Disclosure: Our family received free tickets to experience this Florida museum. All opinions expressed are my own.
Inspiring curiosity about the world around us from land to water to sky, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature in Bradenton is a fascinating Florida adventure for families.
A visit to the Bishop Museum takes you on a journey through Florida natural history. The adventure also includes a look at the underwater world of today’s Florida manatees. Plus, with a state-of-the-art Planetarium, your Bishop Museum expedition takes flight into space to explore the depths of the universe.
See Manatees at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat
A temporary home for sick and injured manatees rescued from the wild, the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature’s Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat resembles a cypress spring. Designed with features similar to what visiting manatees will experience when they return to the wild, this natural-looking habitat provides a comfortable place for manatees to recover.
During our family’s visit, this Bradenton manatee rehab facility was caring for three female manatees who were recovering from cold stress. All three were preparing to return to the wild soon. The youngest of the three, Aria, was rescued with a boat strike injury as well as cold stress. Aria received treatment at ZooTampa at Lowry Park’s Manatee Critical Care Center before arriving at the Bishop Museum.
In addition to cold stress and boat strikes, Florida manatees face threats from red tide toxins, pollution and habitat loss. Wondering what you can do to help Florida’s vulnerable manatees? Check out this post: Save The Chubby Mermaids – How to Protect Florida Manatees.
Planetarium at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
A visit to Bradenton’s Bishop Museum of Science and Nature is not complete without experiencing a Planetarium show. With a full-dome, state-of-the-art projection system, the Planetarium has a full schedule of riveting shows offering immersive virtual journeys beyond our solar system.
During our visit, we were blown away by the Passport to the Universe show that takes visitors on an adventure to discover the enormity of the observable universe.
Special Exhibits at the Bishop Museum of Science and Nature
Ensuring new experiences on each visit, Bradenton’s Bishop Museum of Science and Nature hosts traveling exhibitions and curates its own temporary exhibits throughout the year.
During our visit, my LEGO-loving kids were so excited to explore the hands-on Towers of Tomorrow exhibit with LEGO bricks. Featured at the Bishop Museum through March 19, 2023, the inspirational Towers of Tomorrow exhibit displays 20 incredible LEGO towers that replicate some of the tallest and most innovation skyscrapers arounds the world. The exhibit also invites kids and adults alike to build and showcase their own LEGO Towers of Tomorrow. My kids had so much fun designing theirs!
Mosaic Backyard Universe
For more hands-on learning, families can explore the Bishop Museum’s Mosaic Backyard Universe. A backyard-inspired indoor play space where kids and families can learn about science and nature, the Mosaic Backyard Universe welcomes all ages and is fully ADA accessible.
Highlights of this cool backyard include a mighty oak and tree house platform, a cardboard rocket that takes kids on virtual adventures, a freshwater pond turtle habitat and a science shed full of scientific tools to try out.
From building Towers of Tomorrow to exploring the universe, seeing manatees and discovering Florida natural history, we had a wonderful day of adventure at Bradenton’s Bishop Museum of Science and Nature. On the way home, my kids were already asking when we could go back!
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