10 Educational Florida Field Trips
We have loved living in Central Florida for the last 10 years. There is just so much to see and experience. We are hoping to start visiting more of the state in the coming school year. There are so many educational options in Florida I decided to take a few minutes and put together 10 educational Florida field trips we want to go on. These would be great for a day trip on a tankful or for a family visiting Florida and looking to add some educational fun to the trip. The costs on these activities will vary but you are sure to learn a lot while enjoying them.
10 Educational Florida Field Trips
St. Augustine
If you are looking for an excellent place to explore and learn a lot look no further than St. Augustine. Kim of Educator’s Spin on It shares how you can Explore Florida History while camping in St. Augustine. Whether you visit the old jail, the pirate and treasure museum, the oldest wooden school house, or the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum you are sure to learn a lot about Florida’s rich history.
With exhibitions that include a box car used to transport jews and other prisoners to death camps such as Auschwitz, original artifacts, photos, and videos you are sure to be immersed a very visual learning atmosphere. It is one thing to learn about the Holocaust in a book. It is another to put faces to the story and understand how much really happened. Prices are reasonable and group rates are available if you choose to go with a group.
Are you looking for a way to combine education and a fun family day out? Head over to Venice Beach. The Venice Beach coastal area sits on tops of a fossil layer that runs 18-35 feet deep. Bring your sifters and your buckets. You will have an opportunity to find shark’s teeth while you enjoy the beach. I recommend stopping at one of the many stores and buying a post card with the different types of shark teeth you can find. They even have a shark tooth festival at the beginning of April that you can check out with the family.
John Pennenkamp Coral Reef State Park
Have you been teaching your children about the coral reef? At John Pennenkamp Coral Reef State park your children can enjoy a glass bottom boat tour(Prices start at $17), go snorkeling along the coral reef, as well as Kayaking and paddleboarding. There are also options for camping, fishing, and swimming.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
At the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum you can go on a guided tour, visit the gardens, and even meet the 6 toed cats. This would be a great stop if you are already going down for The John Pennenkamp Coral Reef State park. This would be a great place to stop if you are studying the author and want to know about who he was and where he lived.
Are you ready to experience the nation’s largest subtropical wilderness? At The Everglades National Park you can camp, fish, geocache, enjoy one of the boat or tram tours, and so much more. Pay $20 for a vehicle good for 7 consecutive days or $40 for an annual pass. The boat tours cost extra and can be booked online.
Florida State Capitol
You can visit the capitol during the week and do a self guided tour of the building using a map that can be picked up at the welcome center. While you are visiting the capitol you can also check out the liberty bell replica, view the memorial for Floridians who have received the purple heart, and if you plan in advance you can visit the state legislature during the month of March.
Do you have a child interested in learning more about space travel? At Kennedy Space Center you can visit the Space Shuttle Atlantis Experience, take part in a shuttle launch experience, go on a bus tour, meet an astronaut and so much more! Tickets start at $40 and go up depending on which options you choose. Make sure to check the calendar and find out when there will be launches.
Do you want to visit the famous Dolphin Winter from Dolphin Tale? Don’t hesitate to visit the Clearwater Aquarium. Not only can you meet Winter you can see otters, pelicans, turtles, sharks, rays, and many more. The Clearwater Aquarium site even has some great education options you can take advantage of. Tickets start at $21.95 and adjust based on what you plan to do.
Skeletons in Orlando
This is one of the largest skeleton museums in the country. Not only can your children see many different skeletons and learn about the animals they were a part of, they can also take part in many of the educational programs that are now being offered. There are group field trip options available if needed or you can go as a family. They even have Homeschool Adventure Days set up for homeschoolers.
Love it! Native Floridian here.