Grab the family and get ready for a great time in a place that was specifically designed for families to experience science together! Since 1989, the Emerald Coast Science Center has been a popular NW Florida destination for hands-on experiments that teach visitors about science.
Hedgehogs and Turtles and Snakes, Oh My!
Are you curious about animals? Excited by spiders? Serious about snakes? The Emerald Coast Science Center is host to a range of “critters,” each with a unique personality and story. With creatures from Australia to Nigeria, you’ll be delighted by exhibits where every critter is named for an important scientist, from Leonardo the Sawback Turtle (named for artist and scientist Leonardo Da Vinci) to Tesla the African Pygmy Hedgehog (named for inventor and engineer Nicola Tesla).
What Can a Robot Do? What Makes Planes Fly?
We live in a world full of robots, but they are sometimes easy to miss! You can learn all the details of the roles that robots play in our world in a robotics exhibit that includes robots for health, underwater exploration, and more. Are you curious about what makes weather happen? Do you know where rainbows come from? What keeps a plane in the air? Additional exhibits in the Emerald Coast Science Center include a hurricane simulator, air cannon, and a display that uses light to make music!
Be the Family that Plays Together in Emerald Coast Science Center
Many of the Center’s exhibits are complimented by collaborative spaces where your family can work together to make stories, solve puzzles, and play games! For example, in the Emerald Coast Ecosystem Exhibit, you can toss, hunt, and ball-drop your way into learning about the local environment. Many exhibits at the Center are new, responding to the needs and interests of the greater Emerald Coast community. The staff at the Center are constantly developing new programs that engage and inspire families of all ages.
General Admission at the Emerald Coast Science Center is just $7 for kids, $8 for seniors, and $9 for adults. Present a military ID card and you’ll be eligible for a 10% discount! Open seven days a week, the Center features a wide range of programs, so your whole family is sure to find an activity you’ll love!
Enjoy Nearby Fun and Attractions
The Emerald Coast Science Center’s location at 31 Memorial Parkway SW means that those planning to enjoy an afternoon exploring and engaging in exciting exhibits and displays will find themselves in a great position to check out other nearby fun attractions and sights as well. When you’re ready to expand your itinerary and are looking to make the most of your Fort Walton Beach experience, adding the following stops to your list just might elevate your vacation from start to finish.
SoiBistro
Located at 234 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, SoiBistro is a great and tasty place to put on your must-try list whether you’re looking to energize before heading over to the Emerald Coast Science Center or need to refuel after a day of fun. This trendy and popular stop is known for their one of a kind sushi that infuses unique flavors with eye-catching designs. Pair your sushi with a sake selection picked from an impressive menu or if you’re traveling in a crew, make the most of the many shared plate options at SoiBistro. This location is open daily between noon and 9:00 pm making it a convenient stop whenever those hunger pangs come calling.
Funday Watersports LLC
A trip to Fort Walton Beach just wouldn’t be complete without time set aside to get out and explore and enjoy the waves that lap the shoreline. When you’re looking for some fun under the sun, make your way to nearby Funday Watersports LLC and pick from a long list of options when it comes to vessels designed for excitement on the water! Located at 12 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, Funday Watersports LLC is known for their Pontoon rentals and budget-friendly prices. The staff is friendly and your day can be as versatile as you prefer when you rent a boat and hit the water in style.
Fort Walton Beach Landing Park
Located at 139 Brooks Street SE, Fort Walton Beach Landing Park is a great follow up to time spent at the Emerald Coast Science Center, particularly for those with little ones that need to run off that excess energy. Open from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm daily, the Fort Walton Beach Landing Park is a waterside stop that includes access to a fun playground, concert stage, and a small rock climbing wall as well. Pack a picnic for time at this stop, plan on taking a stroll or just settle in and enjoy the sunshine in your scenic surroundings.
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