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Summer break is in full swing, but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop. In fact, children who don’t engage in educational activities over summer break often deal with summer learning loss, where they lose some of the knowledge gained during the school year. Fortunately, there are plenty of places you can go to for hands-on learning without even leaving the state. While you and the family have more time to travel, consider going to one of these historical museums and sites across the state of Florida.
Tampa Bay History Center — Tampa
At the Tampa Bay History Center, families can explore thousands of years of regional history, from Indigenous peoples and Spanish explorers to cigar workers, cattle ranching, and modern Tampa Bay. This site has something for students of all ages, no matter their interests. At this museum, your whole family can learn about Florida history, immigration, economics and geography. Consider discussing Tampa’s origins and how Tampa has changed over time after visiting.
De Soto National Memorial — Bradenton
Visiting the De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton is a manageable day trip from Tampa that introduces families to Spanish exploration and the complicated history of contact between Europeans and Indigenous peoples. Children studying early exploration and colonial history would get the most out of this museum experience. This is a great place to learn about exploration, Indigenous history, primary perspectives and historical interpretation. An interesting talking point after visiting this museum is how history is explained by groups who experienced the same event in different ways.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex — Merritt Island
The Kennedy Space Center is a U.S. history destination focused on the Space Race, American innovation, engineering and the people behind NASA’s achievements. Students interested in science, technology, engineering and modern American history would enjoy this experience, though with the impressive structures and interactive experiences, anyone in the family can find a way to engage with it. Visiting Kennedy Space Center can teach children about Cold War history, the potential of STEM education, and what it looks like when people work together to reach national goals. After visiting this destination, discuss the ways space exploration shapes American culture and scientific progress.
Castillo de San Marcos National Monument — St. Augustine
St. Augustine is one of Florida’s most important historical areas, as the oldest continuously occupied settlement of European and African American origin in the United States. Due to its rich, in-depth history, this area is best for upper elementary, middle, and high school students. Children visiting St. Augustine can learn about colonial conflict, Spanish Florida, military architecture and geography. As you walk the historic district together, discuss preservation and how cities tell their own stories.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates — Fort Myers
If you and the family are up for a trip to South Florida, the winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford in Fort Myers can provide valuable insight into American history. This is a great place to learn about invention, science, business and the early 20th century through the lives of two men whose inventions shaped much of the technology we use today. As a bonus, this site features a beautiful botanical garden. After touring the estates, talk to the family about what makes inventors successful.
At North Tampa Christian Academy, we encourage students to explore the learning opportunities Florida has to offer, including history, wildlife and everything in between. Students at our Tampa private school thrive creatively, academically and spiritually in a real-world learning environment. Faculty and families work together to inspire leadership through Christian innovation. Contact us today to learn more.