Biscayne National Park - Family Fun Fest (U.S. National Park Service)

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 January through May. 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 2009

The 2009 season of Biscayne National Park’s Family Fun Fest series is chock-full of brand new activities, as well as the return of some classics. The event’s signature zany themes, creative activities and colorful buttons are all back for the 9th year of this award-winning program.

Lost in the ‘60s – January 11, 2009 – 1 - 4 p.m.
The 1960s brought America some great music, classic television and literature…and the largest marine park in the National Park System. Kick off the park’s second 40 years with a salute to psychedelic pop culture: hear what “seven stranded castaways” have to say about the park, discover the beauty of native trees with the South Florida Woodturners Guild at “Wood Stock,” and learn how NOT to handle “dangerous” plants and animals in the Wild Kingdom.

Amazing Adaptations – February 8, 2009 – 1 - 4 p.m.
In the bicentennial year of Charles Darwin’s birth, we look at some of the amazing adaptations that help Biscayne’s plants and animals get by just a little bit more easily. Eat like a bird, play a game of Defense Twister, and discover mind-boggling quick-change artists.

Legacy from the Past – March 8, 2009 – 1 - 4 p.m.
Celebrate Florida Archaeology Month with a look at Biscayne’s historical heritage. Map a shipwreck, take on some island pioneer chores, and put together the pieces of an archaeological puzzle by participating in a mock dig.

Spring Has Sprung – April 5, 2009 – 1 - 4 p.m.
(NOTE THAT THIS EVENT IS ON THE FIRST SUNDAY IN APRIL DUE TO EASTER)
Bunnies, colored eggs and baskets are springtime standards, but what’s the real story? Hunt for bird’s eggs, build your own nest and enjoy one of a rabbit’s favorite treats!

A Salute to Moms! – May 10, 2009 – 1 - 4 p.m.
It’s Mother’s Day, so we’ll wrap up the Family Fun Fest season with a tribute to some of the park’s great moms. Make your way through a sea turtle obstacle course to lay your eggs, join UM grad students in matching baby fish with their parents, and meet a real, live brother/sister pair of otters and their adoptive “mom.”