Imaginarium Science Center, Fort Myers, Florida

Today we went to look at RV's for my mom and while we were out I realised we were fairly close to
Imaginarium Science Center.So we took a break from RV hunting for a little fun for the girls. Imaginarium is part of the reciprocal ASTC program so we were able to spend the afternoon here for Free... well actually we got in for free but we did have to pay $1 each for the 3D movie. Regular prices were Adults $12, Seniors $10 and children $8...so almost free and we saved $34.

The first stop for us was the touch tank. This tank had both sting rays and horseshoe crabs.

Imaginarium isn't the largest Science Center we have been to but my girls enjoyed quite a few stations here. Of course as soon as they saw the Minecraft area they were all over it!

Another area they really liked was the mock weather station. They spent a fair amount of time laughing and making up weather skits and watching themselves on the News screens.

Some other fun areas in the Science Center...

We then headed to see the 3D movie. It was short but really cute and I definitely recommend you watch it.

Afterwards we took a walk around the outside area of the science center and fed the Koi.

We really enjoyed Imaginarium. It was a great place to spend an afternoon.

On our way back to the RV park we spotted a little park just up the road and stopped in for a bit.

Of course finding locusts was more fun then playing on the playground

Next stop Punta Gorda, Florida

After leaving Pine Island we didn't have to travel too far before we arrived at Gulf View RV in Punta Gorda. We set up, checked out the pool and played some ladder ball.

This first night it rained... and I mean rained A LOT! The girls were happy to wake up to puddles. The puddles were more like mini lakes on the road in front of us. Somehow the actual site stayed pretty dry.

Tomorrow we are off to Imaginarium Science Centre.

Sometimes you just need a pool day

The pool here at the Fort Myers / Pine Island KOA was actually very nice and we spent quite a few days just lazing around in it and meeting new friends.

We even spotted a mermaid again.

Riding home from the pool with new friends in the jeep was always fun too.

Sanibel Island, Florida: Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

After visiting Lighthouse Beach and Bowmans Beach we got dried off and headed to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. It is located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Rd. Admission was $11 for adults and $5 for children. Four and under are free. (If you have a NARM membership this is currently listed as a reciprocal participant. We will be upgrading our membership to include NARM next year and that membership would allow you in for FREE).

I totally dropped the ball on this visit. They offer so many different outings and programs daily with paid admission but we showed up late in the day and had very little time before closing.

They also offer different events on each day of the week. Some free and some at an additional cost. If you go be sure to pre-plan and take a look at their schedule of events. I know I will next time.

We arrived just in the nick of time to see their last  Live Tank Talk for the day.

 It was a very informative hands on talk. Afterwards everyone was allowed to touch the animals in one of the tanks following the two finger rule.

Looks like these guys are planning an adventure

After the tank talk we were off to explore the rest of the museum.

There was a hands on learning area for the kids.

And so many educational displays throughout this jammed packed little museum.

I always wondered how these buttons were made.

A whole bouquet of flowers made from shells.

Not only was there information about the many local shells but there was a ton of info about worldwide shells as well.

I so wish we could have participated in some of the other daily activities. Next time I will pre-plan ahead of time so we can get the most out of our entrance fee. It was a very interesting little museum and I look forward to returning some day down the road. I really want to participate in one of their guided walks.

Have you ever visited Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum?

Sanibel Island, Florida: Bowmans Beach

After leaving Lighthouse Beach and Pier we headed to Bowmans Beach. To get here follow the signs along the Sanibel-Captiva Rd. At the road mile marker for mile 4.8 cross San-Cap and then follow Bowman Beach Rd to the parking lot. There is a large parking lot and had a few spaces big enough for RV's.

We had a quick bite to eat and then checked out the playground before hitting the water. It was a decent size playground and provided some shade for us and them, while they played.

Aayla fell in love with the rock climbing wall.

Then we headed to the beach which was just walk away. You did have to cross a bridge and then follow a sandy path. One gentleman in a wheel chair made it to the end of the path so he could enjoy the beach from there, but could not move in the sand on the beach.

The water was gorgeous! The girls had enough searching for shells and just wanted to swim here... so they did and I can't really say that I blame them as it was beautiful!

I stuck around for a few pictures and then went on the hunt for shells.

 When I returned there were a couple dolphins swimming close to land. One even rode a wave. It was quite a sight to see. He rode right past a swimmer and I don't even think the swimmer realised it. I so wish I was able to get a picture but it happened so fast. By the time I got my camera this was the only picture I managed to get.

One last pic of the girls and then it was time to pack up and hit the shell museum before they closed.

We thought this was a great swimming beach. It stayed shallow for quite awhile, and was wonderfully warm. When we left there were outside showers beside the playground to wash off as well as change rooms and washrooms.