New manatee skeleton at Environmental Learning Center, Vero Beach

I've mentioned here on this blog that the Environmental Learning Center in Vero Beach is a great Florida daytrip to spend a few hours with the kids -- all free.

In about a week, the Environmental Learning Center is getting a new exhibit on display -- a manatee skeleton put together by a Vero Beach doctor. Read about how he put the manatee skeleton together here. The article says the skeleton should be on display in about a week.

The Environmental Learning Center is a five-minute ride from Disney's Vero Beach resort.

Happy Daytripping!

The British Redcoats are coming to Fort Matanzas -- Free living history lesson and musket firings

Fort Matanzas in St. Augustine is another one of those hidden free treasures in Florida, and a perfect day trip with little cost. Visitors travel to the fort, which is more than 200 years old, via a ferry. Ferry ride and admission to the fort are all free, although donations are accepted.

Saturday (Jan. 22), British redcoats will be at the fort, with musket firings at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. A re-enactor will be at the fort to talk about Fort Matanzas history. Musket demonstrations are held most Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The fort is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day except for Christmas. Check the web site for ferry departure times. Ferry rides are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

In addition to the fort, the park includes a nature trail and kids activities. Children can earn a free Junior Range badge for completing a booklet and activities. The website says it takes at least 1 1/2 hours to complete the requirements for the badge.