The 23 Best Things To Do In Florida For Kids

The state of Florida is one of the best family travel destinations in the entire United States. Like in California, there are countless towns to visit, amusement parks to enjoy, and stellar sights to see. Of course, Florida is also home to some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet in the world. If you’re bringing your kids there, then you’ll literally have an unlimited number of things to do. For now, we’ll narrow down to the 23 things to do in Florida for kids.

Amusement Parks in Florida for Kids

When many people think about what to do in Florida for kids, they almost instinctively think about the many different amusement parks that litter the state. There are many well-known parks and some hidden gems that are just as fun. Don’t visit without coming to at least one of these.

Walt Disney World

Considered to be one of the best theme parks in the world for kids and adults alike, Walt Disney World has endless fun to discover. After all, this is 27,000 acres of rides, characters, shows, dining, and more. There are four theme parks, two water parks, a massive camping resort, numerous hotels, and more. Although this park is for all ages, it has a hefty price tag, so parents may want to wait until the kids are at least old enough to know what they’re looking at. Older kids will be dragging you around as they go on the rides and try to get signatures from all of their favorite Disney characters.

LegoLand

LegoLand is more than just a collection of blocks. It’s a full-fledged theme park where kids can have hands-on fun with some of their favorite characters and exhibits. There are fun themed sections that celebrate Star Wars, Ninjango, Merlin, and more. There’s a ton of fun rides too, like the Technicycle, Safari Trek, the DUPLO Kids Train, and The Dragon. Kids can go into the fun Ford Driving school, take lessons, and bring home a miniature license. Also, catch the boat rides, great restaurants, and of course, your kids get tons of chances to play with Legos and make new creations.

Universal Studios Orlando

Kids who love rides and movies and TV shows will want to check out the excitement of Universal Studios Orlando where they can see cool attractions, like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, E.T. Adventure, and the Dr. Seuss themed carousel, among others. There are also a ton of great roller coasters, games, and restaurants worth your attention. It’s ideal to visit when your kids are between 5 to 18 years old, so they can appreciate the sights and sounds.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

This is a theme park of a different color. It’s like a zoo and an amusement park combined, and it’s a ton of fun. There are many awesome animals here, and you can take a safari ride to see creatures in their natural atmosphere, including several on the endangered species list. Overall, there’s more than 12,000 animals at the park. There’s also many amazing rides, including awesome roller coasters, water rides, and a drop tower. While you’re here, you can also check out the many gardens home to vibrant and gorgeous flowers that will take your breath away.

Old Town

Although kids will have a great time, Old Town is also a major source of nostalgia for parents who have been around since the 1960s. There’s a lot of old-fashioned things to see here, including 1960s arcade games, carnival games, car shows, a haunted house, and a very special magic show. You can go even further back in town by shooting targets with toy guns at the Rootin’ & Tootin’ Shootin’ Alley. It’s just all around fun that you don’t get anywhere else.

Adventure Island

The ultimate water park, Adventure Island is the place for families looking for things to do in Florida for kids. There’s a massive variety of rides at this park, including slides, pools, lazy rivers, and sandy areas where you can lie and relax. If you visit, make sure to check out the following attractions: Water Moccasin, Paradise Lagoon, and Fabian’s FunPort. If you’re a competitive family, then visit the Spike Zone where you can play volleyball in teams against each other.

Cape Coral Sunsplash Water Park

If you’re looking for a more laid-back water park, then check out Cape Coral Sunsplash Water Park, which is one of the older attractions in the state. With that said, there’s still plenty of water slides, races, pools, and the famous lazy river. You can spend your whole day at the park, and it's not as busy as the major parks, so you can go on rides time after time and not worry so much about lines. 

Museums and Education in Florida for Kids

While there’s a lot of fun to be had, there’s also plenty to learn in Florida for kids. In between the amusement parks and beaches, visit some of these museums, historical sites, and other educational opportunities. 

Kennedy Space Center

It’s fair to say that kids and parents alike are fascinated by space and the men and women who go up there to explore brave new frontiers. You can relive some of that wonderment by visiting the Kennedy Space Center, where kids can see a real life space shuttle and see memorabilia from those famous expeditions. There’s also an awesome space shuttle simulator where you can get in and feel like you’re really going to space. Don’t leave without checking out the awesome souvenir shop. This is great for kids 6 to 18 years old.

Naval Aviation Museum

To learn about a different type of air travel, check out the Naval Aviation Museum, where you and the kids can celebrate the heroes who help to keep us free. This is the largest aviation museum in the entire world and it features over 150 different aircrafts that can be seen and touched. While learning about naval history, you can watch the heroic Blue Angels fly and perform tricks in the air. This museum also has a fun flight simulator that will make your kids believe they're flying a real jet.

Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory

If your kids love chocolate and candy as much as you did when you were a child, then you’ll love the Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory, which is a Willy Wonka-like experience where you can see how chocolate is made during a 20-minute tour. Along the ride, you’ll get to taste many different varieties of chocolate and learn a lot in the process. At the end, there’s a massive shop where you can buy all kinds of delicious goodies.

Wonderworks

Basically a combination of museum and theme park, Wonderworks is a great place for kids because they can go through many hands-on exhibits. The building itself is designed to look like its upside down and that it came out of the Bermuda Triangle. There are many cool sights to see, including a natural disaster area, a space discovery section, a light and sound zone, and more. Plus, there are obstacle courses, 4D motion theater, a comedy space show, and a glow-in-the-dark ropes course.

Orlando Science Center Observatory

You’ll notice a trend in Florida. The people there love the idea of going to space. A visit to the Orlando Science Center Observatory will prove that once again. This is the home to one of the most powerful telescopes in the world. You can look through the telescope and see the planets and stars that make up our solar system. There’s also a lot of other things to learn here, like how to play with magnets and dig for dinosaur bones. There’s also a lot of cool shows to watch along the way.

Museum of Science and Industry

This is one of the largest museums in the country, and you will learn many great facts as you walk through its many amazing exhibits. It’s almost impossible to get bored as you learn about 3D printers, gaze at the stars in the planetarium, ride in a driverless car, and more. The adventurous kids will have a ball walking through the butterfly garden and then exploring a challenging ropes course before riding down a massive zipline. 

Dinosaur World

Many kids love the idea of dinosaurs, and if that’s true in your family, then you must visit Dinosaur World. It’s a pretty cool idea. You go around a large theme park, and you can see recreations of over 150 life-sized dinosaurs set up in what would be their natural habitat. These are incredibly lifelike sculptures, and it's something you won’t forget. During your stay, you can take part in the Dino Gem Excavation. There’s also interactive shows like the Exploration Cave Show and Triviasaurus Rex Game Show.

Beaches and Nature Parks

The Sunshine State is a very beautiful state, and it lives up to its name with many amazing breaches, water features, and nature parks where families can see the true beauty of Florida. Here are a few highlights.

Biscayne National Park

Just a stone's throw from downtown Miami, Biscayne National Park is a gorgeous national treasure where families can relax, enjoy a picnic, and look in awe at the trees and nature around them. You can do just about everything at this park, including walk the trails, snorkel at a coral reef, take a guided boat tour, and more. If you’re planning a long stay, your kids can also go to the overnight wildlife camp.

Everglades National Park

Another great thing about Florida is that there are many different animal species that you can see in their natural habitats, and because of that, there's a ton of cool sights in Florida for kids. For your best chance to see wild animals, check out Everglades National Park, where there are hundreds of animal species, including those that are rare and endangered. 

While there, you can get a boat and paddle down the 99-mile waterway where there’s a chance to see panthers and manatees. There’s also an awesome Shark Valley observation deck where you have a chance to see apex predators in their natural environment. You can also bike, hike, and camp. 

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

Many kids are amazed by the sight of butterflies, and if that’s true in your family, then make sure to check out this amazing conservatory. Your family can walk through this natural habitat where you could come in contact with hundreds of butterflies as they fly and live their lives. There’s also a great Learning Center, where your family can learn about how butterflies eat, migrate, and go through metamorphosis. Don’t leave without checking out the art gallery where you will see artistic interpretations of butterflies of the world.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm

If your kids like animals with a little more bark in their bite, then make a stop at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. They have a boardwalk there, and when you approach, you’ll literally be face-to-face with several alligators that will provide plenty of photo opportunities. Your kids can also learn about crocodiles and alligators of the past by looking at fossils. Youngsters can even hold a baby alligator. 

Kelly Park

For something completely different, visit Kelly Park, which is home to many hot springs. You can either look at their beauty or go inner tubing down the long stream. If that’s not your thing, you can also swim, snorkel, and even have water gun fights. Other fun activities include a concession stand, playground, gazebo, and plenty of places to have a picnic. If you plan to stay a few days, then you can spend time at the campground and make it your base of operations for the trip.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

Since Florida is along the Gulf of Mexico, it’s only natural that there would be a ton of awesome seascapes and underwater wildlife to enjoy, and you can get that all at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. While here, your family can snorkel to awesome coral reefs where they’ll see tons of underwater plants and animals, including turtles, fish, and more. Older children can get scuba certified right there on the spot so they can enjoy the deep dives. You can also go kayaking, boating, or lay out on the beach.

Clearwater Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Florida for kids is Clearwater Beach, where you’ll see the whitest sand in the state and crystal-clear water. There’s also fishing boats, tons of great restaurants, and the famous Pier 60. When you aren’t swimming in the glorious water, there’s the option to snorkel, build sandcastles, and take a boat tour. This is a great event for when you need a low-maintenance day where you can sit and relax.

Florida Aquarium

No vacation should be complete without visiting the aquarium in the area, and this state has just what you need with the Florida Aquarium. This is a massive aquarium where your kids can see tons of amazing water creatures living in realistic environments. While you’re there, check out the learning center, where your kids can learn about their favorite animals, including how they’re born and what it's like when you let them back into the wild. You’ll learn something new every time you’re here.

Giraffe Ranch

If you love the long-necked beauties known as Giraffes, then you will have a blast taking your kids to this amazing ranch located just 45 minutes north of Tampa. This is Florida’s second-largest nature area and it's a 47-acre native wildlife preserve where you can see giraffes and domestic cattle go about their day as you take amazing pictures. Go during certain parts of the year, and you may also see camels, rhinos, hippos, and more.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a list of numerous activities and fun things to do in Florida for kids. This state really is an amazing place, and you could take a vacation here every year and always find something new to do. Add all of these great places and attractions to your bucket list and make amazing memories with your family.

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