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Biscayne National ParkSolitude in Stiltsville by Brian Call
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Biscayne National Park
Family Fun Fest
 
Montage of photos of Family Fun Fest Activities.
Photos by Thomas Strom and Christopher Boykin
Family Fun Fest offers fun and educational activities for all ages.
 

Family Fun Fest is a free public program held on the second Sunday of every month from December through April. Each month, a different aspect of the park's diverse resources is highlighted at five hands-on activity stations located around the Dante Fascell Visitor Center. Participants receive a "passport" that they get punched as they complete each station. Those who get all five punches earn a specially-designed button to remember their day.

 
Family Fun Fest is made possible through funding provided by the Captain Bob Lewis Boat Center Yamaha Billfish Challenge and the Bobby Duryea Memorial Fund at the South Florida National Parks Trust, with additional support from the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, local businesses and organizations, and a host of dedicated volunteers.
 

Family Fun Fest 2010

The 2010 season of Biscayne National Park’s Family Fun Fest marks the 10th anniversary of this award-winning program. In celebration, the series is chock-full of brand new activities, as well as the return of some all-time classics chosen by participants. The event’s signature zany themes, creative activities and colorful buttons are all back — and its all FREE!

Please note that this year's Family Fun Fest events will be held from December — April, rather than January — May. This schedule helps avoid the heat and bugs we've encountered in previous years, and makes it possible for more of our "snowbird" volunteers to participate for the entire season.

Our Changing World – December 13, 2009 – 1 - 4 p.m.

So, you think you’re hot? You’re not alone. The threat of Global Climate Change is downright scary! But big problems are not solved by being overwhelmed — they’re solved by everyday people doing their part. Visit Mars and Venus to understand why our climate is changing, see how your choices every day can lead to a cooler planet, and listen in on the dastardly plans of the evil Dr. Verduga in the first episode of Climate: 911!

America's Best Idea – January 10, 2010 – 1 - 4 p.m.

Biscayne is just one of 392 National Parks. Each tells a little piece of the American story, and we’re bringing in activities from parks across the country to help kids get a handle on some of the cool stuff they own. Travel with Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto, find out who lives in the top of a redwood tree, and see if superheroes Ice Baby and Quench can thwart Dr. Verduga’s evil plans to melt glaciers and dry up lakes in Episode 2 of Climate: 911!

BioBlitz: For the Love of Diversity – February 14, 2010 – 1 - 4 p.m.

The United Nations has declared 2010 the "International Year of Biodiversity" and National Geographic is joining with the park later this spring for BioBlitz: a 24-hour all-species biodiversity count for the park! Be among the first to see the new Endangered World art installation, discover how biodiversity is like a box of chocolates, and find out if superheroes Buffer Boy and The Colorizer can protect Biscayne's animals from Dr. Verduga’s evil plans to warm the planet and change it forever in Episode 3 of Climate: 911!

Liter-a-Sea: Oceans of Knowledge! – March 14, 2010 – 1 - 4 p.m.

Biscayne National Park is 95% covered by water. The ocean is the lifeblood of the park, but it is also the lifeblood of the planet. Learn the seven principles of ocean literacy from Bella the Bear, a visitor from England who blogs about the oceans with her brother Ed. How do the oceans affect weather? Why are people drawn to the sea? Can a lone superhero stop the evil Dr. Verduga in the final episode of Climate: 911? Tune in to find out!

The Best Family Fun Fest EVER!!! – April 11, 2010 – 1 - 4 p.m.

In this, the 50th Family Fun Fest, we’re letting the participants decide what to do! Based on nominations submitted in January, and voting conducted in February and March, we’ll bring back the best activities from the past ten years. Will your favorite make the cut? Don’t miss the best Family Fun Fest EVER — the one that YOU create!!!

Pretending to be a dung beetle with a giant black ball.
Family Fun Fest Photos - 2009
See some of the best photos from each month's event!
more...
Danielle and Jade - 2 <i>Family Fun Fest</i> Fanatics
2006 FFF Recap
Photos and details from the 2006 season!
more...
A snorkeler dives down over elkhorn coral.  

Did You Know?
A glass bottom boat trip over Biscayne National Park's coral reef can be a great experience, but to really see the reef, get in the water. It's not only fun, but you'll also be able to see things folks on the boat can only imagine!

Last Updated: November 11, 2009 at 15:40 EST