2015-16 Annual Field Trip Guide

presents the 2015-16 ANNUAL

FIELD TRIP GUIDE

Annual guide to help Sarasota & Manatee County teachers and youth leaders plan Field Trips ~ Assemblies Performances ~ Carnivals ~ Fundraisers

-16 5 1 20 nual An

FIELD TRIPGUIDE

brought to you by the publishers of Manasota Family & Kids’ Directory

FIELD TRIPS & ASSEMBLIES YOUTH GROUP OUTINGS SCHOOL CARNIVALS SCHOOL PERFORMANCES Listings By County P. 4...Manatee County P. 9...Sarasota County P. 13...Pinellas County P. 15...Hillsborough County P. 14...Charlotte County Find this Guide & More Available Electronically at

ManasotaKids.com

Published annually by Kristi Lovelace, Publisher of Manasota Family & Kids’ Directory.

For questions or to find out about advertising with us, call 941.773.5978 or email manasotakids@outlook.com. Cover artwork by Shella Bella Studios (see ad on page 14).

PO BOX 110141, Bradenton, FL 34211

Manatee County Around the Bend Nature Tours Where: Bradenton What is it: Cultural and ecology based field trips and activities.Teachers’ materials available on site.

Astro Skate & Family Fun Center Where: Bradenton What is it: Roller skating, skate rentals, and more. Groups welcome.

Dakin Dairy Farms Where: Myakka City What is it: Dakin Dairy Farms school tours allow for a transfer of knowledge that is not only fun, but educational too! Children and adults will learn & see where milk comes from and watch it go from the cow to the bottle. All will learn about sustainable farming and the many benefits of fresh grass in our cows diet, then you will get to “taste the difference” by enjoying an ice cold glass of farm fresh milk produced and bottled right here on the farm. Come watch the cows at work and play! Even the teachers will learn something new and love this tour!

De Soto National Memorial Park Where: Bradenton What is it: Nature trail, living history camp and more. Field trips available.

Ellenton Ice Where: Ellenton What is it: Ice Skating Florida Railroad Museum Where: Parrish What is it: The Museum offers one of the most unique museum experiences in the world.

Here you “Ride the Exhibits!”

Gamble Plantation Historic State Park Where: Ellenton What is it: This antebellum mansion was home to Major Robert Gamble and headquarters of an extensive sugar plantation. It is the only surviving plantation house in South Florida. It is believed that Confederate Secretary of State, Judah P. Benjamin, took refuge here after the fall of the Confederacy, until his safe passage to England could be secured. In 1925, the house and 16 acres were saved by the United Daughters of the Confederacy and donated to the state.Today, the mansion is furnished in the style of a successful mid-19th century plantation. Guided tours of the house are given six times a day.

Jumpin Fun Sports Where: Lakewood Ranch What is it: 26,000-square-foot indoor trampoline park that provides fun and fitness Manatee County Parks and Preserves Where: Manatee County What is it: Multiple parks and preserves with various outdoor activities.

Manatee Village Historical Park Where: Bradenton What is it: Visit this collection of restored buildings from Manatee County’s settlement history and experience life in Manatee County before the arrival of modern conveniences such as automobiles and electricity. School tours available.

Mixon Fruit Farms Where: Bradenton What is it: Mixon owners, Dean and Janet Mixon, donated the use of a parcel of their farm property for the Wildlife Education Center.

The mission is to rehabilitate injured wildlife for release back into the wild, and to promote education, appreciation, and respect for wildlife.Take a tram tour and learn about the history of citrus or visit the butterfly garden.

Palmetto Historical Park Where: Palmetto What is it: Living museum.While touring the park, visitors can check for mail at the 1880 Post Office, write on slates in the schoolhouse and try on pioneer clothing in the cottage.

Saturn 5 Family Entertainment Center Where: Bradenton, Desoto Square Mall What is it: Indoor arcade, laser tag, black-light mini golf.

Smuggler’s Cover Adventure Golf Where: Bradenton What: Mini golf.

South Florida Museum & Planetarium Where: Bradenton What is it: Museum, aquarium and planetarium.

Tree-Umph! Adventure Course Where: Bradenton What is it: Treetop adventure course on 14 acres

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You can also find the electronic version of our Annual Field Trip Guide & other local guides on our website throughout the 2015-2015 school year!

Just Visit ManasotaKids.com

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Sarasota County Big Cat Habitat & Gulf Coast Sanctuary Where: Sarasota What is it: We are a non-profit safe haven for big cats, bears, and other animals in need. Schools can arrange school tours at our facility. Both children and chaperones are welcome.

Children’s Garden and Art Center Where: Sarasota What is it: An enchanted place whimsically designed for kids. Pirate ship, secret garden, maze, tree fort and slide, fairy gardens, three little pigs’ house and dress-up room. Follow the yellow brick road to a world where magic begins.

Circus Sarasota Where: Sarasota What is it: As Florida’s only not-for profit resident circus, the mission of Circus Sarasota is to pay homage to an extraordinary community legacy by broadening the artistic contribution of the circus through education & human service outreach programming; it fulfills its mission by enriching, educating & entertaining audiences of all ages.

Crowley Natural & Cultural History Center Where: Sarasota What is it: 175 acres to explore. Multiple educational programs available.

Historic Spanish Point Where: Osprey What is it: Learn about the region’s prehistory in “A Window to the Past,” the only archaeological exhibition in the nation built inside of a shell mound.Your family can also connect to Florida’s inspiring pioneers by seeing Sarasota’s first produce packing house, a charming chapel and pioneer cemetery, and the beautifully preserved Guptill House, built in 1901. If plants are your passion, this museum has plenty to see and explore, like Mrs. Palmer’s Jungle Walk and Sunken Garden.The butterfly garden is one of the largest on the gulf coast.

Historical Society Museum Where: Sarasota What is it: Welcome to Sarasota’s Newest..and Oldest Museum.The Historical Society is located in “Sarasota’s Oldest House”, which was moved along with the Crocker Memorial Church(1901) to Pioneer Park in 2006.Tour the Bidwell-Wood House (1882).

Marie Selby Botanical Gardens Where: Sarasota What is it: Nested in 14 acres and amongst 12 buildings in a brick-laid residential section of Sara-

sota, Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is an open-air and under-glass museum of thousands of colorful and exotics plants. Many of these plants have been collected from the wild on more than 200 scientific expeditions to tropical rain forests by Selby Gardens research staff. Educational programs available.

Marietta Museum of Art and Whimsy Where: Sarasota What is it: The Lee Family Arch welcomes our visitors with a fascinating archway of sea shells, gems, beads, crystals, stones, pearls, marbles, Mom and Dad’s watches, stick pins, earrings, Lee Company lapel pins, tie tacks, and even a minnow.

Mote Marine Lab Where: Sarasota What is it: Join us each month for Mote Marine Laboratory’s Home School Days. Home schooled students and their families are invited to an exciting day of age-appropriate ocean themed learning experiences led by Mote’s professional marine science educators.

Ringling Museum Where: Sarasota What is it: In 1911, John Ringling and his wife, Mable purchased 20 acres of waterfront property in Sarasota, Florida.Today, that investment welcomes visitors from around the globe with fine art, historic mansion, two circus museums and a jewel-box of a theater.

Sarasota Classic Car Museum Where: Sarasota What is it: As you stroll through the museum, travel back in time and into the future of man’s greatest invention, the automobile! Antique, exotic, European and one-of-a-kind classics are featured in our rotating exhibits throughout the museum.

Sarasota Jungle Gardnes Where: Sarasota What is it: Sarasota Jungle Gardens features 10 acres of lush tropical vegetation, winding jungle trails and entertaining, educational bird and reptile shows throughout the day.The “Kiddie Jungle” features a brand new playground.

SkyZone Where: Sarasota What is it: Indoor trampoline park Smuggler’s Cover Adventure Golf Where: Sarasota What: Mini golf.

Pinellas County Armed Forces History Museum Where: Largo What is it: While at the museum, students will participate in a multi-media educational experience, including descriptive displays, photographs, videos and lifelike dioramas. Curriculum covered includes – but is not limited to – history, geography, art, reading and mathematics. Authentic military artifacts cover military conflicts from WW1 through the current conflicts in the Middle East. All field trips include a guided tour, museum scavenger hunt and letters to overseas troops.

Tours are suitable for all ages and take approximately one hour.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium Where: Clearwater What is it: Education is part of our mission here at CMA and is incredibly important to our future generations.We have a lot of options for you to use in and out of the classroom.We have even created a cirriculum organized by grade level.

Dali Museum Where: St. Petersburg What is it: Dali’s life and art afford numerous opportunities for students, teachers, scholars and interested individuals and groups to explore a wide range of topics, engage the mind, and reflect on the human experience. Educator resources available.

Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum Where: St. Petersburg What is it: The museum presents the historic voice of one segment of the St. Petersburg community in the perspective of local, regional, and national history. It is another demonstration of the commitment to revitalize the Midtown St. Petersburg area.The museum joins Mercy Hospital at the Johnnie Ruth Clarke Health Center, the Royal Theater Boys and Girls Club, and the renovated Manhattan Casino as evidence of the renaissance of this area.

Florida Botanical Gardens Where: Largo What is it: The Florida Botanical Gardens inspires and educates visitors by showcasing flora, fauna and natural resources in motivational surroundings that promote environmentally friendly techniques. Free.

Florida Holocaust Museum Where: St. Petersburg What is it: The Florida Holocaust Museum features both permanent and temporary exhibitions.

On the first floor of the Museum is the History,

Heritage and Hope Permanent Exhibition that recounts the history of the Holocaust through historical photographs, text, and original artifacts.

Great Explorations Children’s Museum Where: St. Petersburg What is it: Great Explorations Children’s Museum, located next to historic Sunken Gardens on 4th Street North in St. Petersburg, is one of Florida’s top museums and one of America’s top museums for children. At Great Explorations, fun educational experiences make learning fun for visitors of all ages. Group tours available.

Heritage Village Where: Largo What is it: Come visit this 21-acre living history museum located in the heart of Pinellas County.

The natural pine and palmetto landscape is home to some of Pinellas County’s most historic buildings. Pop Into History Action Center is available for educational tours.

Museum of Fine Arts Where: St.Petersburg What is it: Highlights include masterpieces from Monet, Cézanne, Renoir and others, a sculpture garden, a Steuben glass gallery and one of Florida’s most respected photography collections.

National Armed Forces & Law Enforcement Memorial Museum Where: Dunedin What is it: Hundreds of arms and artifacts are on display from the flintlocks of the Revolutionary War to the electric Gatling gun. Most all of the small arms (“tools of freedom”) used by the United States military are represented in the museum.

As are law enforcement weapons from major departments and agencies throughout the United States.

Science Center of Pinellas County Where: St. Petersburg What is it: We have become the premier science learning resource in the area. More than 48,000 students of all ages participate in interactive, “hands-on” classes that teach them how to hypothesize, discover, investigate, interpret and evaluate.

Weedon Island Preserve Where: St. Petersburg What is it: The education program at the Center interprets the natural, cultural and archaeological history of the Preserve through interpretive tours and hikes, education programs, exhibits and public outreach activities, presentations and workshops, and other events.

Charlotte County Blanchard House Museum Where: Punta Gorda What is it: Museum of African American History and Culture of Charlotte County Charlotte County Historical Society Where: Charlotte Harbor What is it: Changing exhibits focus on particular people, places, events and fascinating subjects.

Gasparilla Island State Park & Lighthouse Where: Boca Grande What is it: Separated from the mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound, this island is part of a chain of Gulf Coast barrier islands.

The centerpiece of Gasparilla is the restored Boca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and nature study are popular activities.Two picnic areas offer pavilions for shade.

Military Heritage Museum Where: Punta Gorda What is it: The mission of the Military Heritage Museum is to promote an understanding and respect for the rich military heritage of the United States and the sacrifices made by our country’s veterans, living and dead.

Muscle Car City Where: Punta Gorda What is it: As per its name, the museum’s major focus is on the “muscle cars” of the mid 60’s to early 70’s that revved up the imaginations of teens and young adults all over.

Octagon Wildlife Center Where: Punta Gorda What is it: Since the mid 1970’s, Octagon has been rescuing and rehabilitating exotic wildlife.

Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day at Octagon.

We are wheelchair accessible and have beverages available for purchase.

Punta Gorda Historical Society Where: Punta Gorda What is it: Site of multiple buildings: Cigar Cottage,The Trabue Land Sales Office, Price House, and The Calaboose.

Punta Gorda Railroad Depot Where: Punta Gorda What is it: The Depot, built in 1928, was the southernmost train station in the United States at that time. It is the only one remaining of six depots built by the Atlantic Coast Line in the Mediterranean Revival style.The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Place.The racially separate ticket windows, waiting areas, and bathrooms reflect the segregation practice at the time of its construction.

Hillsborough County Adventure Island Where: Tampa What is it: Water park on 30 acres. Ease into island time in a place where corkscrew slides, waterfalls, a giant wave pool, a rambling river, and other family attractions.

Lowry Park Zoo Where: Tampa What is it: The Zoo School is a 17,400 square foot hands-on learning facility. Choose from amazing animal encounters or a guided tour from one of our animal experts for an “EdZOOcational” adventure!

American Victory Ship Where: Tampa What is it: Bring your group on a guided tour of the SS American Victory. Your group will walk the decks of the American Victory. An guide will lead you on an on-board adventure. Learn about the dangers merchant ships overcame. Students will engage in shipboard life with different hands-on activities.

Museum of Science and Indistry Where: Tampa What is it: Admission to MOSI includes access to more than 450 hands-on activities!

Big Cat Rescue Where: Citrus Park What is it: Sanctuary for big cats rescued from the entertainment, pet and fur farm indistries.Tours are guided and provide an educational experience that includes the plight of big cats in the wild and in captivity and what you can do to save them.

Busch Gardens Where: Tampa What is it: Theme park and zoo.

Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center Where: Ruskin What is it: Free admission to this nature preserve open to the general public with trails, nature center, fossil museum, native camp, picnic tables and more in its 160 acres.

Dinosaur World Where: Plant City What is it: Life-sized models of dinosaurs welcome families and classes to learn, have fun, or just enjoy a quiet encounter with the lifelike animals.

Florida Aquarium Where: Tampa What is it: Aquarium with splash area.

Henry B. Plant Museum Where: Tampa What is it: If you’re railroad magnate Henry Bradley Plant, in the midst of the sand swamps that would be Tampa, you construct the most astonishingly magnificent hotel of its day, then fill it with treasures from around the world.Teacher’s resources on site.

Secret City Walks Where: Tampa What is it: An hour-long self-guided audio walking tour for adventurers to experience Ybor City.

From cigar magnates to con men, Cuban revolutionaries to lovers – the ghosts of Ybor City will guide you past social clubs, cigar factories and casitas into their evocative world.

Tampa Bay History Center Where: Tampa What is it: Step inside the 60,000-square-foot History Center in Tampa’s bustling Channelside District and take a journey through 12,000 years of powerful stories. Follow in the footsteps of the first native inhabitants, Spanish conquistadors, pioneers, sports legends and railroad tycoons. Stroll through a 1920s-era cigar store, row up the Hillsborough River, ride along with a cattle drive and learn about the early exploration of Florida Tampa Electric Manatee Viewing Center Where: Apollo Beach What is it: Environmental education facility in Apollo Beach to experience Florida-friendly butterfly gardens, vibrant displays, a 900-foot tidal walk, games, a hurricane simulat or and – when Tampa Bay water temperature falls below 68 degrees Fahrenheit – manatees!

Tampa Museum of Art Where: Tampa What is it: Each year, approximately 11,000 people visit the Tampa Museum of Art. Whether visiting the Museum to view a current special exhibition, or to enjoy works of art from the museum’s permanent collection, a guided tour can be arranged for any group visit.Teachers’ resources available.

Ybor City Museum Where: Tampa What is it: The Ybor City Museum State Park is an urban park and historical museum.The park consists of a main exhibit space, housed in the Glazer Children’s Museum historic Ferlita Bakery building, as well as a lush Where: Tampa Mediterranean-style garden and a recreated cigar What is it: With over 170 ‘interactivities’ in 12 worker’s house. Enjoy a guided tour through the themed areas to explore, there are tons of fun ways park or embark on a walking tour of the Ybor City Historic District. to grow the minds of children.