Activities & Excursions
During your visit to the Symposium why not take the opportunity to enjoy some of the fascinating activities nearby in central Florida.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex℠ is organized into Mission Zones — allowing you to weave your way through the U.S. Space Program in chronological order: Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Shuttle and beyond! Immerse yourself in the science of current missions to the International Space Station (ISS) and upcoming missions to explore deep space. Travel to the Red Planet in Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted. Right now, NASA missions are paving the way for what’s next for the future of space exploration.
Yaupon has been used as an important food, medicine, and ceremonial item by Indigenous people for thousands of years. We want to tell that story in a way that pays respect to native people, and we believe firmly in the native food rematriation movement. The indigenous Timucua people of Florida believed that it purified the mind and body of those who drank it. The leaf’s natural caffeine and powerful antioxidants also gave Timucua warriors strength and energy before the hunt and battle. The leaves were roasted, infused in boiling water, and drank hot from elaborately carved whelk shells. Yaupon contains around 30% less caffeine than coffee, but also serves up a healthy dose of theophylline and theobromine, which complement the caffeine to provide a smooth and jitter-free energy boost with no crash. Like it’s South American cousin, the Yerba Mate, Yaupon has dozens of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, polyphenols and antioxidants to fortify the body and calm the mind.
Dive into a fascinating underwater world where imagination meets reality. Explore captivating exhibits of vibrant tropical fish and walk through the only 360-degree ocean tunnel that Florida has to offer. Guests of all ages can engage with our interactive touch pool and learn more about marine life during daily talks and live feedings. Whether you want to touch a real sea star or experience what’s beneath the sea through virtual reality, there’s something fascinating to uncover for the entire family. Come face-to-fin with thousands of fish, sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, and many more. Prepare for a world of glittering scales, humongous tentacles, and razor-sharp teeth. Get ready to plunge deep into the oceans, explore our 360-degree ocean tunnel, meet our friendly rescue sea turtle, and touch exotic starfish and anemones. You can even jump behind the scenes and see all it takes to keep an aquarium running.
Experience the enchanting world of bioluminescence with Viking Ecotours. Our Hobie pedal kayaks ensure a comfortable, hands-free journey through sparkling waters. Ideal for families, couples, or solo adventurers, this tour combines natural beauty with conservation. Join us for a night of awe-inspiring sights and unforgettable memories. Witness the ocean’s captivating transformation into a luminous wonderland. The peak bioluminescence season is from May to October, while stargazing season is from October to May.
Abundant health float and day spa has state of the art treatments that provide optimum wellness for our clients, with the highest level of professionalism by elite spa therapists, as well as provide education for our clients to take control of their wellness outside the spa; all performed in a luxury environment that is calming to your mind, body and spirit. Float Therapy is the practice of floating in a pod filled with 10 inches of water and 1,000 lbs of Epsom Salt for a zero gravity sensation, Floating reduces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, and increases feel good hormones like endorphins and dopamine, The Magnesium Sulfate Solution aids in calming the body & mind, reducing chronic pain & inflammation, and allowing transition into a meditative state.
Daytona International Speedway
Make the most out of your day at Daytona International Speedway! Whether you just arrived at the “World Center of Racing” or finishing your day before your DAYTONA experience comes to a close, be sure explore several noteworthy points of interests across the property! Get up-close and behind the scenes at the World Center of Racing! Tours begin at 9:30 AM daily and depart continuously with the final tour departing at 3:00 PM. Tours last about 60 minutes. Tickets for our 2024 Speedway Tour are $26 (plus fees) for Adults, $21 (plus fees) for kids aged 5 to 12, and free for kids 4 and under. All tours include a digital photo package included with your tour ticket!
New Smyrna Beach Sugar Mill Ruins
In 1830, William Kemble contracted to build a steam-operated sugarcane mill and a saw mill here for William DePeyster and Henry Cruger, merchant speculators from New York. On December 25, 1835, a band of Seminole Indians pillaged the plantation, after the overseer John Dwight Sheldon, his family, and resident slaves fled to the mainland across the Halifax River. That night the Indians set the sugar mill and other buildings afire. Afterwards, the machinery from the sugar mill was removed and installed at the Dunlawton Sugar Mill. Before coming under the administration of the Florida Park Service as a historic site, the property was commonly believed to be the (non-existent) ruins of the Mission of Atocuimi, a Spanish mission for the Timucua Indians; this false assertion is still propagated by misinformed persons.
Old Fort Park New Smyrna Beach
The Old Fort Park Archeological Site is a historic site in New Smyrna Beach. Recently it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. In 1767, Scottish physician Andrew Turnbull established the colony of New Smyrnea, south of St. Augustine. Today, the town is known as New Smyrna Beach. Turnbull created his settlement during Florida’s British period which lasted twenty years, from 1763 to 1783. Turnbull arranged to bring Greek, Minorcan, and Italian settlers to New Smyrna in 1767. He envisioned a colony that would grow cotton and other crops, to trade with Great Britain. The Old Fort Park ruins historical site is located at 115 Julia St. in New Smyrna Beach and is open all day. Very close to the Brannon Center.