I Want to Go There |
U . S . East
ORLANDO PIGEON FORGE
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Known for its theme parks , Orlando also offers opportunities to learn and explore , and the Central Florida city ’ s climate makes it a year-round destination for student groups .
“ The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is one of those unique places that pairs education and adventure ,” says David Alexander of Visit Orlando . “ It ’ s inspiring an entire new generation to think beyond , literally .”
The center ’ s programs for school groups include the Space Explorers Adventure , which gives students hands-on experiences through a workshop and simulation , and Salute to Science , an interactive educational team-building exercise . The facility also offers overnight and after-hour adventures .
New to Orlando this year is the United States Tennis Association National Campus . This campus features several youth programs organized by level of play . The Youth Development program engages kids aged 11 – 17 who are honing their skills . The Campus Excellence program is geared for the player already committed to competition and tournament play . “ With 100 courts featuring different surfaces , top-notch technology and a focus on the game , Orlando is truly the new home of American tennis ,” Alexander says .
For more information , contact David Alexander of Visit Orlando at david . alexander @ visitorlando . com or go to visitorlando . com .
TOP EDUCATIONAL ATTRACTIONS Skeletons : Animals Unveiled !, WonderWorks
TOP RECREATIONAL ATTRACTIONS Walt Disney World Resort , Universal Orlando Resort , Forever Florida Ziplines & Adventures in the Wild
TOP LOCAL FESTIVALS Epcot International Festival of the Arts ( January and February 2018 ), Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida ( February and March 2018 )
Alcatraz East Crime Museum
Nestled in the mountains of Tennessee , Pigeon Forge provides a student-friendly blend of entertainment and recreation to accompany its educational opportunities .
Students gain a different perspective on history at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum , which has unique galleries that burrow into the study of criminal intent , criminal profiles , the penal system , crime prevention , law enforcement and the judicial branch of government .
“ The museum highlights the American justice system , from the front line police force to courts and prisons ,” says Joy McNealy of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism . “ And the Forensic Lab focuses on science applications , including trace evidence , impressions , toxicology and pathology .”
Groups can explore and experience another branch of science in Great Smoky Mountains National Park , located just five miles from Pigeon Forge . “ There are more than 1,500 kinds of flowering plants in the park , more than in any other North American national park ,” McNealy says . “ And in the park ’ s open areas , students can see whitetailed deer , elk , black bear , raccoons , turkeys , woodchucks and other animals .” Ranger-led programs are offered spring through fall .
For more information about Pigeon Forge , email Joy McNealy of the Pigeon Forge Department of Tourism at jmcnealy @ cityofpigeonforge . com or visit mypigeonforge . com .
TOP EDUCATIONAL ATTRACTIONS Titanic Museum Attraction , WonderWorks
TOP RECREATIONAL ATTRACTIONS Dollywood , TopJump
TOP LOCAL FESTIVALS Dolly ’ s Homecoming Parade ( May 4 , 2018 ), Wilderness Wildlife Week ( May 8 – 12 , 2018 )
PIGEON FORGE PHOTOS
14 NTA Trip Planner for Student Travel