There aren’t many states in the U.S. that are better for traveling with children. Florida has a wide variety of settings that are great for learning, making memories, and playing, including theme parks, museums, natural parks, and beaches. Your family’s trip to Florida will be one you’ll be talking about for years to come.
The 40 finest locations to visit before your children grow up are listed in this guide, and they span from well-known theme parks like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios to smaller, less-visited natural reserves and manatee sanctuaries. Without seeing everything there is to see, you and your family might easily spend a few weeks in Florida and still not hear your young adventurer complain about being bored. Here are 40 fantastic family-friendly activities in Florida:
1. The Florida Aquarium
Tampa
The Florida Aquarium is home to many marine animals that will educate kids everything there is to know about marine life. It is one of the top locations in the state for conservation, research, and education. A learning center, a camp program, and nightly tide discussions are available.
Things to do
Attend nightly tide presentations, help release rescued creatures back into the wild, watch turtles nest, visit the aquarium’s learning center with its five learning stations, and more. Children can spend the night in sleeping bags next to reef sharks and dozing fish as part of a sleepover program.
2. Walt Disney World
Orlando
The best theme park in the world for youngsters that inspires creativity and imagination is undoubtedly Walt Disney World. Parents will likewise enjoy paying homage to beloved Disney movies. There are four indoor theme parks, two water parks, a camping resort, and other entertainment venues within the park’s roughly 27,000 acres.
What to do:
Raise your hands in the air while riding the various rides, seek out the signatures of your favorite Disney characters, see live performances, eat at themed restaurants, stay at a hotel, and more. A week might easily be spent taking advantage of everything the park has to offer.
3. Universal Studios Orlando
Kids will adore getting a behind-the-scenes look at how their favorite shows and movies are produced. At locations like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, the Dr. Seuss-themed carousel, and E.T. Adventure, the silver screen will come to life. In this enormous theme park, there are performances, attractions, dining options, and active film studios to explore.
What to do:
Ride any number of the themed rides and see stunt performances. Discover Hosmeade, the fictional city in Harry Potter that is home to Hogwarts and places where you can enjoy Butterbeer and Honeydukes delicacies. This summer, a water park will open for kids to enjoy on particularly hot days.
4. Kennedy Space Center
Titusville
Children will enjoy learning about humankind’s exploration of space, from the earliest times to the most recent missions. There is no better way to ignite a child’s passion in rocket building and space exploration.
What to do:
Go into a space shuttle simulator to experience what it’s like to be inside NASA’s emblem, Atlantis. Witness a shuttle launch, explore life as an astronaut behind the scenes, shop for trinkets, discover local myths, and more.
5. Legoland
Orlando
This theme park blends interactive games with various attractions. Both parents and children like visiting the entertaining theme sections like Ninjango, Star Wars, and Merlin. It’s also a feast for the imagination because many statues and attractions are made completely of Legos.
What to do:
Enjoy some exciting rides, including the DUPLO Train, Technicycle, Safari Trek, and the Safari Trek. At the Ford Driving School, Boating School, and Ford Jr. Driving School, children can learn to drive and even obtain a child license. Construct all kinds of things, eat at one of the many restaurants, and if the weather is nice, head over to the water park.
6. Biscayne National Park
Miami region
Why you must leave: This national park, which is not far from downtown Miami, guards magnificent coral reefs and emerald hue vegetation. In an atmosphere that allows them to become one with their natural surroundings, children can explore and be active. Regardless of your preference for outdoor activities, Biscayne National Park is likely to provide you with the ideal day out.
What to do: Paddle a kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard through the park’s mangroves. Take a guided boat tour, dive or scuba over a coral reef, or just stroll along one of the park’s many pathways. Children can enroll in an overnight wildlife camp during the winter and join the Family Fun Fest program in the spring.
7. Everglades National Park
Everglades
The largest subtropical wilderness in the nation is Everglades National Park. There are countless animal species, many of which are uncommon or endangered, and there is a lot to learn about them. Youngsters will adore the bizarre natural setting and the thrilling sensation you get when you enter the Everglades.
What to do:
Walk along the Anhinga Trail and paddle across a portion of the 99-mile wilderness canal while keeping an eye out for uncommon animals like manatees and Florida panthers. You’ll also like taking in the vista from the observation deck in Shark Valley and visiting the Nike Hercules missile site. Family who enjoy the great outdoors can camp, walk, and ride bikes all across the park.
8. Naval Aviation Museum
Why you must leave: Most of all, admission to the Naval Aviation Museum, the biggest naval aviation museum in the world, is free. Children will enjoy experiencing the interior of the aircrafts, of which there are over 150 to see, up close and personal.
What to do:
See the interiors of numerous airplanes, discover about naval history, and witness the Blue Angels execute aerial maneuvers above the clouds. Also, there is a flight simulator where children may experience what it’s like to fly a ship, as well as a wide-screen theater showing aviation movies.
9. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
Key West
Why you must leave: You may view many butterflies in their natural habitat at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. The conservatory is also home to exotic species, including flamingos, and flowering flowers.
Things to do:
Children can observe the transformation of butterflies and moths in the Learning Center. Kids will also learn about the diet, migration, and reproduction of these insects. Explore the Sam Trophia art gallery’s “The Wings of Imagination” show. Children can learn about the vivid wildlife of nature in this tranquil setting.
10. St. Augustine Alligator Farm
St. Augustine
This alligator farm is “the only place in the world where you can see every live species of crocodilian,” the website claims. Alligators, crocodiles, reptiles, fossils, and even birds can all be taught to kids. There is just the right amount of coolness, risk, and information there.
What to do:
Attend a wildlife show, go on a fossil-hunting archaeological excavation, and learn about conservation. You can also watch alligators and crocodiles swim and dine in the alligator swamp. Even a baby alligator can be held by children! Lemurs, birds, and other exotic animals all have their own attractions. For a more in-depth experience, kids can sign up for camp here throughout the summer.
11. Kelly Park
Apopka
Why you must go: Kelly Park is a natural retreat with hot springs and a stream perfect for inner tubing. Both children and adults will enjoy exploring it. There are additional picnics gazebo sites, a playground, and a concession stand.
What to do:
Swim, snorkel, rent a tube to float down the springs, and engage in water cannon battles. In addition, you can go on a trek, have a picnic, and play on the playground. Families can spend a few days touring the park and using it as a base for the area because the park is also ideal for camping (both tent and TV).