8 Florida attractions that are just as much fun as Disney and Universal

Updated: 22 Jan, 2025 • 0 • min read

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Everyone in the family will find it enjoyable.

Beyond the theme parks, Florida offers a wide range of attractions that cater to every individual's style, budget, and preference. As a Floridian and a mother, I'm excited to share my top recommendations for places to visit, as well as unique activities to enjoy with kids and teens.

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1. Visit the Kennedy Space Center and go on a flight with an astronaut.

Parents and caregivers will be just as amazed as their kids at the Kennedy Space Center. Spending a day there will surely grab the attention of everyone, making them curious about what's out there in our universe. As a result, it's an unforgettable experience that should be on everyone's must-see list when in Florida.

Among the many activities families can do together is the opportunity to "step into the shoes" of a crew member and fly with an astronaut. Led by a seasoned NASA astronaut, the trip allows you to board a space shuttle simulator, where you'll feel what it's like to blast off at 17,500 miles per hour. You'll also get to enjoy lunch with an astronaut and have some other fun surprises as part of the full experience.

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Other attractions families will love are Planet Play, an interactive area where kids can play on the planets; the Rocket Garden; the space shuttle Atlantis exhibit; opportunities to meet other astronauts; and the chance to touch a genuine Moon rock.

also making it an easy destination to visit, no matter whether you travel by train, car, or plane.

Take a leisurely raft or swim down a meandering natural river.

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11. Beautiful surroundings await, which include sea eagles, peacocks, and ponds

There are also hiking trails open year-round and, during the busy season, a safe swimming area monitored by lifeguards. Additional benefits include limited capacity to keep the crowds under control and a policy prohibiting alcohol that helps preserve the park's peaceful atmosphere. As for the wildlife, deer and turkey are the most commonly spotted inhabitants, though some visitors to this tranquil Florida destination have reported seeing bears, monkeys, and alligators as well.

Camping outdoorsy families can make their Rock Springs experience even better with on-site camping (with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're no more than thirty minutes from Disney World). Just like many other special activities to do in Florida, this one needs a bit of planning since it's only open on a first-come, first-served basis.

Catch scallops along the Gulf of Mexico coast.

You'll need to make a plan ahead of time for one of the truly one-of-a-kind things to do in Florida: snorkeling to catch your own scallops along the Gulf Coast of the Sunshine State. With scallop season lasting anywhere from 10 days to several weeks, depending on the location, the experience is like a treasure hunt for both kids and adults as you wade through shallow seagrass, keeping a watchful eye out for scallop shells and the tiny, bright blue eyes of those scallops.

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Your captain will take you to all the bay scallop hot spots, where the water is as shallow as a swimming pool. Once anchored, you’ll slip into your snorkeling equipment (don’t forget to bring masks and snorkels for the kids and adults in your group to avoid renting used equipment), jump into the water, and collect as many animals as you can until you reach your bucket limit.

Bring back the scallops and create a mouth-watering seafood dinner from the very beginning. Alternatively, you can also take your fresh catch to a nearby restaurant, where an in-house chef can prepare a delicious scallop meal for you.

4. Saddle up and unleash your inner horseback rider at a dude ranch

The estate that spans 1,700 acres with a view of the Kissimmee River is more than just a farm-based tourist destination. It's an experience that will enable any child to feel like a cowpoke, with its luxury camping accommodations consisting of Conestoga wagons and teepees, the longest-running Saturday night championship rodeo in the nation, and a Cowboy Adventure Park featuring a mechanical bull, rock-climbing wall, tractor racetrack, and pumpkin patch.

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The list of activities continues with activities such as archery, horseback and pony rides, airboat rides through the swamp, a cruise on a pontoon boat, a visit to a petting zoo, and trap and skeet shooting. Campfire stories become even more enjoyable with the S’mores ‘N Pours experience, which families can book as a special package that includes a bottle of top-shelf bourbon for the adults.

5. Zip-line and trek over extensive areas of untouched, natural wilderness

You don't need to travel out of the United States to go zip-lining in a lush forest. Families with children at least seven years old can soar through the treetops of the Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve, just outside of Tampa Bay.

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The facility offers a variety of zip-lining experiences, including some of the region's longest and fastest options, and ways to appreciate the area's natural beauty. Families can choose from standard zip-lining and themed options like sunset and midnight tours, adding an air of mystery.

This zip-lining course stands out due to its aerial obstacles that challenge you with suspension bridges, swinging logs, and other thrilling activities. Highly trained and expert guides are available throughout each tour.

6. Immerse yourself in a magical snow-covered world with millions of sparkling lights.

For St. Augustine's Nights of Lights festival. One of the more unusual things to do in Florida, this annual event pays tribute to the historic past of America's oldest city, dating back to the old Spanish tradition of putting white candles in windows during Christmas.

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Add Ponte Vedra Beach and Anastasia State Park to your Florida vacation itinerary if you're determined to build those sand castles.

Keep in mind that St. Augustine is situated in the northern part of the state, meaning winters are generally milder than expected for Florida. You'll still have plenty of opportunities for beach time, but it's a good idea to pack accordingly. Considering its location, St. Augustine is also a convenient destination for a Florida road trip if you're traveling from the East Coast or other parts of the state.

7. Swim in a diverse bay, then have lunch on a small tropical beach

If your kids have ever dreamed of exploring under the sea like in The Little Mermaid, Blue Heron Bridge, near West Palm Beach, is the ideal spot to make their fantasy a reality. Dubbed one of the world's top dive sites by "Sport Diver" magazine, the bridge spans over a bay that offers breathtaking snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities with crystal-clear water, a diverse array of marine life, and stunning coral reef formations. You can usually spot colorful tropical fish, playful octopuses, and majestic rays, and some lucky visitors even catch a glimpse of seahorses, sea turtles, and manatees.

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Go through a local dive shop to make sure you stick to the famous "Snorkel Trail" and get the most out of your adventure. Timing it well will allow you to spend about two hours exploring.

It's a great spot for enjoying a picnic, going for nature walks, lounging at the beach, and snorkeling, among other activities.

Experience the enchanting culture and enduring splendor of Key West.

Every island in the Florida Keys offers something to see, but what makes Key West one of the top spots to visit in Florida is its unique culture, laid-back quirkiness, and numerous attractions that are perfect for families. When planning a Florida road trip, it's even better: you can stop at various islands like family-friendly Key Largo and Duck Key along the way. And while Key West's famous Duval Street is known for its lively party scene, the "5 o'clock somewhere" atmosphere won't spoil family-friendly fun (as long as you avoid scheduling your trip during any wild festivals).

Note: Prices and availability may vary depending on the specific travel dates and accommodations chosen.

Some family-favorite museums in the area are the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum, and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Other popular spots in Key West, even if just to take a photo, include the Southernmost Point landmark and the Curry Mansion, which might be the place where the famous key lime pie originated.

Some of the best ways to experience Key West with your family aren't always the most obvious choices. A sunset cruise, a ghost tour (if you have older kids with you), or a fishing charter in the Back Country are all fun and unique things to do in Florida. You might also consider a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, a collection of small islands about 70 miles off the coast of Key West that can only be reached by boat or seaplane.

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