Florida Museum of Natural History

The Florida Museum of Natural History is one of the most impressive museums in all of North Florida. The Natural History museum is part of a complex of museums located on the University of Florida campus. The permanent exhibit focuses on the 4 f’s- flora, fauna, fossils and folks that have inhabited the state. (C’mon, you know the 4 f’s was clever!)

The cool thing about the Florida Museum of Natural History is that most of it is free! They do, however, charge for the Butterfly Rainforest and some traveling exhibits.

Much of the museum is geared towards older visitors, but younger visitors will have plenty to see and do here, as well! Our kids enjoyed the Discovery Zone, a hands-on learning lab/play space, and the Butterfly Rainforest. There were several other hands-on components to the permanent exhibit that kept them entertained as we checked out their collection.

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Exhibits at the Florida Museum of Natural History

Butterfly Rainforest

The Butterfly Rainforest is a live exhibit of butterflies that inhabit a gorgeous enclosed space attached to the museum. There are more than 50 different species of butterflies and moths that flutter around the scenic space.

There is a slight upcharge for this super fun exhibit, but it’s totally worth it.

Our kids were in awe of all of the butterflies that inhabit this space. Us adults thought it was a nice, relaxing place to unwind for a few minutes.

We strongly suggest taking your time and not rushing through the Butterfly Rainforest. There are plenty of benches to kick up your feet and relax for a few moments. You never know who might join you on the bench!

Due to the narrow paths within the butterfly exhibit, backpacks and strollers are not permitted. Wheelchairs, however, are permitted in the space.

Bags larger than 15x15x7 must be checked at the desk prior to entering the exhibit.

Florida Fossils: Evolution of Life & Land

This free exhibit showcases the history of Florida through the Eocene, Oligocene, Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene epochs. More than 90% of the fossils in this exhibits are real, and most were found within 100 miles of Gainesville!

Our kids actually preferred this fossil exhibit over the paid one that was available.

Discovery Zone

The Discovery Zone is a hands-on learning lab where children can learn about the natural world by touching, playing, crawling, and interacting with the materials. The exhibit encourages children to engage in science-oriented activities.

It also includes true-to-scale touchable objects, and activity stations. Your kid will LOVE playing in this area! Be sure to show them the video above to get them excited about the museum!