Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, is located in the northern part of the state. The temperate climate and abundance of outdoor activities make Tallahassee an ideal place to go out and play; additionally, the city features a variety of family-friendly attractions and attractions geared specifically to awaken excitement and curiosity in the minds of children.
Enjoy Tallahassee's beautiful weather while visiting Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Swim in one of the world's largest freshwater springs, walk along the nature trail or take a guided riverboat tour to get a closer look at area wildlife. The park's River Boat Tour is one of Tallahassee's premiere attractions. Your children will be captivated during the 40- to 60-minute ride as your tour guide explains area wildlife, relays stories of indigenous people who once lived in the area and outlines the park's history. Once you're back on dry land, picnic in one of the park's designated areas: picnic areas include tables and grills and are adjacent to a playground for children. If you forgot to pack a picnic lunch, visit the dining room: it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Grab a quick snack or a cool milkshake in the soda fountain or browse in the park's gift shop to find the perfect souvenir.
2010 park admission rates were $6 per vehicle. River Boat Tours operate daily. 2010 ticket prices were $5 for children between the ages of 3 and 12 and $8 for adults. Children younger than 3 ride for free.
Encourage your children to imagine endless possibilities. The Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science is associated with the Smithsonian Institute and offers a variety of hands-on science and art exhibits. You and your children can play more than 40 different video games at the "Videotopia" exhibit; visit with the museum's turtle in the Eco Lab; play puzzles in "Mind Games" or witness a bee hive in action. Visitors with toddlers and young children should stop in the "Early Learners Area," which has a variety of activities designed explicitly for young visitors. The Brogan Museum Store sells origami kits, crystal excavation kits, educational crafts, jewelry, toys and limited-edition art prints.
2010 admission prices were $5 for children between the ages of 3 to 17 and $10 for adults. The museum is open daily until 5 p.m.
The sea comes to life at Gulf Specimen Marine Lab and Aquarium. Touch tanks allow you and your children to get up close and personal with sea animals such as urchins, shrimp, sea pansies, clams, whelks, octopus and sea anemones. The aquarium's touch tanks were developed by Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories to provide visitors with a hands-on opportunity to become acquainted with marine life. The aquarium houses anywhere from 100 to 200 species of invertebrates, including seahorses, starfish, electric rays, hermit crabs, white-spotted calico crabs, emerald-eyed spiny box fish, crabs, sponges, sea cucumbers, small sharks and jellyfish.
2010 admission prices were $5 for children between the ages of 3 and 11; $6 for adults 65 and older and $7.50 for adults.
