If you're a history lover and in the area, you can't miss the Amelia Island Museum of History -…read morewhich is housed in the old historic jail building. THe museum itself isn't the largest but you'll be very surprised at just how much has gone down on this small island on the edge of the Georgia/Florida state line. If it's any indication of just how tumultuous this area was - 7 distinct flags have flown over the island throughout written history. From natives to pirates to Spaniards and Confederates and everyone in between - there's a lot more to Amelia Island than just million dollar beach homes and waterside dining. Admission is $10 for adults. Make sure that you arrive with enough time to enjoy one of the complimentary docent tours. It's included with your museum admission so to not take advantage is a big missed opportunity. The tour we had lasted over 1 hour and in that time our guide covered essentially most things you would learn from reading the exhibit displays but with added insight. As an added bonus, there is a parking lot attached to the museum and plenty of street parking as well. I'd recommend starting your Amelia Island vacation with a trip to the museum so you can appreciate the historical footsteps you're walking in while on the island.

Worth a stop if you want to learn the history of beautiful Amelia island !…read more The Amelia Island Museum of History offers a well done look at the island's past, from the Timucua Indians to Spanish and French explorers and even pirates. The exhibits are interesting and well presented, with videos and displays that make the history come to life ! There is a docent led tour, which is included with admission. Tours run Monday-Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., and they add great context and storytelling to the exhibits. Fun extras: there's a pressed penny machine for collectors and a passport stamps if you're tracking your travels. There's also a nicely stocked gift shop . Plan to spend at least 30 minutes here, though history lovers could easily stay longer depending on how much reading you want to do. Plenty of parking makes the visit even easier.

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.

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!

This was a fun way to spend a hour or so and get a lot of history of the island. They actually let…read moreyou go up the lighthouse steps (129 stairs) so you can experience the life of keeper. It's a spiraling staircase that has some landings along the way so you can rest or stretch. But it's the coming down that is a little harder. The spiraling stairs are more disorienting coming down, so take your time. After that there are a few rooms of pertinent information and then they have four rooms upstairs that show what life was life back then. Each room was recreated with artifacts of the time period...and there was a little interactive tablets that explain the different items in the room. A definite stop if you're visiting the island.

A fun stop with beautiful views and a rich history! Very photogenic area as well! The stairs going…read moreup are tight and a bit steep so passing people going down can be tough but worth the effort for the view at the top! The museum is a wonderful trip through history and they even offered coloring sheets for the kids to take home with information about lighthouses on the back that was their level! Great spot to visit, and right next door is a wonderful park to let kids go wild in after :)

Had a wonderful time stopping into the Queen Little town of St. Mary's. While we were here we…read morestopped by the submarine museum and loved it. So much history in one building. I feel like anyone could enjoy this place, but especially those who have been in the Navy. You have to check this place out!

I recall the first time that I visited this museum with my roommate was in 2019. Our first visit…read morewas amazing. There is so much Naval submarine history to learn about within this small museum. I found everything inside to be very fascinating because I'm a Navy and Army veteran, and I love learning about Naval history as well. If you're on active duty Navy, Navy Reserves, or retired Navy, then I highly suggest visiting this type of museum. I plan on visiting again this year as time and weather permits.

Do not let the name of this place turn you off...it's a mouthful, but it really is worth a visit…read more We've been here a couple of times now and my niece calls it "the bug museum" as there's a lot to see here - mosquitoes, bees, ants and more. The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable on the research and educational components of the experience. There's lots to see and a nice coloring and activity center for kids (sometimes with special arts and crafts activities). The highlight for my niece is the helicopter that she can "fly" on mosquito treatment missions. There's a serene garden space as well as a playground. Parking and admission are free - just be sure to check hours as they are not open every day of the week.

We used this as a fun rest stop off I-95. We learned a lot about mosquitoes and the staff was…read morefriendly. We spent an hour but could've easily spent another hour if we didn't want to hit the road.

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.

So much fun for all ages bring family and friends you learn so history come early beat the crowds…read moreit is magical fun amazing come on the weekdays so important the staff is very nice and friendly and helpful and knowledgeable sweet understanding so clean and organized fun joyful unbelievable remarkable wonderful inspiring awesome I love coming here! From Lauren

Cool and educational experience. I definitely think if you have kids they will highly enjoy it! I…read moredefinitely learned a ton and had so much fun.

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.

Fun (inexpensive) "19" hole mini golf course A little worn…read morebut lots of good fun Not a wheelchair friendly area. Lots of ups and downs (but this makes for some unique and interesting golf holes.

Fun and interesting. Definitely a different take versus the traditional mini golf. Would come back…read moreagain