Going to Florida

kmsgameboy · Nov 30, 2012

OK, so my In-laws are taking us all on a trip to Florida so their granddaughter (my little girl) can go to Disney World. This will be my first time in FL. and I was hoping to get some tips as far as other cool area attractions go. We will be driving down in February and a family member there works for Disney so they have handled all the major attractions and reservations. What I really want to do is have a chance to take my daughter out to explore some of the lesser known attractions Florida has to offer. (Preferably insect or animal related.

I also was hoping to do some insect hunting while in FL. I had never been anywhere as far south as Florida before so I have been fairly excited about the chance to find some inverts that I otherwise might not ever see. I was hoping someone could tell me what I can find down there in February, what I should look for, places that are good for hunting and perhaps things I should be cautious of. There isn't a whole lot of things I will be hunting for specifically but I DO hope that it will be the right time of year to find tailless whip scorpions. Anyway, any info anyone can provide will be greatly appreciated.

twolfe · Nov 30, 2012

Swimming with the manatees in Crystal River is one of my favorite things to do when I visit Florida during the winter. It's a great thing for kids to do if they aren't afraid of the water. It helps to have a little experience snorkeling before trying this. There are roseate spoonbills, alligators, and armadillos at Merritt Island, though I'm not sure how many alligators you'll find in February. Likebugs, Andrew and other Florida residents will have to tell you where the insects are...

Mime454 · Nov 30, 2012

Look for grizzled mantids. If you don't want them, I'll buy them!

hierodula · Nov 30, 2012

In addition to the native species, watch out, as a few invasives have taken foothold, like the african rock python and tegus

Have fun on your trip all the same! Ive always wanted to go to florida

aNisip · Nov 30, 2012

Some great animal places are Sea World, Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay Aquarium. ...um and other regular ones would be like Adventure Island, Islands of Adventure, and Epcot....that's all I can think of right now...being a Florida Native, I know most of them, but dont live upin that part so I dont know all of them...

All the best,

Andrew