With its beaches and numerous family-friendly destinations, South Florida is like a big playground for children. South Florida features activities that afford opportunities for both typical kids' play -- as well as the kind of play that educates -- in the arts, science and natural history. Florida tourism is particularly aimed toward families with mixed-aged children, and its mild climate supports the outdoor lifestyle.
The South Florida Science Museum at West Palm Beach puts the emphasis on children's learning. Museum staff work with children in workshops and in local schools to deliver programs on science and technology. The exhibits include artifacts from Egypt, rocks from outer space, fossils and a submarine. An interactive exhibit helps children learn about the states of matter, in hands-on activities that represent the states of matter, including solid, liquid, gas and plasma displays. Children also enjoy the shows presented at the museum's planetarium. Freshwater and saltwater tanks are part of an aquarium exhibit that displays alligators, sharks and a coral reef.
The owners of Wannado City at Fort Lauderdale have built what they call "a special place" that enables children ages 2 to 14 to learn about various occupations. Kids are involved in interactive activities that simulate the workplace and teach them the various skills necessary to fulfill the position. Children are invited to fulfill their fantasy of becoming a firefighter, doctor, explorer, police officer, chef, pilot, movie director or model. Budding journalists visit the Miami Herald newspaper offices to get hands-on experience. In addition, children accomplish physical tasks such as scaling a wall.
Boomers at Fort Lauderdale is a one-stop family center for various activities. Older children will enjoy the Flame Thrower, a sidewinder thrill ride and an authentic wooden roller coaster. Additionally, the center contains mini-golf courses, laser tag, batting cages and mini-bowling lanes. The bumper boats are equipped with water cannons, and the climbing wall is 32 feet in height. Lovers of speed enjoy go-kart tracks, the Turbo Track and the Family Speedway, while families can play the latest video games together in the game room.
The Miami Seaquarium is a marine environment for children and adults. Exhibits include alligators, Nile crocodiles and Florida tropical birds. Animal shows that feature a sea lion show and a combined killer whale and dolphin show entertain the crowds. The Flipper Dolphin Show takes place in the lagoon that served as the set for the original TV show that starred Flipper; Flipper and other dolphins perform tricks set to music. The staff runs a series of presentations for visitors in which they feed the animals and talk about them. The presentations include sharks weighing 200 pounds as well as endangered manatees and sea turtles.
The Circus Museum in Sarasota tells the history of the American circus and the Ringling Family Circus in particular. Memorabilia and artifacts, such as circus posters, miniature circus trains and costumes, trace the story from the earliest circuses to the present day. Exhibits from "The Greatest Show on Earth" movie, which was filmed in Sarasota, are also on display. The Howard Bros. Circus model, which is the largest miniature circus model in the world, is a featured exhibit. An expansion plan for the museum is underway and is scheduled to be ready in 2012.
