Fun Things to Do in Florida with Kids
Sun, sea, sand, and year-round warm, balmy weather, Florida is a popular go-to destination for visitors wanting to escape colder climes.
Florida with kids is a whole different kind of sunshine. Sure, there are beaches and roller coasters, but what surprised me most were the quiet nature preserves, hands-on museums, and unexpected animal encounters tucked between the palm trees. Traveling as a family meant slowing down, asking more questions, and seeing familiar landscapes with fresh eyes.
These are the spots that made our Florida trip feel wild, educational, peaceful, and most of all...unforgettable.
Best Things to Do in Florida with Kids
Feeding Giraffes in the Middle of Florida at Giraffe Ranch
My husband, so and I drove 40 miles north from Tampa to Giraffe Ranch in Dade City (about 1 hour on I-75 and country roads).
We weren’t even halfway through the guided safari tour when a giraffe leaned into our open-air vehicle and blinked at us. I handed it a piece of sweet potato and thought, "How is this even real?" Giraffe Ranch in Dade City didn’t feel like a typical zoo, it felt like a private window into the African savannah, right in the heart of Florida.
We rode through the 47-acre ranch in a shaded truck while the guide shared fun facts about zebras, camels, and lemurs. But the giraffes were the stars. Feeding them, eye to eye, was the kind of moment that sticks with kids long after a trip is over. They also loved seeing rhinos and petting tiny kangaroos in the barnyard area afterward.
After our tour, we grabbed lunch at Lunch on Limoges in nearby Dade City, an old-school Southern café. I had the lemon chicken salad with a warm croissant, and the kids shared a grilled cheese and fruit plate. It felt like a sweet reward after an adventurous morning.
Where We Stayed: We booked a night at Hampton Inn by Hilton Dade City, just a short drive from the ranch. Clean, quiet, and comfy, with a pool that gave the kids one last energy boost before bed.
Giraffe Ranch At a Glance
- Location: 38650 Mickler Rd, Dade City, FL 33523
- Vibe: Peaceful, up-close, safari-style fun
- Highlights: Giraffe feeding, lemurs, zebras, small group tours
- Best Time to Visit: Morning tours when animals are most active
- Cost: $119 per adult, $109 per child (includes tour and giraffe feeding)
- Hours: Tours by reservation only; typically 11am and 2pm
- Tip: Book ahead, it fills up fast, especially on weekends
Where Art, Dinosaurs, and a Planetarium Collide at MOAS
I drove 5 miles west from Daytona Beach’s boardwalk to the Museum of Arts & Sciences (about 15 minutes). With over 30,000 objects, it’s Central Florida’s largest museum.
The Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach surprised all of us. We thought we were walking into a quiet art museum, but it turned out to be one of the most engaging, all-ages experiences of the trip. As we walked past a massive sloth skeleton and into a planetarium dome, I thought, "This place is sneaky fun."
The kids were drawn to the interactive science center, touching meteorites, launching air rockets, and exploring the Prehistory of Florida exhibit. There was also a Coca-Cola memorabilia collection that pulled in the grown-ups, and the planetarium show had us all leaning back in our seats, completely transfixed.
Afterward, we grabbed lunch at Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill right on the pier. I ordered blackened mahi tacos, and the kids shared chicken tenders while watching pelicans dive into the ocean. It was the perfect mix of educational morning and relaxed coastal lunch.
Where We Stayed: We spent the night at Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, where we could walk from the pool to the sand in under a minute. That evening, watching the sunset from our balcony, I thought, "Florida blends the curious with the calm better than I expected."
Museum of Arts and Sciences (MOAS) At a Glance
- Location: 352 S Nova Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
- Vibe: Educational, interactive, unexpectedly fun
- Highlights: Children’s museum, planetarium, giant sloth skeleton, science exhibits
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning to catch a planetarium show
- Cost: $12.95 adults, $6.95 children (under 5 free)
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm; Sunday 11am–5pm
- Tip: Don’t miss the outdoor sculpture garden, it’s a peaceful way to wind down
Exploring Nature’s Playground at Naples Botanical Gardens
We drove 5 miles south from downtown Naples to the Naples Botanical Garden (about 15 minutes). Spread across 170 acres, the garden opened in 1993 and has since grown into one of Florida’s premier horticultural sites.
We thought a botanical garden might be too “grown-up” for the kids, but Naples Botanical Garden quickly proved us wrong. From the moment we entered the Smith Children’s Garden, with its fountains, play huts, and musical instruments, I thought, "Okay, this is definitely built for families."
We wandered through gardens themed around the tropics, Asia, Brazil, and the Florida wetlands. The paths were wide, stroller-friendly, and filled with butterflies, birds, and bright blooms. The kids loved the water lilies and giant lily pads almost as much as the hidden swings and splash zones. There was even a scavenger hunt to keep them moving with purpose.
After our walk, we stopped at Fogg Café right inside the garden. I had a citrus-glazed salmon bowl, and the kids split a grilled cheese and fruit tray. Eating surrounded by orchids and greenery was the kind of peaceful you don’t expect from a kid-friendly outing.
Where We Stayed: We booked into the Inn on Fifth in downtown Naples, which made it easy to explore after our garden visit. That night, we walked to get ice cream and talked about our favorite flowers, proof the place had left its mark.
Naples Botanical Garden At a Glance
- Location: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL 34112
- Vibe: Lush, global, family-friendly
- Highlights: Children’s Garden, themed areas, wildlife sightings
- Best Time to Visit: Morning, before it gets hot
- Cost: $25 adults, $10 children (under 3 free)
- Hours: Daily 9am–2pm (last entry at 1pm)
- Tip: Bring swimsuits or a change of clothes for kids, the splash areas are irresistible
Spotting Gentle Giants at the Manatee Observation and Education Center
We drove 2 miles east from downtown Fort Pierce to the Manatee Observation & Education Center (about 10 minutes). Opened in 1996, the center sits on Moore’s Creek where warm-water outflows attract manatees year-round.
When we pulled into The Manatee Observation and Education Center in Fort Pierce, I wasn’t sure if we’d actually see any manatees. But within minutes of walking out onto the viewing platform, one surfaced right in front of us, and I whispered, "Look, look!" like a kid myself.
The center sits on the edge of the Indian River Lagoon, where warm water draws manatees in cooler months. Even when the manatees were shy, the experience was worth it. Inside, the center had touch tanks, marine life exhibits, and hands-on activities that kept the kids curious. They got to feel sea urchin spines and ask questions about turtles, crabs, and seagrasses.
Afterward, we walked to 2nd Street Bistro downtown, where I ordered a fresh shrimp wrap and the kids had mini burgers with sweet potato fries. It felt like a hidden-gem kind of lunch, easygoing and tasty, just like the morning had been.
Where We Stayed: We stayed at the Hutchinson Island Plaza Hotel & Suites, right across the bridge. Our room had a view of the water, and the kids loved ending the day with a dip in the pool under the stars.
Manatee Observation and Education Center At a Glance
- Location: 480 N Indian River Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34950
- Vibe: Peaceful, educational, nature-forward
- Highlights: Manatee viewing platform, touch tanks, kid-friendly marine exhibits
- Best Time to Visit: Cooler months (November–March) for best chance to see manatees
- Cost: $2 per person, kids under 5 free
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 10am–5pm
- Tip: Bring binoculars and don’t forget sunscreen, the deck is mostly in the sun
Unplugging on the Quiet Shores of Avalon State Park
I drove 8 miles north from downtown Fort Pierce to Avalon State Park (about 15 minutes along Highway A1A). Stretching for more than a mile of undeveloped shoreline, this beach was once used by the U.S. Navy as a training ground during World War II.
Avalon State Park felt like a hidden stretch of coastline where time slows down. No crowds, no commercial buzz, just sea oats, shells, and soft waves. As the kids ran toward the surf with their buckets and I settled into the sand, I thought, "This is the Florida I didn’t know I needed."
The park offers one of the most natural beach experiences we had, no high-rises, no loud boardwalks. Just wide sandy shorelines and clear, shallow water perfect for splashing. We looked for shells, spotted ghost crabs, and watched pelicans dive like arrows. It was pure simplicity in the best way.
We brought a packed lunch, PB&Js, fruit, and chips, and ate under the covered picnic pavilion. There weren’t any restaurants in the park itself, but the quiet made it all the more peaceful.
Where We Stayed: We spent the night nearby in Vero Beach at the Costa d'Este Beach Resort, which offered a bit of luxury while still being relaxed and family-friendly. That night, we strolled the shoreline, sandy feet and all, with no real agenda. It felt like a breath of fresh air.
Avalon State Park At a Glance
- Location: 3450 A1A, Fort Pierce, FL 34949
- Vibe: Serene, natural, untouched
- Highlights: Wide sandy beach, shelling, birdwatching, swimming
- Best Time to Visit: Morning or late afternoon for cooler temps and calm water
- Cost: $2 per vehicle
- Hours: Daily 8am–sunset
- Tip: No concessions, bring your own snacks, water, and shade
Watching Manatees Glide Through Crystal Waters at Blue Spring State Park
We drove 30 miles north from Orlando to Blue Spring State Park (about 40 minutes). Covering more than 2,600 acres, the park is famous as a designated manatee refuge.
We arrived early at Blue Spring State Park, hoping to beat the heat, and the crowds, and we were rewarded with a tranquil, misty morning and the sight of a dozen manatees slowly drifting through the spring. I leaned over the boardwalk rail and whispered, "I could watch this all day."
In winter, the spring becomes a warm-water refuge for hundreds of manatees, and even outside of peak season, it’s a stunning place for a family hike or swim. The spring run is clear, blue, and inviting, and there's a shaded trail that’s perfect for little feet and curious eyes. We saw turtles, fish, and birds along the way, and the kids were fascinated by the park rangers answering questions at the overlook stations.
For lunch, we picnicked under the live oaks, sandwiches from a nearby deli and cold lemonade from the cooler. There’s also a small snack bar at the park, but we enjoyed the old-school picnic table vibe too much to leave.
Where We Stayed: We rented a family-friendly Airbnb in nearby Orange City, just a short drive from the park. It gave us space to relax after a nature-filled day, and a quiet backyard where the kids could run around while we planned the next stop.
Blue Spring State Park At a Glance
- Location: 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763
- Vibe: Serene, natural, gently wild
- Highlights: Manatees, spring swimming, nature trail, ranger talks
- Best Time to Visit: November–March for manatee viewing; early morning for swimming in warmer months
- Cost: $6 per vehicle
- Hours: Daily 8am–sunset
- Tip: Bring snorkels and water shoes, the spring is shallow and perfect for exploring
Conclusion
Florida with kids was more than sun and sand, it was full of moments that slowed us down, made us look closer, and gave us stories to tell long after we unpacked. From feeding giraffes and watching manatees glide by to splashing through gardens and diving into science museums, each stop added a layer of wonder and connection.
If you're looking for a family trip that mixes wild beauty, hands-on learning, and those joyful little surprises only kids seem to find, Florida delivers. Just follow the laughter, and the rest will fall into place.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
