Things rarely go better together than kid friendly and Florida; from fascinating museums to gorgeous beaches to theme parks to natural parks, the Sunshine State has all the trappings of a family vacay full of learning, playing and of course, fun!
For a vacation that will live on in your memories for years to come, here’s a list of the 15 most fun things to do in Florida with kids, from the obvious to the more obscure yet lovely!
1. Walt Disney World, Orlando
What’s a visit to Florida, with toddlers, without a stop at Disney World?
Incomplete!
Hands down one of the best theme parks in the world for kids, Disney World is where fairy tales literally come true.
The 27,000-acre-plus park houses 4 internal theme parks, a camping resort, and 2 water parks, among others—that’s quite a lot of fun on offer!
Enjoy fun rides, get Disney characters to fill your autograph book, feast at the themed restaurants, stay at a Disney hotel—even a week won’t suffice to explore all the fun on offer here!
Whether 5 or 50, going to Universal Studios in Orlando is one of the best things to do in Florida with kids.
The tots will love getting an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the magic that goes into making movies, with popular favorites paid tribute via fun settings and rides such as the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, the Dr.Seuss carousel and E.T. Adventure.
Catch the stunt shows, enjoy the many rides, gorge at the restaurants (there’s even a true-to-life Hogsmeade with Butterbeer and Honeydukes!)—there is tons to do in this humongous theme park!
For a memorable outing that combines learning and fun, head to the Kennedy Space Center, where tots can learn about the space race and man’s journey into outer space.
The many attractions at the Kennedy Space Center are excellent stimulators to get your young ones interested in all things space-related.
Don’t forget to try the space shuttle simulator; you’ll know how astronaut Jerry Ross and the rest of the crew felt inside NASA’s iconic Atlantis.
You can even catch a shuttle launch, get a good look at what it takes to be an astronaut and pick up souvenirs.
Amusement parks are an almost foolproof way to keep kids entertained, so you know a day of fun awaits at LEGOLAND!
One of the best places to take kids in Orlando, LEGOLAND is a combination of thrilling rides, splashing in the water and hands-on fun, catering to a large variety of kiddie preferences.
The themed sections are a hit with kids of all ages and the entire family is sure to be awed by the many attractions and statues built entirely using Lego blocks.
Tots can even earn their own licenses at the Ford Driving School!
If you’re wondering where to go in South Florida with kids, the Biscayne National Park is a must consider.
Barely a stone’s throw away from downtown Miami, this park houses and protects gorgeous coral reefs and verdant bushlands.
Tykes can find their connection with Mother Nature here, while enjoying adventures such as kayaking, canoeing and stand up paddling through the mangroves, taking a guided boat tour, snorkeling and scuba diving through the reef and exploring trails.
Come winter, the park runs an overnight wildlife camp and come spring, ready yourselves for the Family Fun Fest, where family-friendly fun is at its peak!
Another popular spot for nature buffs, Everglades holds the distinction of being the largest subtropical expanse in the United States.
Naturally, hundreds of species, including many rare and endangered ones, call this national park their home.
The stunning natural landscape is sure to draw many awestruck gasps from nature lovers, while the adventurous types will love paddling through the waterways, watching for panthers and exploring the famous Anhinga Trail.
Families can catch gorgeous views from the observation tower at Shark Valley, explore the Nike Hercules missile base, and bike, hike and camp anywhere in the park.
If you’re wondering where to go for inexpensive family fun, how about the world’s largest naval museum?
In fact, this museum isn’t just inexpensive; it’s free!
Tots can get hands-on aircraft experience by touring the insides of different flights and the flight simulator, and a detailed behind-the-scenes look at all things naval by exploring the 150-plus attractions on display.
One of the biggest draws of the museum is the Blue Angels’ show—a performance of aerial tricks that will elicit gasps and shrieks of excitement!
Head to the onsite wide-screen theatre to catch an aviation film.
8. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Key West
The beauty on offer at the Key West Conservatory is breathtaking, with hundreds of butterfly species, flocks of exotic birds (flamingos too!) and bunches of splendid flowers thriving in their natural habitat.
Visiting the Learning Center is not only fun but also productive; young minds are taken through the whole metamorphosis process that butterflies go through, including learning how they eat, breed and migrate.
The Wings of Imagination art gallery is a lovely, relaxing space to explore; Sam Trophia’s artwork, which beautifully captures nature’s many hues, is on display and is a visual treat.
If you’ve ticked theme parks, museums and national parks off your vacay list and are left wondering what to do in Florida with kids, how about an off-the-beaten-track venue that’s as thrilling as it is informative?
St. Augustine is the only site in the world where every live crocodilian species co-exists.
Tots can watch the reptiles swim and dine in their swamp, go digging for fossils and learn about reptiles and exotics species.
Come summer, the farm runs a camp with the right amounts of learning and fun, where tykes get a 101 on all things crocodilian.
If you’re wondering which the best spots for day trips are in Florida, check out Kelly Park, a haven of hot springs and perfect-for-tubing streams.
Kids and parents can easily spend a day here, with its areas dedicated to picnics, a playground for the tots, a campsite and a concession station.
You can also rent a tube and explore the springs, snorkel, swim or participate in water-gun fights.
For a truly unique experience, camp onsite; the site serves as a popular home-base option among families who want to spend a few days exploring the delights of Kelly Park.
Yes, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is as fun a place as its name indicates!
Known the world over for the highly unique mermaid shows and underwater theater, Weeki Wachee is one of the best places to show Old Florida to the tots, generously peppered with a ton of kid-friendly attractions too!
This state park is not only beautifully developed but also has on offer kayaking, snorkeling and swimming through its crystal waters that stay at a delicious 72 degrees.
Tots will especially enjoy the on-site water park, Buccaneer Bay, with its fun rides and twisting slides.
One of the most alluring places with things for kids to do, in Florida, is Ichetucknee Springs State Park, a great spot for endless tubing down cool, clear springs and miles of wetlands and shaded hammocks.
At Ichetucknee, enjoy non-stop canoeing, swimming and snorkeling in the 8 major gorgeous springs onsite, as well as wildlife viewing and hiking through the many trails.
If nothing else, spread out a sheet under the lush cypress and oak trees and try your luck at spotting the many wild turkeys, otters, turtles and egrets that call the park home.
Beach days with family are a Florida must do, and more so ones at Clearwater Beach, among the state’s most beautiful beaches.
With a 3-mile pristine coastline and tons of water and land-based activities, there’s seemingly no dearth of enjoyment here!
Clearwater offers free nightly events every evening at Pier 60.
The area is pedestrian friendly and the crowds are worth it when you consider the vibrant scene that comes alive as the sun sets, with street performers and musicians in every corner.
There are also tons of shops and restaurants to check out.
Sightseeing in Florida is fun, but covering spots can get tiring!
For a relaxing day, head to the beautiful Lake Wales’ Bok Tower Gardens.
One of the most popular spots in Florida, Bok Tower Gardens is known for its singing bell tower, all of 205 feet, and the lovely carillon with 60 bells.
The garden is a riot of colors, when flowers such as camellias, Cinnamon Cindy and azaleas are in bloom, accompanying you on your exploration of the garden’s many trails, gorgeous grounds, swan-filled pools and the many dedicated resting spots.
15. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
A visual treat awaits visitors to John Pennekamp, a family favorite for the exciting diving spots and snorkeling, often deemed one of the best in the state.
A plethora of kids’ activities is on offer here, from exploring the undersea park to snorkeling around the coral reef to spending time watching and learning about the many colorful shoals of fish and diverse underwater flora and fauna that thrive in the park.
Additionally, John Pennekamp holds the distinction of being the country’s first undersea park, as well as housing the only living coral reef in all of the United States.
Head to the Giraffe Ranch with your family and get the opportunity to interact with magnificent exotic wildlife.
It offers several activities for the whole family to enjoy, like going on segway tours, riding camels, and going on fully-guided vehicle tours where you can view animals like giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, zebras, deer, hippos, and other exotic wildlife.
Book the Wildlife Drive-Thru Safari Tour to explore the ranch in the comforts of your vehicle. It is one of the best options when visiting with infants or younger children.
I recommend the Segway Safari Tour when traveling with older kids aged 16 and above. Operate a state-of-the-art segway and enjoy activities like viewing animals up close, giraffe feeding, and more.
The Museum of Arts and Sciences, nicknamed MOAs, offers the perfect destination to have a fun and educational experience with your loved ones.
It is one of the largest museums in the area, boasting more than 30,000 items on display. It boasts engaging activities and several rotating and permanent exhibits on science, history, and art.
You can also replenish your energy by dining at its cafe and shopping for souvenirs at the gift shop.
Time your visit during their Family Science Nights, where you can enjoy a memorable bonding experience with your kids doing things like participating in interactive projects and conducting science experiments.
This 170-acre botanical garden offers the ideal nature escape for you and your children of all ages. It opened in 1993, featuring at least seven distinct natural habitats, over 1000 species of flora, and diverse ecosystems.
Here, you can enjoy several kid-friendly activities like attending garden classes, creating nature-based crafts and artwork, listening to occasional live music, and participating in interactive educational projects.
Replenish your energy by dining at its onsite eatery, the Fogg Café. Try yummy dishes such as Mango Chicken Salad, Avocado Toast, Smoked Salmon Flatbread, and more. It also has tasty options for your kids, like grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches.
19. Manatee Observation and Education Center, Fort Pierce
The Manatee Observation and Education Center is a natural history museum and nature center featuring exhibits about coastal awareness and manatees.
It has so much to offer you, like guided kayaking tours on the Indian River Lagoon, a waterfront viewing platform where you can view manatees up close, and a guided boat tour where you can learn about local wildlife.
At its 2,000 square-foot Manatee Center, you can view stunning exhibits, like informative displays, a tide pool touch tank, eye-catching photographs, and more.
This waterfront Floridian state park is a well-loved destination for its gorgeous undeveloped beaches and an endless array of fun-filled opportunities.
It features at least one mile of sandy coastline, picnic pavilions to eat your meals conveniently, clean restroom facilities, an accessible parking area, shower stations, and scenic nature trails for a lovely trek.
Make long-lasting memories with your tots as you bury them in the soft sand, help them make towering sandcastles, splash in the cool water, or throw a ball around. Have a more exciting time with your older kids by going snorkeling, fishing, hiking, canoeing, and kayaking.
Go on the ultimate outdoor adventure by taking your family to the Blue Spring State Park. It offers limitless possibilities on land and in the pristine water.
You can go swimming in a crystalline spring and enjoy other activities like scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. On land, you can go hiking, wildlife watching, and picnicking.
It has a campsite where you can rent a cabin or pitch a tent, and a playground with volleyball courts for a fun time with your children.
It also offers guided riverboat cruise tours, educational nature programs, and water sports equipment rentals.
Your children won’t realize that they are learning something new as they have a fun-filled time at the Boca Raton Children’s Museum, founded in 1979.
Your kids of all ages will have a blast as they explore a sensory room, a kid-sized grocery store, a pirate ship, and so much more. They can also put up their own puppet shows and participate in educational activities like art classes, interactive workshops, and outreach programs.
It features a homey setting with indoor climbing areas where your children can work on their agility, miniature train sets, outdoor play areas for when the weather is ideal, and a sandpit.
It also offers several temporary exhibits throughout the year, so check out its website ahead of time so you can plan your visit accordingly.
This spectacular aquarium is a well-loved attraction that opened in 1972 as the Clearwater Marine Science Center. It is a non-profit organization that focuses on public education, research, conservation, rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured and sick marine life.
This aquarium is one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Clearwater, welcoming at least 750,000 guests annually. It also served as the home of Winter, a world-famous bottlenose dolphin that starred in the film Dolphin Tale and its sequel.
Get the chance to learn about and view marine animals up close, like dolphins, stingrays, sea turtles, sharks, North American river otters, and more.
Enjoy activities like going on guided boat or kayaking tours, interacting with various sea creatures, and making customized salads for sea turtles.
Prepare to be amazed as you visit this one-of-a-kind outdoor art museum with your family. Wynwood Walls features a series of colorful street murals created by artists from various parts of the world.
Take pictures backed by several jaw-dropping graffiti-style artwork, original murals, unique sculptures, and other fascinating artworks.
It also offers guided tours where you can learn more about the exhibits, a gift shop selling various souvenirs to commemorate your visit, and occasional artist talks for a more informative experience.
The Dry Tortugas National Park is a national park and historical site encompassing more than 64,000 acres.
Its centerpiece is the breathtaking Fort Jefferson, an unfinished coastal fortress and one of the largest masonry structures in the state. It consists of at least 16 million bricks, historical artifacts, and more.
Get here by boat or seaplane and tour the historic fort while taking plenty of pictures together to immortalize the memory.
You can also create new memories with your family as you enjoy outdoor activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, camping, saltwater fishing, kayaking, stargazing, boating, picnicking, and birdwatching.
26. J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island
Take a break from towering buildings and crowded streets by heading to this wildlife refuge with your loved ones.
This highly acclaimed tourist attraction was established in 1976 and is named after famous American cartoonist Jay Norwood Darling. It spans roughly 5,200 acres and is home to hundreds of migratory birds, bobcats, alligators, marsh rabbits, raccoons, and river otters.
Enjoy the beauty of nature as you bike through scenic landscapes, hike past lush greenery, go bird watching, and work on your nature photography skills.
Check their website before visiting so that you can time your visit during one of their Bird Festivals. Get the chance to observe thousands of birds of varying species fly through the air.
You can find several fun things to do in Florida with kids, such as going on a nature adventure at the Rainbow Springs State Park. It encompasses roughly 1,000 acres featuring at least eleven distinct natural communities.
Spend quality time with your youngsters as you enjoy a lovely picnic backed by picturesque landscapes, stay overnight by having a fun camping trip, hike through scenic trails, and teach them how to fish.
Other activities you can do with your kids are kayaking, canoeing, viewing interpretive exhibits at a visitor center, swimming in crystalline waters, tubing, wildlife viewing, geo-seeking, snorkeling, and so on.
It also features several superb on-site amenities, like ADA-accessible facilities, an amphitheater at the campground, a boat launch for non-motorized vehicles, a laundry area for registered campers, a picnic pavilion, shower stations, and more.
