While Florida may house "The Most Magical Place On Earth," explore what lies beyond it. Orlando theme parks And you’ll discover a wealth of other locations to explore and distinctive activities to enjoy in Florida, with each one being highly deserving of recognition and inspiration. Florida vacation The entire family will have fun.
Whether you're starting from an actual rock launchpad or exploring the stunningly clear natural springs, Florida offers plenty of activities suitable for all types of personalities, budgets, and preferences. Being both a local Floridian and a parent myself, I've compiled my favorite suggestions for destinations across Florida outside of typical amusement parks. Additionally, here are some distinctive ideas perfect for enjoying with children and teenagers throughout the state.
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1. Explore Kennedy Space Center and soar alongside an astronaut
Mommy and daddy will be equally amazed as their little ones when visiting Kennedy Space Center. A full-day trip there is guaranteed to spark everybody’s interest in what exists outside our world, cementing it as an essential addition to anyone's must-see list for Florida.
One of the numerous family-friendly activities includes getting the opportunity to “walk in the shoes” of a mission team member and soar alongside an astronaut. Led by a seasoned NASA astronaut, this excursion gives you access to a space shuttle simulation, allowing you to experience blasting off into orbit at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour. Savor a meal with an astronaut and look forward to additional delightful surprises throughout your comprehensive journey.
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Families will also enjoy Planet Play, an engaging zone where children can explore the solar system through playful activities on various planets. Additionally, they can visit the Rocket Garden, experience the space shuttle Atlantis exhibition, have encounters with other astronauts, and even get the opportunity to feel a genuine piece of the moon.
If your schedules allow for variability, consider coordinating your trip around a rocket launch; however, keep in mind these events may be abruptly cancelled. Round out your vacation with additional activities. Space Coast experiences The Kennedy Space Center is approximately one hour away. top Orlando attractions , also ensuring it remains easily accessible regardless of whether you arrive by train, car, or airplane.
2. Paddle or let drift along a tranquil natural river
Florida boasts an extensive system of freshwater pools, caves, and preserved fauna, yet Rock Springs at Kelly Park distinguishes itself with its family-oriented natural "lazy river" and a shallower bathing zone featuring consistently clear turquoise waters throughout the year. Exploring this enchanting haven known as Rock Springs can be uniquely enjoyed via tubing or transparent kayaks; however, you will have to arrange your visit through a tour operator such as Rise and Shine for Some Kayaking to reach some areas).
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The park features hiking trails accessible throughout the year, along with a designated swimming zone monitored by lifeguards during high seasons. Additional benefits consist of visitor caps to avoid overpopulation and a rigorous alcohol policy aimed at maintaining the tranquil ambiance of the site. In terms of fauna, deer and turkeys are commonly seen; however, some guests exploring this peaceful Floridian destination have recounted encounters with bears, monkeys, and alligators too.
Families who love outdoor activities can enhance their visit to Rock Springs by setting up camp onsite in a more rustic environment (feeling secure they're just under half an hour away from Disney World). Keep in mind that similar to numerous distinctive attractions in Florida, this activity necessitates some preparation since access is granted solely based on availability upon arrival.
3. Search for scallops along the Gulf Coast
Beforehand, you should create a strategy for an extraordinary activity in Florida: hunting your own scallops via snorkeling along the Gulf Coast of the Sunshine State. The scalloping season varies from about 10 days to multiple weeks based on where you are, offering a scavenger-hunt-like adventure suitable for both children and grown-ups as you search among the shallow sea grasses, looking out for scallop shells and their distinctive little sky-blue spots.
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Reaching the seagrass beds is straightforward. Initially, you ought to rent a vessel equipped with a legitimate saltwater fishing permit to circumvent unnecessary expenses. one-time individual licenses you'll utilize just once Your captain will guide you to prime locations for catching bay scallops, where the depth of the water doesn’t exceed that of a typical swimming pool. After anchoring, you'll put on your snorkeling equipment (make sure everyone has their own set so you won’t have to rent previously used gear), dive into the water, and gather as many scallops as possible until you hit your container’s capacity.
The scallops pose no threat but can be challenging to capture initially; losing sight of one means it will swiftly dart a few feet away, making the pursuit even more exciting. Conclude your adventure with a midday meal and some water games on a sandy bar, anticipating the delicious spread ahead. Stay overnight in a vacation rental ? Restore the scallops and create a delectable seafood feast made entirely from scratch. Alternatively, you could bring your catch to a nearby eatery, allowing a chef to cook your scallop dishes for you.
4. Embrace your inner cowboy or cowgirl at a dude ranch.
Ranches typically bring to mind scenes of rugged landscapes found in areas such as the Rockies and Badlands. However, in Florida, you can experience everything needed for a "Wild West" escapade at one of these establishments. Westgate River Ranch .
This estate spanning 1,700 acres above the scenic Kissimmee River offers far more than just an agritourism destination; it provides an adventure where every child can imagine themselves as a young cowboy or cowgirl. The site boasts lavish glamping options such as Conestoga wagons and tepees, hosts one of the country’s oldest continuous Saturday evening championship rodeos, and features a Cowboy Adventure Park complete with attractions like a mechanical bull ride, climbing walls, a miniature tractor race track, and even a pumpkin patch for seasonal fun.
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The lineup of activities also features archery, horseback and pony riding, swamp buggy airboat tours, a pontoon boat ride, a visit to a petting zoo, and trap and skeet shooting. Enhance your campfire tales with the S'mores 'N Pours option, available as an add-on pack that comes with a premium bottle of bourbon for adults.
5. Glide along zip-lines and hike through miles of untouched natural splendor.
There’s no need to venture abroad for an exciting zip-line adventure in a lush forest. Families with children as young as seven years old can enjoy soaring among the treetops at the Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve, located just outside of Tampa Bay.
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Empower Adventures features a range of zipline adventures—boasting some of the longest and speediest in the area—as well as opportunities to explore the locale's stunning natural scenery. Visitors have their pick from standard ziplining sessions and special themed outings like twilight and night-time excursions, which introduce an air of enchantment.
The zipline course stands out due to its airborne challenges, which include things like hanging bridges and swaying logs, along with various thrilling tasks. Throughout your journey, experienced professionals will be guiding you every step of the way.
6. Dive into a magical snowy setting adorned with millions of lights.
Swapping out snow angels for sandcastles is among the numerous delights of spending winter holidays in Florida. Families looking to avoid approaching polar vortices yet yearn for that enchanting atmosphere, complete with dazzling light shows and building-like gingerbread houses, should make their way toFlorida. St. Augustine For its Nights of Lights festival, one of the more distinctive activities in Florida takes place annually. This event honors the rich history of America’s most ancient town through an old Spanish custom of lighting up homes with white candles in their windows during Christmastime.
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However, the Nights of Lights festival elevates the experience with an impressive display of over three million lights and, on certain days, dazzling boat parades. Be sure to allocate some time for visiting the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and exploring Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, or consider planning your itinerary accordingly. excursion to the close-by Amelia Island If building sandcastles is what you're interested in, include Ponte Vedra Beach and Anastasia State Park in your itinerary for your Florida getaway.
Keep in mind that St. Augustine is situated in the upper region of Florida, which means winter brings milder coolness compared to typical Floridian weather. Despite this, you'll have ample opportunities for enjoyable beach visits; just make sure your wardrobe reflects these conditions. Apart from the climate, St. Augustine’s position allows for convenient travel options on a Florida road trip when arriving from either the East Coast or elsewhere within the state.
7. Explore a biodiverse estuary using a snorkel, followed by having lunch on a tiny tropical island.
Should your children fantasize about diving beneath the waves like Ariel from “The Little Mermaid,” then Blue Heron Bridge, situated close to West Palm Beach, offers an ideal adventure spot. This location has been recognized as one of Earth's top dive spots by Sport Diver magazine. It stands above an estuary where both snorkeling and scuba enthusiasts can enjoy pristine waters teeming with various forms of aquatic wildlife and colorful coral reefs. Common sights include tropical fish, octopuses, and stingrays; however, spotting creatures such as seahorses, sea turtles, and even manatees could also be part of their experience here.
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This distinctive Floridian destination features a petite beach for convenient aquatic entry and has ample adjacent parking. To ensure optimal clarity and circumstances underwater, aim to enter the water approximately an hour prior to peak tidal activity. Additionally, it’s advisable to book a guided tour Through a nearby dive shop to make sure you remain close to the renowned "Snorkel Trail" and maximize your adventure. Timing it correctly allows for approximately two hours of exploration.
To conclude your day filled with distinctive activities in Florida, pack a picnic lunch and hire some kayaks to navigate the lagoon towards Peanut Island (make certain to adhere to the safety regulations since this waterway is shared with boats). This tiny piece of heaven might leave you feeling as though you’ve drifted away into another world. somewhere in the Caribbean It’s ideal for having picnics, taking nature walks, relaxing at the beach, and even more snorkeling activities.
8. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and enduring charm of Key West.
Each island in the Florida Keys offers something special, but Key West stands out for its vibrant culture, eccentric charm, and abundance of activities suitable for families. During a road trip through Florida, travelers can also enjoy stops at various islands such as family-oriented destinations like Key Largo and Duck Key. Although Key West’s popular Duval Street is known for its lively atmosphere, this festive environment shouldn’t detract from enjoyable family experiences—provided you avoid scheduling your visit around major events.
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Popular museums for families in Key West encompass the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum, and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Additionally, there are various quintessential Floridian sites in Key West that deserve a visit, primarily for taking photos. These include landmarks such as the Southernmost Point and the Curry Mansion, potentially known as the origin spot of the famous key lime pie.
Several top-notch activities for families visiting Key West may not immediately come to mind. Enjoying a sunset sail, embarking on a spooky ghost tour (suitable for teens and tweens), or going on a fishing expedition in the Backcountry can be exciting and distinctive experiences in this region. Additionally, plan a visit to Dry Tortugas National Park, an array of tiny isles located approximately 70 miles west of Key West, reachable exclusively via sea vessels like boats or seaplanes.
8 Florida Attractions That Are Just As Entertaining As Disney And Universal originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .
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The perspectives and ideas presented in this article belong to the author and may not align with the viewpoints of USA TODAY. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are managed and controlled by Vacationist Media LLC. Using the FamilyVacationist travel recommendation methodology , we examine and choose family vacation ideas , family vacation spots , all-inclusive family resorts , and classic family vacations For every age group. TourScoop includes led collective excursions and travel organizers , tour operator reviews , tour itinerary reviews and travel gear recommendations .
The article initially appeared on USA TODAY: 8 Florida Attractions That Are Just As Entertaining As Disney And Universal