Crane Point Hammock Museum & Nature Center
Tucked away amid the heart of the Marathon shopping district lies a 63-acre tropical oasis of hardwood trees, nature trails and educational displays for adults and children. One trail takes you by the Marathon Wild Bird Center, a hospital of sorts for injured pelicans, cormorants, egrets and other Keys birds. The staff care for their flock in hopes of returning them to their native habitats. Near the entrance to the hammock is the Museum of Natural History. Here, parents and children can learn about everything from the life cycle of sea turtles to how Native Americans forged a living from the sea.
Outside is a children’s activities area that includes a wooden pirate ship feature for playing, and a touch tank for getting up close and personal with some of the creatures of the Keys.
