florida vacation shots
1. WALT DISNEY WORLD
Orlando Area 407-934-7639)
www.Disneyworld.com
Of all the individual theme parks at Disney World, EPCOT undoubtedly offers the most educational experiences for children. It combines the well-known Disney fun with imagination and wonders of the real world. At “Spaceship Earth,” the parks focus in “Future World,” kids can take a journey through time, witnessing the development of the Earth. Among many other mind-expanding exhibits and venues, you can experience a “lift-off” to Mars, a simulated hang-gliding adventure over California at “Soarin’,” and a cruise through greenhouses of the future.
On the opposite side of the Epcot Lagoon is the World Showcase. Here, kids can expand their knowledge of the culture, traditions, architecture, art, food and entertainment of eleven countries.
Even the Magic Kingdom has educational aspects. For example, it will give kids a glimpse into American history with a walk down Main Street, a visit to an old-fashioned candy store, the City Hall, Town Square, Exposition Hall, and a ride on some of the authentically recreated vehicles of the day. Visiting the Hall of Presidents, a patriotic salute to 43 U.S. Presidents will really cap off the day.
2. KENNEDY SPACE CENTER
Cocoa 866-870-8025
www.Kennedyspacecenter.com
What could be a more exciting experience for kids than to explore the past, present and future of America’s space program? “Blast off” in a shuttle simulator and feel the awesome power of being launched into space at 17,500 mph; see space films at the IMAX Theater, visit the Astronaut Hall of Fame, participate in an astronaut training program, and much more.
3. MARINELAND AQUARIUM
St. Augustine 877-933-3402
www.marineland.net
The ultimate dolphin encounter, Marineland’s focus is on personal interaction between dolphins and visitors. Educational and conservation programs include swimming with these incredible mammals, assisting them in painting on canvas, touching and feeding them, total immersion and more. Some age requirements exist. Marineland participates in the Dolphin Conservation Field Station, a non-profit joint venture between them and the Georgia Aquarium, and is dedicated to dolphin and small whale research, rescue, rehabilitation and release.
4. CITY OF ST. AUGUSTINE
800-653-2489
www.getaway4florida.com
Here’s a journey back in time for the whole family. Discover Florida’s early history and its relationship to U.S. history, beginning with the landing by Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de Leon on April 3, 1513. The territory known as “Florida” – from the Spanish “Pascua Florida” for feast of flowers (Easter) – was colonized in 1565 by order of King Phillip II of Spain. It was ceded to England in 1763, became a U.S. possession in 1821 and a state in 1845. Walking and sightseeing train tours allow visitors to explore the mighty Castillo de San Marcos, with walls as thick as 12 feet, as well as the Cathedral of St. Augustine dating from 1790s, the old Colonial Spanish Quarter, the Government House Museum, and the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse in the U.S.
5. FANTASY OF FLIGHT AVIATION
863-984-3500
www.fantasyofflight.com
Here’s a great opportunity for kids to explore the history of flight and its connection to the defense of our country. Take a ride in a flight simulator and ascend in a virtual hot-air balloon. Witness the restoration of historic aircraft, view multi-media exhibits, and learn of heroes and heroines, like the Tuskegee Airmen and the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots. Military aircraft displays include the B26, P51 and B17. Actual flights in open cockpit bi-planes and hot-air balloons are also available.
6. EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK
Everglades City 239-695-2591
www.nps.gov/ever
From the western entrance to Everglades National Park – the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States – you have access to two thrilling boat tours that promise scenic magnificence and visions of nature’s majestic creatures: the Mangrove Wilderness cruise and the Ten Thousand Islands cruise. The park ranger-guided tours last an hour-and-a-half and operate daily between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Wildlife sightings often include bald eagles, ospreys, dolphins, alligators, manatees, turtles, snakes and numerous other species. The visitor center features natural history exhibits, orientation films and other fascinating information; nearby is the Museum of the Everglades, offering enlightening details of Collier County’s early history.
7. RINGLING CIRCUS MUSEUM
Sarasota 941-359-5700
www.ringling.org
Part of the 66-acre complex housing the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Ca d’Zan Winter Residence and extensive formal gardens, the Circus Museum is a place of pure joy. Displays include colossal gilded circus parade wagons from the early 20th century, calliopes, elaborate jeweled and sequined costumes, posters of every size, photographs, and a colorful array of memorabilia. The Museum also houses the Tibbals Learning Center, where kids can thrill to the world’s largest miniature circus, encompassing over 4,000 square feet.
8. WANNADO CITY INTERACTIVE CITY
Sunrise 888-926-6236
www.wannadocity.com
Possibly the only one of its kind, Wannado – as in “I wanna do that!” – is an interactive city the size of three football fields, and is located within the Sawgrass Mills Mall in Broward County. A complete city with 60 venues it encourages children to “try out” over 250 different professions. Kids – called “Kidizens” in Wannado City – can see how they’d like a career in medicine, journalism, culinary arts, law enforcement, fashion, theater, firefighting, dentistry, and much more. Supervised by adult WannaHelpers, Kidizens aged 2-14 years of age can sample several careers in a single visit. Parents can relax in the lounge and keep an eye on their off-spring in various ways.
9. JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF STATE PARK
Key Largo 305-451-6300
www.pennekamppark.com
Ideal for active families that enjoy being out on the water, Pennekamp State Park offers a variety of educational and athletic endeavors. Snorkeling, swimming, fishing, kayaking and canoeing, as well as camping, guided nature tours, picnicking, glass-bottom boat cruises, and a 30,000 gallon aquarium add up to an unforgettable experience. The park was the first underwater park in the U.S. Established to protect and preserve 178 nautical square miles of coral reef – the only living coral reef in the continental United States – the park is well-known to scuba divers throughout the world. Divers can view the underwater bronze statue, “Christ of the Deep.”
10. SPORTS MUSEUMS AND HALLS OF FAME
Florida is fortunate to have several museums and halls of fame dedicated to athletic pursuits. If you have kids especially interested in sports here are a couple that you might want to include on an upcoming family excursion:
World Golf Hall of Fame, St. Augustine 904-940-4123 www.wgv.com
In addition to photos, memorabilia, and inductees since the facility opened in 1951, visitors will find a museum, IMAX theater, putting course, and restaurant.
International Swimming Hall of Fame & Museum, Ft. Lauderdale
954-462-6536 - www.ishof.org
A not-for-profit educational organization, the “ISHOF” is dedicated to promoting the importance and benefits of swimming. It strives to preserve the memory and contributions of famous swimmers, divers, water polo players, synchronized swimmers and those involved in life-saving activities at sea, and education.
11. FLORIDA STATE CAPITAL
Tallahassee, FL 800-628-2866
www.visittallahassee.com
It’s a great idea for kids – and adults – to visit their state capital. Not only is it interesting to see the Capitol Building and other government venues, it can provide valuable exposure to our lawmaking processes and the management of our state government. Tallahassee, meaning “old town” in the Creek and Seminole language, and was chosen by two explorers who set out to find a site for the Florida state capital in 1823. The Historic Capitol, built in 1845, is now the focal point of the State Capitol complex. Many other historic buildings, including the old financial center called “The Columns” dating from 1830, the Fort and recreated village of San Luis, and the Museum of Florida History can be seen. There’s also an IMAX Theater and IMAX Planetarium. Perhaps one of the most interesting venues in Tallahassee is the 463-acre campus of Florida State University.
12. CLOSE TO HOME
Most of the recommended “must sees” described above require at least a full day’s excursion; many would necessitate overnight stays. But if you’re looking for something close to home here are two ideas that can be accomplished in a few hours:
Imaginarium, Ft. Myers, 239-321-7420
www.imaginariumftmyers.com
This delightful hands-on museum and aquarium offers 50 interactive exhibits enabling youngsters to explore the sciences, the arts and the humanities, and enjoy a variety of animals and marine life.
The Naples Zoo, 239-262-5409
www.napleszoo.com
“Lions and tigers and bears – oh my!” To borrow a line from Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” that’s what your children will see – in fact, animals from A to Z (alligators to zebras) – right here in their own back yard. Wind your way along a trail in the teeming depths of the botanical gardens, take a jungle cruise and view animals in their natural habitat, enjoy talks with zoo keepers, witness animal feedings, and more.