20+ Great Day Trips Around Florida For Kids
Kids need lots of entertainment, especially during vacations. It is important to know different places in Florida to visit on a day trip.
What are the best day trips around Florida for kids?
Day trips are so much fun, and there are loads in Florida. Start off having fun by taking a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center. Next, tour the Biscayne National Park, followed by a day trip to Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
After speaking with professional tour guides in Florida, here is a list of the best day trips for kids in Florida. Make memories and have the best time by visiting the sites below.
Which are the Best Florida Day Trips for Kids?
1. Kennedy Space Center
Picture how excited your kids will be when they learn about space! If this sounds like something you want to do in Florida, plan a day trip to the Kennedy Space Center.
Learning and fun come together at the Kennedy Space Center, which receives millions of visitors annually. This is the place to learn about space and space exploration.
One of the best features is the space simulators that take you on a wild experience. The entire family can explore the outer realm and watch a rocket launch into space. No kid will forget the life-sized rockets, either.
2. Biscayne National Park
Miami has loads of fun things to do on a day trip with the kids. The Biscayne National Park is one place you don’t want to miss.
Plan a day trip to the Biscayne National Park, which is quite family-friendly. It’s not too far away from downtown Miami, but you still get to enjoy time in nature.
The national park has plenty of bush areas, and you can view fantastic coral reefs in waterways. Carry your swimwear and spend time in fun water activities. The park permits canoeing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.
You can also take a guided boat tour through the magnificent park. There are many trails available for hikers or when you want to go for a walk.
3. Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy
While touring Key West, including a day trip to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy on your list of fun activities. Here, there are hundreds of butterfly species on display that are mesmerizing to watch.
Kids will enjoy the gentle creatures gliding around and learning about the life cycle of a butterfly.
The nature conservancy is also home to many bird species, especially the flamingo. There’s also a magnificent natural habitat with many flowers and flora.
The good news is there’s a Learning Center at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservancy. This is the place to be when you want your kids to get answers to all the questions circling their exploring minds.
4. Bok Tower Gardens
Are you in the Lake Wales area and want things to do with the kids? Take a walk to the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens, and enjoy the magnificence of nature.
The Bok Tower Gardens is the best place for folks who want an easy day full of relaxation. You can lie down and take it easy while the kids run around the area. Also, be sure to explore the 205 feet long bell tower located at Bok Tower Gardens.
Kids will love the carillon that features a total of 60 bells. This is all while enjoying the magnificent flora that covers the entire garden with mesmerizing color. There are also ponds full of swans and many places to sit back and chill.
5. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Do you still feel like spending a day relaxing in a serene garden away from the busy streets? Plan to visit the Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay.
This is a beautiful theme park where kids can have fun while you sit back and relax. There’s even a high chance of animal encounters for visitors who spend a day at the Busch Gardens.
It’s home to amazing rides and gorgeous spots where you can sit back and relax. You can even go on tours and safaris to meet the animals that call this place home.
6. Orlando Science Center Conservatory
Parents and their kids are welcome to the Orlando Science Center Conservatory. There are always fun activities taking place at the center.
The goal of this conservatory is to inspire science learning for life. Curious little minds will have the time of their lives at this hands-on museum. There are so many exciting exhibitions, both temporary and permanent.
Also, take part in the different classes and programs perfect for kids. This museum has 4 floors to explore, complete with an observatory. Since 1955, this science center has been a crucial part of Orlando.
7. Sanibel Island
Have you had enough of the crowds in Orlando and Miami and need a break? Plan a trip to the scenic Sanibel Island, that’s quite magnificent.
Kids and adults will love Sanibel Island, that’s open to all. Here, you can scout for shells on the beautiful beaches and dip in the ocean. A beautiful lighthouse sits majestically on the island that’s worth exploring.
Sanibel Island is great if you enjoy riding your bike while enjoying breathtaking views. There’s even a chance to enjoy delicious seafood in the evening with your family.
8. Giraffe Ranch
The whole family will be full of laughs and awe when you take a day trip to the Giraffe Ranch. Nothing beats feeding and betting on these magnificent creatures.
At the Giraffe ranch, there’s so much to do. First, get some feed, place it on your palm, head to the Giraffes, and let them eat from your hand. That will be an experience to remember.
Next, you can view the other different animals at the ranch. There are camels, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, and deer. You can book a safari tour of the Giraffe Ranch and spend the day exploring the different wildlife.
Young children and the entire family will want to spend a day at the Giraffe Ranch.
9. Walt Disney World
Two words, Disney World! That’s enough to get your kids excited about plans for a day trip in Florida. This place is full of fun, rides, meals, and fantastic experiences.
Ensure you plan to spend a day in Orlando touring the magnificent Disney World. Here, all your kids’ favorite Disney characters come alive. Interact with everyone from the popular Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Pluto.
The entire park is massive and covers 27000 acres. So be ready to walk to many parts, and enjoy the 4 internal theme parks. It’s the perfect place for the entire family, and you can even camp at Disney World.
10. Dinosaur World
Have you ever been on a self-guided tour? This is your chance to test your guide skills as you take your tots to Dinosaur World.
Meet 200 life-sized dinosaurs in this magical place in their natural landscape. Visitors can spend a day enjoying the magnificence and learning about the different species. Watch your kids marvel at the huge dinosaurs that roamed the earth millions of years ago.
There’s also a chance for your little ones to play archeology. They can dig up small sites and uncover dinosaur bones with friends. Those who are really into dinosaurs will have the best memories from this trip.
11. Blue Spring State Park
Spend another glorious day with the kids at the Blue Springs State Park. There are many magnificent springs in Florida, and the Blue Springs must feature on your list.
This is the place to be for outdoor fun with your youngsters on a day trip in Florida. The state park is home to amazing springs with crystal-clear waters. There, you can have fun water activities and create loads of memories.
It’s time to spend time swimming in the refreshing waters. In addition, folks are allowed to engage in kayaking, paddle boarding, and canoeing. You can watch wildlife around the springs and go hiking to explore the state park.
If kids have had enough water activities, they can head off to the playground as you prepare a picnic.
12. Universal Studios in Florida
Did you know there’s a Universal Studios in Florida?
Set a date to tour this amazing place where some of your favorite movies were shot. It’s a fun place for kids, teens, and adults of all ages.
Kids will have the time of their lives enjoying an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Universal Studios. They can see the different sets where movies are shot and perhaps operate a camera.
On top of that, different events take place at Universal Studios. These range from rides exploring gorges, and enjoying stunt shows. Also, you can eat at different restaurants offering a wide range of cuisines.
13. Everglades National Park
The Everglades is one of the most beautiful places on earth. A day trip to this magnificent place is definite for the whole family.
Tour the Everglades National Park, which is the place to be for nature lovers. Let your kids spot the hundreds of animal species that call this neck of the woods home. This is also a safe haven for endangered and rare animal species worth spotting.
Nothing beats the glorious natural landscape of the Everglades. Tourists and locals flock here to explore the Anhinga Trail and paddle the different waterways. Head over to Shark Valley, where you can find the observation tower.
14. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando beckons. This is one of those places you want to dedicate an entire day touring with the kids.
This resort has so much magical fun for kids who love Harry Potter books. They get to see the real-life places they read about in books or watched in movies. For example, there’s a Diagon Alley somewhere within the resort.
If that’s not fun enough, you can ride the Hogwarts Express and join Harry at Hogwarts School. If you have the courage, definitely check out the Forbidden Forest.
15. Bear Creek Feline Center
Bear Creek Feline Center is home to many feline species. Kids and adults get to learn all about the different animals that live at this center.
This is home to displaced exotic cats such as BobCats, African Servals, Siberian Lynx, and Florida Panthers. Enjoy the educational tours of the center, and take many memorable pictures with the little ones.
16. Kelly Park
Florida is the place you want to be with your kids when hunting for springs. For instance, tour Kelly Park in Apopka, which is home to springs. These are safe to explore; you can even use tubing on the springs.
A day trip at Kelly Park is full of things to do. Pack a picnic, and set up at one of the many sights at the park. After that, it’s time to swim, go snorkeling, and engage in water sports. There’s also a kid-friendly playground where your youngsters can spend the rest of the time running around.
Kelly Park also has a campsite with all the necessary facilities for a comfortable stay. So, don’t hesitate to park your tents and camping gear.
17. Museum of Arts and Sciences
Are you within the Daytona Beach area and seeking fun day trip activities with the kids? Add a visit to the Museum of Arts and Sciences to your list of things to do.
The MOAs (Museum of Arts and Sciences) is a popular tourist attraction for the whole family in Florida. This large museum requires time and patience to view its diverse exhibitions and collections. In fact, wear comfortable shoes when getting ready to explore the 30000 items on display.
There are permanent and temporary exhibitions available every year. Kids will enjoy a few kid-friendly activities, and there’s a café where you can have lunch. You can ensure your visit coincides with the Family Science Nights, which are loads of fun.
18. Rainbow Springs State Park
Little else beats spending a day outside in nature. The Rainbow Springs State Park beckons for a fun day trip full of memories. This area covers 1000 acres and is the best place to set up a picnic while engaging in different activities.
The state park permits water activities, so don’t forget to carry your swimwear and toys. Go kayaking, swimming, fishing, and canoeing at the Rainbow Springs State Park. There are also other fun activities, such as hiking and even camping.
This spring has crystal blue waters that are safe for swimming and snorkeling. Let your kids enjoy viewing marine life and catching some fish.
19. Naples Botanical Gardens
Since 1993, the Naples Botanical Garden has attracted many visitors who enjoy nature. This is a great place to be with kids interested in flora.
The botanical gardens are set on 170 acres, and you need almost a day to take in the breathtaking, diverse ecosystems. Here, kids-friendly activities take place to make this a fun day to remember.
Attend the garden classes held within the Naples Botanical Gardens. In addition, you can do nature-based arts and crafts and attend live music shows. There’s a café known as Fogg Café that’s perfect for when it’s time to have a meal.
20. Pier 60 Sunset Celebration
Piers are always uber-fun since they have so many fun, kid-friendly activities. The Pier 60 Sunset Celebration in Clearwater Beach is no different.
Plan a day trip to the pier and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Florida. This beach covers 3 miles of coastline, and so many fun activities occur. Kids can go swimming, play water sports, and do other fun things on land.
If you happen to stay until it gets dark, events occur each night at Pier 60. Get there early, and book a spot on the beach before the crowds arrive. You can then have loads of fun, followed by time watching the gorgeous sunset.
21. St Augustine Alligator Farm
Do you think a day trip to Giraffe Ranch to feed Giraffes is fun? Wait until you get to the St Augustine Alligator Farm. Florida is home to alligators, and there’s no better place to see them up close than at this farm located in St Augustine.
Here different crocodilian species live side by side. They swim on the bodies of water at the alligator farm, and kids will love watching the keepers feed them. Seeing those strong jaws and teeth in action is a moment they won’t forget.
There’s a fun camp where your tots can learn the basics of crocodiles and alligators.
22. LEGOLAND
Finally, spend a day in Orlando touring the fantastic LEGOLAND. Kids will have the time of their lives in one of the most fun places in Florida.
LEGOLAND has so many fun activities that are perfect for kids. There are areas for water fun, including splashing around, and kids can also enjoy the different rides—afterward, head over to the play areas where everyone is smiling and running.
There’s a LEGO-themed area in LEGOLAND where kids can play with LEGOs. This is perfect for kids of all ages who want to explore and challenge their LEGO skills.
Key Takeaways
- There are so many fun things to do with kids in Florida.
- The Kennedy Space center ranks among the best places for a day trip.
- Florida has numerous state parks where families can spend a day exploring.
- Kids will love camping, water sports, and even exploring wooded areas.
- There are fun parks tailor-made for kids, like Disney World and LEGOLAND.