Dolphin Research Center - The best place in the Florida Keys for kids!
Some places aren't just kid-friendly - they're kid-welcoming!
The Dolphin Research Center, (DRC) in Grassy Key, Florida, is one of them.
Children are not tolerated - they're encouraged to play, learn, touch, watch, ask and participate.
From the self-guided tours around the facility, dotted with informational signs and games, to the film presentations, to the in-water programs with dolphins, DRC is designed to make learning about the ocean, the environment, and most of all, the amazing dolphins, fun!
All photographs were taken by me and are used with permission from the Dolphin Research Center.
Something to learn and discover around every corner
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Learn even more about dolphins and training:
As little, or as much, as you want!
DRC allows whatever level of participation you want - for you and your children.
Some children are gung-ho, enchanted by dolphins and can't wait to plunge into an in-water experience like the "Dolphin Encounter," that includes in-water interaction with dolphins.
Other children are more tentative and may not be ready for an up-close and personal session with a dolphin. There are lots of other programs to choose among - from "Meet the Dolphin" (you get to rub the dolphin's back and "shake" its flippers), to "Paint with a Dolphin" (you pick your colors and hold your T-shirt while the dolphins create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece for you), to "Dolphin Dip," "Play With The Dolphin," or "Dolphin Explorer."
Kid-friendly - by design!
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At every turn - friendly gray faces will greet you
Dolphins are the main reason to visit DRC of course. And visitors quickly find that the dolphins, most of whom were either born at the facility, brought in as rescues, or adopted from other facilities, seem to think we're there to entertain them. They're curious about people and will come close to check you out. They are encouraged by our responses, and seem to demonstrate their behaviors higher, faster, stronger when the people are louder with their applause and cheers.
There are narrated sessions throughout the day at DRC, with staffers from the education department explaining the work the trainers are doing with the dolphins; from an actual research session, to medical behaviors, to learning a new behavior, to simple play sessions.
Among my favorites are the sessions where the trainers leave it up to the dolphins to come up with something new. There are dolphins who love to bring "presents" - usually small rocks or bits of seaweed, dolphins who love playing with toys, and dolphins who seem to fly high above the water.
There are young and baby dolphins at DRC and children love learning about how these babies learn by watching their mothers and the other dolphins around them.
And, just like children, there are days and times when the dolphins choose not to go along with the trainers' game plan. Unlike human children - the dolphins are allowed to get away with it!
It's best to plan ahead!
If you're planning a trip to the Florida Keys and want to make a day of it at DRC, do try to plan ahead and make reservations for the programs you and your children want to participate in. Remember to bring your swimsuits - the dolphins love to get people wet.
The "Dolphin Dip" is perfect for families - but if/when you're asked to do something for the dolphin to imitate, be ready if you decide to splash the dolphin. They're notorious for winning every "Splash Fight" they've ever gotten into - and they seem to be laughing just as hard as you, and your family, will!
The DRC website is where you'll find detailed information about all the programs - and it's easy to remember: www.dolphins.org
© 2014 Hope
