WhatsNew: Fun at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum - The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel


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Shells and Nature Stimulate Minds on Sanibel

The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island now offers family-friendly programs, workshops and guided beach walks.

Immerse yourself in a world of shells at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.

The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum on Sanibel Island is a unique tribute to one of the barrier island's most famous features – its beautiful and abundant shells. Recently, the museum added a number of family-friendly programs to help boost visitors' awareness and appreciation for shells and the natural environment in which they're found. Programs include engaging hands-on workshops, fun demonstrations and eye-opening guided beach walks.

Free Family Beach Walks, co-sponsored by the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, are the perfect way to explore this island sanctuary. The last Monday morning of each month, "Ding" Darling rangers lead groups on a one-hour foray into nature. Visitors learn how, when and where to find shells and how to identify them. Kids can learn the difference between kitten paws and lion paws (the shell variety, of course), and why clean beaches are so important.

Workshops bring out creativity with activities like drawing shells, making seashell bouquets and designing other shell-related crafts. There's even a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum.

The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum features more than 30 exhibits of mollusks from around the world, including local shells, rare specimens, fossil shells, shells in art and history, and more. The learning lab includes games and a hands-on play area for kids. For more information about the museum and its programs, call 888-679-6450 or 239-395-2233, or visit www.shellmuseum.org.

Last modified on Nov 18, 2008