Top 20 things to do in Florida with kids
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Florida, The Sunshine State, with your kids. This destination is a paradise for children, offering a plethora of exciting activities. To help you plan your trip, here’s our top 10 list of things to do in Florida with kids.
1. Disney World
Disney World is a magical universe that captivates both kids and adults alike. With a multitude of parks, hotels, and even a Disney camping site, it’s a must-visit destination. If you’re traveling with a camper, the camping site is highly recommended.
Entrance fee:
- Kids from: 93 USD (0-2 years no charge)
- Adults from: 100 USD
2. Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center is an educational and fun-filled destination. From taking pictures with an astronaut to exploring the “Rocket Garden” and Atlantis, there’s something for everyone. Plus, there’s an indoor playground for kids to let off some steam.
Entrance fee:
- Kids from: 40 USD (0-2 years no charge)
- Adults from: 50 USD
3. Everglades Air Boat
Experience the thrill of an airboat ride in the Everglades. The unique landscape and wildlife, including crocodiles, make this a memorable adventure. The boat’s propeller allows you to glide across the water, offering a unique perspective of the Everglades.
Entrance fee:
- Kids from: 15 USD (0-2 years no charge)
- Adults from: 28 USD
4. Feeding Tarpons in Florida Keys
Ever heard of Tarpons? These are enormous fish that can grow up to 1-1.5 metres. In Islamorada, one of the Florida Keys, you’ll find a place called Robbie’s. Here, you can buy a bucket of fish and feed the Tarpons from the pier. But be cautious, these fish have sharp rows of teeth.
Entrance fee:
- Kids: 2 USD (bucket of fish 3 USD)
- Adults: 2 USD
5. Universal Studios
During our trip, we had to skip Universal Studios due to time constraints. Also, it’s worth noting that there isn’t much for little kids to do there. However, if your kids are a bit older, it’s definitely worth making time for. The Harry Potter ride is particularly noteworthy!
Entrance fee:
- Kids: 105 USD (0-2 years no charge)
- Adults: 110 USD
6. Shelling at Sanibel
“Shelling” is the term used for collecting shells. Sanibel Island, on the West Coast of Florida, is renowned as one of the best shelling spots in the world. At the visitor center, you can get a free booklet listing all the types of shells. We spent our time combing the beaches with a net and a bucket. This activity was a hit with the kids and, let’s be honest, a free activity is always a welcome addition to any “Top 20 things to do in Florida” list.
Entrance fee: Free
7. Spotting Dolphins and Sea Cows
While on Sanibel Island, we took a boat ride to Tarpon Bay. A large part of this area is protected. Besides a variety of birds, you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins or sea cows. We were fortunate to see both. The sea cows, in particular, were quite impressive, especially when they stuck their large snouts out of the water.
Entrance fee:
- Kids: 15 USD
- Adults: 23 USD
8. Miami’s Stunning Beaches
Experience the beauty of Miami’s beaches, a favorite of Floris and Lotte. They particularly enjoyed Miami South Beach and Key Biscayne Beach. South Beach boasts beautiful white sands, although the surf can be rather rough. The kids will love the numerous playgrounds located behind the beach. Key Biscayne offers a calmer surf and is situated in a park-like setting where you can relax, have a barbecue, rent a bike, and find more playgrounds.
Entrance fee: Free
9. Discover Sea Life
Orlando is home to numerous parks that could easily fill a two-week vacation. We didn’t have the opportunity to visit Sea Life due to our short stay in Orlando and our desire to spend more than one day in Disney. However, if you have the time, Sea Life is definitely worth a visit! It’s home to more than 5000 sea creatures.
Entrance fee:
Kids from: 20 USD (0-2 years no charge)
Adults from: 25 USD
10. Visit the Turtle Hospital
Located on Marathon, one of the Florida Keys, the Turtle Hospital offers a unique experience. Here, you can take a tour and see how wounded and exhausted turtles are cared for. The ultimate goal is to release them back into the wild once they’ve recovered. Not only is this a fun trip, but it’s also rewarding as your visit helps support the turtles.
Entrance fee:
Kids from: 11 USD
Adults from: 22 USD
11. Explore with the Key West Trolley
When visiting Key West, the hop-on-hop-off trolley is an excellent way to explore the city. Floris and Lotte enjoyed sitting back and watching Key West pass by. You can disembark at multiple locations, take a leisurely stroll, enjoy an ice-cream, sample the famous Key Lime Pie, then hop back on to continue your journey.
Entrance fee:
Kids from: 10 USD
Adults from: 29 USD
12. Experience Legoland
Did you know Florida has its own Legoland? This attraction offers a variety of activities for both younger and older kids. There’s even a large Legoland hotel for 24/7 fun.
Entrance fee:
Kids from: 94 USD (0-3 years no charge)
Adults from: 100 USD
13. Daytona International Speedway
If your kids are car and racing enthusiasts, a visit to the Daytona International Speedway is a must. You can attend a race or book various tours. Be sure to check the event calendar and tour availability before planning your visit to make the most of your day.
14. Venetian Pool
Located in the heart of Miami, the Venetian Pool is a unique and historic complex featuring a stunning lagoon for swimming. Please note that children must be at least 3 years old to enter. It’s a must-visit for families with kids aged 3 and above.
Entrance Fees:
- Kids: 10 USD
- Adults: 15 USD
15. Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens in Tampa is a fantastic blend of amusement park and zoo, making it an ideal destination for kids of all ages. Whether you’re seeking an adrenaline rush from rollercoasters, interested in observing animals, or looking forward to a show, Busch Gardens has it all.
Entrance Fees:
- Kids: 90 USD (Free for 0-3 years)
- Adults: 90 USD
16. Miami Children’s Museum
The Miami Children’s Museum offers a unique experience for kids. It’s not just about ‘looking and not touching’, but about getting busy with crafting, interactive games, and much more.
Entrance Fees:
- Kids: 20 USD (Free for 0-1 years)
- Adults: 20 USD
17. Sunsplash Water Park
Sunsplash Water Park, located in Cape Coral, is the largest water park in Florida. It offers fun for all ages, from babies splashing in the paddle pool to older kids soaring down the spectacular water slides.
Entrance Fees:
- Kids: 18 USD (Free for 0-2 years)
- Adults: 20 USD
18. Wynwood Walls
Wynwood is a unique part of Miami that should definitely be on your Florida itinerary. Known for its raw, urban vibe, Wynwood Walls showcases next-level street art. Wander through and past transformed warehouses adorned with stunning paintings. It’s a hit with kids who love having their photos taken with each piece of art.
19. Miami Zoo
While I personally prefer observing animals in their natural habitats, children, including ours, tend to adore zoos. A visit to Miami Zoo is sure to delight them.
Entrance:
- Kids: From 18 USD (0-2 years no charge)
- Adults: From 22 USD
20. Diamond D Horse Stables
Our final recommendation for things to do in Florida is a visit to the Diamond D Horse Stables in Jacksonville. Here, your little cowboys and cowgirls can enjoy a variety of horse-related activities, from short pony rides to long horse rides, and even horse-drawn caravan trips.
Entrance: Varies depending on the activity, e.g., horse-riding
- Kids: From 50 USD (1 hour)
- Adults: From 50 USD
Looking for a romantic weekend getaway with your spouse? Check out these perfect romantic getaways in Florida!