Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
also have top-quality children's museums, and art museums and centers throughout the
state almost always offer excellent kids' programs.
Getting into Nature
It's easy to get out into nature in Florida - there are wilderness preserves and state parks up
and down the state, and you don't have to drive far, hike long or paddle hard to get away
from it all. Best part is, once you get there, you're almost guaranteed to see some pretty
cool critters.
Florida is exceedingly flat, so rivers and trails are frequently ideal for short legs and
little arms. Placid rivers and intercoastal bays are custom-made for first-time paddlers, and
often are so shallow and calm you can just peek over the boat and see all kinds of marine
life. Never snorkeled a coral reef or surfed? Florida has gentle places to learn. Book a sea-
life cruise, a manatee swim or nesting-sea-turtle watch, or simply stroll along raised board-
walks through alligator-filled swamps, perfect for pint-size adventurers.
FLORIDA-THEMED BOOKS FOR KIDS
Get kids in a Florida mood with these great books.
Hootby Carl Hiaasen: zany characters, snappy plot twists and an environmental mes-
sage.
Because of Winn-Dixieby Kate DiCamillo: heartwarming coming-of-age tale about a
10-year-old girl adjusting to her new life in Florida.
The Yearlingby Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings: Pulitzer Prize-winning tear-jerking classic
about a boy who adopts an orphaned fawn in Florida's backwoods.
The Treasure of Amelia Islandby MC Finotti: Spanish-ruled Florida through the eyes of an
11-year-old.
Bad Latitudeby David Ebright: unabashed pirate adventure.
Suzanne Tate's Nature Series: more than 30 paperback picture books on southeastern
USA sea animals; there's Oozey Octopus: A Tale of a Clever Critter,Tammy Turtle: A Tale
of Saving Sea Turtles,Rosie Ray: A Tale of Watery Wingsand more.
