Things To Do

Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural History

The Butterfly Rainforest is a can’t-miss living exhibit that features hundreds of free-flying butterflies and birds from around the world along with an assortment of other animals including turtles and fish to experience firsthand.

Florida Museum of Natural History-Exhibits

Cade Museum for Creativity and Invention

Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park

In the midst of North Florida's sandy terrain and pine forests, a bowl-shaped cavity 120 feet deep leads down to a miniature rain forest. Small streams trickle down the steep slopes of the limestone sinkhole, disappearing through crevices in the ground. Lush vegetation thrives in the shade of the walls even in dry summers. Researchers have learned a great deal about Florida's natural history by studying fossil shark teeth, marine shells and the fossilized remains of extinct land animals found in the sink. Visitors can enjoy picnicking and learn more about the sinkhole through interpretive displays.

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens

Kanapaha Botanical Gardens (Gainesville, Florida) is a 68 acre facility comprised of 24 major collections visually accessible from a 1 ½ mile paved walkway. These include the state's largest public display of bamboos and the largest herb garden in the Southeast. Some of Kanapaha's gardens are organized taxonomically; others demonstrate principles of ecology or natural selection. Kanapaha hosts many special events throughout the year including a Bamboo Sale and North Central Florida's premier horticultural event, the Spring Garden Festival. Another must-see is our Moonlight Walk when the paths and meadows are illuminated by special laser lights and more than 1500 luminaries; live music is featured as well. Except during special events, like our Spring Garden Festival and Moonlight Walk, dogs are permitted on leashes. Picnic baskets are welcome and there is a picnic area very close to the entrance building.