32 unmissable things to do in Florida with kids

Last updated on October 16, 2023

Florida, the Sunshine State, is forever one of the world’s top destinations for a family holiday, and not just because of Disney. From pristine beaches to exciting wildlife encounters, and distinctly off-beat Floridan attractions, there are things to do for all ages. It makes for an epic family vacation.

We haven’t been (yet!), so we called on fellow travel bloggers to help us create a full guide to all the best things to do in Florida with kids.

We’ll definitely be heading there in the next few years as Disneyworld is very high on our family bucket list, and from looking at this list, there are plenty more things we’d love to do too (swimming with manatees please!).

Best theme parks in Florida for kids

Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is top of most family’s bucket list when it comes to Florida family attractions. With four theme parks, two water parks, and countless other attractions, there’s something for everyone at “the most magical place on earth”.

The four theme parks are Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. And there are rides and attractions for all ages, from toddlers to adults. 

Kids will love meeting their favorite Disney characters, watching parades, and seeing fireworks shows at night. Micah (who wrote our guide to things to do in Orlando with kids) has put together some mom hacks for visiting Disney. By using these tips, she and her family were able to spend seven days at the park for the average cost of a 4-day trip. 

If you’re heading to the West Coast, also see our guide to visiting Disneyland with toddlers and preschoolers (a lot of these tips will be relevant for Disney World too).

Universal Studios Florida

By Micah at Work. Play, Mommy

Universal Studios Florida is probably the second most famous theme park in Florida, but it’s no less spectacular. From the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the Jurassic Park River Adventure, Universal Studios has plenty to entertain and enthrall. You’ll find thrilling rides and attractions, like roller coasters, 3D simulators, and water rides. Plus, kids can meet their favorite Universal characters, including Minions, Transformers, and Spider-Man.

Like Disney, Universal also boasts its own unique resorts, themed attractions, and restaurants.

LEGOLAND

By Micah at Work. Play, Mommy

LEGO fans will love LEGOLAND Florida, where they can see LEGO creations come to life and still enjoy the thrill rides that Orlando, Florida is famous for.

Legoland Florida is a theme park that is specifically designed for kids aged 2 to 12. The park is filled with Lego-themed attractions, including rides, shows, and play areas. Kids can build and race their own Lego cars, explore Lego cities, and see amazing Lego sculptures. There are also several water rides and attractions that are perfect for cooling off on a hot Florida day.

Legoland also has its own themed lodging and restaurants but is rarely as crowded or overwhelming as a day at Disney or Universal. The change of pace might be a welcome Orlando respite for both the kids and the parents.

A few more fun things to do with kids in Orlando include the Orlando Science Centre and The Crayola Experience. See our full guide to things to do in Orlando with kids for more details.

Busch Gardens

By Corritta Lewis at Itz a Family Thing 

Busch Gardens is one of the best things to do in Florida with kids. From toddlers to teenagers, there is something everyone will love at this family-friendly theme park.

You can spend the entire day riding roller coasters, enjoying family-friendly rides, watching shows, taking an animal safari, meeting popular characters, and watching your little one’s play.

Toddlers can head straight to Sesame Street Safari of Fun for kid-friendly rides, play areas, and character meetings. If your toddler loves Elmo, this is the place to go.

And families with thrill-seekers can ride one of Busch Gardens’ many roller coasters, with the recent opening of Serengeti Flyer, a new heart-pounding ride.

Once you’ve had your fill of rides, take a safari around the park, and learn about the animals.

The best time to visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is off-season (during school) during the week. There will be fewer crowds, shorter lines, and better temperatures.

Busch Gardens accommodates families with kids on the spectrum. You can get a Special Access Pass, which allows your child and five additional guests to use virtual queues, reducing the time your child must wait in a physical line. They can find a quiet place or play until their assigned time.

Take your time at Busch Gardens and visit their water park Adventure Island by staying at Hampton Inn & Suites Tampa North. The hotel is less than 7 miles from the theme park, making it the best place to rest during your vacation in Florida with kids.

Peppa Pig Florida

By Ruby Escalona at Voyage Florida

Peppa Pig Florida is one of the newest theme parks in Central Florida. Opened in 2019, this theme park is perfect for toddlers and very young children up to 6 or 7 years old. There are sensory-level signs posted with each ride, which is the first we’ve seen in any theme park. Parents can then help their children find the perfect activity or ride. 

All the character statues dotted around the park also make it the perfect spot for taking photos with the kids. A downside of the park is the lack of shade, so best to go as soon as they open and avoid the summer months, which can be unbearable in Florida. 

A good place to stay nearby is the Legoland Hotel, which is a quick walk to Peppa Pig and Legoland. If you find that hotel a bit too expensive, there’s also the Holiday Inn Winter Haven or the Hampton Inn Winter Haven. The latter two are within a 10-minute drive from Legoland, and offer free parking with food options available nearby.

Island H20 Waterpark

Florida has some incredible waterparks, including Island H20 Waterpark in Central Florida. The world-class waterpark has fun rapids and an amazing ring ride that the whole family can go on together. One of the most popular rides are the Reply Racers where you can race each other headfirst! There’s also a cute area specifically for younger kids. 

Best animal encounters and outdoor adventures for kids in Florida

Aquarium Encounters in The Florida Keys

By Hannah at Getting Stamped

Aquarium Encounters in The Florida Keys is open all year round and is a great place to visit with kids of all ages. My kids are toddler and preschool age and really enjoyed purchasing fish food to feed the stingrays, turtles, lobsters, and many more sea creatures. 

Stingray Cove was a favorite area for our family, as the kids got to get up close to Caribbean Stingrays, even getting to touch them. 

The kids learned so much from the interactive hands-on exhibits, such as the touch pool that allowed them to see and explore shallow water marine species. Families with older children would enjoy the thrill of snorkeling in the Lagoon Encounter, which is a private mangrove habitat full of marine life.

When driving to Key West, we really enjoy staying a night or two at the Isa Bella Beach Resort in Marathon, Florida, as it has great access to fishing and activities for kids, such as Aquarium Encounters, which is just 6 miles away. The Isa Bella offers breathtaking views, a white sandy beach, five pools, and a beach bar surrounded by palms.

Go kayaking with Manatees

By Megan Kulluk at Florida Wanderers

Kayaking with Manatees is the perfect activity to do in Florida with kids. It’s fun, active, and it gets them out in nature.

It’s ideal for kids over the age of 7. You can take kids that are younger in age, just know that you will be doing most of the paddling.  

The best spot in Florida to kayak with manatees is in the freshwater springs. I took my 9-year-old nephew to Crystal River in Florida to get up close and personal with these sea cows and he had the time of his life. 

Not only did he love being in the kayak and out on the water, but he also loved getting so close to the manatees. It was a great experience for both of us and one we won’t forget. The best part of the whole day was he was so tired afterwards that he fell asleep in the car!

Visit Wild Florida and ride an airboat through the Everglades

By Josh at A Backpacker’s World

One of the best things to do in Florida with kids is to visit Wild Florida. It’s only 40 minutes from Orlando and has grown increasingly popular over the last few years, but it’s still very underrated.

Wild Florida reviews all agree that the best thing to do at Wild Florida is take an airboat ride through the Everglades. Kids are guaranteed to love the thrill of speeding across the surface of the water with the wind blowing in their faces. Not to mention seeing alligators, bald eagles and other animals in the wild. 

In terms of the animal park, the biggest selling point is the drive-thru safari. This allows you to drive your car through the huge enclosures of the animals, creating a feeling of an authentic African safari. It’s amazing. 

There are lots of up close and personal animal experiences you can do too, including with lemurs and capybaras. For most of the animal experiences, the minimum age is 8 or older. Don’t worry though, younger kids can still have a great time at Wild Florida.

Visit the turtle hospital 

By Sara at Mindful Travel

As a parent, I know how difficult it can be to plan activities that both keep the kids entertained and are educational. 

When my family visited Marathon Key in Florida for our summer vacation, we found an amazing activity that fulfilled both of these criteria – watching turtles at the Turtle Hospital! This experience was so incredible and fun that I highly recommend it as one of the best things to do with kids in Florida.

The Turtle Hospital is located in Marathon Key and offers families a unique opportunity to learn about sea turtles up close. We had the chance to observe different species of turtles being cared for by dedicated staff members who provided us with lots of information about their lives and habitats.

We also got the chance to go snorkeling around some nearby reefs where we spotted many sea turtles swimming around freely!

My favorite snorkeling spots are Coffins Patch Reef (between Duck Key and Marathon), Sombrero Beach (which is perfect for families with smaller kids), and Sombrero Reef (the largest reef in the Marathon area). We were lucky enough to be able to witness sea turtles of different sizes and ages swimming around us, which was a truly incredible experience!

To make your Marathon Key vacation with kids even more enjoyable, I recommend booking a room at Grassy Flats Resort – their rooms are gorgeous, and many have ocean views!

Natural Springs in Florida 

By Victoria at Florida Trippers

One of the best things to do in Florida with kids is to visit the many natural springs. The water is clean, clear, calm, and very warm. I would always do this as a kid with my family and do fun things like swim, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard. And when a bit older, around 12, I was able to go scuba diving too. 

Nowadays, when any family friends visit with their kids, I love taking them to the springs to spot manatees. The manatees search for freshwater between November and March. 

Each Florida spring is unique in its own way, but Crystal River is one of my faves. It’s perfect for seeing manatees as the water is clear and there is a lot of fresh water spilling into the area. Crystal River includes 40 different springs, so head to Three Sisters Spring to see Manatees. 

Another favourite is Kings Spring where you can scuba dive through some of the underwater caves. I tried this when I was around twelve with my family and had an amazing time. 

Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring is also another great spring near Ocala. It has a giant staircase that goes down into an underground cavern that kids will love. It’s great for scuba diving and snorkeling since the water is around 72 degrees.

Silver Springs State Park

By Lee Anne at The Hable Way

Silver Springs State Park is an incredible natural attraction in Ocala, Florida. It’s known for its crystal-clear springs that yield millions of gallons of fresh water each day. Consisting of almost 5,000 acres, are various habitats where families can kayak, boat, camp, or hike to enjoy the unique wildlife and lush vegetation. To explore all that Silver Springs offers, board a glass-bottom boat with one of the friendly, knowledgeable Captains.

The 90-minute boat ride is great for families. As our engaging Captain narrated fascinating stories about the park, we enjoyed a unique perspective of the vast underwater world of fish, manatees, turtles, plants, springs, and historical artefacts. The view above ground was just as thrilling when we searched the trees for a glimpse of Rhesus Macaque monkeys, whose ancestors got loose there nearly 100 years ago. Adventurers of all ages and physical abilities can join the boat tours, operating year around.

Rock Springs

By Maggie at Milana’s Travels

If you’re heading on a Disney World vacation and want to spend a day out in nature in between theme parks, our favorite Florida spring for families is Rock Springs, near Orlando. 

The water is crystal clear and when you arrive, you’ll see what looks like a pool where your kids can safely play. Be sure to bring tubes – you can purchase your own at a local store or rent them. You’ll see a rental place just before you enter the park (there are no rentals in the park).  

This is one of the only springs where you can tube down a natural lazy river. It’s great for kids of all ages. We’ve seen infants tubing downstream with their parents. 

Next time you’re vacationing in the Orlando area, be sure to set aside time for a day trip to Rock Springs. Just be sure to come early, especially during the summer months. Once the parking lot fills up, you will not be allowed to enter.

Gatorland

By Micah at Work, Play, Mommy

Though you won’t find me at Gatorland (I’m terrified!), Gatorland is a hugely popular local attraction for kids, families, and adults alike. This wildlife park is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, as well as other animals like birds, snakes, and panthers.

Kids will love seeing ancient creatures up close, as well as watching them jump and feed during daily shows. If you’re lucky, you might even have the chance to touch, hold, or feed one of the native Florida alligators protected in this reserve. 

However, you can also find gators lurking in the many ponds and sunny perches around central Florida if you don’t want to pay the cover charge.

Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory

The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory has hundreds of butterflies and exotic birds, surrounded by a dazzling array of gorgeous flowers. There are even flamingoes! 

It’s a relaxing place to spend some time amid the splendid nature.

Loxahatchee River

The Loxahatchee River is one of two designated “Wild and Scenic” rivers in Florida, and a perfect place to explore the state’s nature. 

It’s translated as “River of Turtles” and as such is a great place to see them, as well as other animals, like otters, racoons, bobcats and alligators. 

Explore on a boat trip, or if you’re with older kids, you could kayak.

Visit Sanibel

Sanibel Island is a gorgeous island that offers the perfect respite from the classic Florida theme parks. It’s a great place for a beach holiday, taking sunset walks, playing on the sand and searching for beautiful shells.

Visit the J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge to see all sorts of animals, from otters to alligators to bobcats. 

Biscayne National Park

The Biscanye National Park is just next to Miami so an ideal place to get out in nature while visiting the city. The area protects a collection of islands, waters and coral reefs.

Choose your mode of travel, from kayaking to canoeing to stand-up paddle boarding, and cruise through the mangroves. For something less active, do a guided boat tour. You can even snorkel and scuba dive.

Track dolphins with a research team

One of the most educational wildlife trips you can do in Florida is to join a dolphin research team on the Dolphin Explorer Cruise on Marco Island. The team take people out on their boat twice a day to monitor the dolphin population and teach visitors about how it’s all done. It’s a project that’s funded through tourist boat trips. 

The team of researchers explain how the dolphins are identified and introduce to familiar faces, even sharing the dolphins’ life stories. tell you the dolphins’ life stories

Go shelling!

By Candice at Exploring the Gulf

Shelling is one of the best things to do with kids of all ages in Florida. I think it’s a wonderful way to get kids excited about exploring the outdoors, and it’s a great way to spend time together as a family. 

I’ve found that low tide is the best time to visit Keewadin Island and Tigertail Beach at Marco Island. They are great places to find very unique shells like Junonia shells. 

St Andrews State Park is one of the very best beaches in Florida for shelling. The beach there is ripe with shell treasures, especially first thing in the morning. We’ve found Olive Shells, Moon Snails, and Conch shells in this area. 

The Holiday Inn Resort at Panama City Beach offers comfortable accommodations and has an amazing pool complex. It’s an amazing place to stay for families. 

Enjoy your shelling adventure in Florida! 

Other animal encounters in Florida

There are quite a lot of home-run zoos and animal encounters in Florida, which I’d urge you to be wary of. Lots of them don’t have good ethical standards, so be sure to look into them beforehand. There’s a list of definite ones to avoid here.

Best family beaches in Florida for kids

Panama City Beach

By Micah at Work, Play Mommy

Year after year our family returns to the same pristine, white, sand beaches of Panama City Beach (PCB), Florida. Panama City Beach is a relaxing escape for families and warm, calm, Gulf waters are perfect for young children.

Some of our favorite kid and family-friendly activities in PCB include:

·   Enjoying the white, sand beaches

·   Playing mini golf

·   Splashing at St. Andrews State Park

·   Shopping at Pier Park

·   Walking the beach

·   Visiting Gulf World Marine Park

·   Hunting ghost crab after dark

However, our family’s favorite thing to do at Panama City Beach is to spend a day at Shell Island Nature Reserve. This pristine and undeveloped reserve has no amenities, no development, and no vehicle access.

Accessible by boat only, this is the perfect place to let the children experience ocean life like dolphins, turtles, rays, jellies, and more! My daughter’s favorite Shell Island experience is…well…hunting for SHELLS!

This is great for the whole family to get off of the busy beaches and experience a more secluded bit of Gulf nature. While you can reach the island by ferry or shuttle, you can also reach by private or rented boat. Here’s a guide to how to get to Shell Island

After a big breakfast in Panama City Beach, pack your bags, your lunches, and your coolers for a day on the water exploring the immaculate reserve of Shell Island.

Gulf Coast Beaches

By Besa at Beaches and Babies

​My son and I took a trip to the Gulf Coast a couple of summers ago and after visiting Florida many times, I can definitely say this is one of my favorite things to do with kids in Florida. Florida beaches are well-known, but there’s something special about the Gulf beaches.

I’ve had family and friends rave about Destin, but since it was just the two of us, I chose quieter, neighboring Sandestin instead. The first thing I noticed was the white, powdery soft sand. The sheer beauty of the beach was unlike any I’ve ever seen before!

I loved that this side of Florida is fun for any age—from baby to adult. My son was 2 years old, and he spent the days building sand creations and splashing around in the calm waves. There were also a variety of beach and water activities for older kids like boogie boards, an inflatable obstacle course, and a pirate ship ride.

Every evening we took the free shuttle to The Wharf, where there were many dining and dessert options, a kids play zone for all ages, shops, and even live music.

Everything about our trip was so lovely, we had a blast! Visiting any of the little pockets along the Gulf Coast is one of the best things to do with kids in Florida.

Pensacola Beach is another popular option for families in Florida. It’s an 8-mile long stretch on the Santa Rosa barrier island and has perfect, powdery sand and gentle waters.

Clearwater Beach

By Paula at Paula Pins the Planet

One of my top things to do with kids in Florida is without a doubt to take a trip to Clearwater Beach. It’s a paradise location for families with kids of all ages.  

The main attraction, of course, is the stunning beach itself, offering one of the top clear water beaches in Florida. The white sand creates  a perfect playground for kids to build sandcastles, splash in the waves, and search for seashells. The beach is incredibly family-friendly, with designated swimming areas, lifeguards on duty, and a generally calm and safe atmosphere. 

But Clearwater Beach offers much more than just sun and sand. You can join the exciting dolphin-watching cruises, where you can spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is also a must-visit, where kids can learn about marine life, and even participate in interactive exhibits and meet Winter the Dolphin, the satr of the “Dolphin Tale” movies.

Make a stop at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home to Winter the Dolphin from the “Dolphin Tale” movies. Learn about marine conservation efforts, interact with rescued sea turtles, and witness the incredible rehabilitation work being done to protect Florida’s marine ecosystem.

The best time to visit Clearwater Beach is during the spring or fall when the weather is pleasantly warm and the crowds are not as overwhelming as during peak summer months. I recommend staying in one of the beachfront resorts, such as the Wyndham Grand Clearwater, so you can make the most of your time at the beach.

More things to do in Florida with kids

Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is a close second to Disney World on our family Florida bucket list. Our boys (and Steve) love all things space-related, so we know it’ll be a hit. 

At KSC, kids can get up close and personal with real spacecraft, exploration equipment, gear, and more. They can even meet astronauts, train like an astronaut, or learn about Science and STEM from astronauts and scientists on site. Sounds like a dream for space lovers!

Westgate River Ranch

By Lanie at Make More Adventures

Just an hour and a half south of Orlando is a different kind of family-fun vacation spot. Families can opt to camp, glamp, or stay in cabins at Westgate River Ranch Resort and Rodeo.

My family spent a weekend at Westgate River Ranch to celebrate my parent’s 50th anniversary and everyone, from age 7 to 72 had a great time.

After checking in and eating at one of the restaurants on-site, we learned to line dance at the saloon. 

During the day, we went on a swamp buggy ride, spotted alligators while on an air-boat ride, and went horseback riding. Other options include swimming, mini-golf, archery, rock climbing, and art projects. 

Each Saturday night, there is a rodeo and afterward, a street party with a DJ and dancing. We brought marshmallows and roasted them by the campfire.

Westgate River Ranch is fun year-round, though most activities are based outside and the weather is generally nicer from October to May.

Go to a Baseball Game

By Tori at Tori Pines Travels

One of the best things to do with kids in Florida is to attend a baseball game. Florida is home to two MLB teams, the Tampa Bay Rays and the Miami Marlins, six minor league teams and 15 spring training facilities.

MLB and minor league teams will play from April until October, while the spring training games only happen during February and March. So plan your trip accordingly.

Baseball is the perfect family sport. It’s a slower paced game, so it’s much easier for kids to learn and follow. Ballparks also typically have tons of additional activities set up for kids, like a playground, games, or a lawn to run around on. 

We especially love going to the Tampa Bay Rays games in St. Petersburg, FL. They even have a “rays tank” where the kids can touch the stingrays in the outfield! Kids will probably love to grab a hotdog and fries, but the parents can enjoy the wide variety of local restaurants who have stands throughout the ballpark selling delicious bites.

While you’re in St. Pete, book a hotel room at Tru by Hilton, just across the street from the ballpark, or stay in the nearby city of Tampa, which is home to tons of other great kids activities. St. Pete makes for a great day trip from Tampa. 

Bike Ride through the Everglades

By Adam and Kathryn of Adventures of A+K

There are so many fun things to do in Everglades National Park with kids, but taking them on a bike ride is the perfect thing to keep them entertained while also exploring. It’s great for kids of all ages. The younger ones can ride along on your bike, while the older ones can bike it on their own.

There are five biking trails in the park: Shark Valley Tram Road, Snake Bight Trail, Rowdy Bend Trail, Long Pine Key Nature Trail, and the L-67 Canal Road. We recommend the Shark Valley Tram Road as there is a great observation tower at the end of the path where you get awesome views out over the Everglades.

The trail is 15 miles round trip, and leads you through the River of Grass, where you’ll spot tons of alligators, turtles, snakes and birds. You can rent bikes at the start of the trail for $22 per bike, or you can bring your own if you prefer!

After a long day on the trail, head back to Miami and stay at the Novotel Miami Brickell. Or if you prefer to camp, reserve a spot at Flamingo Campground or Long Pine Key Campground inside the park.

Go fruit picking

By Rachel at The Rx for Travel

Most people hear “I’m going to Florida!” and automatically think, Walt Disney World. But to be honest, that’s not the real Florida. Florida at its heart is an agricultural state producing much of America’s citrus crop as well as many other crop productions. Because of this Florida is huge on agritourism! 

In Florida, you’ll find tons of u-pick farms, corn mazes, and even the occasional Christmas tree farm. These farms are a perfect outing for families with kids of all ages. Not only do they get to partake in picking the fruits and vegetables themselves, but the farms typically have tons of activities to keep them busy and active all day long. 

We’ve gone to farms all over the state, like when we went vegetable and blueberry picking at Southern Hill Farms. We’ve also gone blackberry picking, pumpkin picking, strawberry picking, blueberry picking, orange picking, as well as visited corn mazes. 

You’ll need to see what’s in season while you’re visiting, but depending on where you stay, there is likely a farm nearby. So be sure to check out the real Florida while you’re here.

Mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

By Teresa at Brogan Abroad 

If you’re looking for an adventure for the whole family, Weeki Wachee Springs is one of the best Florida State Parks to take your kids to. The wildlife, from West Indian manatees to wood storks, is one of the reasons this park attracts visitors, but the absolute highlight is undeniably the mermaid show. 

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is renowned for this unique attraction, where talented performers bring the world of mermaids to life. The underwater acrobatics and graceful movements of the mermaids will leave your little ones captivated.

It’s a spectacle for audiences of all ages, and it’s an experience your family won’t want to miss.

Keep in mind that during the spring and summer months, it gets extremely busy, and admission is on a first come first served basis, so make sure you arrive as early as possible as it fills up fast. If you’re considering an overnight stay, the park itself offers campsites and cabins.

Orlando Christmas lights

By Christine at Live, Love, Run, Travel

If you’re there around Christmas, one of the best things to do in Florida with kids is to check out the best Orlando Christmas lights and events. From the theme parks to local neighborhoods and communities, everyone gets in on the holiday spirit.

Jeater Bend in Celebration is one of the neighborhoods that goes over the top with coordinated lights and music as well as snow falling throughout the evening. You can drive down the street or get out and walk so your kids can play in the “snow”.

The Great Christmas Light Fight house, also known as the Johanessen Lights, is a home that goes all out for Christmas with both the front and back yard decorated and a bubble machine making “snow flurries” in the driveway.

Or if you are looking for larger events without paying theme park prices, stop by O, What Fun Lake Nona or the Gaylord Palms for their Christmas events. Both have a variety of both free and paid events throughout the holiday season. Kids will love the ice slides at Gaylord Palms and the outdoor free movies in Lake Nona. 

SeaWorld Orlando

I’m not all that keen on SeaWorld as it’s had a lot of bad press for the way it treats its animals. To be honest, I don’t know enough about it, but it’s worth looking into before you go.

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The photo of Island H20 Water Park is credited to Island H20 Water Park.