Fun Things to Do in Florida with Kids
Florida is one of the best family-friendly destinations in the U.S., with endless activities and attractions that kids (and parents) will love. From world-famous theme parks and aquariums to beautiful beaches and unique wildlife encounters, Florida is full of adventures for all ages.
I’ve enjoyed days filled with thrilling rides, explored hands-on museums that spark curiosity, and discovered natural wonders that wow both kids and adults. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or just a fun day out, Florida has no shortage of kid-friendly experiences. Here are the ones I recommend, and I think your family will love them too.
1. Feeding Giraffes in the Middle of Florida at Giraffe Ranch
My husband, son and I drove 40 miles north from Tampa to Giraffe Ranch in Dade City (about 1 hour on I-75 and country roads).
It quickly became one of the coolest and most unique experiences we’ve had with kids.
We drove in expecting a small wildlife stop, but what we found was an amazing safari-style ranch filled with giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and even camels. The best part was being able to hand-feed the giraffes—seeing their long tongues reach out for treats was an absolute dream moment for the kids and honestly for me too!
What I loved most was how affordable and family-friendly the whole experience was. Instead of a crowded zoo, it felt like a private adventure, with a personal guide who shared unusual and interesting facts about the animals. My kids were completely captivated, and I could see in my photos just how joyful and excited they were.
The ranch also offers camel rides, Segway tours, and safari trucks, which I thought was such a brilliant idea for families who want an unusual twist on a Florida weekend getaway. It really is the best mix of fun and learning, making it both entertaining and educational.
If you’re looking for something different from the usual theme parks, this underrated Florida attraction is one of the absolute best. For me, Giraffe Ranch was not just a stop—it was a spectacular, memory-making family adventure that we’ll talk about for years.
2. 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.
Tucked just minutes from the beach, it turned into one of the coolest and most educational family outings we’ve had.
What I loved most was how it blended art, science, and history all under one roof. My kids were fascinated by the giant skeletons in the Prehistory of Florida gallery, while I thought the Cuban art collection was one of the most unique and vibrant displays I’ve seen. It’s the kind of place where every corner offers something exciting, from ancient fossils to colorful paintings.
The planetarium was an absolute dream experience. Sitting back and watching the stars and galaxies swirl above us felt like pure magic. It’s easily one of the best family-friendly features because it keeps kids joyful and curious while teaching them something new at the same time.
We also wandered through the Root Family Museum inside MOAS, which showcases vintage cars, train cars, and even the largest collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia—something I didn’t expect but turned out to be one of my favorite parts. It was unusual, exciting, and such a cool surprise for the kids.
3. 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.
4. Spotting Gentle Giants at the Manatee Observation and Education Center
One of my favorite family-friendly discoveries on Florida’s Treasure Coast was the Manatee Observation and Education Center in Fort Pierce, and it instantly felt like one of those underrated gems that’s both fun and meaningful. Nestled along the Indian River Lagoon, it gave us the coolest chance to see gentle manatees up close in their natural habitat.
What I loved most was the sense of magic when we first spotted a manatee surfacing right near the observation deck. The kids were so joyful and excited, pointing out every swirl in the water as if it were the absolute best treasure hunt. It wasn’t just exciting—it felt like a spectacular window into Florida’s wildlife.
Inside the center, we explored interactive exhibits that explained manatee biology, their migration patterns, and why this vibrant lagoon is such an important ecosystem. I thought it was the perfect blend of unusual, interesting, and educational fun, and the staff made everything feel approachable for kids and adults alike.
Another highlight for me was the small but beautiful aquarium featuring native fish and the touch tank where my kids bravely reached in to feel different marine creatures. It was affordable, hands-on learning at its finest and easily one of my favorite parts of the visit.
We also took a short stroll along the boardwalk, where the views of the water and mangroves were peaceful and spectacular. For me, the Manatee Observation and Education Center is one of the coolest, most unique stops on the Treasure Coast—an exceptional family outing that combines fun, nature, and unforgettable memories.
5. 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 along the shoreline, sandy feet and all, with no real agenda. It felt like a breath of fresh air.
6. 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.
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.
7. Everglades National Park
Visiting Everglades National Park was one of the most unforgettable family adventures I’ve had in Florida, and honestly, it felt like stepping into a dream world. Just west of Miami, this spectacular park is one of the coolest, most unique landscapes I’ve ever explored with kids.
What I loved most was how vibrant and alive everything felt—the slow-moving waters, the sawgrass prairies, and the chance to spot wildlife that you simply can’t see anywhere else. Within minutes, we saw alligators basking in the sun, birds soaring overhead, and turtles gliding through the water. The kids were absolutely joyful, pointing out every new creature like it was the best scavenger hunt ever.
The airboat ride was the absolute highlight for us. Skimming across the water at high speeds, with the wind in our hair and endless views of marshes, was both exciting and magical. It’s the kind of experience that makes you realize how unusual and spectacular this ecosystem really is.
We also explored some of the boardwalk trails, which were affordable and easy for families. My favorite was Anhinga Trail, where we spotted wildlife just a few feet away—it felt like the coolest outdoor classroom. The kids learned so much without even realizing it, which to me is the best kind of family adventure.
For me, Everglades National Park is one of the absolute best family getaways in Florida. It’s affordable, exciting, and filled with unusual and interesting moments that make it an exceptional experience every time you visit.
Conclusion
For me, exploring Florida with kids has been an absolute dream because every place offers its own magic.
Whether we’re watching manatees surface, wandering through tropical flowers, or racing along sandy shores, these family-friendly adventures remind me that Florida is one of the absolute best places for joyful, affordable, and unforgettable experiences.
No matter where we go, the memories we make together always feel unique, and truly special.
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.
