Adventures In Learning

Children's Museum of the Shoals

Want to play a giant keyboard with your whole body? Dig for dinosaur bones? Maneuver a steamboat down the Tennessee River? If you're a child, come on over to the Children's Museum where you will play in a real hands-on way-and you'll learn at the same time. Like discovering different cultures, taking the mystery out of science, tweeking technology, entering the world of the disabled for a short while, expressing yourself through paint, a rainstick, or dance.

Plus have downright fun by playing dress up, chasing butterflies, watching a magician Poof! away a rabbit. Learn the incredible rock and jive of the Shoals and why north Alabama is rich in history and culture. Imagine. Make choices. Create. You can even have your special day in the Birthday Room!

If you aren't a child, that's OK. Your children and grandchildren will tell you all about it-again and again.

Located at Deibert Park. 2810 Heritage Drive & Cox Creek Parkway, Florence.
Phone 256-765-0500. Admission charged.
Hours Tuesday-Saturday, 10 AM-5 PM.
www.shoalschildrensmuseum.org.

Florence-Lauderdale Public Library

Genealogy, computer lab, an exciting children's area, state-of-the-art technology, reading rooms, permanent art collection, history department, and year-round programs tailored for you-all this at the 40,000 square foot library in historic downtown Florence. And, if you haven't had enough stimulation, a coffee shop too!

Located: 350 Wood Avenue, Florence.
Phone 256-764-6564.
Hours Monday-Thursday, 10 AM-7 PM. Friday-Saturday, 10 AM-5 PM. Sunday 1 PM-5 PM.
http://www.flpl.org

University of North Alabama

The University of North Alabama was established in 1830, and is located in the heart of Downtown Florence. The campus was designed by the country's most renowned landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed Central Park and the Mall area of Washington D.C.

Approximately 7,000 students attend UNA including international students from over 50 countries. UNA also boasts the only live Lion mascots in the country living on campus, Leo III and Una, born on November 18, 2002, now reside on the campus in the 12,764 square-foot George H. Carroll Lion Habitat.
256-765-4100 or 1-800-TALK-UNA or visit www.una.edu/