3 of Many Kid-Friendly Things to do In Florida.
Florida is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. It’s also a great place to visit with kids, especially since it offers plenty of theme parks, beaches, and other attractions that are kid friendly. Here are some of our favorite destinations for families in Florida:
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park is one of the most popular parks in Florida. It’s home to an abundance of wildlife, including alligators, bobcats, and bears. Kids will enjoy spotting wildlife and learning about the diverse ecosystem at the visitor center. there are many different activities to do while visiting this park. The Everglades are located in southern Florida, where the weather is warmer than in other parts of the state.A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Everglades offers endless adventure for families, blending nature exploration and wildlife encounters.
Top Activities for Kids
- Airboat Rides
- An airboat tour is a must-do! Glide through the wetlands while spotting wildlife like alligators, turtles, and wading birds. Many tours, like those offered by Everglades Safari Park and Coopertown Airboats, include educational talks tailored to kids.
- Junior Ranger Program
- Pick up a free Junior Ranger booklet at the visitor center. Kids complete fun activities (like scavenger hunts and wildlife observation) to earn a badge, making them honorary Junior Rangers.
- Shark Valley Tram Tours
- A 2-hour guided tram ride along a 15-mile loop where you can see wildlife and learn about the ecosystem. The stops along the way let kids stretch their legs and explore.
- Wildlife Spotting
- Take the Anhinga Trail, a short, family-friendly boardwalk where wildlife sightings, like herons and alligators, are almost guaranteed. The Gumbo Limbo Trail is another easy walk through a lush hammock.
- Kayaking and Canoeing
- Rent kayaks or canoes for a hands-on adventure in the waterways. Nine Mile Pond is a beginner-friendly loop, with calm waters and plenty of sights.
- Bike Rides
- Bring or rent bikes to explore Shark Valley’s paved trail, perfect for kids who love cycling. The observation tower halfway through provides panoramic views of the park.
- Ranger-Led Programs
- Check for family-friendly ranger programs like night walks, talks, or guided boat tours, which are often free and informative.
Tips for Families
- Wear sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent to stay comfortable.
- Bring binoculars for better wildlife viewing.
- Pack snacks, water, and a picnic to enjoy at one of the park’s designated areas.
You can also find your park online with interactive and printable activities or Junior Ranger Books. View special places within parks from your living room. Watch wildlife, geysers, and other activity in real-time. Discover your favorite subjects or search for your favorite places.
1.Jungle Island
While this attraction is definitely geared towards tourists, it’s a great way to learn about some of Florida’s native animals while getting up close and personal with them. You can enjoy a VIP tour or an encounter with the animals of your choice.
A tropical eco-park located in the heart of Miami, Jungle Island combines up-close animal encounters with adventurous play areas for kids.
Exciting Activities for Families
- Animal Encounters
- Kids can meet exotic animals like parrots, kangaroos, lemurs, and sloths. Animal handlers often share fun facts and let kids interact directly with some animals.
- Adventure Activities
- Explore the Treewalk Village, a series of treetop structures connected by rope bridges, perfect for active kids.
- Try out zip-lining or rock climbing for a little extra thrill (age/height restrictions may apply).
- Wildlife Shows
- Don’t miss the engaging live shows featuring trained birds, reptiles, and big cats. These interactive presentations are entertaining and educational.
- Petting Zoo
- A hit with younger kids, the petting zoo offers the chance to feed and pet smaller animals like goats and sheep.
- Splash Pad and Playground
- Cool off at the park’s splash pad or enjoy the shaded playground designed for children.
- Exotic Garden Walks
- Wander through lush tropical gardens while spotting flamingos and other colorful birds.
Tips for Families
- Arrive early to catch all the scheduled shows and activities.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the park involves some walking.
- Plan for a lunch break at the on-site café or bring snacks.
2. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
The Visitor Complex is a great place for older kids to learn about the space program. The best part is the launch simulator, where you can learn what it feels like to ride into space on a rocket and see where astronauts train before they travel into outer space! You’ll even get to experience some of the same forces that astronauts feel during liftoff! You can also see real rockets and spacecraft at the visitor center, or view them on large screens in one of their theaters.
- Head out to the Kennedy Space Center to experience where history was and continues to be made.
- Explore outer space – where the future of space exploration launches takes place.
- Delve into the wonders of space: touch a piece of moon rock and feel like you’re lifting off into space on the Shuttle Launch Experience!
3. Kennedy Space Center (Merritt Island)
One of Florida’s most iconic destinations, Kennedy Space Center inspires kids with space exploration and hands-on learning.
Family-Friendly Highlights
- Rocket Garden
- Walk among life-sized rockets from NASA’s past missions. Kids will love seeing these towering spacecraft up close.
- Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit
- Marvel at the actual Atlantis shuttle, suspended as if in flight. Interactive displays let kids learn about shuttle missions and even simulate a launch.
- Shuttle Launch Experience
- A thrilling ride for older kids (44”+ height requirement) that simulates a space shuttle launch.
- Planet Play
- A dedicated play area for younger kids with space-themed activities like climbing walls, slides, and interactive games.
- IMAX Theater
- Watch breathtaking documentaries about space exploration, offering a cinematic view of our universe.
- Meet an Astronaut
- Daily astronaut meet-and-greet sessions where families can hear firsthand stories of life in space.
- Mission Zones
- Explore zones like Heroes & Legends (dedicated to astronauts) or Race to the Moon, where kids can touch a moon rock and learn about the Apollo program.
- Rocket Launch Viewing (if available)
- Check the schedule for live rocket launches. Seeing a rocket lift off is an unforgettable experience for all ages.
Tips for Families
- Arrive early to make the most of your day, as the center is large and packed with exhibits.
- Check the schedule for special activities like astronaut talks or demonstrations.
- Bring water bottles and snacks, but note that the visitor complex also has family-friendly dining options.
I hope you have enjoyed this list of the best places to visit in Florida with kids! Let us know if you have any questions, or if we missed any favorites of your own.