Suggested Itineraries - Fun For The Family

Fun for the Family Itinerary
Well, there's the obvious... Navarre Beach. Everybody loves it. But, for families ready to trade in their swimsuits for just a day, I urge you to discover a few additional treasures, including a few that are off-the-beaten path so to speak.

I've flown all around this region and I've talked with a lot of children. Based on my experience and theirs, here is what I recommend for a fun family day:

Kick off the day at The ZOO, 5701 Gulf Breeze Parkway, where you will find more than 700 animals. Be sure to meet the giraffes, Gabby and Sammy - and feed them straight out of your hands. You'll also want to take a train ride on the Safari Line Limited, enter the petting zoo, and check out the Komodo Dragon weighing in at 110 pounds and measuring six and a half feet long. Allow two to four hours to explore (850.932.2229).

Then, for the afternoon, revisit the days of yesteryear when the L & N Train Depot was the "nerve center" of Milton. After all, who doesn't love trains? Be right there when the train comes by, hop on the stationary caboose and box cars, and be sure to check out the West Florida Railroad Museum, which houses memorabilia ranging from conductor hats and dispatches to tickets and model trains. The Depot is open on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment for tours (850.623.3645)

Finally, if your engine has any steam left, kick up your heels and revel in some good old-fashioned fun, food, and country music at The Farmers' Opry House in Chumuckla. Open Friday and Saturday, the restaurant begins service food at 4:30 p.m. and the curtain goes up at 7 p.m. For reservations or line-up information for an evening of family-friendly entertainment, call 850.994.6000.