The first time I visited this museum was in 2017. It was awe and there's so much to see here and…read morenew things to learn about. This facility also includes a butterfly garden, which is very interesting. I have managed to visit every year. There plenty of parking at this facility, to include a parking garage as well. If you love museums and live in Florida, I highly recommend visiting this museum.

The Florida Museum of Natural History is absolutely amazing! They have different seasonal exhibits…read morewhich are always pretty interesting. The exhibits are beautifully curated, educational, and captivating. The butterfly rainforest is a must-see and well worth the extra charge- it's magical walking among so many vibrant butterflies. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, and the whole experience was both fun and inspiring. Great to bring kids and my niece who is 4 years old loved the area for kids , she didn't want to leave . It was engaging and creative of them to have a little area dedicated for kids. Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a great day out, this place won't disappoint.

We were back in Gainesville, and since it was a cold, rainy day, we decided to h go again using our…read moreNorth American Reciprocal museum membership. In exactly one year, they had changed and updated practically the whole museum except the Cade/Gatorade section which was partly updated. I was impressed. This is a great museum for kids of all ages ,and adults too, especially if they are interested in STEM, creativity and inventing. Plenty of fun, hands-on learning and inspiration for future careers.

This museum for creativity and invention established in 2018 and located in a corner of Depot Park…read morein Gainesville inspires future inventors, entrepreneurs and visionaries. Open four days a week Thursday to Sunday 10am to 4pm. Admission $15 for adults, 5-17 $10, college students snd seniors $12.50 and under 5 is free. Established and named after Robert Cade, the lead inventor of Gatorade, reflects his view of combining science and art in a manner of purposeful creativity. There are exhibits on inventions and technology that came from University of Florida. The museum caters to people of all ages and young children. STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) workshops are available where attendants can meet living inventors. A little gift shop located at the front lobby. Parking is free.

While visiting Gainesville today we stopped by the Harn Museum of Art. This is a FREE admission…read moremuseum which we love. This place is great and they have so many great pieces. Didn't take many photos because I was involved in the moment with my wife and friends and amazed at all the nice art work they have. We stopped and asked the security officer a few questions. One was how long do these art pieces stay out for viewing and also do they transfer them to other museums around the country. He said they rotate out art work about every few years so it keeps things fresh and no they don't transfer pieces. All pieces stay in house. If you are ever in the area you must stop by the Harn Museum of Art! Also next the year Florida Museum of Natural History will reopen after a full renovation and you also must see that!!! Definitely recommend you visit this!

The Harn Museum of Art is one of my favorite places in Gainesville when I want something calming,…read morebeautiful, and grounding. The galleries are thoughtfully curated, the space feels open and inviting, and there's always a good mix of contemporary pieces, cultural exhibits, and rotating collections that keep things interesting. Their Art After Dark events on Thursday nights are such a nice bonus, the museum feels even more alive, and it's a great way to enjoy art in a relaxed, social setting without it feeling overwhelming. Perfect for a solo night, a date, or something different to do after work. I also love the outdoor garden area; it adds to the peaceful vibe and makes the whole experience feel refreshing. I always leave feeling inspired and reset.

Cafe is managed by The Chef's Garden catering and they serve a variety of different dishes - in a…read morevery small kitchen. Reservations are important - especially with any groups. My go to is tomato bisque soup and the gourmet grilled cheese. The Cobb salads are delicious too -- and a signature dish is Shrimp & Grits. When we were there, a server had called in sick and Tracy was running in and out trying to keep up - she did a great job! The museum is outstanding - the staff very welcoming and friendly. The exhibits are excellent and the displays highlight the work. Self-guided tours are no problem - as many placards provide insights. The grounds - simply beautiful. Definitely recommend a visit!

The museum was having a plant market right in front of the museum a few weeks ago and that's what…read moredrew me into coming here. The vendor I bought from told me that it was free that day to go into the museum and Gardens so my family and I decided to look at the beautiful garden to welcome spring. Sadly, we didn't have time to explore the inside of the museum, but that will be for next time. The garden is absolutely stunning and breathtaking with a plethora of colors and the river in the back it's just so pretty. I loved how you could just walk around and see the different parts of the garden and then stand by the river as well. They had super unique flowers. I especially loved the ones that looked like little red lanterns and I loved all the beautiful trees. I was so happy to come here and I loved that they had a little plant market that drew you in to come and actually check out the garden. I can't wait to go back and explore the museum and make a whole day out of it. You definitely need to add this to your list if you haven't gone yet.

The Micanopy Historical Society Museum is so rich in history, I wouldn't even know where to begin…read more They only ask for a small donation of two dollars, and that's only if you want to give it. Why wouldn't you? This place and these guides are giving you such wonderful experience and information about a really great historical town that is famous in Florida. The antiques that they have here for everyone to see are just amazing. If you're in the area, I highly suggest that if you're here after 1 PM, which is when they open that you stop in and get a look for yourself!

I just so happened upon this museum after eating at Pearl bbq down the street and I'm glad I did…read more It's a small, 20 person operation. There are about two historians working there at any given time. Upon arriving, please make sure to put your $2 suggested donation in the milk jar. Mrs. Patricia Crass was my tour guide and she was just the absolute best. So knowledgeable about the small and interesting town of Micanopy. The museum itself has been open over 20 years. It is located in the restored Thrasher Warehouse from around 1915. All of the artifacts are from Micanopy. They have an array of items that represent many facets of Micanopy: information about Naval Stores and turpentine, a 1930s Icebox, Railroad information, agriculture and farming, schools, war. I found the exhibits about the Seminoles, Chief Micanopy, and the early historical periods the most fascinating. You could spend anywhere from 30min -2 hours depending on if you choose to allow the nice tour guides to lead you. It's easy to navigate and small. Because they want to maintain the integrity of the original building, there is no air conditioning so it can be quite hot. Some of the museum is hands on, so I think it's child friendly. Great place to visit if you're into Florida history!

I went on a free tour of Sally Dark Rides and left feeling like my mind was blown. First of all - I…read morehad no idea this was a huge warehouse in Downtown Jacksonville. Nor did I realize most of the dark rides across the whole world are created and developed here! It was amazing!! Our tour guide led us through the building while showing us all of the stages of creating an epic dark ride. This made me think about amusement parks in a whole different way. The tour was about an hour and was very informative. We asked lots of questions and met people from different departments along the way. Highly recommend booking a free tour and checking this out. It would be great for kids as well!

I need to start b my saying that this part of our trip to Florida was not planned! My 11 yo LOVES…read moreanimatronics, most especially, Five Nights at Freddy's (FNAF). He originally wanted to visit a much smaller place in Orlando, which is a one man operation charging $375. It was a bit too far and too expensive for what it was so I decided to do my own research of places he would love, Sally Corporation became the place. I filled out the reservation form online and was told there were no spots available during our time in Florida. I couldn't take no for an answer. I emailed back explaining how much my son wants to be a Robotics Engineer and that we would wait as long as we needed to snag a spot. We got an email back the next day that two spots opened up!!! We made our way downtown and parked for free in the back. We entered to learn that the tour was also FREE...FREE! This facility is HUGE! They are arguably the largest producer of Dark Ride Amusements in the US and don't just make the robotic aspect of the animatronics, but they handle EVERY aspect of the creation and completion. From make up, costumes, design, voices, all of that! We were thrilled to see they had a...yep...FIVE NIGHTS OF FREDDY'S attraction! If you've ever been to he Ripley's in San Antonio, you will see one of their biggest sellers there, a ginormous T-Rex, that's their baby that sells for $90,000! The tour takes you to each department and you are truly immersed in their production. It is an working operation so you get to see the people behind the scenes at work, which was SO DAMN INSPIRING for my 11 yo who has told me for 4 TM years that this is what he wants to do in life. He got to see what his future could be like, which is absolutely priceless. The staff, facilities, location, displays, animatronics, all were 5 stars! Hands down a MUST when in Jacksonville! Come for a 10 or 11am tour and then take the FREE Skyway (Tram) to Hemming Park and Check our Sweet Peet's. Your kids will have the best day ever!

Family went over memorial weekend. There were quite a few interactive exhibits that didn't work…read more The 3rd floor was closed down and the 2nd floor near the planetarium didn't make sense. You can tell the museum is closing down. The shows in the planetarium were great. They were very educational and entertaining. Other than that my other favorite part was the "Currents of Time." Seeing the evolution of the Jacksonville area. I definitely will check out the new location once it's done.

What a happy celebration day for the museum as they transition to a bigger and modern caliber for…read morethe city. I learned that the museum of science is expanding to a new home and it will take some years for the official move and space. Throughout my travels , looking for staples in the community that offer hands on learning, family friendly spaces, and a budgeted treat truly takes time to explore. Today I walked through showcases filled with history from the Victorian era; some relics were plants and photos from the 1970! I hadn't been inside a planetarium in a few years and you still appreciate the wonder when you hear children awe at the science and story telling in front of their eyes. All the staff were incredible , helping answer and questions they had- a major shout out to Vystar credit union as a volunteer partner making the day impactful for the masses. Go visit your museum- science centers- arts locations as we are continuously evolving in science and expanding our living history. Today was special!

The museum was very organized and clean, also so interactive for all ages! The staff was very…read morehelpful and friendly. The front desk staff, Nicky, was sweet to us and even ran after me when I left my phone in the gift shop. Embarrassing moment for me but it shows how attentive and caring the staff there is.

Only $2 per person. Cash only. I love that huge mammoth skeleton by the entrance. I saw signs that…read moresays they are expanding the museum. I'll visit again if have the chance to return to Florida.

We really love this place. My LO is 19 months old and we've had a membership since he turned one…read more It's so cool to see him be able to engage in more and more on each visit. There are tons of options and areas. The older kids have always been so helpful with my little guy and he always has a blast. If you come more than once, the annual pass pays for itself and is very affordable. The staff is nice. Be prepared to have your photo ID with you every time you come!

Okay so to me the name is very misleading. Not a children's museum at all - more like an indoor…read moreplay area. Not bad for the price but you get what you pay for. The staff was nice but no real sanitizing procedures except for the hand sanitizer on the wall that is by the entrance. You were allowed to wear your shoes inside all the areas but no staff was going around sanitizing the floors at any time during the two hours we were there. The only staff I saw was at the front register. All the kid's socks and clothes that we saw were black from how dirty the play areas were. My daughter's pants & shoes were very dirty by the end of our time spent there. The bathrooms were disgusting & smelled really bad. Probably will be our only time going here- would rather spend $20 for my daughter to go to a cleaner indoor play area that requires their brand socks & no shoes at all.