Sun Splash Water Park, Cape Coral, Florida

Today Grammy Sue decided that it was treat day and took the girls to Sun Splash Water Park in Cape Coral Florida and they had a blast!

Since this is a water park I didn't get many photos but I got a few in the beginning. First up was Aayla on the younger kids water slides.

Sierra tried out the next smallest slides and loved them.

Aayla also really liked their rope course and did it many times throughout the day.

Next up was the lazy river so I could then go put my camera away and enjoy the day.

There were other bigger water slides but my girls are not fans of big slides so we didn't go on them. That fact made this park kind of expensive since we only used half the park. I will admit the lazy river was very fun and definitely more my pace. It would be nice if they had a "no big slides" price to make it more economical for families who just want some wet fun but not all the big slides. Non residents fees were kids $17.95 and adults $19.95, making this a $100 excursion. Thanks Grammy Sue!!! They do offer discounts for residents which is nice for locals.

We packed a lunch to take with us but when we arrived we were given a coupon for snacks (and their bad weather policy), which made their lunch very affordable and way less hassle. If we ever were to go again I'd just go with the pre-pay snack option.

Gasparilla Island State Park, Florida

I have to say this was one of my favourite beaches so far in Florida. We loved our day spent at Gasparilla Island State Park.

Beware though it is a popular place so if you want parking at the beach at the end of the island you should go early. We arrived just before lunch and barely found a spot anywhere on the island. Finally after about 45 minutes of searching and waiting we found parking by an old lighthouse. We ate lunch quickly and headed to the water.

The girls had a lot of fun here in the water and the small waves.

Sierra collected small clams and new creatures we had to google... which were called Mole Crabs or Sand Fleas and are apparently edible...see HERE. Don't worry we let all of ours go.

Wondering what a mole crab would taste like...knowing full well she would never try one!

 

 Sierra perfecting her Stoop and Scoop for shells on the beach.

Aayla kept busy by playing in the sand.

After a couple hours here we decided to get in the car and see if we could find parking near the end of the island...and we did. Off we go in search of Shark teeth.

 

Sierra was the first to find a sharks tooth. To be honest we were looking for white teeth and didn't realise they turn black.

She also found this old fishing pole.

I was determined not to leave until I found a sharks tooth...luckily for everyone else I did eventually find one.

 Aayla examining the shell tree she found on the beach near the fishing pier.

She also found a dead prawn she was very disappointed she couldn't eat! She is a little seafood monster.

My prized shell I had to put back because it had this handsome, curious fellow in it. I was happy to gently place him back in the water so he could continue on his way.

I am glad that Florida allows you to take shells. I can only hope that everyone is respectful of the ones they find with living creatures in them, and that they put them back too. Throwing live shells can actually kill them so please place them back gently into the surf. 

The girls has so much fun collecting here. Sierra especially. Her highlight: when she found a dried up blow fish.

Have you visited Gasparilla Island State Park? If not you should! It is well worth the bridge toll to get here. I could have stayed longer and definitely will visit again some day.

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, Punta Gorda, Florida

Today we went for a walk at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (Alligator Creek location) in Punta Gorda.

The trail we were on was an easy walk with wonderful signs along the way which we stopped and read to learn about the native plants and animals.

 

We walked to the education centre which was all closed up. I think it may just be available for classes and rentals.

Beyond the centre was a pond with an alligator but he was hiding today and we could not find him.

After we walked along some more trails and saw many different plants and butterflies. The trails are a combination of wider and narrow paths. Some areas were quite mucky at this time of year but all the trails were well marked when we visited.

The Spring buds were emerging

An apparently air plants bloom??? I never knew!

Walking on the board walk with Grammy Sue

Aayla riding her palm frond "horsey"

Lots of lizards

This poor monarch has seen a better day

All in all we thought this was a great place to explore for a day and as a bonus it was just a few minutes from our campground.

Peace River Wildlife Center, Punta Gorda, Florida

We visited the Peace River Wildlife Center and I would recommend this as an family friendly excursion if nearby. It is located at at 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway in Punta Gorda Florida. However you need to use their GPS address of 3400 W. Marion Ave to easily locate it.

This wildlife center is a non profit wildlife rehabilitation center dedicated to preserving and protecting native species of Florida wildlife. They treat and rehabilitate orphaned or injured animals in the hopes to have them return to the wild. Those animals that can not return to the wild are given a permanent home here at the wildlife center. Admission is by donation.

The center is not huge but it is home to many many animals.

There were mainly birds here but there were also turtles and rabbits and other small animals but I didn't get photos. My favourite of course was a horned owl that was visiting. His handler was from New York I believe and every winter they visit the area and this Horned Owl has become a real "snowbird". He was a rescue bird. I do not remember the back story but I do recall the handler saying that he obtained papers to become this birds handler just days before the owl was destined to be destroyed.

The center had a small gift shop with a couple little displays which I thought were quite interesting.

Outside the wildlife center was Ponce de Leon Park.

It had a picnic are with covered tables and a beautiful view as well as a small playground.

There were fishing piers and a boat launch. 

As well as life jackets to borrow if anyone needed one.

There was a short walking trail which had little plaques along the way to inform you about some of the wildlife you were seeing along the trail.

As we were leaving we noticed a Great Blue Herons nest with a baby up above the wildlife center.

What a cutie!!

Next time we are in the area we will bring a picnic lunch and plan on staying for the day.