Florida might be home to the “The Most Magical Place On Earth,” but look beyond the Orlando theme parks and you’ll find a treasure trove of other places to visit and unique things to do in Florida, each of them more than worthy enough to inspire a Florida vacation the whole family will enjoy.
From a real rock launch pad to the majestic, crystal-clear springs, there’s no shortage of attractions for every personality, budget, and comfort level. As a Florida resident and mom, these are my top recommendations for places to visit in Florida beyond the theme parks, along with some truly unique things to do in Florida with kids and teens.
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1. Visit Kennedy Space Center and fly with an astronaut
Parents and caretakers will find themselves just as awe-struck as their kiddos at Kennedy Space Center. Spending a day there is sure to pique everyone’s curiosity about what lies beyond our planet, making it one of most bucket list-worthy things to see in Florida.
Among the many activities families can participate in is the chance to “step into the boots” of a crew member, and fly with an astronaut. Guided by a veteran NASA astronaut, the tour allows you to board a space shuttle simulator, where you’ll feel what it’s like to take off into space at 17,500 miles per hour. Enjoy lunch with an astronaut, as well as 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 real moon rock.
If your dates are flexible, try to plan around a rocket launch, but note that they can be canceled at a moment’s notice. Make your vacation complete with other Space Coast experiences. Kennedy Space Center is about an hour from the top Orlando attractions, also making it an easy-to-reach destination whether you travel by train, car, or plane.
2. Float or swim your way down a natural lazy river
Florida is home to a vast network of freshwater swimming holes, grottos, and protected wildlife, but Rock Springs in Kelly Park stands out for its family-friendly natural “lazy river” and shallow swimming area complete with crystal-clear turquoise water year-round. Tubing and clear kayaks are two unique ways to experience the Narnia-like oasis of Rock Springs (you’ll need to go through a tour operator like Get Up and Go Kayaking to reach some areas).
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There are also hiking trails open year-round and, during peak season, a safe swimming area overseen by lifeguards. Other perks include capacity limits to prevent overcrowding and a strict alcohol policy that preserves the park’s relaxed atmosphere. As for wildlife, deer and turkey are the most frequently spotted inhabitants, though some visitors to this serene Florida attraction have reported seeing bears, monkeys, and alligators as well.
Outdoorsy families can elevate their Rock Springs experience with primitive camping on site (with the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re less than thirty minutes from Disney World). Note that like many of the other unique things to do in Florida, this attraction requires a bit of planning, as it’s open to visitors only on a first-come, first-served basis.
3. Hunt for scallops along the Gulf Coast
You’ll need to make a plan in advance for one of the truly unique things to do in Florida: snorkeling for your own scallop dinner along the Gulf Coast of the Sunshine State. With scallop season running 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 forage through shallow seagrass while keeping your eyes peeled for scallop shells and tiny, bright blue eyes.
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Getting to the seagrass beds is easy. For starters, you should charter a boat with a valid saltwater fishing license to avoid doling out cash for individual licenses you’ll use only once. Your captain will take you to all the bay scallop hot spots, where the water is no deeper than a swimming pool. Once anchored, you’ll slip into your snorkeling gear (bring snorkel gear for the kids and adults in your group to avoid renting used gear), jump into the water, and collect as many critters as you can until you reach your bucket limit.
The scallops are harmless but not easy to catch at first; miss one, and it will quickly flutter a few feet away from you, adding more fun to the chase. Wrap up the day with lunch and water games on a sandbar, and look forward to the feast that awaits. Staying in a vacation rental? Bring back the scallops and whip up a delicious seafood dinner from scratch. You also can take your bounty to a local restaurant, where a chef will prepare your scallop meals for you.
4. Unleash your inner cowboy or cowgirl at a dude ranch
Dude ranches usually conjure up images of mountainous terrain in places like the Rockies and Badlands. But in Florida, you’ll find all the ingredients for a “wild west” adventure at the Westgate River Ranch.
The property that claims 1,700 acres overlooking the Kissimmee River is more than an agritourism resort. It’s an experience that will make any kid feel like a cowboy or cowgirl, with its luxury glamping accommodations including Conestoga wagons and teepees, the nation’s longest-running Saturday night championship rodeo, 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 archery, horseback and pony riding, swamp buggy airboat rides, a pontoon cruise, a petting farm, and trap and skeet shooting. Campfire stories are made more fun with the S’mores ‘N Pours experience, which families can book as a package that includes a bottle of top-shelf bourbon for the grownups.
5. Zip-line and trek above miles of pristine natural beauty
You don’t have to travel out of the country to go zip-lining in a lust forest. Families with kiddos aged seven and older can soar through the treetops of the Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve, just outside of Tampa Bay.
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Empower Adventures offers a variety of zip-lining experiences—including some of the region’s longest and fastest—as well as ways to experience the area’s natural beauty. Families can choose from traditional zip-lining and themed options such as sunset and moonlight tours, adding an element of mystique.
What makes this zip-lining course so unique is its aerial obstacles, challenging you with suspension bridges, swinging logs, and other exhilarating activities. Highly trained, expert guides are on hand throughout each tour.
6. Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland with millions of lights
Trading in snow angels for sand castles is one of the many joys of vacationing in Florida during the winter holiday season. For families who seek to escape looming polar vortexes but still want that magical feeling you get from resplendent light displays and gingerbread house-style buildings, head to St. Augustine for its Nights of Lights festival. One of the more unusual things to do in Florida, this annual affair is a tribute to the storied past of America’s oldest city, dating back to the old Spanish tradition of placing white candles in windows during Christmas.
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But the Nights of Lights festival takes it to the next level, with a spectacle of more than three million lights and, on select days, illuminated boat parades. Make sure you set aside time to explore Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, or plan a day trip to nearby Amelia Island. If you’re set on those sand castles, add Ponte Vedra Beach and Anastasia State Park to your Florida vacation plan.
Bear in mind that St. Augustine is located in the northern part of the state, meaning winters can bring cooler temperatures (by Florida standards). You can still get in plenty of good beach time, but you’ll want to pack appropriately. Weather aside, St. Augustine’s location makes it easily accessible for a Florida road trip if you’re coming from the east coast or another part of the state.
7. Snorkel a biodiverse estuary, then have lunch on a small tropical island
If your kids have ever dreamed of exploring under the sea through The Little Mermaid’s eyes, Blue Heron Bridge located near West Palm Beach is the perfect place to try it. Named one of the world’s best dive sites by “Sport Diver” magazine, the bridge towers over an estuary treating snorkelers and scuba divers to crystal-clear water, myriad marine life, and vibrant coral reef formations. Tropical fish, octopuses, and rays account for the usual suspects, while lucky sightings include seahorses, sea turtles, and even manatees.
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This unique Florida attraction offers easy water access from a small beach, and parking nearby is plentiful. For the best visibility and conditions, plan to get into the water roughly one hour before high tide. It’s also a good idea to book a guided tour through a local dive shop to ensure you stay along the famed “Snorkel Trail” and get the most out of your experience. Time it well and you can buy yourselves about two hours of exploring.
To cap off a day of unique things to do in Florida, take a packed lunch and rent kayaks to explore the lagoon to Peanut Island (be sure to follow the safety guidelines as boaters share these waters). This small slice of paradise can easily make you feel like you’re somewhere in the Caribbean and is perfect for picnicking, nature walks, beach bumming, and even more snorkeling.
8. Soak in the culture and timeless beauty of Key West
Every island in the Florida Keys is worth seeing, but what makes Key West one of the best places to visit in Florida is its culture, quirkiness, and plethora of family-friendly attractions. If you’re embarking on a Florida road trip, even better: You have the advantage of stopping at different islands like family-friendly Key Largo and Duck Key along the way. And while Key West’s famed Duval Street undoubtedly has a party scene, the “5 o’clock somewhere” vibe won’t put a damper on family fun (as long as you don’t plan your trip during any wild festivals).
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Family-favorite museums include the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum, and Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. There are also several iconic Florida attractions in Key West that are worth stopping by, even if only to snap a photo. Among them are the Southernmost Point landmark and the Curry Mansion, which may or may not be the birthplace of the famed key lime pie.
Some of the best ways to experience Key West with the family, however, aren’t as obvious. A sunset cruise, ghost tour (if you have older kids in tow), or 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 series of small islands about 70 miles off the coast of Key West that are accessible only by boat or seaplane.
