Coolest Things to Build

Beach Sand Sculptures

Have you ever strolled down the beach and noticed a particularly excellent sandcastle? Have you ever wanted to be able to build a colosseum out of sand or construct a castle fit for a king? Well now you can, thanks to sand sculptors Rick and Capri Mungeam.

Rick and Capri offer sandcastle lessons from Okaloosa Island all along the beaches to South Walton and scenic highway 30A. They have hired and trained more than 25 sand castle coaches who “create memories in the sand” with families and groups with award-winning sand castle lessons. They believe that sand castle lessons are so much more than learning impressive building techniques; they also give families the opportunity to experience quality time and make memories together, which is priceless. 

Sand castles also make for a great birthday party or team-building activity. What a unique way to ask your special someone, “Will you marry me?” or “sandvertise” your corporate logo.

Sandcastles do wash away eventually, but the memories making and enjoying them last forever. 

Cool factors: Quality family time activity, Toes in the sand, Unique

Beach Sand Sculptures

Santa Rosa Beach, FL

www.beachsandsculptures.com

303-681-2630

Coolest Place to Go Wild!

Emerald Coast Zoo

So, you ask, what makes this zoo so special? Well…it’s the people! Yep. The people. Last year Rick de Ridder (Rick the Reptile Guy) from the A&E TV show “Wild Transport” heard about the Emerald Coast Zoo and how it was in danger of closure by government agencies. He knew that if the zoo closed, many of the animals there would be euthanized, and he just couldn’t just sit back and let that happen. He sold his home and all his belongings and purchased the zoo. How about that for making a difference and taking action!

Of course, he couldn’t do this without the blessings of his wife Sara and their three kids David (better known as Tarzan to the locals), Suzy, and Betsy. They purchased a large camper and moved their family of five onto the zoo property, and there they live. We can't think of many families that would even begin to make an idea like this a reality, but that's what this family does.

With the de Ridder’s love and passion for the animals they acquired comes a new passion to make the zoo survive. Many locals have rallied around them with a progressive Go Fund Me page to help with the building of the required larger, new enclosures. For the community it brings a new awareness that there is this super cool zoo right here in our backyard that so many never even knew about

The de Ridders have started new programs to bring awareness such as summer camps, goat yoga and many amazing animal encounters. Rick makes himself available to go to church groups, schools and events to educate, entertain and inform. 

This non-profit, family-owned and operated zoo is not out of the woods yet. It takes a lot of money to feed the lions and tigers (which zoo workers actually held and played with when they were just little cubs some 15 years ago) and all the other wonderful animals at The Emerald Coast Zoo. With new enclosures still being built, the zoo is asking for assistance as they are truly in need of money to improve it. With everyone’s help, they’ll be able to reap the rewards of seeing these animals live in environments more natural to them and will have continued access to these amazing animals who, for the most part, were all hand-raised at this very zoo. 

To contribute, please visit the Go Fund Me link at https://www.gofundme.com/manage/p5kmr-please-help-us-help-them

Cool Factors: So many hands on encounters, Passionately owned family non-profit, The big cats.

Emerald Coast Zoo

5262 Deer Springs Dr

Crestview, FL. 

850-682-3949

www.emeraldcoastzoo.com

Coolest Way to Get Up Close to Dolphins

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

Dolphin Splash EncountEnter the dolphins’ world for an unforgettable experience as you get up close and personal with these sleek and graceful animals. This in water experience allows you to meet, play, touch, interact and learn about our Atlantic bottlenose dolphins alongside a Gulfarium trainer. You'll see firsthand and experience how dolphins have learned to communicate with us!

If you're eight or older, this amazing experience is for you. The Gulfarium also can accommodate those with special needs including mobility, sight or hearing impairments. This encounter happens in shallow water, only three feet deep so no need to worry about swimming with them. 

You'll take home pictures taken by your family and friends, a souvenir towel and one of the most memorable experiences of a lifetime!

Cool Factors: Touching a dolphin up close! Interact and play with the dolphins. Communicate with dolphins. Take home swag.

Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park

·1010 Miracle Strip Parkway SE • Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

·850-243-9046