneer Woman’s everyday experiences – churning butter, cooking on a wood-burning stove, spinning, weaving, battling and boiling the family wash and doing her household tasks with simple primitive equipment.
West Pasco Historical Society
Where: New Port Richey
What is it: The museum is housed in a building which originally served as the Seven Springs school house. The school was apparently in operation from 1913 to 1925, but the schoolhouse which became our home was built in late 1914 or early 1915. The building subsequently became a private residence. It was moved to Sims Park over several days in October 1981 and dedicated on January 16, 1983. The Library addition was added in 1992. The interior of the building was extensively remodeled in 2010-11. At the grand re-opening ceremony on Sept. 10, 2011, the museum was re-named the Rao Musunuru, M. D., Museum and Library, in honor of a significant donor for the museum renovation. The museum is handicapped accessible.
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Pinellas
Anclote Key State Park
Where: Dunedin
What is it: Anclote Key Preserve State Park is accessible only by private boat or ferry service. The 403-acre park is home to at least 43 species of birds, including the American oystercatcher, bald eagle and piping plover. A picturesque 1887 lighthouse stands as a sentinel on the southern end of the island.
Booker Creek Preserve
Where: Tarpon Springs
What is it: Nature preserve with walking.hiking trails and an exhibit center. Teachers and students can easily stroll along the Education Center Loop of Brooker Creek Preserve’s Wildlands Hiking Trail. Elevated boardwalks keep everyone’s feet dry as the trail meanders through bottomland swamps toward drier, shady oak hammocks. Strategically placed along the trail are interpretive trail signs that treat students to a multi-sensory experience as they discover how everything in nature is connected through dynamic relationships.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
Where: Clearwater
What is it: Education is part of our mission here at CMA and is incredibly important to our future generations. We have a lot of options for you to use in and out of the classroom. We have even created a cirriculum organized by grade level.
Dali Museum
Where: St. Petersburg
What is it: Dali’s life and art afford numerous opportunities for students, teachers, scholars and interested individuals and groups to explore a wide range of topics, engage the mind, and reflect on the human experience. Educator resources available.
Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum
Where: St. Petersburg
What is it: The museum presents the historic voice of one segment of the St. Petersburg community in the perspective of local, regional, and national history. It is another demonstration of the commitment to revitalize the Midtown St. Petersburg area. The museum joins Mercy Hospital at the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center, the Royal Theater Boys and Girls Club, and the renovated Manhattan Casino as evidence of the renaissance of this area.
Dunedin Historical Society and Museum
Where: Dunedin
What is it: The museum contains approximately 2,000 artifacts, 2,500 photographs and a library containing 200 volumes of local and Florida History. Included in the museum collection is a CD computer program of the Dunedin Times Newspaper, from 1924 through 1965. The collection includes antique clothing, household tools and utensils used by Dunedin pioneer families during the 1870’s through the 1900’s. City history includes original material from the Dunedin Post Office, Dunedin’s first bank and other major companies in the Dunedin area, including the Orange Concentrate plant. Living History programs, such as the Dunedin Cemetery’s “History Comes Alive”, have been established for school and community participation.
Florida Botanical Gardens
Where: Largo
What is it: The Florida Botanical Gardens inspires and educates visitors by showcasing flora, fauna and natural resources in motivational surroundings that promote environmentally friendly techniques. Free.
Florida Holocaust Museum
Where: St. Petersburg
What is it: The Florida Holocaust Museum features both permanent and temporary exhibitions. On the first floor of the Museum is the History, Heritage and Hope Permanent Exhibition that recounts the history of the Holocaust through historical photographs, text, and original artifacts.
Great Explorations Children’s Museum
Where: St. Petersburg
What is it: Great Explorations Children’s Museum, located next to historic Sunken Gardens on 4th Street North in St. Petersburg, is one of Florida’s top museums and one of America’s top museums for children. At Great Explorations, fun educational experiences make learning fun for visitors of all ages. Group tours available.
Gulf Beaches Historical Museum
Where: St. Petersburg Beach
What is it: Tucked away in the middle of the National Historic District of Pass-a-Grille in St. Pete Beach, is the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum. Built in 1917 as the first church of Pinellas County’s barrier islands, it served the community as the Pass-a-Grille Community Church until 1959, when the property was sold to Mrs. Joan Haley. It was Mrs. Haley’s home until 1989 when she willed it to Pinellas County to be used as an island museum. Educatonal tours available.
Gulfport Historical Museum
Where: Gulfport
What is it: The Gulfport Historical Society operates the Gulfport Historical Museum and houses the most complete collection of information on the history of Gulfport in the world.
Heritage Village
Where: Largo
What is it: Come visit this 21-acre living history museum located in the heart of Pinellas County. The natural pine and palmetto landscape is home to some of Pinellas County’s most historic buildings. Pop Into History Action Center is available for educational tours.
Leepa-Rattner Museum of Fine Art
Where: Tarpon Springs
What is it: Free, pre-arranged, guided tours for K-12 students and their teachers and chaperones; hands-on activity may be included for a minial fee.
Museum of Fine Arts
Where: St.Petersburg
What is it: Highlights include masterpieces from Monet, Cézanne, Renoir and others, a sculpture garden, a Steuben glass gallery and one of Florida’s most respected photography collections.
National Armed Forces and Law Enforcement Memorial Museum
Where: Dunedin
What is it: Hundreds of arms and artifacts are on display from the flintlocks of the Revolutionary War to the electric Gatling gun. Most all of the small arms (“tools of freedom”) used by the United States military are represented in the museum. As are law enforcement weapons from major departments and agencies throughout the United States.
North Pinellas Historical Museum
Where: Palm Harbor
What is it: In 1996, the historic Hartley House (built 1914-1919 with concrete block construction done on site) was acquired by Pinellas County and by happy agreement was given into the care of the Palm Harbor Historical Society. The house was rehabilitated and on November 7, 1998, was opened as a museum, now called the North Pinellas Historical Museum.
Pinellas Train
Where: Various locations
What is it: The Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail is a linear park and recreation trail currently extending from St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs. The Trail, created along an abandoned railroad corridor, provides a unique, protected greenspace for walking, jogging, skating, and biking.
Roser Park
Where: St. Petersburg
What is it: Historic district and outdoor museum.
Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History
Where: Safety Harbor
What is it: This Florida history and archaeology museum features 12,000 years of history. The museum offers dioramas and displays of fossils, projectile points, shell tools, beads and pottery that tell the story of Florida’s first people and the arrival of Spanish explorers. Photographs and memorabilia illustrate Safety Harbor at the turn of the century when visitors were first drawn to the place “where healing waters flow.”
Weedon Island Preserve
Where: St. Petersburg
What is it: The education program at the Center interprets the natural, cultural and archaeological history of the Preserve through interpretive tours and hikes, education programs, exhibits and public outreach activities, presentations and workshops, and other events.
More Parks
Where: Pinellas County
What is it: List of Pinellas County parks.
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Polk
Barnett Park
Where: Lakeland
What is it: Playground for younger children.
Bok Tower Gardens
Where: Lake Wales
What is it: Nearly 50 acres of Olmsted gardens surround Pinewood Estate, a 1930s Mediterranean-style mansion, and the 205-foot art deco and neo-Gothic Singing Tower housing one of the world’s finest carillons with 60 bells that ring every half hour and during daily concerts.
Circle F Dude Ranch
Where: Lake Wales
What is it: Offers outdoor education and team-building Programs throughout the year, as well as, family and group Weekends and various camps.
Common Ground Inclusive Playground
Where: Lakeland
What is it: CommonGround will be Polk County’s first “inclusive play experience,” a term used to describe non-traditional play areas. Children of varying abilities and disabilities will be able to play together side-by-side.
Explorations V Children’s Museum
Where: Lakeland
What is it: Three floors of hands-on exhibits. Field trips with educational activities available.
Fantasy of Flight
Where: Polk City
What is it: Fantasy of Flight provides a true multi-sensory approach to teaching by providing hands on displays, walk-through interactive exhibits, and flight simulators.
Florida Air Museum
Where: Lakeland
What is it: The museum will give the students history of flight, history of Florida aviation, many planes to see, Howard Hughes exhibit, Spirit of St. Louis exhibit and more. We have a pavilion in which groups can have a picnic.
Florida’s Natural Groves
Where: Lake Wales
What is it: From the moment you walk through the door of the Grove House, you’ll feel right at home. Learn all about our humble beginnings and follow our rich history. And of course, no visit is complete without sampling one of the many varieties of Florida’s Natural® Brand Premium juices.
Fort George G. Meade Museum
Where: Fort Meade
What is it: The Fort George G. Meade Museum was established to collect, preserve, study and exhibit historical artifacts pertaining to the history of Fort George G. Meade. The Museum is dedicated “in proud memory of those members of the United States Army who died in the defense of Freedom”.
Hollis Garden
Where: Lakeland
What is it: A Botanic Garden set in a neo-classical architectural environment complete with patterned flower beds, public art and ornamental fountains.
Historic Dundee Depot Museum
Where: Dundee
What is it: Once a thriving depot on a busy train line, the Historic Dundee Depot Museum celebrates the history of the railroad in Central Florida. Located on the original site of the first depot on the Haines City to Sebring line of the Atlantic Coast Line, this museum features original architecture, houses historical artifacts, and gives visitors the chance to explore an authentic 1968 caboose.
Lake Kissimmee State Park
Where: Lake Wales
What is it: Florida’s cowboy heritage comes alive with living history demonstrations of the early Florida “cow hunters” in an 1876-era cow camp. White-tailed deer, bald eagles, sandhill cranes, turkeys, and bobcats have been seen in the park, located on the shores of lakes Kissimmee, Tiger, and Rosalie. Visitors enjoy boating, canoeing, and fishing in the picturesque lakes. Nature students can hike over 13 miles of trails to observe and study the abundant plant and animal life.
Lake Wales Art Council
Where: Lake Wales
What is it: Admission to the Arts Center is free. Visitors may enjoy our current exhibit in the Michael Crews Gallery and the Permanent Collection throughout the building, all while enjoying the beautiful architecture of the historic, Spanish Mission-style building, which was formerly the Holy Spirt Catholic Church built in 1927.
L. B. Brown Home
Where: Bartow
What is it: A museum to help educate the public about the significant contributions made by African-Americans to Florida’s history and to serve as the site for the L. B. Brown Heritage Conference and Festival, which seeks to provide a principal forum for outstanding scholars and fun-filled entertainment.
Legoland
Where: Winter Haven
What is it: A 150-acre interactive theme park dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. With more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, LEGOLAND is geared towards family fun.
Mackay Gardens
Where: Lake Alfred
What is it: The Mackay Gardens and Lakeside Preserve is a 112 acre nature preserve located on Lake Rochelle in Lake Alfred. There are miles worth of trails to explore and a tour of the Mackay Mansion can be arranged through the Lake Alfred Parks and Recreation Department. There is also a playground area and pavilion for students to eat lunch as well as public restrooms.
Mulberry Phosphate Museum
Where: Mulberry
What is it: The Mulberry Phosphate Museum which houses an outstanding collection of fossilized remains, area memorabilia, and educational exhibits on the phosphate industry.
Paint Along Studios
Where: Lakeland
What is it: Your private party may include social time at the studio before painting begins. We will work with you to select a painting that fits your overall timeframe. You may bring any food and drink you would like, as well as utensils, plates, and paper goods. We only provide the painting supplies.
Polk County Historical Museum
Where: Bartow
What is it: The guided tour at the Polk County Historical Museum complements the 4th grade social studies curriculum, but is easily adaptable to other grade levels. The tour lasts approximately one hour and is designed to serve no more than two classes at one time. The program consists of a short lecture, video presentaion and student activity (students extract & present information to each other). Free!
Polk Museum of Art
Where: Lakeland
What is it: As an arts leader in Florida, Polk Museum of Art educates and inspires the community through creative and diverse exhibitions and collections, cultural alliances, and compelling events and programs. Docent led tours can be arranged for any age or grade level.
Polk’s Nature Discovery Center
Where: Lakeland
What is it: The center not only offers outdoor educational opportunities, but chances to learn about our surrounding local environment in an indoor setting. We encourage you to stop in for an educational experience before you hit the trails, which will have you coming back for more.
Safari Wilderness Ranch
Where: Lakeland
What is it: Safari Wilderness Ranch is not a zoo or theme park. There are no crowds and no lines. Here you will enjoy a natural adventure. Our knowledgeable and experienced driver guides will tour you through large herds of exotic game over 260 acres of pristine wilderness in customized safari vehicles, fitted with shade canopies and stadium seating.
Spook Hill
Where: Lake Wales
What is it: Spook Hill has gained worldwide notoriety as one of the most confounding potentially haunted locations in existence. Visitors come from around the world to park their cars at the bottom of Spook Hill and experience the mysterious force that seems to defy gravity and push the car right up to the top of the hill. Visit Spook Hill, park your car at the white line, put it in neutral, and see the results for yourself!
Water Ski Hall of Fame and Museum
Where: Polk City
What is it: The Museum section of the Water Ski Hall of Fame contains a wealth of sports memorabilia for water ski and boating enthusiasts of all ages.
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Putnam
Bronson Mulholland House
Where: Palatka
What is it: Also called Sunny Point, Judge Isaac H. Bronson’s historical house along the beautiful St. Johns has seen the Florida sun rise and set on both good times and bad, depression and celebration, wars and winter tourists in its long and storied past.
David Browning Railroad Museum
Where: Palatka
What is it: The historic A.C.L. Union Depot, as it is also known, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A portion of the depot has already been established as the David Browning Railroad Museum and contains documents, photographs, maps, signs and other items donated or loaned by the public.
Historic Tilghman House
Where: Palatka
what is it: This three story, Georgian house is flanked by heavy matching end-wall chimneys and features a steeply pitched gable roof accented by a paladin window and a half gabled verandah supported by Greek Doric columns. The house is now the home of the Palatka Art League, an artists and artisians cooperative gallery which is open to the public Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Larimer Arts Center
Where: Palatka
What is it: Our mission is to advocate the role of arts and culture in Putnam County, providing arts education to both in and out of school learner’s and to continue to enrich the quality of life in our community through the cultivation, presentation, and preservation of cultural facilities and events.
Putnam Museum
Where: Palatka
What is it: Explore an exhibit hall with the expertise of a museum educator by selecting an “If These Walls Could Talk” guided tour. This 35 minute program gives your students an in-depth look at one of our amazing exhibitions through stories and activities that are sure to get them thinking, examining and inquiring.
Ravine Gardens State Park
Where: Palatka
What is it: A ravine was created over thousands of years by water flowing from the sandy ridges on the shore of the St. Johns River. In 1933, this ravine was transformed into a dramatic garden by the federal Works Progress Administration. Much of the original landscaping still exists as formal gardens and an extensive trail system. A 1.8-mile paved road winds around the ravine, offering motorists and bicyclists a view of the gardens. The Ravine Loop is closed to vehicle traffic one hour before sunset, but remains open for pedestrians, bicycles, and wheelchairs. The garden’s peak flowering period is azalea season, late January to April. Numerous picnic sites, equipped with tables and grills, are available to visitors.
Welaka National Fish Hatchery Aquarium
Where: Welaka
What is it: Fish raised at the hatchery, as well as other native species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles, are on display at the aquarium.
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Santa Rosa
Arcadia Mill
Where: Milton
What is it: The Arcadia Mill Site in Milton represents the first and largest Early American water-powered industrial complex in Florida. This was a multi-faceted operation with various mills, shops, a mule-drawn railroad, and a sixteen-mile log flume. Althought the complex operated only for 38 years (from 1817 to 1855), it played a pivotal role in the political and economic development of northwest Florida.
Gulf Zoo
Where: Gulfbreeze
What is it: Walking path, petting zoo, boardward and safari tram. Field trips available.
Navarre Beach Marine Science Center
Where: Navarre Beach
What is it: At the Navarre Beach Marine Science Station, high school students will teach younger students about the Gulf of Mexico in action packed, standards-driven two hour festivals to include learning stations focused on fishing limits, marine debris, casting skills, and various topics of study
West Florida Railroad Museum
Where: Milton
What is it: The Museum occupies the L&N Milton combination freight and passenger depot that was built in 1907-09 on the site of the original 1882 P&A depot. The Museum houses a wide variety of memorabilia from the L&N, Frisco, and other railroads.
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Sarasota
Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary
Where: Sarasota
What is it: We are a non-profit safe haven for big cats, bears, and other animals in need. Schools can arrange school tours at our facility. Both children and chaperones are welcome.
Chidsey Historical Exhibits and Education Center
Where: Sarasota
What is it: Located in Sarasota’s first public library, this non-profit museum hosts exhibits and lectures detailing Sarasota County’s rich history. Home schooled visitors and their families are welcomed to tour the center. Free.
Children’s Garden
Where: Sarasota
What is it: An enchanted place whimsically designed for kids. Pirate ship, secret garden, maze, tree fort and slide, fairy gardens, three little pigs’ house and dress-up room. Follow the yellow brick road to a world where magic begins.
Circus Sarasota
Where: Sarasota
What is it: As Florida’s only not-for profit resident circus, the mission of Circus Sarasota is to pay homage to an extraordinary community legacy by broadening the artistic contribution of the circus through education and human service outreach programming; it fulfills its mission by enriching, educating and entertaining audiences of all ages.
Crowley Natural & Cultural History Center
Where: Sarasota
What is it: 175 acres to explore. Multiple educational programs available.
Historic Spanish Point
Where: Osprey
What is it: We invite you to visit 30-acres centrally located in Sarasota County, Florida. Learn about the region’s prehistory in “A Window to the Past,” the only archaeological exhibition in the nation built inside of a shell mound. Your family can also connect to Florida’s inspiring pioneers by seeing Sarasota’s first produce packing house, a charming chapel and pioneer cemetery, and the beautifully preserved Guptill House, built in 1901. If plants are your passion, this museum has plenty to see and explore, like Mrs. Palmer’s Jungle Walk and Sunken Garden. The butterfly garden is one of the largest on the gulf coast. All of the amazing sites can be found in the quiet oasis of history located on the shores of Little Sarasota Bay in the town of Osprey.
Marie Selby Botanical Gardens
Where: Sarasota
What is it: Nested in 14 acres and amongst 12 buildings in a brick-laid residential section of Sarasota, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is an open-air and under-glass museum of thousands of colorful and exotics plants. Many of these plants have been collected from the wild on more than 200 scientific expeditions to tropical rain forests by Selby Gardens research staff. Educational programs available.
Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy
Where: Sarasota
What is it: The Lee Family Arch welcomes our visitors with a fascinating archway of sea shells, gems, beads, crystals, stones, pearls, marbles, Mom and Dad’s watches, stick pins, earrings, Lee Company lapel pins, tie tacks, and even a minnow.
Mote Marine Lab
Where: Sarasota
What is it: Join us each month for Mote Marine Laboratory’s Home School Days. Home schooled students and their families are invited to an exciting day of age-appropriate ocean themed learning experiences led by Mote’s professional marine science educators.
Ringling Museum
Where: Sarasota
What is it: In 1911, John Ringling and his wife, Mable purchased 20 acres of waterfront property in Sarasota, Florida. Today, that investment welcomes visitors from around the globe with fine art, historic mansion, two circus museums and a jewel-box of a theater.
Sarasota Classic Car Museum
Where: Sarasota
What is it: As you stroll through the museum, travel back in time and into the future of man’s greatest invention, the automobile! Antique, exotic, European and one-of-a-kind classics are featured in our rotating exhibits throughout the museum, seven days a week.
Sarasota Jungle Gardnes
Where: Sarasota
What is it: Sarasota Jungle Gardens features 10 acres of lush tropical vegetation, winding jungle trails and entertaining, educational bird and reptile shows throughout the day. The “Kiddie Jungle” features a brand new playground.
Smuggler’s Cove Adventure Golf
Where: Sarasota
What: Mini golf.
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Saint Johns
Anastasia State Park
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: Anastasia State Park includes more than 1,600 acres featuring four miles of pristine beach, a tidal salt marsh, and a maritime and upland hammock. There is also an archaeological site where coquina rock was mined to create the nearby fortress, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument.
Castillo de San Marcos
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: A monument not only of stone and mortar but of human determination and endurance, the Castillo de San Marcos symbolizes the clash between cultures which ultimately resulted in our uniquely unified nation. Still resonant with the struggles of an earlier time, these original walls provide tangible evidence of America’s grim but remarkable history. Teacher’s resources available on the site.
Faver-Dykes State Park
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: Noted for its pristine condition, this tranquil park borders Pellicer Creek as it winds along Florida’s east coast highways down to the Matanzas River. Pellicer Creek is a popular site for birding with more than one hundred bird species seen during spring and fall migrations. Songbirds, including the colorful wood warblers, along with eagles and falcons, return to nest at the park each year. Wading birds, such as egrets, wood storks, white ibis, and herons, feed in the tidal marshes and creeks. This peaceful park is also home to deer, turkeys, hawks, bobcats, and river otters. Fishing, picnicking, and nature walks are popular activities.
Fort Mantanzas
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: Coastal Florida was a major field of conflict as European nations fought for control in the New World. As part of this struggle, Fort Matanzas guarded St. Augustine’s southern river approach. The colonial wars are over, but the monument is still protecting—not just the historic fort, but also the wild barrier island and the plants and animals who survive there amidst a sea of modern development.
Fountain of Youth
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park is a 15 acre waterfront, Historical Site where St. Augustine, Florida began in 1565. This is the location where Spanish Explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles, in 1565, established the first and oldest continuous Europeon Settlement in the United States of America. Visitors can see the stars in our Planetarium, visit our native Timucua village, watch a cannon firing, marvel at Spanish Exploration on our two-story high Discovery Globe, stroll through a waterfront park where peacocks strut, picnic under the oaks, and even drink from the legendary waters and see if your visit grants you the secret to eternal youth.
Government House Museum
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: Government House located at 48 King St., is a stately Georgian Style stone mansion facing the 410-year old Plaza in the center of St. Augustine and occupies the site that throughout the colonial period (1565-1821) housed the residence and office of the colonial governors of Florida. The east wing of the present structure dates from 1710, when it was rebuilt following British destruction of the city in 1702.An excellent museum was created on the first floor in 1991, displaying among other exhibits archaeological artifacts unearthed in the Ancient City, a recreated colonial era ship’s hold, a prehistoric Indian canoe, authentic colonial weaponry, and gold and silver pieces from Spanish shipwrecks. The museum offers an informative introduction to the city’s more than four centuries of recorded history.
Lightner Museum
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: Relics of America’s Gilded Age are elegantly exhibited on the museum’s three floors. Costumes, furnishings, mechanical musical instruments and other artifacts give you a glimpse into 19th century daily life. The Lightner collection includes beautiful examples of cut glass, Victorian art glass and the stained glass work of Louis Comfort Tiffany.
MarineLand
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: Offers both instructor-led and self-guided field trips. Swim with dolphins. Web site contains scavenger hunt instructions and other resources for homeschool groups.
Mission of Nombre de Dios and Shrine of Our Lady of La Leche
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: On September 8, 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles landed and proclaimed this site for Spain and the Church. It was here that Menendez knelt to kiss a wooden cross presented to him by Father Francisco Lopez de Mendoza Grajales, chaplain of his expedition. It was on these grounds that Fr. Lopez would celebrate the first parish Mass and begin the work at America’s first Mission. It was at this sacred spot that the Spanish settlers would begin the devotion to Our Lady of La Leche that continues into the present.
Old Drugstore
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: For a contrast to today’s high-tech pharmacies, stop in at the Oldest Drug Store located in Historic downtown. You won’t see any computers – instead, antique cash registers, wood floors and bottles of remedies, elixirs and tonics are a charming representation of an era gone by.
Old Florida Museum
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: Old Florida Museum offers fun hands-on programs for all ages in four different areas of Florida History: Timucua Native, Colonial Spanish, Florida Cracker Pioneer, and Archaeology. Each program is approximately an hour in length and includes a brief introduction, activities and games, and a take-home project. Reservations are required for these programs. For a more laid-back experience, visit Fort Menendez and become Spanish Settlers exploring young St. Augustine and its neighboring Native Village. No reservations needed to explore Fort Menendez. The Pioneer Barn hosts regular shows and events–See the website for schedules. Also, ask about special Home School Days!
Oldest House
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: The Oldest House Museum Complex offers an exceptional learning opportunity for students, especially for those studying Florida history or American history. Students receive a thirty-minute interactive tour of the González-Alvarez House, the oldest documented house in St. Augustine and the state of Florida, which in 1970 was designated a National Historic Landmark. Since the house reveals evidence of the First and Second Spanish, British and American occupations of St. Augustine, students get a first-hand sense of those periods and their characteristics, as well as insights into the daily lives of settlers from different ethnic groups on the Florida frontier. Teacher’s resources available on the site.
Oldest Store Musuem
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: Watch in amazement as our friendly clerks, butcher and snake oil salesman demonstrate the very latest inventions for turn-of-the-century living. Meet the proprietor, Mr. C.F. Hamblen. Step back in time and discover the latest and best time saving miracles from 1900!
Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: Built over 200 years ago, while Florida was under the rule of Imperial Spain, it was constructed of red cedar and cypress and put together with wooden pegs and handmade nails. The schoolmaster and his wife lived upstairs, above the small classroom. Their kitchen was separated from the main building, because of the threat of fire and to spare the house of any excess heat during the long summers. Several of the cooking utensils used in those days are displayed here for the visitor. In the schoolhouse, related artifacts and copies of the books the pupils studied from are exhibited.
Pirate and Treasure Museum
Where: St, Augustine
What is it: The St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum offers an educational, exciting, and timber-shivering museum experience that transports you and your family back in time over 300 years to Port Royal, Jamaica, at the height of the Golden Age of Piracy.
Potter’s Wax Museum
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: 160 wax figures from history and modern times. Group programming available; teacher’s guide in development.
Red Train Tours
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: A one hour fully narrated historical tour of the Nation’s Oldest City, tailored to your group’s grade level. You’ll travel over 7 miles and experience dozens of historic sites. Our Sightseeing Trains seat up to 48 comfortably and we can arrange for multiple trains if needed.
St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park began in the late nineteenth century as a small exhibition of Florida reptiles and became a quintessential Florida attraction. Today it functions as a modern zoo serving the public and the scientific community with educational shows and exhibits, important research and worldwide conservation efforts. The Alligator Farm’s history as an attraction and an accredited zoo is nearly as exciting as zipping across the Alligator Lagoon on Crocodile Crossing, the park’s thrilling new zip-line attraction.
St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: Lighthouse and museum for you to climb and visit. Extensive educational programming available.
Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
Where: St. Augustine
What is it: The property includes a ca. 1798 coquina stone House, the region’s only detached Kitchen building, a reconstructed ca. 1802 Wash House and a new Visitor Center with state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and a Museum Store.
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Saint Lucie
Al’s Family Farms
Where: Ft. Pierce
What is it: Watch the fruit roll by as we wash, sanitize and pack Indian River Citrus to ship to your freezin’ friends up north! Guided tour will walk you along our wet-line and take you into the packinghouse where you will see for yourselves, how Florida citrus is processed. You’ll hear some Florida Citrus Facts, taste fresh picked fruit and sample our own fresh squeezed orange juice. Seasonal.
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Where: Fort Pierce
What is it: Harbor Branch’s Education Program is dedicated to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation by students and the public of the importance of the oceans and their impact on our lives. With an ever-increasing demand placed on our oceans, marine science education is crucial for a proper awareness of our critical marine resources and their importance to people.
Heathcote Botanical Gardens
Where: Ft. Pierce
What is it: You can experience Heathcote by use of our self-guided tour map, which you will receive at admissions, or you can make arrangements for a guided group tour by scheduling at least two weeks in advance of your visit.
Manatee Obervation and Education Center
Where: Fort Pierce
What is it: The Manatee Observation and Education Center offers planned classes with curriculum that meets Florida’s Sunshine State Standards for grades K – 5. Subjects include manatees, butterflies, insects, endangered species, sea turtles, and seining in the lagoon.
Oxbow Eco-Center
Where: Port St.Lucie
What is it: The Oxbow Eco-Center is an environmental learning center located on a 225-acre preserve on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River and is where young and old alike can discover the mysterious and hidden life of the forest and river
Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens
Where: Port St. Lucie
What is it: The site boasts a pond with a fountain, paved pathways, beautiful gardens, a special place for weddings, a Pavilion, gift shop and ample parking.
Smithsonian Marine Station
Where: Fort Pierce
What is it: Our focus is on displaying ecosystems as complex communities of organisms interacting in their environment. At the Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, visitors can explore six different Florida marine habitats and learn about the complexity and importance of marine ecosystems. The largest aquarium is a model of a Caribbean coral reef. Other displays include living models of seagrass, mangrove, estuarine and nearshore habitats, as well as a deepwater Oculina coral reef. There are several smaller aquarium displays and a touch tank where you can meet some of our local sea creatures.
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Seminole
Aloma Bowling Centers
Where: Seminole
What is it: Bowling
Big Tree Park
Where: Longwood
What is it: This park is located on the beautifully shaded General Hutchinson Parkway between U.S. 17-92 and State Road 427 north of Longwood and serves as a Trailhead for the Cross Seminole Trail. The park is a step back into time.
Bradlee-McIntyre House
Where: Longwood
What is it: The Bradlee-McIntyre House is a Victorian Cottage Style house. It is now located in Longwood, Florida at 130 West Warren Avenue, after being moved there from Altamonte Springs. On March 28, 1991, the house was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Where: Sanford
what is it: Take your group on an education adventure to the Zoo. Schedule an exciting up close animal encounter for your school group. Plan to stay overnight (optional) and see the animals after dark during our indoor Snooze at the Zoo program or Wild Night camping adventure.
Little Big Econ State Forest
Where: Oveido
What is it: The area that makes up and surrounds Little Big Econ State Forest supports a wide variety of wildlife and provides a roaming corridor which connects the southern part of the Econ Basin to the Tosohatchee State Preserve and other public lands along the St. Johns River for approximately 100 miles. The numerous species of wildlife found in this corridor include: gray fox, river otter, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bobcat, resident and migratory waterfowl, wood storks, wading birds, shorebirds and numerous upland species. Other common sightings include: sandhill cranes, roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, ospreys, and hawks.
Lukas Nursery Butterfly Encounter
Where: Oveido
What is it: Our year round butterfly conservatory offers a one of a kind experience, where one can mingle among the most beautiful fluttering creatures and even experience the chance to feed butterflies from your finger tips.
Museum of Seminole County History
Where: Sanford
What is it: Exhibits, artifacts, maps, documents, photographs and special events all tell the stories of Seminole County’s inhabitants, their lives, lineages and local legends.
Sanford Museum
Where: Sanford
What is it: Built as a memorial to Henry Shelton Sanford, the museum houses his library and manuscript collection as well as a collection of 19th century decorative arts which belonged to the Sanford family. Henry S. Sanford, 1823-1891, was a lawyer, diplomat, and innovator in the production of citrus. His papers reflect his entire career and contain information on diplomatic matters and business during the Victorian age. His library contains books and magazines in seven languages which cover law, politics, religion, science, and popular fiction.
Seminole State College Planetarium
Where: Sanford
What is it: The Planetarium at Seminole State College of Florida offers live, interactive shows and full-dome video presentations that are unlike any planetarium show you’ll ever experience. From traditional star displays and cultural shows that detail the importance of astronomy around the world, to feature presentations that whisk you through the depths of outer space, the planetarium has something for curious stargazers of all ages.
Student Museum
Where; Sanford
What is it: The Student Museum and Center for the Social Studies is supported and operated by the Seminole County Public Schools as an interpretive center and teaching museum. The instructional programs are student oriented and engage participants in specific hands-on activities designed for integrated learning in an historic setting.
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Where: Apopka
What is it: Wekiwa Springs State Park comprises approximately 7,000 acres of wild scenery that offers an opportunity to see how areas of central Florida looked when the Timucuan Indians speared fish in the spring-fed creeks and stalked the uplands. They left a number of mounds that are still visible today. The main spring pumps approximately 42 million gallons of water each day. Wekiwa Springs State Park opened to the public in 1970.
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Sumter
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
Where: Bushnell
What is it: Every January, under the oaks of Dade Battlefield State Park, history lovers gather to commemorate the battle that started the Second Seminole War. On December 28, 1835, Indian warriors ambushed 108 U.S. soldiers at this site, and only three soldiers survived. The 80-acre park protects not only a historic battlefield, but also the natural communities as they existed during the war. As you stroll the half-mile trail through pine flatwoods, keep your eyes peeled for gopher tortoises, woodpeckers, songbirds, hawks or indigo snakes. The amenities of Dade Battlefield include a playground, picnic area with covered shelters and recreation hall. The park’s visitor center provides information and displays about the historic battle, as well as a 12 minute video history of the battle This Land, These Men.
Florida National Cemetery
Where: Bushnell
What is it: The cemetery features a Memorial Pathway that is lined with a variety of memorials that honor America’s veterans. As of 2003, there were 47 such memorials at Florida National Cemetery—most commemorating soldiers and veterans of 20th-century conflicts. The American Veterans (AMVETS) donated a carillon on Oct. 9, 1993, which is located in the open meadow adjacent to the original administration building. The main assembly area is adorned with an open colonnade where Memorial Day and Veterans Day ceremonies are held.
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Suwanee
Twin Rivers State Forest
Where: Northwestern Suwanee County
What is it: There are many natural communities within Twin Rivers State Forest. Among these are sandhill, floodplain, swamp and sinkhole communities. Found within the natural communities are a wide variety of tree species. For example, American elm, river birch, sweetgum, water hickory and bald cypress can be found in the floodplains. Located in the drier sandhill areas are longleaf pine, turkey oak, post oak and live oak. In addition, clear running springs are located on the Anderson Springs and Pott Springs Tracts.
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Taylor
Forest Capital Museum State Park
Where: Perry
What is it: The importance of forestry in Florida dates back to the early 1800s. The museum celebrates the heritage of Florida’s forest industry. The heart of the museum is dedicated to longleaf pines and the 5,000 products manufactured from them. The 50-plus-year-old longleaf pines growing on the museum grounds provide a majestic canopy and create an enjoyable walking trail for visitors. Adjacent to the museum is an authentic 19th century Cracker homestead, much like those scattered throughout Florida at the turn of the century. Rangers lead interpretive tours during special events and upon request.
Parks
Where: Perry
What is it: List of attractions in Perry.
Taylor County Historical Society
Where: Perry
What is it: The history of Taylor county is preserved in artifacts and photos.
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Union
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Volusia
African American Museum of the Arts
Where: Deland
What is it: The African American Museum of the Arts is a not for profit arts facility dedicated to providing artistic excellence that reflects primarily the culture of African Americans and Caribbean Americans and providing opportunity in the fields of visual, literary and performing arts while encouraging interaction with community members through on-site and outreach exhibitions, presentations and performances.
ArtHaus
Where: Deland
What is it: The ArtHaus Gallery displays student and professional artwork year round. Art classes for all ages are offered in the ArtHaus classroom during the Fall, Winter, and Spring. During the Summer season, we offer Art Camp for ages 6-13. In addition to viewing our art gallery, come browse our ArtGifts Shop as well as our consignment artworks and permanent collection.
Art League of Daytona Beach
Where: Daytona Beach
What is it: Art League members and the public are exposed to the cutting edge of fine art as exhibiting artists present their work in the League gallery.Opening receptions provide the opportunity for socializing and meeting the artists, opening doors to the appreciation and understanding of their art. Approximately eleven exhibits are presented each year.
Barberville Settlement
Where: Barberville
What is it: The Pioneer Settlement serves school children from over 16 Florida counties and preferred dates book quickly, often a year in advance. Several hands-on educational programs are offered daily.
The Casements
Where: Ormond Beach
What is it: The Casements, named for the large hand-cut casement windows that adorn the mansion, has been beautifully restored to function as the Cultural Center for the City of Ormond Beach, Florida. Come learn about the history of the mansion and grounds. Visit special displays including Boy Scouts of America historical memorabilia and a collection of Hungarian festival costumes and artifacts.
Conservation Lands Outreach
Where: New Smyrna Beach
What is it: Outdoor Learning Adventures are held on Volusia County conservation lands and include hiking and exploration of the site. Adults and families are welcome. Participants should wear walking or hiking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a camera and drinking water—and a sense of adventure!
Eldora State House
Where: New Smyrna Beach
What is it: Museum and manatee research center. The Eldora State House is within Canaveral National Seashore, which consists of 57,000 acres of pristine oceanfront and barrier island environments. In addition to the natural resources, historic and cultural resources abound. Canaveral National Seashore is one of our nation’s 379 national parks.
Gillespie Museum of Minerals
Where: Deland
What is it: The Gillespie Museum of Minerals is Stetson University’s Earth science museum. Its collection of 20,000 mineral, rock, and fossil specimens–one of the oldest and largest in the southeastern US–has developed over the past fifty years into a center for environmental education. Exhibits and displays include geology, native Florida ecosystems and plant landscapes, minerals and mining, and fluorescent rocks. The Museum is sited in a Flordia native plant landscape and the adjacent Rinker Environmental Learning Center (RELC) provides opportunities for community gardening, environmental programming, and outdoor activities.
Heritage Inn Postal Museum
Where: Orange City
What is it: Walk inside a recreated Post Office from the 1940’s. Visitors will see various artifacts, paperwork, books, forms, and clothing used over fifty years ago. Observe up close many postal artifacts, which have all but disappeared from modern day postal facilities. Learn about mail processing, mail delivery, stamps and postmarks. Explore the 80 foot hallway lined with over 100 shadow boxes full of postal memorabilia and hundreds of envelops categorized with such topics as slogans, Army/Navy, and many more. Find the world’s largest postage stamp and the one with the earliest date. Visit the special display on Orange City postal history. Search through hundreds of stamps which are “free” for the taking. Narrated tours available.
Lyonia Preserve
Where: Deltona
What is it: Trail and environmental center.
Marine Discovery Center
Where: New Smyrna Beach
What is it: The Marine Discovery Center welcomes you and your students to “explore your water” through our hands-on and feet-wet programs. Browse through our list of exciting programs and let us plan your next student Discovery!
Marine Science Center
Where: Ponce Inlet
What is it: Our School Field Trips offer four different components; a tour through the exhibit gallery, a visit to the Sea Turtle and Seabird Rehabilitation areas, and a educational program beside the Ponce Inlet at Lighthouse Point Park beach. For grades K-12
Museum of Arts and Sciences
Where: Daytona Beach
What is it: Schedule a MOAS program today and make art, science and history come to life for your students. All programs meet the Sunshine State Standards and extend the classroom experience. Programs can also be customized to meet your special interests or project needs.
Museum of Florida Art
Where: Deland
What is it: As an education partner with schools and community groups, the Museum offers several field study and tour options to students of all ages, teacher materials and professional development opportunities, and working partnerships with area schools. Through varied programs and integrated approaches to delivering art education, the Museum reaches students with varying learning styles and teachers with expertise in many academic disciplines.
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens
Where: Ormond Beach
What is it: Artists and Museum staff host gallery walks and lectures, artist demonstrations and art classes for adults and children in the gallery, reception, classroom and garden spaces throughout the year.
On the Hook Charters
Where: Port Orange
What is it: Encounter various Marine wildlife while learning about their habitats & behaviors in a natural environment. Or learn how to catch your own dinner and fillet it.
Ponce Inlet Water Sports
Where: Ponce Inlet
What is it: Parasailing and water sports.
Southeast Museum of Photography
Where: Daytona Beach
What is it: The Southeast Museum of Photography exhibits, collects, preserves, and interprets photography to facilitate teaching and learning at Daytona State College, and enhances the community’s understanding and appreciation of culture, history, art and photography. Educational programs and educator materials available.
Sugar Mill Gardens
Where: Port Orange
What is it: Come visit, see the Dunlawton Sugar Mill Ruins and stroll through the extensive Botanical Gardens, home of stunning ancient trees, shrubs, exotic plants and flowers!
Tomoka State Park
Where: Ormond Beach
What is it: Native Americans once dwelled here, living off fish-filled lagoons. Today, these waters are popular for canoeing, boating, and fishing. The park protects a variety of wildlife habitats and endangered species, such as the West Indian manatee. Tomoka is a bird-watcher’s paradise, with over 160 species sighted, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Visitors can stroll a one-half mile nature trail through a hardwood hammock that was once an indigo field for an 18th century British landowner.
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Wakulla
Gulf Specimen Marine Lab
Where: Panacea
What is it: Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory’s educational program and exhibits are organized around the following interrelated themes: to display and communicate biological diversity at the phylum and class level and to display the wealth of marine life and natural environments that exist in this region; to display regional coastal ecosystems; to emphasize the connection and interdependence of the coastal ocean to adjacent coastal forests, springs, rivers and marshes; and to display and communicate the value of marine organisms to human society in terms of their role in scientific discovery and medicine.
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Walton
Grayton Beach State Park
Where: Santa Rosa Beach
What is it: nature trail winds through a coastal forest where scrub oaks and magnolias stand, bent and twisted by the salt winds. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy more than four miles of trails throughout the pine flatwoods.
Port Washington State Forest
Where: 9 miles south of Freeport
What is it: Point Washington State Forest has 10 natural communities that can be found throughout the forest. The majority of the area consists of sandhill, basin swamps/Titi drains, wet flatwoods, wet prairie and cypress swamps. Although much of Point Washington State Forest has been cut over, there are some excellent examples of intact sandhill ecosystems.
San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park
Where: St. Marks
What is it: The museum at San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park houses displays, programs and artifacts to allow visitors to experience the past. A self-guided interpretive trail is open to visitors. Guided tours also available.
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Washington
Falling Waters State Park
Where: Chipley
What is it: Huge trees and fern-covered sinkholes line Sink Hole Trail, the boardwalk that leads visitors to Florida’s highest waterfall. Falling Waters Sink is a 100-foot deep, 20-foot wide cylindrical pit into which flows a small stream that drops 73 feet to the bottom of the sink. The water’s final destination remains unknown. Only a few miles south of I-10, the park provides travelers with a quiet, serene stop on their journey. Visitors can see beautiful native and migrating butterflies in the butterfly garden, take a dip in the lake, or have a family picnic. Hikers can experience the verdant, gently sloping landscape of North Florida. Park rangers host interpretive programs in the amphitheater.
Moss Hill Methodist Church & Cemetery
Where: Washington County
What is it: Moss Hill United Methodist Church is one of Florida’s oldest standing church buildings. The cemetery at Moss Hill includes the graves of the early settlers of Washington County.
Pine Log State Forest
Where: Ebro
What is it: Pine Log State Forest is home to a diverse mixture of animal and plant species. Those animals and plants currently listed as or endangered, threatened or species of special concern which have been sighted on the forest include: flatwoods salamander, gopher tortoise, southern milkweed, white-top pitcher-plant and Chapman’s crownbeard.
Seacrest Wolf Preserve
Where: Chipley
What is it: Learn about wolves on one of the fascinating tours. Tour times vary with the seasons.
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