Indoor activities for families in Clearwater, Florida, offer education and entertainment on rainy or chilly days. The Clearwater/St. Petersburg region of Florida offers a host of climate-controlled attractions for both visiting families and residents. Treat your family to a day of discovery at indoor recreation venues along Florida's Gulf Coast. All of the attractions are handicap- and stroller-accessible for guest convenience.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers an escape from inclement weather. The aquatic discovery facility is a non-profit facility that focuses on animal rescue efforts, public education and marine life research. Don't forget to pack your camera to capture the lively antics of the aquarium's dolphins, graceful sea turtles or the acrobatic otters that call the facility home. In addition to the casual browsing of exhibits, you can rent a room at the aquarium to host a child's birthday party or reserve a spot for youngsters at summer day camps.
The Great Explorations Children's Museum is filled with hands-on play and educational areas. Children can slide down an old-fashioned fire pole, build a robot or launch tennis balls in the science center. Children can also "doctor" stuffed animals and follow in the footsteps of a veterinarian. Younger children can explore pretend play areas, while pre-teens learn how to play a laser harp, an electronic musical instrument made of several laser beams. There is even a lie detector machine available, so you can quiz your child if he really did eat all of the broccoli or just slipped it under the table to the dog. An environmental water play area often features native Florida aquatic and insect life. Museum staff offer educational programs and interactive activities daily.
The Science Center of Pinellas County is located less than 15 miles from downtown Clearwater in the city of St. Petersburg. Children will comes within inches of native Florida alligators at the wildlife plexiglass habitat. After learning about native flora and fauna, venture into the planetarium and learn about the stars and planets. The marine room features touch tanks, which invite children to dip their little hands into the water and learn about aquatic life. Educational workshops and an outdoor Native American village are also popular amenities at the center.
Pinellas County African American History Museum is housed inside a historic building that was once a school for young African Americans in the Clearwater area. The "Children's Magical Village" is an annual event that includes workshops and hands-on heritage displays. Exhibits include artifacts from early African American residents, photos and a research library.
