More Seashells, Less Screen Time: Things to Do With Kids in Florida
Florida is a true vacation paradise for families from all walks of life, with stunning beaches and some of the best theme parks in the world. This is an ideal location for snowbirds to enjoy some warmth when it would be frigid back home and remain in better health. Knowing that a trip to the Sunshine State is in your near future will surely inspire you to plan for less screen time and more fun activities for the youngerones, as there is so much to do here it's hard to even know where to start.
Here are some of the most fun activities in Florida that will entertain anyone from the moodiest teenager on up to elementary school kids eager to hit the shores!
LegoLand: An editor’s choice from the well-traveled experts at FamilyDestinationGuide, this has long been known as Florida’s number one attraction for young ones. Here they can burn energy in the water, have hands-on learning experiences, and satisfy their craving for thrilling rides. They can even earn their “little one’s license” at the Ford Driving School, or launch 15 feet up toward LEGO scarab beetles in the Land of Adventure’s Beetle Bounce. There’s also a pristine and historic Botanical Garden here that has been a staple of this attraction since 1939.
Kennedy Space Center: for a first-class outing that combines all-out adventure and in-depth learning, the Kennedy Space Center is an amazing portrayal of our journey into the outer atmosphere. There are simulators here that will get your young ones interested in activities such as stargazing and science, with one emulating the crew sensation inside NASA’S iconic Atlantis mission. This attraction probably rates as one of the best places for souvenirs to take home, and you can even catch a live shuttle launch.
Everglades National Park: this attraction holds the amazing cloud of being the largest subtropical expanse open to the public in the nation. Hundreds of rare and endangered species call this national park home, and paddling through the waterways offers a true sense of explorer’s adventure. Don’t forget to snap a picture from the observation tower at Shark Valley, and the brave ones among you can even choose to pitch a tent within the park’s confines.
Biscayne National Park: This is one of South Florida’s best kid-friendly attractions, and is very close to downtown Miami. This park protects some very vital bushlands and beautiful coral reefs and offers some of the most fun kayaking in the state. During the winter months, you can safely leave the tots at an overnight wildlife camp, and this location also boasts one of the most fascinating guided boat tours in Florida. We had to list this attraction because it is truly one of the best means for those who live in land-locked states to experience what coastal attractions have to offer.
Walt Disney World, Orlando: This is the star-studded attraction that most trips to Florida are incomplete without, boasting 27,000 acres in four separate parks to explore. The water parks alone will take a few days to get the best enjoyment out of, and you won't want to forget to collect autographs from Disney's most iconic characters! From August 11th to November 1st, you can enjoy Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween party, which provides spooky entertainment and delicious treats for the young ones. Winter Summerland Miniature Golf is also a huge hit with kids looking for an engaging change of pace.
Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola: We can definitely understand that expenses pile up during vacation, and the great news is that this world-class attraction for kids is absolutely free! You can tour the insides of various aircraft as well as a flight simulator and explore all things naval with more than 150 attractions for you and your kids’ enjoyment. The legendary Blue Angels show is a thrilling performance with aerial stunts that you’ll remember for a lifetime! Here there are over 350,000 square feet of exhibit space, along with cockpit simulators that allow you to explore the virtual sensations of an F-14 Tomcat or hovering helicopter.
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory: Here you can slowly unwind and enjoy hundreds of butterfly species, flocks of exotic birds and flamingos, and amazingly picturesque flowers. The Learning Center here allows the kids in your traveling troupe to experience the entire metamorphosis process, learning how butterflies breed, migrate, and sustain themselves. Here there are over 60 different butterfly species on display, and you can also enjoy the very rare opportunity in the form of viewing live caterpillars feeding on their host plants.
After all the standard theme parks, museums, and beaches or checked off your to-do list, you may be found with a spare day or two left wondering how to kill time. This is a bit different off the beaten track venue in that it is informative yet exhilarating, as it is the only location in the world where every species of living crocodile takes up residence. You can observe this predatory creature swimming and preparing for dinner, and even get hands-on experience of digging for centuries-old fossils. During the summer months, you can enjoy some alone adult time while you drop the kids off at a camp held here where the kids learn everything there is about these unique creatures.
Giraffe Ranch, Dade City: Here at this very kid-friendly and cute attraction you can go on segway tours, ride camels, and view many different species of wildlife up close. Who says you have to fly all the way to another continent to get a massively cool safari adventure? Right here at Dade City, you’ll see cheetahs, rhinos, zebras, hippos, and many other forms of exotic wildlife. If you are traveling with infants or very young children, the Drive-Thru Safari tour allows you to experience this magical place from the safe confines of the vehicle.
Busch Gardens: Owned and operated by SeaWorld since 1959, Busch Gardens boasts 335 acres of animal-themed thrills. This park is world famous for its modern and very thrilling roller coasters, such as the Iron Gwazi, which plunges riders from a 206-ft tall peak at speeds over 70 miles per hour and into a 91-degree drop. It’s an incredibly brave boast to bring back home with you if you dare to ride the Sheikra, which begins 300 ft from the sky and drops you 90 degrees straight down. For kids on the younger side, Busch Gardens has an excellent variety of mini-coasters and rides such as the carousel offering a slower pace.
