Note:  I created this field trip guide in 1997, and donated a copy to a local homeschool support group.  If you would like to add a field trip to it, or you find an error, or discover that some piece of information is outdated, please contact me, and I will add it.  Please feel free to print or share this copy.

 

 Field Trip Guide

Alachua County and Surrounding Areas

by Mardy Freeman

 

Very simple places (like Duck Pond) have been included for those who desire pre-school activities while older students are on a field trip.

 

Tours that state approximate length can vary greatly depending on student interest level, and the company's schedule.  Please allow flexibility.

 

Full mailing addresses have been included in most of the listings.  Please remember to have your group send thank-you notes.

 

Because we asked, many of these organizations are opening their doors to student field trips for the first time.  Remember that we represent not only Christian home schooling, but the Lord Jesus Christ wherever we go.  Families will want to dress and act accordingly.

 

Key:

 

AR:  Advance Reservation, followed by the amount of advance required.        

CH:  CHaperon

FTR: Field Trip Rate;lower than normal admittance rate with minimum number of students

GR:  GRade

HS:  High School tour available. See high school section for details.

LP:  Subgroup Leader has a Packet with more details on this trip.

M:   Monday T:Tuesday W:Wednesday TH:Thursday F:Friday Sa:Saturday Su:Sunday

M/:  Minimum number of students allowed or needed.  

MA:  Mailing Address.Included for thank-you notes. May differ from tour site.

NL:  No Limit

NP:  Not allowed - or not recommended - to bring Pre-schoolers.

PS:  Per Student, or Per Paying Student. Does not include chaperon.

X/:  MaXimum number of students allowed.

 

 

GENERAL FIELD TRIPS

 

AIRPORTS: Delta Airlines: Approx 1 hr tour available only early T-W mornings. Includes ticket counter, bag room, ramp where aircraft is repaired, security, gate house, & depending on last minute schedule & availability, a chance to board a plane. Call ahead at last minute to confirm. 39th & Waldo Rd MA:3400 NE 39 Ave Suite D 32609 AR:1wk M/3 X/20 HS #(352) 335-8401 

                Ken-Air: 45 min tour TH-F only. Might include boarding the UF & Shands planes if available (request in advance), visiting the hangar & other charter planes on ramp. Waldo Rd north of 39 Ave MA:3901 NE 49 Dr 32609 AR:1wk M/5 X/30 HS #(352) 373-4000

 

ANIMAL CONTROL: Alachua County Animal Services offers a 2-hour guided tour. Includes 20 min video, student interaction with animals & a comprehensive explanation of all phases of animal control. MA:3400 NE 53 Ave M/5 X/15  #(352) 955-2333

 

ARCHEOLOGY: An archeological firm allows on-site observations on digs for gr 2-8. Best if group divided by age, but not necessary. NP HS Digs occur sporadically throughout the year.                                                                                     

 

BAKERIES:

            Flowers-Sunbeam Bakery, Jacksonville: 1-hr tour includes short slide presentation, tour of bakery from beginning to end, question & answer period & a bakery treat. M/5 X/30 AR:1mo Gr 3 to 8 only. (800) 771-3771

            Uppercrust Productions Bakery can schedule one 30-45 min tour during each semester. No tours August, November or December. MA:4116 NW 16th Blvd 32605. AR:1 mo M/5 X/5 NP  #(352) 376-7187

            Dunkin Donuts can schedule 1 tour per month MA:2111 NW 13th St 32609 AR:1mo

M/3 X/5 NP #(352) 372-1049

 

BANK: Almost all banks give student tours. SunTrust tours last approx 1 hour. MA:411 N Main St 32601 AR:1mo M/10 X/30 K-12 HS T-W-Th only. #(352) 374-5532

 

COURTROOM:

            Alachua County Court in session: See Family Court, First Appearance, Traffic & Civil Court. MA:201 E University 32601 AR:1wk M/5 X/30 NP #(352) 374-3648

            Alachua County Courtroom Mock Trials: Gr 5-6 only. Defendant, victim & jury chosen from students in courtroom. Tried by actual local prosecutor, public defender & judge. May question judge, attorneys & bailiff during trial. TH's 12:00-1:00, Oct-April. MA:1201 E University Ave Rm 400-A 32601 AR:1wk M/1 X/5 #(352) 374-3694

 

ELECTRIC COMPANY: GRU no longer offers Deerhaven Generating Station tours any kind.

 

FIRE ENGINES: Emergency One, Ocala. See fire engine assembly. 3 tours available:½ hr for age 5 & under; 45 min for age 6-10; full 1½ hr tour covering 2 miles walking-distance age 11 & up. 8-3 PM, M-F weather permitting. AR:1wk M/15 X/20 Min 1 chaperon per 5 students. (352) 854-3524

 

FIRE STATIONS: Tours include walk through fire station, explanation of truck equipment & fire-gear, & boarding a fire truck. Come prepared to ask questions. A fire engine will visit at your home to conduct an engine tour upon request. 30m-1 hr. No poles at any stations. MA:Stn#1 427 S Main St 32601; Stn#2 2210 SW Archer Rd 32608; Stn#3 900 NE Waldo Rd 32601; Stn#4 10 SW 36 St 32607; Stn#5 1244 NW 30 Ave 32609; STN#6 3301 NE 49 Dr (Airport) 32609; Stn#7 5601 NW 43 St 32653. AR:6wk M/1 X/20 HS All station tours scheduled through #(352) 334-5000 X5467

 

FIRE SAFETY: Division of Forestry Smokey the Bear Presentation for K-3. 30 min talk includes fire-safety, use of matches, how wildfires start, a short video & a visit from Smokey the Bear. MA:1600 NE 23 Ave 32609 AR:1wk M/5 X/NL #(352) 955-2010

 

GOVERNMENT: POLITICS IN ACTION:

            Gainesville City Commission Meetings: 2nd & 4th Mondays 3PM.

MA:GRU Bldg 301 SE 4 Ave 32601 AR:0 NP HS 334-5015

            Alachua County Commission Meetings: 2nd & 4th Tuesdays 6pm.

MA:County Administration Bldg 12 SE 1 St Rm 209 32601 AR:0 NP HS 374-5210

            State Legislature, Tallahassee: Contact your State Representative or State Senator for details on arranging a tour during the March-April legislative session, or during the rest of the year. Call 374-5252 for name & numbers of current legislators.

 

GROCERY STORES: Most Grocery stores offer tours. Publix offers 45 min tours covering every aspect of the store: cake decorating, watching a pineapple be cored in produce, registers, receiving, recycling, freezers. K-5 AR:1wk M/5 X/20 Dean Kelly @ Hunter's Crossing Publix (375-5310) says that his store only tours T-Th-F. Other stores vary.  

 

HOSPITALS:

            Alachua General Hospital currently offers very limited 30 min tours to ages 13 & under. Visit emergency room & radiology only. MA:801 SW 2nd 32601 AR:3wk M/5 X/12 NP HS 372-4321 X3051. AGH may eliminate these tours.

            Shands Hospital offers a tour which includes the hyperbaric chamber, newborn nursery, neonatal unit, MRI area, occupational therapy, computer lab with 3D anatomy, &  pharmacy. Warning: An emergency room visit & slide presentation is also available which depicts actual emergencies & trauma, including gunshot wounds & car accidents. Must specify whether you DO or DO NOT want to visit ER on the tour. MA:1600 SW Archer Rd 32608 AR:2wk M/10 X/25 NP HS Volunteer Services 395-0111

 

JAIL: Alachua County Jail: 1½ hr guided tour includes visiting First Appearances court-room, observing booking process, male & female in-mates, juvenile inmates bound over as adults, visitation areas, laundry & commissary. Under 8 not allowed. W only MA:3333 NE 39 Ave 32609 AR:2wk M/5 X/12-incl.CH  #(352) 491-4692

 

LANDFILL: 1 hr tour will observe Class 1 Sanitary-lined landfill, leachate treatment plant, methane gas processing, class 3 waste & more. MA:PO Box 1188 32602-1188. AR:1wk M/5 X/30 NP HS Call Public Education Coordinator 495-9215. On Archer Road in Archer

 

LIBRARY: All branches offer tours from Story Hour for young children to instruction on using computers to locate books for gr K-8 Main Branch 401 E University Ave 32601 #(352) 334-3931 or #(352) 334-3930; Millhopper Branch: Beginning Jan 1997 will offer school tours @ 10:30 on 1st T of ea month ONLY. K-5. 3145 NW 43 St 32606. #(352) 334-1272. Tower Rd:3020 SW 75 St 32607 333-2840. AR:1wk M/5 X/20 HS

 

MOSQUITO CONTROL: A field trip in a swamp! Students will learn the life cycle of the mosquito, release mosquito fish, use a dipper to collect mosquito larvae, distribute briquettes used to keep larvae from becoming adult mosquitos. Separate into elementary age/middle-school. AR:2wk M/10 X/30 NP HS #(352) 334-2287

 

NEWSPAPER: Gainesville Sun. All steps of newspaper production from selecting ads to writing stories to the press room. Prefer children be familiar with newspaper & prepared to ask questions before tour. Ages 9 & up. AR:2 wk MA:PO Box 147147, 2700 SW 13 St. 32614-7147 M/5 X/15 NP HS #(352) 374-5009 

 

NUCLEAR POWER PLANT: Florida Power Corporation's Crystal River energy complex (The Power Place). History of energy, hands-on exhibits, energy museum. Open M-F 9:30-4:00, free. No AR needed for self-guided tour. For free guided tour: AR:2-3mo M/10 X/25 MA:PO Box 306, Crystal River 32693. (352) 563-4490 LP

 

PIZZA HUT: 1½ hr mid-morning tour lets students see the kitchen & create their own personal pan pizza & eat it in the dining room. $3.50 PS ('96 rates) Drinks extra. CH may buy pizza & eat with students. M/5PS X/15 #(352) 332-4383=7608 NW 8 Ave 32607; #(352) 372-5295=2109 NW 13th St 32609; #(352) 376-1681=3515 SW Archer Rd 32608; #(352) 373-6699=2320 NW 43rd St 32606  

 

POLICE STATION: Gainesville Police Department. See the inside of a police car, communications, records, detective division, fingerprint technician & forensic lab. Request same-age tours (elementary, MS or HS. AR:2wk M/1 X/20 1 hr NP HS Identification Program tour also available for elementary students ONLY which includes ID card with photo & vital data. AR:1mo+ M/1 X/10 NP MA:721 NW 6 St 32601 Ask for Staff Assistant for either tour 334-2441

 

POST OFFICE: "The smaller the group, the more fun we have!" says Cheryl Beville, Tour Coordinator. She suggests children write a letter to themselves or to each other & they will follow it through each machine & understand the envelope markings when it is delivered next day. Best if AFTER 6 PM, since machines don't start until after 2PM. Coloring books given out. Daytime tour AR:2day. Evening tour AR:1wk Bring postage for evening tour, or buy stamp at PO for daytime tour. 1 hr M/1 X/30 #(352) 334-1815

 

RADIO STATION: WUFT See newsroom, control room, production, music library, & TV studios. 1 hr Enter from North-South Drive, get Parking pass, go east on Stadium Dr; can park in O'Connell Center. Located behind football stadium. Allow EXTRA time for parking. MA:2206 Weimer Hall, 2nd Floor, 32611 AR:1wk M/5 X/30 NP HS #(352) 392-5200 X116

 

SHIP: Mayport Naval Station, tours of ships in port. Open Sat 10:00-4:30, Sun 1-4:30. (904) 270-5011

TELEVISION STATION:

            WCJB Channel 20: See general offices, newsroom, studio & control room. 30-45 min. MA:6220 NW 43 St 32653 AR:1mo M/7 X/25 NP HS #(352) 377-2020, X224

 

            WUFT Television -- see Radio Station

 

VETERINARIANS: see ANIMALS/NATURE/SCIENCE

 

WASTE WATER PLANTS:

            Gainesville Regional Utilities Main Street Waste Water Plant:

Follow the process of waste water from start (raw sewage) to finish (effluent). Sludge, biological & chemical treatment tanks. 20 min to 1 hr. MA:200 SE 16 Ave 32601 AR:3dy M/3 X/25 NP HS Mr. #(352) 334-3504

            Kanapaha Water Reclamation Facility: Includes 15 minute video geared to gr 3-8.1 hr MA:3901 SW 63 Blvd 32608. AR:1wk M/5 X/25 NP. #(352) 334-2645

            Murphy Water Treatment Plant: This is the drinking water plant. Observe lime-softening process, chlorination, fluoridation, filtration & infiltration. Learn how water begins in the environment & ends up in your home. 8 minute video. Prefer children be grouped in same level of scientific knowledge, but not necessary. MA:1600 NE 53rd Ave 32609 AR:3dy M/1 X/25 NP HS #(352) 334-2865

 

ANIMALS/NATURE/SCIENCE FIELD TRIPS

 

ALL CREATURES WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Newberry. Endangered, threatened & rare cougars, wolves, cats, deer, hawks, owls, prairie dogs, etc. Ed Tour w/FTR M/5 X/25  #(352) 472-4700

 

BIVENS ARM NATURE PARK: Observation platforms, nature trails, restrooms. Cultural & nature programs, free. 9-5 daily. 3650 S Main St 334-2056. #(352) 334-2170

 

DEVIL'S MILLHOPPER: Giant sinkhole with trail & stairs to bottom. Exotic plants, exhibit area. NO picnicking. Vehicle entrance fee waived with letter stating educational & mailed 1 wk in advance. Copy of letter must appear in dash of each vehicle. MA:4732 Millhopper Rd 32653 AR:1mo M/5 X/60 Guided walks on Sa by reservation 904 462-7905

  

DUCK POND at North Florida Regional Hospital: Picnic, feed the ducks, walking trails

 

DUCK POND 600 block N.E. Blvd. Feed very tame ducks in historic area of Gainesville

 

FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY: Largest natural history museum in SE. Native animals, 5 Florida ecosystems, Florida cave filled with simulated rocks, & 1000's of artifacts. Museum Rd. Op M-Sa 10-5; Su 1-5, free MA:PO Box 117800, 32611-7800. 392-1721

 

FRED BEAR MUSEUM: Archery artifacts & hundreds of specimens collected over 58 years, short video, free archery ranges. Open 10-6 W-Su, Closed M-T. FTR; AR:1wk M/15PS-for FTR X/30 MA:4600 SW 41 Blvd 32608; by Archer Road & I-75 376-2411

HORSE FARM TOURS: Some of the 400 thoroughbred horse farms offer free tours in Ocala area. Double Diamond 1:00-3:00 M (352) 237-3834; Ocala Stud 7:00-10:30; 2:00-3:30 M-Sa (352) 237-2171; Bridlewood 2:00 W (352) 622-5319; Hooper Farm 2:00 F (352) 237-2104. Fee tours available (352) 624-9191 LP

 

JACKSONVILLE ZOO: AR:2wk M/10PS X/NL FTR NL/CH Open 9-5 Daily. MA:8650 Zoo Rd, Jacksonville 32218 (Heckscher Rd off I-95) (904) 751-5550 LP

 

KANAPAHA BOTANICAL GARDENS: Herb garden, bamboo forest, boardwalk to sinkhole, lily pond, exotic plants, rock garden. M-T-F 9-5; W-Sa,Su 9-dusk. FTR/Free guided tour on advance request. MA:4625 SW 63 Blvd 32608 AR:2wk M/10 X/NL 372-4981

 

K-9 DIVISION of Alachua County Sheriff's Office will do two 1- to 2-hr demonstrations for homeschool groups per year. Students can interact with dogs trained to do tracking, bomb detection, article searches, narcotics searches, aggressive protection & more. Reservations 1 mo in advance by letter ONLY to: Capt. Leon Caffie, PO Box 1210, 32602. Include requested date, time, place (outdoor), # of students, contact person & telephone #. Specify if you would like a longer (2 hrs or more) demonstration. M/20 X/NL

 

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER:

            NASA's Exploration Station Program offers a free 1 hr program which includes 30min classroom lecture, & 30min hands-on. Choose either Propulsion program (fundamentals of rocketry) (MS/HS ONLY); or Living in Space Program (life aboard a space shuttle) all ages, or Propulsion Program. Best to schedule this tour first, then call the Visitor's Center (below) to schedule shuttle tours & discount theater tickets. Both programs in the same complex. MA:Education Station, Educator's Resource Center, Mail Code ERC, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 AR:2mo or more (books quickly) M/15 incl CH X/45 incl CH NP M-F 8-5 (407) 867-2959

            Visitor Center: Multi-media exhibits explaining US space programs, moon rocks, space craft, free entrance. FTR for movies: The Dream is Alive, The Blue Planet, Destiny in Space FTR for shuttle tour. 1 CH for each 10 PS @ Student Rate. Extra CH pay regular rates. Open 8-sunset. MA:Delaware North Park Services, Mail Code DNPS, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 AR:1 wk M/10 X/NL. (407) 452-2121

            Launch Information: Updated launch times 1-800-KSC-INFO

            Launch Reservations: FTR for a shuttle to site 6 miles from launch. Can be reserved 1 week prior to launch, but MUST BE PICKED UP IN PERSON PRIOR TO LAUNCH DAY.  

            Launch Viewing Free car pass allows 1 private vehicle inside the Space Center to a viewing site 6 miles from launch area. Write NASA 3 months in advance: Nasa Visitor Services, Mail Code: PA-PASS, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899

 

MARINELAND: Oceanarium with 1,000 species of ocean life in 2 aquariums. Dolphin show, multi-dimensional film, play area. Picnic lunch area. Open 9-5 year round. FTR/No CH limit @ same rate. AR:1wk M/10PS X/NL MA:9507 Ocean Shore Blvd. Marineland, FL 32086 (Exit 93 off of I-95) (904) 471-1111 X122     

 

MORNINGSIDE NATURE CENTER: Wildlife Sanctuary, authentic 1800's Florida farm, barn & barnyard animals. Guided walks, workshops, barnyard chores, nature trails. 9-5, daily, free. 3540 E University Ave 32601. Cultural & nature programs. #(352) 334-2170

 

PAYNES PRAIRIE STATE PRESERVE: Cultural & natural history exhibits, observation tower, nature trails, swimming, fishing, picnic area w/restrooms, campground, backpacking, horseback trips. Park open til sunset. Visitor's Center open 9-5, has a variety of educational programs, free. AR:2mo Entrance fee waived for educational field trips with written advance request. Ranger available on request for Ranger-led hikes. 466-3397. Ranger-led hikes every Sa/Su Apr-Nov are: Wildlife Walk (2 miles) & Rim Ramble (4 miles around rim of prairie) free (no entrance fee). Overnight Ranger-led campout on first weekend of each month Apr-Nov, Regular entrance fee per vehicle (limit 8). MA:Rt 2 Box 41 Micanopy 32667. 10 mi S of Gainesville on US 441. 466-3397 Ranger; 466-4110 Visitor Center

 

RAILS TO TRAILS: Old train tracks starts at Boulware Springs Park (off SE 15th St) & ends in Hawthorne. Partially paved for bikes. Open 8 to sunset, daily, free. 334-2170

 

REPTILES: Mr. Pete Howard educates students about reptiles from all over the world, using slide presentations, live snakes & live baby alligators, which students can handle. Teaches how to identify poisonous snakes in Florida & what to do. Prefers 8-20 children. Mr. Howard is an evolutionist, but does try (sometimes unsuccessfully) to tailor his presentation to a Christian group. Accept a small donation to cover gas expense to the meeting place. 378-5456

 

SAN FELASCO HAMMOCK: Mile long nature trail, guided hiking & horseback tours. 3½ mi w of Devil's Millhopper on Millhopper Rd. Open 8 to sunset, daily. Vehicle entrance fee waived with letter stating educational field trip & mailed 1 wk in advance. MA:4732 Millhopper Rd 32653 Copy of letter must appear in dash of each vehicle. 462-7905

 

SANTA FE COMMUNITY COLLEGE TEACHING ZOO: Free tour with reservation. MA:3000 NW 83rd ST 32606 AR:3day M/1 X/30 Open Sa/Su 9-2 & during the week by reservation. 395-5604

 

 


SCIENCE CENTERS: Membership honored at these Centers:

            Discovery Science Center Ocala. Hands on Science Center. 2 hr program includes workshop on a scientific principle. FTR/K-8. Picnic on grounds by request. Can do overnight excursions on F/Sa for FTR/10 PS. Pilot program sponsors homeschooler workshops last Th of each month; fees may vary. MA:50 S Magnolia Ave, Ocala 34474 AR:2wk M/10 X/50  Teacher Packets available (352) 620-2555

            Jacksonville Museum of Science & History: Aquariums, live animals, hands-on science exhibits, planetarium, laser light show, Egyptian mummies, Florida history. Age 3-12/M/10 FTR/X/100 AR:2wks; Special Programs FTR/CH free AR:Programs book months in advance Open T-F 9-5 MA:1025 Gulf Life Drive, Jacksonville 32207 (904) 396-7061 LP

            Orlando Science Center Astronomical observatory, John Young Planetarium, hands-on science exhibits. FTR which can include planetarium show. 1 free CH per 5 elementary PS; 1 free CH per 10 PS/MS. MA:810 E Rollins St, Orlando 32803 (Loch Haven Park) AR:2wk M/5 elementary PS;(407) 896-8672 or fax (407) 896-1795 LP

 

SEA WORLD: 1 CH in each group of 3 PS admitted @ FTR; plus 1 CH free in each group of 10 PS. Xtra CH pay gate price. AR:1mo+ M/10PS X/NL Preschoolers & strollers strongly discouraged by Sea World on educational field trips. 9-2 on selected Education days during school year. Parking pass mailed in advance MUST be displayed on dash to waive parking fee. Picnic on grounds. MA:7007 Sea World Drive Orlando 32821-8097 (407) 351-3600. Ask for Education. 

 

SILVER SPRINGS offers educational field trips year round for all ages:½ day or full day FTR. 1 free CH per 15 PS. Earth Lab (2 hrs hands-on) ½ day & full day FTR; specially designed labs for K-3, gr 4-8 & high school. Largest limestone artisan spring formation in the world. Glass-bottom boats tour the springs. Giraffes, zebras & monkeys. Deer, sheep, llamas & goats can be petted & fed. Reptile exhibit. Open 9-5:30 daily. (800) 234-7458, Education. MA:5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs 34488; AR:2wks M/15 X/30 for labs; X/NL on field trips. LP

 

SPRINGS - see RECREATIONAL FIELD TRIPS

 

UF ASTRONOMY TEACHING OBSERVATORY: UF campus, S of Reitz Union parking lot. F 8:30-10 PM, by reservation only, free 392-5294 or 392-1016

 

UF COLLEGE OF ENTOMOLOGY & NEMATOLOGY: Over 14,000 insects to view, 2 slide presentations available. Specify any special interests when making reservation. 392-1901. M/10 X/120 NP

 

UF COLLEGES: Various colleges at UF have been willing in the past to accommodate school tours. Check with the college or department of student interest for details.

 

VETERINARIANS:

            Dr. Terry Tomlin, Town & Country Veterinarians Students will observe all areas, including surgery & kennels. 30min 11 AM Tues. AR:1wk 1 CH for each 3 students. MA:6900 SW Archer Rd, 32608; 378-6027 M/5 X/10 NP HS

            UF SMALL ANIMAL HOSPITAL Overview of hospital, & tour of Wildlife Ward & Small Animal Clinic. Gr 4+. 1 hr. 3 PM on 2 Friday afternoons per month ONLY. Books quickly. AR:2-3mo M/10 X/30 NP HS #(352) 392-4700 X5206

 

WILDLIFE MUSEUM Tony's Taxidermy 2 mi. S of Hawthorne on US 301. Op M-Sa 8-6 481-2429

 


HISTORICAL/CULTURAL/ARTISTIC

 

 

APPLETON MUSEUM has over 6,000 works from Classical Greece, Imperial Rome, Pre-Columbian America, & 19th Century Europe, sculpture, paintings, ceramics & antique furniture. Closed M & holidays. Admission fee. Adjacent to Ocala National Forest MA:4433 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala 32670 (352) 236-5050

 

CAMP BLANDING MUSEUM & MEMORIAL PARK 10 mi.E of Starke on SR 16. Open T-F 9-4,

Sa-Su 1-5, closed M. Free (352) 533-3196

 

CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS: Massive stone fortress built in 1672 authentically maintained by the National Park Service.  Many historical exhibits & artifacts. Open daily. Under 16 free. Rt A1A, St. Augustine 32084 (904) 829-6506

 

CRYSTAL RIVER STATE ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE: preserved Indian mound complex from 200 BC to 1400 AD. Temple & burial mounds, museum. Open daily, small fee. (352) 795-3817

 

DE LEON SPRINGS RECREATIONAL AREA: Site of legendary Fountain of Youth, oldest sugar mill in operation, & Indian burial mounds. Swimming, picnicking & fishing.  Open daily, admission fee. MA:3100 S. Old Floral City Road Inverness 32650 (off Hwy 41) (904) 726-0315

 

EPCOT: FTR, plus 1 CH @ FTR and 1 CH free for each 10 PS. Xtra CH pay gate price. AR:1mo+ M/10 X/NL-some educational programs have maximum limits. 407 828-4442 LP

 

FLORIDA SPORTS HALL OF FAME: Historic sports memorabilia museum. FTR 1/PS; CH free. Ratio of at least 1 CH to 5 PS requested. Open 9-5 M-F daily. MA:PO Box 1630 Lake City 32056 AR:1wk M/1 X/NL as long as a minimum of 1 CH per 5 PS. Exit 82 on I-75; left on Rt 90 to Hall of Fame Drive, turn right. (800) FLA-FAME 

 

FORT CAROLINE NATIONAL MEMORIAL: Site of 1st Protestant colony in United States. Founded in 1564 by French Huguenots. Has replica of the original fort & a museum with French & Indian artifacts. Nature trail. Open 9-5 MA:12713 Fort Caroline Rd Jacksonville. Free. I-10 to St Johns Bluff Rd, then E on Ft Caroline Road. (904) 641-7155

 

FORT CLINCH STATE PARK: Rangers, dressed as Union privates, man the Civil War fort, & carry out duties of the garrison soldiers who occupied the fort in 1864, when it was an outpost in the terrain of the Confederacy. Fernandina Beach Open 8-sunset

 

FORT MATANZAS NATIONAL MONUMENT: A stone tower built by the Spanish in 1742. Ferry from Anastasia Island. Open daily, free. 14 mi. S of St. Augustine on A1A (904) 829-6509

 

HARN MUSEUM OF ART: SW 34th Street & Hull Road. Open 11-5 T-F, 10- 5 Sat, 1-5 Sun, Closed M. Free 392-9826

 

HISTORIC ST AUGUSTINE: Oldest city in the U.S. )904) 829-5681 for more information.

 

JACKSONVILLE ART MUSEUM: Permanent collection includes paintings (a Picasso exhibit), sculpture, & one of the best Oriental porcelain exhibits in US. Open T-W-F 10-4, TH 10-10, S-S 1-5, Closed M's & August. Free. MA:4160 Boulevard Center Drive (904) 398-8336

 

KINGSLEY PLANTATION STATE HISTORIC SITE: One of the few remaining examples of plantation system of territorial Florida. Oldest plantation house in the state.  Open daily 8-5. Guided tours available. Admission fee. MA: Ft. George Island, P.O. Box 321, Ft. George 32226 (904) 251-3122

 

MARJORIE KINNAN RAWLINGS STATE HISTORIC SITE: Restored cracker home of author of The Yearling. Guided tours Oct-July w/FTR. Field trip tours T-W only FTR: free with  letter stating educational field trip mailed in advance. MA:Rt 3 Box 92 Hawthorne 32640 AR:2mo M/10 X/40. On Hwy 325 in Cross Creek. Open daily 9-5. (352) 466-3672

 

MATHESON HISTORICAL CENTER: Learn about Alachua County & Florida History. Students should bring pencils for history handouts. Geared to 4th gr; 2nd+ gr ok. 30m-1hr. MA:518 E University Ave 32601 AR:1wk M/5 X/30 NP FTR (1 adult free per group). Picnic area. Park @ Kirby Smith. #(352) 378-2280

 

MICANOPY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM: Cholokka Blvd & Bay St, Micanopy. Open F-Su 1-5

 

PIONEER SETTLEMENT FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS: Historical folk museum, candle-dipping, wool carding, weaving, cane grinding, quilting, basketry, blacksmithing. 2 hr morning tours only. Picnic area. Just west of Hwy 40 & Hwy 17, 50 mi e. of Ocala. MA:PO Box 6 Barberville 32105 AR:MONTHS in advance for school groups; fills quickly! M/15 X/NL FTR (904) 749-2959

     

SIX FLAGS OVER GEORGIA: plans a Home School Day each spring & fall. Incl instructional day from 10-6, free meal, free parking, & free rides from 6-10PM. FTR MA:PO Box 43187 Atlanta, GA 30378 AR:postmarked by deadline; no tickets @ gate M/1; processing fee per order, so bulk ticket orders suggested X/limited (770) 739-3419 LP 

 

THOMAS CENTER: Exhibits of historical & contemporary Florida artists. 2 galleries. Changes every 5 wks. Op 8-5 M-F, 1-4 Sa-Su. Free. MA:302 NE 6th Ave 32602 334-2197

 

THOMAS CENTER TOUR & WALKING TOUR:

            Thomas Center Tour includes a short slide presentation. Children sample 1900's period costumes (arm bands, jewelry, etc). 1 hr. Given Th-F only during school year. Picnic area. Geared to 3rd gr, but can book older ages. Free. MA:302 NE 6th Ave 32602 AR:1wk M/15 X/25 NP #(352) 332-0318

            Walking Tour begins at Thomas Center & includes homes & buildings from 1860's in NE historic district & Southeast Gainesville area, free. Call for Walking Tour maps in advance. D.A. Fosser 334-2197  

 

SANTA FE GALLERY: National & regional art gallery. Open 10-3 M-F; 2-4 Su. Free. Bldg P, Rm 201, Santa Fe Community College MA:3000 NW 83rd St 32606 395-5621

 

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GALLERY: Modern art from all over the world. Free. MA:SW 13th St 32601 392-0201

 


RECREATIONAL FIELD TRIPS

Sports, Swimming, State Parks, Springs

 

SPORTS

 

ARCHERY: Public archery range, rifle range, skeet & trap range. Airport Industrial Plaza. Free. Waldo Rd north past 39 Ave. Take first right into General Aviation. Turn left at first stop sign. Turn right at next stop sign. Turn right at next intersection (no stop sign).

 

BASKETBALL: Public Basketball Courts -- see PARKS

 

BIKING: Mr. Chandler Otis of Campus Cycle Works offers beginner, intermediate & advanced bike rides for individuals, families or groups. Must have bicycle helmet & bike (10-speed preferred) in very good working condition (good brakes, tires full, etc.) Under 18 need parental approval, under 12 need CH. Beginners ride 15 miles round-trip from UF Plaza of the Americas to Newnan's Lake 2 hr. Free. Chandler Otis 376 6729 or 377-1728

 

BOWLING:

            Alley Katz FTR:2 hrs bowling w/shoes FTR; Daytime only. MA:3705-1 SW 42nd Ave 32608 AR:1wk M/5 X/NL Kathy 373-3833

            Palm Lanes FTR: MA:2606 NE Waldo Rd Steve Brazo 373-2695

              

EPCOT: see HISTORICAL/CULTURAL/ARTISTIC