I T ' S T A L L A H A S S E E H E R E F A M I L Y F R I E N D L Y V i s i t T a l l a h a s s e e. c o m Florida State Capitol
Family Biking on Trails in Tallahassee FUN FOR ALL AGES Since its earliest days, Tallahassee offered sites for exploration and discovery. Today, these include opportunities for families to enjoy hands-on activities and out-of-thisworld experiences from Native Americans and Spanish Conquistadors, to pioneers, scientists and astronauts. From the Challenger Learning Center to the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory (a.k.a. Mag Lab ), families can enjoy a wide variety of activities meant to challenge the mind and incite the curiosity of all ages. Being the seat of state government, as well as home to three major institutions of higher education, means a wealth of unique learning opportunities and ups the fun factor during a visit to the capital city. Tallahassee does the outdoors with gusto, from dinosaur sculptures that emerge from the water at Tallahassee Museum to kayak adventures on the Wakulla River, where families can view alligators, birds and even manatees in natural habitats. Or take off on a mountain bike along one of the 600+ miles of urban and rural trails. Explore this special part of Florida on foot, by bike, on horseback or on the water, with or without guides. Tallahassee is home to three authentic Batmobiles and the only fully restored Spanish mission in Florida. A complete mastodon skeleton excavated from the depths of nearby Wakulla Springs stands tall at the Museum of Florida History. Spend a day outdoors, explore interactive exhibits at the museums, shop a little in the boutique districts, and dine at unique restaurants, including an old-fashioned ice cream parlor and toy store.
CHALLENGER LEARNING CENTER / IMAX THEATRE AND PLANETARIUM In downtown Tallahassee, check out Mission Control and the Space Station laboratory at The Challenger Learning Center. The five- story Planetarium also brings the night sky to life for those reaching for the stars. After this interactive adventure, visitors can kick back and relax with a soda, popcorn and dippin' dots while experiencing the IMAX and IMAX 3D Theater. Visit ChallengerTLH.com for planetarium and IMAX times and admission prices. The Space Mission Simulator is open to the public the second Saturday of the month, registration required. Mission Control at The Challenger Learning Center FAMILY FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS #ihearttally NATIONAL HIGH MAGNETIC FIELD LABORATORY AT FSU The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory, also known as the "Mag Lab", is the largest and highest powered magnet lab in the world. The lab displays one of the world's largest and strongest magnets which produces a magnetic field 1 million times stronger than the Earth's magnetic field. Here, scientist develop and research magnetic fields relating to physics, biology, bioengineering, chemistry, geochemistry and biochemistry. Free public tours are held on the third Wednesday of each month, and free group tours are available by appointment. TALLAHASSEE AUTOMOBILE MUSEUM Features more than 150 rare and diverse vehicles including an 1894 Duryea, one of the oldest automobiles manufactured in the US; the 1860 horse-drawn funeral hearse reported to have carried Abraham Lincoln and three Batmobiles. Other collections include antique boat motors, Native American artifacts, sports memorabilia, motorbikes, pedal cars, case knives, antique brass cash registers and more. Tallahassee Automobile Museum
MUSEUM OF FLORIDA HISTORY Opened in 1977, as the official museum of history for the state of Florida, it houses exhibits and artifacts that tell Florida s history from approximately 14,000 years ago to the present, focusing on artifacts and eras unique to Florida's development and the roles that Floridians have played in national and global events. Featuring elaborate sets with hands-on, multimedia components and life-like body casts, the exhibits demonstrate how Spaniards and other Europeans encountered native inhabitants who occupied the land for more than 12,000 years and progresses through the Civil War, World War II, 20th-Century Florida and beyond. Mastodon at the Museum of Florida History MISSION SAN LUIS Mission San Luis functioned as the capital of the western missions in La Florida from 1656 to 1704. Populated by more than 1,500 residents, including one of the most powerful Apalachee chiefs and the Spanish deputy governor, Mission San Luis was one of early Florida's largest colonial outposts. The 65-acre site received designation as a National Historic Landmark in 1960. It has been the focus of intensive archaeological and historical research and today is the most thoroughly studied mission in the southeastern United States. Its structures, including an Apalachee Council House, a Catholic church and a Spanish fort, were recreated in the archaeological footprint of the originals, which were burned down by the inhabitants in 1704 when they fled from a British assault. Apalachee Council House at Mission San Luis
TALLAHASSEE MUSEUM Florida Panther Exhibit One of North Florida s most visited attractions, this 52-acre natural history museum features native habitats of indigenous wildlife such as the Florida panther, black bear, red wolf, river otter, alligators and bald eagles. The museum also has zip line adventure courses for all ages, Jim Gary s 20th century dinosaur sculptures, an 1880s farmhouse, an early African-American church and a schoolhouse, educational exhibits/classes, a café, gift shop and playground. The museum also houses historic Bellevue Mansion, which from 1854 to 1867 belonged to Princess Catherine Murat, wife of French nobleman Achille Murat and a descendant of George Washington. TREE TO TREE ADVENTURES Blacksmith at Tallahassee Museum Tree To Tree Adventures Visitors at the Tallahassee Museum will be able to explore nature from 62 feet off the ground. There are over 13 zip lines and 45 aerial challenges with thrilling elements such as tightropes, crab walks, jungle bridges and nets. The courses have been intentionally designed to blend with the museum s natural environment, inspired by the trees and the natural flow of the terrain and flora. Tree to Tree Adventures offers three unique courses that are suitable for a variety of participants based on height rather than age, including a "Treemendous Adventures" course for children 41 to 60 tall.
Imagination Fountain at Cascades Park CASCADES PARK This 24-acre downtown park includes Florida s Prime Meridian marker, Capital City Amphitheater, multi-use trails, Discovery playscape, numerous historical markers and spirit houses that are a commemoration to Smokey Hollow, an area that was once a thriving African-American community. Children can also break out the sandals, shorts and swimsuits and make a splash in Cascades Park's Imagination Fountain. The fountain operates daily from 8:30 AM 8:00 PM and offers an 8 minute show featuring lights and choreographed music on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 8:00, 8:30 and 9:00 PM. One of the newest additions to the park is Capital Cascades Crossing Trail and Pedestrian Bridge, connecting the park to the Capital Cascades Trail to the west. The bridge's solar energy technology is used to light the bridge at night with color-changing LED lights that reflect off of the canopies. The adjustable nighttime lighting features local university colors on game days, patriotic and other seasonal colors throughout the year. EDWARD BALL WAKULLA SPRINGS STATE PARK Wakulla Springs is the world's largest and deepest freshwater spring. Reminiscent of old Florida vacation spots, it has become a haven for manatees. Daily guided Jungle Boat Cruses offer an up-close glimpse of wildlife including alligators, turtles, manatees, deer and an abundance of bird species. Park amenities also include picnic pavilions, nature trails, swimming and beach areas. IN PURSUIT OF SWEET TREATS Manatee at Wakulla Springs Satisfy a sweet tooth at Lofty Pursuits. This nostalgic soda fountain and toy store stakes its claim as being one of the best soda fountains in the country, by the New York Times. It is one of the country s few sweet shops where old-fashioned hard candies are made with equipment dating back to the 1800s. While he loves all things vintage, owner Greg Cohen s candy-making videos attract millions of viewers on YouTube.
ANNUAL EVENTS In addition to attractions available year-round, there are numerous special events that represent the naturally entertaining elements of Tallahassee. Bradley's Fun Day Springtime Tallahassee APRIL SPRINGTIME TALLAHASSEE, April 6 7, 2018 One of the largest and most celebrated parades in the Southeast. In addition, enjoy Jubilee in the Park art show, the children s park, regional and national entertainment and a 5K run. FLYING HIGH CIRCUS, April 6 7, 13 15, 20 21 2018 One of the two collegiate circuses in the nation, the Flying High Circus is a unique tradition at Florida State University. The performances offer a variety of jaw-dropping routines, both in the air and on the ground, that rival professional shows. WORD OF SOUTH, April 13 15, 2018 This festival celebrates literature and music with a variety of musical performances, literary discussions, poetry readings, interviews, book signings and a dedicated children s program. WORM GRUNTIN' FESTIVAL, April 14, 2018 Annual festival taking place the second Saturday in April. The day begins with a 5K and continues with worm gruntin' demonstrations and contest, bait casting, a hula hoop contest, craft vendors and live entertainment. LEMOYNE CHAIN OF PARKS ART FESTIVAL, April 21-22, 2018 Annual two-day juried art festival held in downtown Chain of Parks. Browse exhibits of artwork for purchase from more than 150 artists from around the country. Live music and food. JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL & PIONEER BREAKFAST, April 28 29, 2018 Two-day jazz, swing, rhythm and blues festival with performances by Big Bend artists and rising stars. In addition to music, enjoy a hearty outdoor breakfast on the 1880s farmstead. MAY SOUTHERN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, May 10 13, 2018 Open-air festival and Renaissance fair including Shakespearian performances, face-painting, juggling, crown and wand making, Elizabethan games and costume play for children. JUNE JULY FLORIDA AFRICAN DANCE FESTIVAL, June 7 9, 2018 Three-day festival features internationally renowned artists, Musicians, performances, dance workshops and a marketplace. AUGUST NOVEMBER OCTOBER Southern Shakespeare Festival DOWNTOWN GETDOWNS/SEMINOLE BLOCK PARTIES Friday evenings, preceding home games, Florida State University and Florida A&M University football fans participate in this Tallahassee tradition. The family-friendly street party includes food and drinks, live bands on two stages, arts and crafts, activities for the kids and other entertainment. HALLOWEEN HOWL, October 2018 This Halloween-themed event presented by Tallahassee Museum offers live music, tricks, treats and family fun. Activities include tours down haunted trails, carnival games, costume contest and more. NOVEMBER BRADLEY S FUN DAY, November 2018 Enjoy live music, clogging, cane grinding, syrup making, wagon rides and a variety of food and arts and crafts as well as pony rides and a petting zoo for the kids at Bradley s Country Store. DECEMBER WINTER FESTIVAL, December 2018 This community event includes the lighting of community holiday tree, entertainment, seasonal foods and the annual Jingle Bell Run. For a full list of events and happenings go to, VisitTallahassee.com/events SWAMP STOMP, July 14, 2018 Outdoor music festival featuring Americana and Bluegrass performances, outdoor games, close-up animal encounters, living history demonstrations and educational activities.
NEED MORE INFORMATION? Contact Rachel Jeter PR & Marketing Specialist Direct: (850) 606-2319 Rachel.Jeter@VisitTallahassee.com Jim Gary's Twentieth Century Dinosaur at the Tallahassee Museum