Florida Museum of Natural History: Embracing Curiosity
There are so many things to see in the Sunshine State! Thankfully, the Florida Museum of Natural History has compiled an amazing collection, so you can view the best and brightest bits within the span of an afternoon. 40 million bits, to be exact.1 (That’s a lot of specimens!)
This museum is an awesome option if you don’t have time for a long, exploratory road trip, or if you just want something to do that isn’t as crowded (or expensive) as the Magic Kingdom.
Engaging for all ages, the Florida Museum is sure to delight you with its fossils, flora, fauna, and fantastic stories of our state’s colorful past!
On Display Every Day
History doesn’t change, and some things never go out of style. That’s why, at the Florida Museum of Natural History, certain exhibits are permanent residents. They’re just that cool! In fact, we think each of these displays is worth visiting again and again, especially with kiddos! (There’s a reason this museum ranks among the top five in our country!2)
Oh, and bonus – admission is FREE.
I know – I’m ready to go now, too!
Wing Your Way Through the Indoor Butterfly Exhibit
Bring out your “I Love Lepidopterans” t-shirt – you’re about to view one of the world’s largest collections of butterflies and moths!
As a kid, I couldn’t get enough of caterpillars and butterflies. And let’s be honest, I still get excited every time I see one of my fave creepy-crawlers! If you or your kiddos share a fraction of that excitement, then I guarantee you’ll think this exhibit is the bee’s knees! (To mix up bugs a bit.)
The Indoor Butterfly Exhibit includes both live and lovingly preserved specimens from around the world. Wings of preserved butterflies glitter beneath polished glass as if still in flight while living butterflies break free from their chrysalises in the Rearing Lab just across the room.
Now that’s what I call magical!
You can even observe as researchers work with the butterflies, learning all there is to know about these delightfully delicate creatures. For example, did you know butterflies tuck themselves into the crevices of tree bark or hang from the underside of a leaf to sleep? How cute!
Dig Up the Past & Find Floridian Fossils
When you step into the Florida Fossils Exhibit, you might expect to hear the Indiana Jones theme song. Or perhaps that of Jurassic Park. Something by John Williams; the epic-ness of the exhibit clearly calls for it.
Admittedly, both of those songs would be a little misleading though. Indy was an expert in archaeology – human remains – while Jurrasic Park implies dinosaurs, which Florida was sadly lacking, even a zillion years ago.
However, this internationally acclaimed fossil collection includes an entire Colombian Mammoth skeleton and the jaws of a Megalodon! The mammoth can actually be seen in the museum lobby, while the Megalodon jaws manage to dwarf most of the other fossils on display. It’s only natural – Megalodon was the largest shark that ever lived!
Fossil finding along beaches and rivers is a favorite Florida pastime, but right here in the museum is where you’ll discover some of the best!
Wind Along the Waterways of Northwest Florida
Explore Florida in the comfort of cool air-conditioning as you walk through the museum’s Waterways & Wildlife Exhibit! It’s all of Florida’s brilliant biodiversity in one fell swoop.
Forge ahead through a faithfully recreated hammock forest brimming with over fifty kinds of plants and animals, then duck into darkened caves full of stalactites, stalagmites, and embedded fossils. Meander along the bank of the rolling Apalachicola River before experiencing an ancient trade deal between Native Americans – in 1300 A.D., Northern Florida was the hub of politics and culture!
And if that wasn’t exciting enough, there’s even a seepage bog full of carnivorous plants. Chomp!
Meet and Remember the South Florida People
Travel from the Northern Waterways toward the Gulf and meet the South Florida People, including the Seminole, Miccosukee, and Calusa.
Although the Calusa people now sadly exist only in history, the Florida Museum of Natural History brings their stories to life, reminding us who originally inhabited some of our favorite spots in the Sunshine State.
Also called the “Shell Indians,” the Calusa collected shells for decorating shrines, crafting jewelry, and making fishing spears. Although shell-collecting sounds peaceful enough, the Calusa were actually a warlike people, and some of the most powerful to ever live in Florida. In fact, Calusa itself means “fierce.”3
In addition to a recreation of the Calusa leader’s palmetto-thatched dwelling, there are also real artifacts dating back hundreds of years. One of the most astounding pieces in this exhibit is a 1,000-year-old painting of a woodpecker!
Exploring and Discovering Our World Today
The Florida Museum of Natural History hosts two exhibits that mingle past and present: Exploring Our World Today and the Discovery Zone!
In Exploring Our World Today, you can see what amazing innovations are taking place in the fields of science, math, and engineering at the University of Florida. Videos and “discovery drawers” housing museum objects and specimens help illustrate the excitement happening around us as we speak!
The Discovery Zone is an area specially tailored to inquisitive kiddos. . .and grown-ups like me who think natural history is just super neat! There are activity stations and true-to-scale facsimile artifacts you’re allowed to handle. It’s awesome to see history come to life, and getting to hold it in your hands is truly special. This interactive experience is one kiddos won’t soon forget. (Note: Discovery Zone is only open on weekdays!)
Be Mystified by the Butterfly Rainforest
Perhaps the most magical of the Florida Museum’s exhibits, the Butterfly Rainforest will immerse you in a world of fluttering, free-flying butterflies and birds – not to mention possible turtle encounters! And who doesn’t love turtles!?
Unlike the other permanent exhibits, this one does require paid entry. Adult tickets are $14 ($12 for Florida residents) and $7 for children. We think it’s well worth the price for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see dancing butterflies from around the world. If one graces you by perching on your shoulder, it’s the ultimate Instagram photo-op!
As you pass by gurgling waterfalls and blossoming orchids, knowledgeable staff will be there to answer any questions or share personal anecdotes about looking after these remarkable creatures.
Limited Time Displays – The Clock is Ticking!
In addition to their staple exhibits, the Florida Museum of Natural History also has a wide array of ever-changing, extremely engaging temporary exhibits! (Note: these are also paid encounters, $8 for adults and $5.50 for children.)
In the spotlight starting September 25th is “Tiny Titans: Dinosaur Eggs and Babies!” This prehistoric playground is full of adorable models of baby dinos, as well as authentic dinosaur specimens from around the world like bones and eggs – including the colossal bowling-ball-sized egg from a titanosaur!
This exhibit will be open at the museum through January 9th, and it promises to be a must-see for any dino-loving kiddos, and of course, for us adults who are ever-nostalgic for The Land Before Time. Yep, yep, yep!
*cue Jurrasic Park theme song*
Have you been to the Florida Museum of Natural History? What was your favorite object or exhibit? Let us know in the comments below!
Cover Image
Photo: Rain0975 via Flickr
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