If you've ever been out on Alligator Alley, you have seen the Florida Everglades. To get a closer look, check out the Museum of Discovery and Science's (401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale) interactive exhibit "Living in the Everglades." Kiosks demonstrate the effects that water and human development have had on the Everglades, and museum patrons learn about the plans for Everglades restoration while checking out the 11,000-square-foot nature trail and exploring the many ecosystems of the state. See the big picture of nature in Florida, and find out why the Everglades are more than a marshy haven for alligators.
The Living in the Everglades exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The exhibit closes on Christmas Day but returns the day after and continues through June 3, 2004. Admission is $12 for children ages 3 to 12 and $14 for adults. Students and senior citizens pay $13. Call 954-467-6637. -- Beth Kirkpatrick
Fun with Clay
FRI 12/26
Looking for someplace where the family can recover from the heady days of Christmas? The Young at Art Children's Museum (11584 State Rd. 84, Davie) continues its "Celebrate Luck and Fantasy" series this week. The ongoing, hands-on classes teach participants about the beliefs in fate, luck, destiny -- that indefinable x factor that seems to permeate our lives -- that are held by cultures from all over the world.
While previous installments of the series have allowed kids to make everything from Haitian Spirit Bundles to frames that make a perfect holiday gift, this week's workshop focuses on the beliefs of the Chinese people, with kids and their families assembling structures from clay that attest to these ancient beliefs. The workshop is free with museum admission and takes place at 1:30 p.m. Friday. Call 954-424-0085. -- Dan Sweeney
Sleep All Day
Party All Night
WED 12/31
New Year's Eve parties aren't just for boozy adults anymore. Kids ages 10 to 15 can spend the night at the Island City Park Preserve (823 NE 28th St., Wilton Manors). From 8 p.m. New Year's Eve until 9 a.m. the next morning, participants enjoy live entertainment, party favors, and plenty to eat and drink. Plus, they'll get to watch the countdown to 2004 on a large-screen television. Not to mention their parents won't have to worry about leaving them home alone when they go out to their own New Year's festivities. Admission is $20 for Wilton Manors residents, $25 for others. Preregistration is required. Call 954-390-2130. -- Dan Sweeney
