There is a certain charm to things that are just so uniquely local — the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, for example. Well, now you can add another item to that list: the recently opened Disease Vector Education Center (DVEC), or, as I more simply explained it to my kids, the Mosquito Museum.
Located near the St. Augustine Premium Outlets right off of I-95, the DVEC offers an incredibly unique look at the different disease-carrying insects local to our area. It’s geared entirely toward education, with interactive displays, a playground, and a helicopter simulator. They also offer classes, homeschool days, and more. Oh, and it’s FREE.
Parking is super easy and ample, and you will see mosquito trucks heading out or helicopters taking off, since the DVEC is located next to the St. John’s County Emergency Operations Center.
The mosquito-themed playground located next to the parking lot is fully fenced. I personally adored this playground — each piece of playground equipment is specific to things mosquitos breed in. A life-sized storm sewer to climb on, a huge fake tire, and piping, all with educational displays.
Once your kids are tired out from the playground, head inside (after posing with the mosquito statue, obviously!). From there, there are multiple areas to explore and interact with. You can view bugs under a microscope and practice tossing sandbags into sewer grates. There is an area for the tot-set with coloring sheets and smaller bug displays.
We also really liked the enormous ant farm and honeybees display! But the crown jewel for both of my kids was the helicopter simulator. The DVEC has filmed specific spray missions flying over Jacksonville and St. Augustine that your kids can fly (or watch a friend fly).
A few more notes for parents:
- There are clean indoor bathrooms!
- They sell some drinks and snacks such as chips. I would recommend packing a lunch and enjoying it in the outside plaza.
- It’s a single-story space that is walkable even for toddlers. You don’t need a stroller unless you want to contain a child.
- I had a 5-year-old with special needs and an 8-year-old with me, and they both enjoyed it!
- The entire space feels brand new and super clean.
- The staff was lovely, and I would recommend calling and asking about their education days and programs.
More Information About the Mosquito Museum
The Disease Vector Education Center (DVEC) is open to the general public Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. They are open Mondays and Tuesdays for group tours, field trips, home school, and other organizations by appointment only. 120 EOC Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32092
