Soaking, sunning and relaxing - that's what life's all about at Adventure Island.   A step through the entrance and you're transported straight to the Florida Keys and the laid-back lifestyle that made them famous.   Adventure Island's 30 acres provide water-soaked excitement for guests of all ages.   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.



www.adventureisland.com

If you happen to land in Jacksonville Beach, you can find mild to wild adventure!   Adventure Landing is not just a waterpark!   Besides slippery slides and watery waves, you can take a turn on their go-karts, take a shot at laser tag, go batty in their batting cages, putter around their miniature golf courses, or bounce around in their arcade that features over 100 games.   Adventure Landing Jax Beach is home to Jacksonville's only water park.   Their interactive water park, Shipwreck Island, features a 65-foot tall pirate play village that includes 12 slides and over 200 nozzles that can spray and squirt guests of all ages.


www.adventurelanding.com/jaxbeach/shipwreck.html

This amazing NEW water park will blow you away. Created by SeaWorld ®, Aquatica ^TM is full of amazing rides and beautiful animals.   In South Sea exotic surroundings, you can test out 36 water slides, winding rivers, wave lagoons or relax and sun bathe on the white sandy beaches.   You can travel under water through a world of dolphins on Dolphin Plunge, laze down Loggerhead Lane or race your friends and family on the Taumata Racer, a high-speed mat race.


www.aquaticabyseaworld.com

Big Cat Rescue, a non profit educational sanctuary, is devoted to rescuing and providing a permanent home for exotic (i.e. wild, not domestic) cats who have been abused, abandoned, bred to be pets, retired from performing acts, or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats, and to educating the public about these animals and the issues facing them in captivity and in the wild.   The sanctuary is home to the most diverse population of exotic cats in the world, with 16 species and subspecies of wild cat represented among more than 100 residents.   These include tigers, lions, liger, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lynx, ocelots, servals, caracals and others, many of whom are threatened, endangered, or now extinct in the wild.


Info@BigCatRescue.org
www.bigcatrescue.org

Come to Blue Grotto and discover the rich beauty and thrilling experience of diving the largestclear water cavern in Florida.   Located deep in the heart of freshwater spring country in Williston, FL, you will be able to dive to a depth of 100' into this cavern which remains a constant 72 degrees year round.   Only open water diving certification is necessary!   Picnic tables, bathhouse and the safest cavern in the area make Blue grotto a wonderful trip for the entire family.   *Not open for general swimming, free diving or snorkeling unless accompanied by divers.


info@divebluegrotto.com
www.divebluegrotto.com

Blue Springs is a heavenly escape from everyday life and hurried vacations.  Swim in the crystal-clear blue waters, walk the boardwalk to the Santa Fe River, canoe or kayak the spring run, and camp at our fully-equipped campground. Our park caters to families with children, in addition to canoe, tube and kayak rentals we also have a great playground for children.   Blue Springs is also the only spring in the area with 50 yards of beach area whereby young children can enter into the water and play without the worry of getting near the deep spring boil.


info@bluespringspark.com
www.bluespringspark.com

Florida’s only spring fed waterpark. Enjoy our white sandy beach, thrilling flume rides, beach volleyball, lazy river ride, kiddie pool area and much more.


www.weekiwachee.com

The ultimate family adventure park offering an array of fascinating attractions based on exotic encounters with the African continent.  A unique blend of thrilling rides, one of the country's premier zoos featuring more than 2,700 animals, live shows, restaurants, shops and games, Busch Gardens provides unrivaled excitement for guests of every age.


www.buschgardens.com

Cedar Key is one of the oldest ports in the state, and when Florida's first railroad connected it to the east coast, it became a major supplier of seafood and timber products to the northeast.  Today it has become a haven for artists and writers who find the unspoiled environment inspirational to their work.  Many people visit each year to walk the historic streets browse the shops and galleries, explore the back bayous and enjoy the world-famous restaurants featuring seafood fresh from local waters.

www.cedarkey.org
goflorida.about.com/cs/tampawestcoast/a/cedarkey.htm

Enter the enchanted, tropical world of the Central Florida Zoo, a relaxing, entertaining and educational experience for the entire family.  Discover a world of animals from around the world within this intimate park nestled in the heart of Florida.  Stroll along shaded, winding boardwalks and paths as you see towering elephants, appreciate the beauty of the hyacinth macaw and listen to the song of the kookaburra.  Or dare to meet some of the world’s most venomous reptiles and non-venomous snakes, lizards and frogs in the Herpetarium.

Tropical Splash Ground: Kids of all ages will enjoy staying cool as they splash around the watery playground.  The Splash Ground features unique water sources resembling some of the local residents and former residents of the Zoo!  Located at the front of the Zoo, the Splash Ground was designed for those hot and humid days in Florida when you just want to cool off.  The Tropical Splash Ground includes an alligator, frog, hippopotamus, raining trees, water tunnel and a bucket dump and is just waiting for children-of-all-ages to enjoy.


information@centralfloridazoo.org
www.centralfloridazoo.org

Crystal River is known for snorkeling or swimming with the manatees, one of mother natures most amazing creatures, right here in Crystal River.  Kayak with dolphins, or take a fishing trip for some of the most amazing redfish, trout, shark, tarpon and bonefish.  Snook fishing is in the area.  Citrus County is known as "Mother Nature's Theme Park" and is the only place in the world where interaction with the manatee is encouraged.  Come see the real Florida the way it was meant to be lived.  Crystal River also has a strong fishing community.  Whether it's fishing from a kayak, or with an experienced guide, Crystal River is known for record breaking catches of tarpon, reds and trout.  Crystal River is also known for great sea food and even better hospitality.  The Crystal River area also has over 30 on-the-water restaurants between the towns of Crystal River and Homosassa Springs.   There are over 60 plus restaurants on the water and off the water, giving you incredible options for takeout or eating in.

www.crystalriverflorida.net
www.crystalriverfl.org
www.crystalriverflorida.com

The World's Most Famous Beach -- a breathtaking 500 feet wide at low tide -- has an ocean park atmosphere second to none, and it's open year-round.  You can drive your vehicle during daytime hours on a specially designated 18-mile stretch of hard-packed sand, accessible via a series of clearly marked access ramps.  The speed limit is 10 mph, and the daily charge of $5 per vehicle (from February through Labor Day) includes unlimited re-entry for that day.  During other times of the year, admission is free!  You can rent just about everything you need -- from water floats, lounge chairs and umbrellas to bicycles and motorbikes -- from vendors right on the beach.  And enjoy the convenience of ordering cold sodas, hot dogs, ice cream and other tasty foods from nearby oceanside concessionaires.  Lifeguard towers are strategically stationed along the beach for the safety of our residents and guests.

www.visitdaytona.com/beachinfo.html

Daytona Beach is the perfect place for family fun.  Activities include the beach, water park, go-kart tracks, parasailing, miniature golf, the planetarium and much more!  With over twenty miles of wide sandy beach, wall-to-wall motels, and inviting aquamarine water, Daytona is the ultimate beach town and one of the biggest draws in Florida.  Daytona's other big draw is auto racing.  The Daytona International Speedway hosts a number of high-profile racing events, most notably the world-famous Daytona 500 in February.  Motorsports fans can visit the impressive Daytona USA, which is a $20 million dollar racing museum featuring celebrated racecars and interactive displays.

www.daytonabeach.com/whattosee.cfm/mode/fun
www.visitdaytona.com/familyfun.html
www.10best.com/Daytona_Beach,FL

Visit one of North America's most prehistoric places, Devil's Den -- an underground spring inside a dry cave in central Florida.   The remains of many extinct animals from the Pleistocene Age (2 million - 10,000 years ago) were discovered at Devil's Den, including the bones of early man, dating back to 75,000 B.C.

The pleasant year-around temperature of 72 degrees in the Den allows comfortable diving, winter or summer.   On cold winter mornings you can see steam, like smoke, rising from the cave's chimney.   Hence, the early settlers called the place Devil's Den.

You'll find open water and cavern diving at its best & will be fascinated by the rock formations with stalactites and 33 million year old fossil beds, truly a natural wonder.


info@devilsden.com
www.devilsden.com

You can immerse yourself in adventure everywhere you turn and forget about your cares for the day.  All you need to focus on is discovery -- interacting with dolphins, birds, fish and rays in an all-inclusive setting.  Attendance is limited to 1,000 guests per day at this reservations-only adventure, setting it apart from the other Orlando attractions.


www.discoverycove.com

Disney's Animal Kingdom is full of attractions, adventures and entertainment that reflect Walt Disney's dedication to nature and conservation, and in doing so, the park leads the way in animal care, education and research.  Home to more than 1,700 animals from 250 species and sprawling across 500 acres of lush landscape, this is the largest animal-themed park in the world!  The park is divided into 7 areas.  Within each area, encounter real and fantastic animals


http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom

Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park, one of 2 Water Parks in Walt Disney World Resort, features one of the world's tallest and fastest free-falling waterslides, as well as slides and rides for the whole family-like a kid-sized, snow-castle fountain play area with scaled-down versions of the more thrilling attractions.


http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/blizzard-beach/

Epcot is twice the size as Magic Kingdom and is divided into Future World and World Showcase.  Future World is full of sensational attractions as well as inspiring entertainment and shows, all of which focus on technological advancements, innovation and wonder.  World Showcase is a collective of Pavilions that wrap around the World Showcase Lagoon.  Inside the Pavilions are shops, attractions and restaurants that represent the culture and cuisine of 11 countries.


http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/epcot/

This theme Park offers behind-the-scenes glimpses of Hollywood-style action with live shows, thrilling attractions, backstage tours and special events that only happen in this Disney Park dedicated to entertainment.  The glitz and glamour of the Hollywood Heydays from the 1930s and 1940s are captured by the neon, chrome, art deco and modern architecture throughout the park.  The streets and sections of the 4 areas of the Park blend together like a large, bustling movie set.


http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/

Magic Kingdom theme park, one of 4 Theme Parks in Walt Disney World Resort, captures the enchantment of fairy tales with exciting entertainment, classic attractions, backstage tours and beloved Disney Characters.   Designed like a wheel with the hub in front of Cinderella Castle, pathways spoke out across the 107 acres of Magic Kingdom theme park and lead to these 6 whimsical lands: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, and Tomorrowland.   Travel through these lands and see how fantasy becomes reality when you learn how to be a pirate, match wits with funny monsters and conquer mountains.   Get swept up in the spectacle of splendid parades and fireworks shows at Magic Kingdom theme park—it's here that dreams come true for children of all ages.


http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, one of 2 Water Parks in Walt Disney World Resort, features attractions for the whole family-from fast waterslides to a children's area with pint-sized raft rides.  Catch 6-foot waves in the Surf Pool and snorkel Shark Reef-with real sharks!


http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/typhoon-lagoon/

Located on the Suwannee River, this inviting source of cool, clear water has attracted people for thousands of years.  Fanning Springs produces an average of 65 million gallons of water daily, making it one of Florida´s 33 first magnitude springs.  Swimming or snorkeling in the spring is a refreshing activity on a hot day; fishing is also a popular recreation.  Visitors can enter the park by boat from the Suwannee River as well as by car.  Many visitors enjoy the picnic area, playground, and the park's large open areas for Frisbee, football, soccer and also for several local events.  A nature trail and boardwalk overlook the spring and river.  White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and barred owls are some of the animals seen in the park.  Manatees sometimes visit the spring during the winter months.  Reserve a canoe or kayak by calling Suwannee Guides and Outfitters at (352) 542-8331.  The Park is located on U.S. 19/98 in the town of Fanning Springs.


www.floridastateparks.org/fanningsprings/default.cfm

Flagler Beach features six miles of un-crowded, car-free shoreline.  There are five public parks in the area - Jungle Hut Road Park, Malacompra County Park, Old Salt Road Park, Varn Park and River to Sea Preserve.  All five parks have restrooms and showers.  Flagler Beach Municipal Boardwalk and Pier is the local gathering area and features restaurants, gift shops, recreational facilities and beach wheelchairs.  Watch locals catch dinner or the surfers catch some of the best waves in the area.

www.cityofflaglerbeach.com

Founded by the late Owen Godwin in 1949, and still privately owned by his family today, Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve, combining "Old Florida" charm with exciting, new exhibits and entertainment.  Known internationally as the "Alligator Capital of the World," Gatorland today provides affordably priced family-fun with thousands of alligators and crocodiles, a breeding marsh with boardwalk and observation tower, one-of-a-kind reptilian shows, aviary, petting zoo, splash park, swamp walk, educational programs and much, much more.


www.gatorland.com

Enjoy our seven crystal-clear, freshwater springs nestled in over 200 wooded acres along the banks of the Santa Fe River in Florida.  Each day, the 7 separate springs of Ginnie Springs Outdoors discharge hundreds of millions of gallons of crystal-clear water that is a constant 72 degrees, year round.



www.ginniespringsoutdoors.com

Glazer Children’s Museum offers over 170 ‘interactivities’ in 12 themed areas to explore, there are tons of fun ways to grow the minds of parents and children alike.


www.glazermuseum.org/

For the price of admission you will have a 2 hour guided tour through our farm.  We have over 300 farm animals that will give you a great chance to learn about pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, donkeys, and more.  Each person is encouraged to have first hand experience by touching all of the animals.  Everyone milks a cow, rides a pony and takes a tractor ride.  Our goal is to educate children and adults about farm animals, which we accomplish with our hands on tours.


info@greenmeadowsfarm.com
www.greenmeadowsfarm.com

The Hands On Children's Museum offers almost 6500 sq. feet of interactive, hands-on exhibits for children from ages 1-12. 15 Major Exhibits include: - Little Vets: Children can dress up like a Veterinarian and give the pets a checkup.
- Kids Mini Bank: Act like a Bank Teller and give loans or open an account, write checks or make deposits in your new account.
- Winn Dixie Lil' Grocery: Pick up a grocery cart and shop for tonights dinner. Then act like the cashier and ring up your groceries on the real cash registers and real conveyor belts.
- Kids U. S. Postal Office: Write letters and mail them in the mail box. Act like the Mail Carrier and sort and deliver the mail.
- KIDS TV / Radio Newsroom: Sit behind the News desk and give the Weather, Sports or Local News. See yourself on the TV monitor or give the news over the Radio Mic.
- You're the Star Stage: Dress up in one of over 50 costumes and put on a show for the audience on the Stage.
- Wheelchair Basketball: Play basketball in a wheelchair. Challenge someone to a game and see who will win.
- S.S. Spinghetti: Climb aboard the boat and sail around the world.
- Puppet Stage: Put on a puppet show with one or more of over 50 puppets or in our Castle Puppet Stage and then build your own castle.
- First Adventures Toddler Room: A play room just for children up to age 3 with a built in play house, a 5' doll house, a GIANT CATERPILLAR you can crawl through, a castle and more!
- 50's Cafe': Take orders for lunch in the bright red 50's Cafe'.
- McDonalds' Climbing Tubes and Ball Pit: Have fun climbing the Pink, Green and Red Tubes or jumping in the Ball Pit.
- KIDS Jacksonville Fire Department: Walk up the Ramp and Climb down the Fireman's Pole. Put on a fire hat, boots and a jacket and then drive the fire engine.
- 8' Train and 2 Train Tables: Buy a ticket from the Train Ticket Booth and take a ride on the train or play with one of our 2 train tables.
- Jacksonville Police Kid's Substation: Ride in the Police car, Call out License Numbers over the Police Radio.
- Play checkers, have a Tea party, play on the Gears Table and more...


www.handsonchildrensmuseumjax.com

Visitors can see West Indian manatees every day of the year from the park's underwater observatory in the main spring.  The park showcases native Florida wildlife, including manatees, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles, and river otters.  Manatee programs are offered three times daily.  At the Wildlife Encounter programs, snakes and other native animals are featured.  Recreational opportunities include picnicking, nature study, and bird-watching.  The park features a children's education center, providing hands-on experiences about Florida's environment.  Transportation from the visitor center on U.S. 19 to the West Entrance is available by tram or boat.


www.floridastateparks.org/homosassasprings/default.cfm

The crystalline Ichetucknee River flows six miles through shaded hammocks and wetlands before it joins the Santa Fe River.  In 1972, the head spring of the river was declared a National Natural Landmark by the U. S. Department of the Interior.  From the end of May until early September, tubing down the river is the premier activity in the area.  In addition to tubing, visitors can enjoy picnicking, snorkeling, canoeing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife viewing.  October through March scuba diving is available in the Blue Hole only (you must be cave certified).  White-tailed deer, raccoons, wild turkeys, wood ducks and great blue herons can be seen from the river.  Picnic areas, equipped with tables and grills, are available throughout the park.  A full-service concession offers food, refreshments, and outdoor products from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  Tubes plus snorkeling and diving equipment can be rented from private vendors outside the park located four miles northwest of Fort White, off State Roads 47 and 238.


www.floridastateparks.org/ichetuckneesprings/default.cfm

As the largest city in land area in the U.S., Jacksonville offers a wealth of attractions and recreational opportunities.  A predominant waterfront gives convenient access to boat cruises, riverfront boardwalks, fish camps, and offshore fishing.  For sports fans, Jacksonville is the home of the NFL Jaguars, as well as college football's Gator Bowl Classic.  Other points of interest include: Jacksonville Landing, a waterfront marketplace with unique shops and restaurants; the Jacksonville Zoological Gardens; Adventure Landing amusement park; plus a number of local museums and historical sites.  And don't forget, the golden sand of Jacksonville Beach is just a short drive away.

www.jax4kids.com
www.10best.com/Jacksonville,FL
www.visitjacksonville.com

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.   The Zoo has something for everyone with over 1,500 rare and exotic animals and 1,000 varieties of plants and boasts the only walking safari in Northeast Florida.

Play Park and Splash Ground: Climb, jump and get wet in the 4,000 square-foot Splash Ground.   Find your way through two mazes and discover and create in the Discovery Center.   Climb into a tree house or climb on the rock wall in the Forest Play area, watch the river otters through a tunnel window as they swim overhead, groom and pet the pygmy goats in the Animal Care area and enjoy kid-friendly food from the Play Park Café.


www.jaxzoo.org

Kennedy Space Center, NASA's launch headquarters is the only place on Earth where you can tour launch areas, meet a veteran astronaut, see giant rockets, and train in spaceflight simulators.John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, Sally Ride and Jim Lovell are just a few names of the brave men and women who have launched into space from Kennedy Space Center – and now it's your turn to become part of the space program. Our exciting Kennedy Space Center attractions feature inspiring exhibits and hands-on experiences, including:
•The Apollo/Saturn V Center, where the incredible accomplishments of the Apollo moon program return to life.
•IMAX® theaters, where you can feel the thrill of space exploration on five-story screens as you "float' alongside NASA astronauts.
•Guided tours into exclusive areas for a behind-the-scenes look at Kennedy Space Center's working space flight facilities.
•Interactive space flight simulators at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame®


www.kennedyspacecenter.com

Located on the Suwannee River, this inviting source of cool, clear water has attracted people for thousands of years.  Lafayette Blue Springs produces up to 168 million gallons of water daily, making it one of Florida's 33 first magnitude springs.  Swimming or snorkeling in the spring is a refreshing activity on a hot day; river fishing is also a popular recreation.  Visitors can enter the park by boat from the Suwannee River as well as by car.  Many visitors enjoy the shaded picnic area.  White-tailed deer, gray squirrels, Red-Shouldered Hawks, Pileated Woodpeckers, and Barred Owls are some of the animals seen in the park.  Walk-in tent camping is available for a fee.  During rainy seasons sometimes the dark river water backs up into the springs making the springs appear to be black in color.  When this occurs, swimming and diving is prohibited for your safety.  Be sure to call the park ahead of time to see if swimming is open.


www.floridastateparks.org/lafayettebluesprings/default.cfm

LEGOLAND Florida is geared specifically towards youngsters ages two through 12. With over 50 family rides, "hands-on" attractions and shows, LEGOLAND Florida provides education, adventure and fun in this second park of its kind in the United States.

www.florida.legoland.com/en/

Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo brings the unbeatable combination of nature, education and excitement to Tampa Bay.  During your visit you can see many shows, enjoy rides and interact with animals and also learn from keepers.  There is something for everyone to make the day one you'll never forget.

River Odyssey Eco-Tour: The "Sirenia", named after the Order that manatees come from, will take wildlife enthusiasts on a boat ride adventure where they can see river turtles, hawks, herons, manatees and dozens of other animals that call the Hillsborough River.

Rides: Besides our wonderful animal residents, the Zoo also offers fun rides for all ages.  Whether you take a camel ride in Safari Africa or soar high above the Zoo on the Skyfari Skyride, there are lots of fun things to do all around Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo!

Woolshed Playground in Wallaroo Station will keep "ewe" and your little one busy with exciting slides, tunnels and ladders all themed after an Aussie sheep-shearing operation.  Plus, there are two water plash parks nearby for kids of all ages.


information@lowryparkzoo.com
www.lowryparkzoo.com

A first magnitude spring, Manatee Springs discharges an average 100 million gallons of water every day.   From November through April, manatees use the spring's life-giving waters for warmth.   Popular for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving, the headwaters of the spring are an outstanding year-round experience for people as well.   The spring run forms a sparkling stream that meanders through towering cypress, tupelo and other wetland trees to join the Suwannee River.   During the summer months, huge prehistoric-looking Gulf sturgeon can be seen leaping out of the river as they have done for eons.   Enjoy the spring run view by canoe/kayak or on foot along our boardwalk.   Children can enjoy a playground in the picnic area, where tables, grills and pavilions are available for family fun.   Hiking and biking adventures await on the north end trail system.   The full-facility campground is surrounded by hardwood hammocks and upland pine habitats.


www.manateesprings.com

The world's first oceanarium, invites you to join us in creating your own lasting memories at the Dolphin Conservation Center, our 1.3 million gallon series of dolphin habitats.  Choose from a variety of interactive programs which range from those where land loving guests can enjoy dolphins up-close, through those which offer the opportunity to glide into the dolphins' aquatic world from a sloping beach to swim with Marineland's gentle residents.  Experience these amazing animals for yourself.


www.marineland.net

MOSH (Museum of Science and History) has 7 different educational exhibits plus a planetarium.
The Body Within Enter through MOSH’s larger than life mouth, stroll down the digestive tract, and exit out the rear! Learn all about our bodies and how they work with hands-on interactive fun.
Water Worlds Explore the underwater world of the first coast in MOSH’s permanent aquarium exhibit. Multiple aquariums will represent the many fascinating water habitats and live aquatic animals found throughout Florida and beyond.
Currents of Time Go back in time as you take a walk through the history of Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. From our earliest settlers over 12,000 years ago to modern day events, students will learn how this area of land we call Jacksonville became the city it is today!
Atlantic Tails Dive into this exhibit and meet Fermata, our life-sized right whale, along with her baby. You will be greeted by other marine mammals as well and be able to see real life marine skeletons.
JEA Aqua Expo Experience how water works without getting wet!
The Loft Gallery This changing exhibit space houses artifacts from MOSH’s very own history collection as well as objects on loan from other historical institutions.
Florida Naturalist’s Center Meet all of MOSH’s resident live animals. Owls, snakes, turtles, tortoises, and alligators- just to name a few- are all native to Florida.


www.themosh.org

Experience a scientific playground of over 450 hands-on activities in the largest science center in the southeastern United States! MOSI offers over 400,000 square feet of permanent interactive exhibits. At MOSI, Visitors can:
• Learn through play inside Kids In Charge!, the largest children’s science center in the nation.
• Brave extreme weather conditions inside Disasterville, featuring WeatherQuest—a 10,000 square foot exhibition on the science behind tornados, hurricanes, wildfires and much more!
• Guests can harness themselves onto a bicycle along a 98-foot-long steel cable, suspended 30 feet above ground on MOSI’s High Wire Bike, the longest in a U.S. museum.
• Challenge your sense of adventure by walking on the wild side at the new Sky Trail® Ropes Course.
• Enter into an engineered ecosystem in the BioWorks Butterfly Garden and view multiple kinds of free-flying butterflies.
• Learn about the human body in all its complexity, from DNA to organs in The Amazing You, an Exhibition of the Human Body.
• Take in an astronomy show in The Saunders Planetarium and gaze into the starry nighttime sky.
• Plus, visit Florida's only IMAX® Dome Theatre. The IMAX® Dome motion picture system projects images of unsurpassed size, clarity and impact onto a dome shaped screen providing 10,500 square feet of visual imagery.


www.mosi.org

Experience engaging family attractions such the Fun Factory of Ocala, Chuck-E-Cheese and Silver Springs theme park.  Or get out and enjoy an endless array of hiking, biking, birding, kayaking and other outdoor activities.

www.10best.com/Ocala,FL
www.ocalamarion.com/ocala-family-fun-list.asp
www.chuckecheese.com
www.funfactoryocala.com
www.silversprings.com

Orlando is a perfect destination for family vacations!  Whether you're traveling with the kids, or have multiple generations rolling in the same minivan, Orlando offers several attractions and activities that can be enjoyed by the whole gang.  Theme parks have a tendency to bring out the kid in everyone, while other nearby attractions such as Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center will capture the imagination of any individual, whether seven or 70. Don't forget about the dinner shows, outdoor adventure parks, museums, and many other local attractions that make Orlando special.

www.parentzone.com/usa/florida/orlando/categories/for-your-family/family-fun
www.vacationsmadeeasy.com/OrlandoFL/activity
www.internationaldriveorlando.com/50ways/index.asp

This park has two major springs, a spring run, and six sinkholes-all in near pristine condition.  One of the longest underwater cave systems in the continental United States, about 28,000 feet of underwater passages have been explored and surveyed by cave divers.  Only divers who have proof of their scuba certification are allowed to explore the underwater caverns.  Mature forest stands around the springs represent four major natural plant communities.  A nature trail leads visitors on a path tracing the twisting tunnels of the caves far below their feet.  Swimming in Peacock Spring and Orange Grove Sink are popular activities during the summer.  Grills and pavilions are available for picnicking.  Located 16 miles southwest of Live Oak on State Road 51, two miles east of Luraville on Peacock Springs Road.


www.floridastateparks.org/peacocksprings

This 202 acre public park is co-operated by Nature Quest and Alachua County.   It is situated on the banks of the beautiful Santa Fe River.   The major spring pumps 45 million gallons of water daily.   Onsite activities include swimming, fishing, boating, picnicking and hiking.   Camping is permitted through special arrangements with the park office.   No pets and no alcohol allowed.


www.visitgainesville.com/attractions/item.aspx?id=59

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 both the headsprings and the campground.   A picnic area at the spring includes tables, grills, and pavilions.   For large gatherings, private pavilions can be reserved.   Tubing is not allowed in the headsprings area of the park, but tubers can launch at nearby K.P. Hole County Park.


www.floridastateparks.org/rainbowsprings

A one-of-a-kind journey to the wonders that exist beyond the ocean’s door.   A place where up-close encounters connect you to the energy, excitement, and mystery of the sea and sea life.   A world of fascinating days, captivating nights, and exhilarating adventure.   Once you’ve been here, you’ll never look at the sea and its incredible inhabitants the same way again.



www.seaworld.com/orlando

50% off adult daily admission for FL residents.

No matter what your age, there are plenty of rides and attractions at Silver Springs that will make you laugh, fill you with wonder, and provide a glimpse into what life was like here more than 10,000 years ago.  Just as they did then, the springs pump out 550 million gallons of sparkling-clear water a day-enough to supply the entire city of New York.   Surrounding the springs is a marvelous diversity of animals and nature you simply won’t find anywhere else.  Come and explore the stunning beauty of Florida in its natural state.

www.silversprings.com

From ghost walks along cobblestone streets in St. Augustine to sunset ceremonies at the wharf in Jacksonville northeastern Florida is eclectic and enchanting.  Sail on a tall ship; ride bikes along the beach; find bargains at and outlet mall; experience living history at an old fort; drink fresh-squeezed orange juice and sample alligator jerky.  Try a grouper sandwich partnered with key lime pie, vacation bliss, and the list goes on.

www.staugustineforkids.com
www.thefamilytravelfiles.com/ezine/articles/338

This isn't an ordinary zoo!   Visit the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and see some of the largest alligators and crocodiles in the world like Maximo, a 15 foot, 1250 pound crocodile and rare albino alligators.   A visit to the St. Augustine Alligator Farm will be your memory of a lifetime!




www.alligatorfarm.us

The St. Augustine beaches boast miles of luxurious sand with beautiful weather year-round.  Barrier islands naturally create the island waterway and miles of gorgeous coastline with many public areas for beach recreation and relaxation.  Generally, vehicles wishing to gain access to the beaches may do so for a daily fee of $6.00 ($40 annual fee).  Please be sure that you observe that no alcohol or glass is allowed.  Also, pets must be kept on a leash.  Personal watercraft vehicles must be launched from area boat ramps and not directly from the beach.

www.oldcity.com/beaches.cfm

Tampa Bay is an exciting place for children!  Over 230 sun-drenched days each year guarantee endless days of family fun for youth of all ages in Tampa.  There's theme parks, zoos, aquariums and animal sanctuaries.  There's beaches, nature parks, museums to explore.  There's boating and hot air ballooning and much much more!

www.tampaguide.com/Todo/TodoCat53.asp
www.tampabayparent.com/activities.php
www.intampaflorida.com/static/about_youth_activities.html
www.bestkidfriendlytravel.com/2009/05/04/kid-friendly-activities-in-and-around-tampa-fl

The depths of this spring contain the remains of the Civil War-era steamboat Madison, scuttled in the spring run in 1863 to keep it from being captured.   A recent addition to the state park system, Troy Spring now has an entrance road, restrooms, an accessible walkway, picnic tables, and a riverside dock for canoeists and boaters on the Suwannee River.   This 70-foot deep, first magnitude spring offers opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving.  Bring the family for an old fashioned swimming hole party!   Only open-water scuba diving is permitted and divers must be certified; no solo diving is allowed.   Trails for hiking and horseback riding are being developed.   Located off County Road 425, 1.3 miles north of U.S. 27.


http://www.floridastateparks.org/troyspring

Remember the good old days when everyone spent some time "down on the farm"?   You could visit with the animals, relax and enjoy the great outdoors.   Everyone can have a chance to visit a real farm - UNCLE DONALD'S FARM.   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.   The poultry patch includes many "heritage" breeds of chickens, including Jersey Giants, New Hampshire and lots of fancy bantams.   It is like the county fair, only this display is open all year.   The wildlife display is currently home to panthers, deer, birds of prey, tortoises and exotic animals.   The old red barn even has a baby alligator on display.   After all, it is Florida.   That is why we say "We are more than a petting farm, we are almost a zoo!"


www.uncledonaldsfarm.com

Around every bend is another epic adventure. Around every corner awaits another once-in-a-lifetime thrill.   Take an unforgettable journey through the uniquely themed islands of Universal’s Islands of Adventure®, where the world's most cutting edge rides, shows and interactive attractions bring your favorite stories, myths, cartoons, comic book heroes and children's tales to life.

Join the battle of good versus evil above the streets of Marvel Super Hero Island®.   Get splash happy with your favorite cartoon characters in the water rides of Toon Lagoon®.   Come face to face with the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park®.   Venture through the mists of time as you experience the epic adventures of The Lost Continent®.   And step right into the pages of the children’s books of Dr. Seuss in Seuss Landing™. Islands of Adventure is the stuff legends are made of.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Islands of Adventure: Pass through the towering Hogwarts™ castle gates and explore the familiar passageways, classrooms and corridors.   Visit the shops of Hogsmeade™, including Honeydukes™, Zonko's™ Joke Shop, Ollivanders™ and more.   Dine at the Three Broomsticks™.   Plus experience new pulse-pounding rides including Dragon Challenge™, Flight of the Hippogriff™ and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™, a state-of-the-art attraction that brings the magic, characters, and stories of Harry Potter™ to life in ways never before imagined.


www.universalorlando.com

Go behind the scenes, beyond the screen, and jump right into the action of your favorite movies at Universal Studios®, the world's premier movie and TV based theme park.   It’s everybody’s fantasy… to leap through the screen and find yourself in the middle of your favorite motion pictures.   Here at Universal Studios®, YOU become the star of some of the greatest movies and TV shows ever made.

At this real, working film and TV production facility you’ll find an amazing array of rides, shows, movie sets and attractions that put you right in the picture.   You’ll enjoy themed dining and shopping, a variety of exciting special events throughout the year, and you might even catch a real film crew at work on the backlot.   From entertaining shows that take you behind the scenes of the movie-making process to state-of-the-art rides that make you part of the action, nobody brings the magic of the movies… television… and music to life like Universal Studios.


www.universalorlando.com

Weeki Wachee is an enchanted spring -- the only one of its kind in the world -- and one of Florida’s oldest and most unique roadside attractions.  For almost 60 years, the fun, family oriented park has lured in visitors with beautiful mermaids who swim in the cool, clear spring waters.  Weeki Wachee Springs is a magical entrance into a mysterious blue underwater world of mermaids, manatees, turtles and bubbles.  Visitors can swim at Buccaneer Bay, see the Misunderstood Creatures animal show, or take a riverboat ride down the Weeki Wachee River and into Old Florida.  A family of peacocks roams the grounds.  Turtles, fish, manatees, otters and even an occasional alligator swim in the spring with the mermaids, amusing both children and adults.  Visitors can pose with mermaids, and even swim in the spring with the new Sea Diver program.


john.athanason@dep.state.fl.us
www.weekiwachee.com

Hypnotizing thrills await as you and your friends encounter a splashing dose of group therapy on Brain Wash, Wet 'n Wild’s newest water thrill adventure.  Boogie down on Disco H2O; take a relaxing journey into Florida’s past through breathtaking waterfalls on the Lazy River or get soaked down a ruptured pipeline on The Blast.  Children love the Kids’ Park featuring smaller versions of the park’s popular adult rides.  Wet 'n Wild is America’s Must See Waterpark.


www.wetnwildorlando.com

Visit Whispering Pines Park to cool off and splash around at the new children’s water playground, “Puddle in the Pines”.   This new park amenity features a zero depth water playground with various spray features that will entertain children for hours.   The water playground is located up the hill from the existing children's picnic and playground area.   Other new amenities in the area include two covered pavilions with picnic tables, several benches and a children's trail.   The green shade shelter, which is down the hill from the water playground is available to reserve for private parties.


www.inverness-fl.gov

Wild Adventures is a 170-acre theme park located in Valdosta, Georgia featuring one of the largest ride collections in the South, more than 500 wild animals, Splash Island Water Park, the region’s largest water park, shows, festivals and all-star concerts.


www.wildadventures.com

Located adjacent to the lush grounds and natural beauty of Silver Springs, near Ocala, Florida, Wild Waters is a place where the whole family can chill out on a warm summer day.  Soak up the sun on our "beach" or stay cool in the shade of our giant oak and palm trees.  Ride the surf in our 450,000 gallon wave pool.  Hit the twists and turns of Osceola’s Revenge, Bunyan’s Bend or Mini Monster water slides.  Or, if you dare, tackle the 220 foot long Silver Bullet flumes or the twisting turns of the Alligator Ambush.  For the younger set, there’s Cool Kids Cove, a multilevel fun zone, and the shallow pools of the Tad Pool.


www.wildwaterspark.com

Wildlife Rehabilitation of Hernando (WROH) was formed 11 years ago in Spring Hill, Florida.   It was set up to provide a place for injured or orphaned wildlife to be brought to, given medical treatment, food and a chance to recover before being released back into the wild.   Orphaned animals are taken care of and taught to be able to survive in the wild, and then given a soft release.   Red fox, gray fox, raccoons, opossums, flying squirrels, grey squirrels, fox squirrels, bobcats, snakes, turtles, coyotes, eagles, owls, hawks, ducks, deer and alligators are some of the animals that have been helped along in their life.   Visitors are welcome by appointment only.   Please call first.


www.wrohflorida.com