Children who grow up with a love of learning can go on to lead happy, healthy, and successful lives. While school plays a valuable role in instilling this value, parents can help by providing engaging educational activities outside the classroom and expanding everyone’s horizons. If you’re wondering how to provide your child with these experiences, the good news is that Florida has abundant educational activities outside the school for the entire family to enjoy!
Don’t Underestimate “Everyday Education”
Life is full of chances for children to learn new things and build on what they already know. Something as ordinary as cooking a meal can help bolster critical math, science, and nutrition skills. Attending a sporting event can help highlight the use of statistics and teamwork. Keep an eye out for teachable moments in the everyday things you do.
Find the Answers Together
As parents, we know that kids ask tons of questions. Why does the moon look orange sometimes? Why do some things float on water? How fast can a cheetah run? Instead of dismissing their questions, embrace their natural curiosity as an opportunity to explore new things together as a family.
View Educational Media
There are many incredible opportunities to learn with the click of a button! Take advantage of modern technology and encourage your children to view educational content with you. If a specific subject sparks their interest, find trustworthy, age-appropriate sources for them to explore.
Explore the World Around You
The world provides immense learning opportunities, so take advantage of it! Traveling with your children enables them to learn new things, and immerse themselves in different cultures or sample cuisines they may never have tried. Taking trips allows your kids to discover geography, history, and more in ways a classroom can’t provide. Whether it’s an experience for only a few hours or several days, you might be surprised how much you and your children can gain!
Educational Activities for Families in Florida
1. Kennedy Space Center
If your child can’t get enough of space exploration, the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral is an educational destination that can help further fuel their interest. They can learn about humankind’s journey into outer space from the beginning of space exploration to modern times. Activities are ideal for youth ages six and up, making it the perfect educational spot for space lovers of almost any age.
2. WonderWorks
At WonderWorks in Orlando, you and your children can let your imaginations run wild! This unique attraction combines educational opportunities with fun and excitement. Learn about a wide range of topics from natural disasters to art and everything in between.
Before you even set foot inside WonderWorks’ building, you’ll love the upside-down architecture. Once you get inside, the fun continues with tons of hands-on activities! This 35,000-square-foot “edutainment” park has activities for ages three and up, so even the youngest and most curious kids will find something to pique their curiosity and imagination.
3. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Enjoy some of nature’s most beautiful flying creatures at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. This incredible facility provides the opportunity to see and experience hundreds of butterflies in a natural and safe habitat. The conservatory is also home to brightly blooming flowers and exotic birds, such as flamingos. Recommended for ages two and older, this educational experience offers the chance to discover nature in a relaxing atmosphere.
4. Florida Aquarium
If marine animals fascinate your child or anyone else in the family, the Florida Aquarium in Tampa is the place to go. Children will learn about a wide array of marine life at one of Florida’s best sites for conservation, education, and research. The aquarium is practically bursting with activities and exhibits for family members three and up. Visit the five stations within the learning center, attend evening tide talks or help release rehabilitated animals back into the wild. There are even camp and sleepover programs that provide truly unique experiences. Who wouldn’t love to sleep alongside reef sharks safely?
5. Florida Caverns State Park
Are you still confused about the difference between stalagmites and stalactites? Find out by visiting Florida Caverns State Park in Marianna. As they explore Florida caves, children and adults can get an awe-inspiring lesson in geology and natural history.
Children as young as five can participate in guided tours of the only dry caves open to the public in Florida. Your family will feel like cave experts after your adventure!
6. Dinosaur World
Located in Plant City, Dinosaur World is the perfect educational destination for dino lovers of all ages. Experience prehistory like never before as you explore interactive exhibits featuring life-sized models while learning about these fascinating animals’ lifestyles and habitats.
With interactive exhibits and a dinosaur-themed playground, family members, young and old, will learn something new and exciting. The park is also autism-friendly, making it an inclusive educational activity for people on the autism spectrum. As a bonus, the park even allows friendly dogs on leashes so that you can bring your furry family members along!
Create a Family Journal About Your Trips and Activities
After visiting these exciting places, encourage your children to journal about the fun things they experienced as a family. Ask them to write down their answers to open-ended prompts such as “What was your favorite part?” or “What new things did you learn?” You can even ask younger children some questions and write their answers. It will provide the perfect opportunity for everyone to reflect on cherished memories and cement the knowledge gained during the trip.
Contact Schola Today
Not all students learn the same way, which means not every school is the right fit for every student. At Schola, our mission is to improve education outcomes by helping to place students in settings that suit them best. We help parents of PreK through 12th-grade students to:
- Find schools based on what matters most to them and their children
- Connect with any school with ease
- Enroll their students in the school of their choice
If you want to find the best school for your child based on their specific learning style, interests, and needs, take the ScholaMatch™ to get matched with the perfect school for your family.