Florida, United States is the perfect place to enjoy many wonderful local gems for the whole family. Members of the Gowhee App are sharing their tested and approved places for kids.
Whether you are planning your first family vacation there or trying to find some fun things to do with kids in South Florida, this list will have something for you.
It is a true local gem! As soon as you open the doors you are entering a magical world with 60 species of butterflies! Kids can learn about the whole life cycle of these majestic insects, including encounters with caterpillars.
Don’t forget to walk through all the different flowers, tropical plants, and birds.
Info: $15/ adults – Free under 3 years old – $11/ children 4-11 years old
Good to know: Tickets are good all day and they have resident discounts.
>>> Discover more fun things to do in South Florida with kids, here.
Learn about sea turtles, get up close, and feed some while being part of the guided educational programs. It is a must-do in Marathon key.
Info: Adults: $30.00, Children (4-12 years old): $15.00, Children under 4 are free Reservations are highly recommended as space is limited.
Good to know: The tour takes about 90 minutes and the whole facility is stroller friendly so great for all ages.
Best shell collecting beach in the area! Take the kids fishing on the Rock Jetty or enjoy the shallow beach which is perfect for small kids.
Info: Free. Great for all ages. Food nearby – Bathroom onsite.
Good to know: Only parking nearby is expensive but worth it.
This 17 acre Art deco-style park has a jungle gym, a pier, a beach, and even a dog park. The mini water park has water slides, a mini splash zone for kids, with water cannons. It is located in the picnic and barbecue areas so grab an ice cream beforehand and enjoy the fun.
Info: Free – Stroller accessible and shaded spot along the park.
Good to know: This is a truly accessible, kid-friendly, park, and the adjacent beach offers a beach wheelchair as needed. The bathrooms available are great for potty training.
>>> Discover other playgrounds and splash pads in Florida here
The JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is worth a whole day trip! Explore natural wildlife, visit the interactive museum, hike nature trails, and take a tram ride.
Take a cruise with the Tarpon bay explorers, and the kids will have a blast with the touch tank.
Info: Great for all ages. $10 per vehicle, $1 per pedestrian, $1 per bicycle
Good to know: Enjoy the activities downloadable at homes such as this alligator coloring book or this cute video.
The Fort De Soto Batteries are part of a historic fort that the kids will love exploring and learning about.
The beaches of Fort De Soto have beautiful ocean walks where you can take a look at unique and wonderful sea creatures at low tide.
Info: $5 daily parking fee. No fee for those entering the park on foot or by bicycle.
Good to know: There is a 238-site family camping area with facilities
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Charming little resort located north of Fort Lauderdale and only one block walking distance from a beautiful beach. There are two tropical saline swimming pools, a large central courtyard with lush, tropical greenery, and plenty of on-site entertainment, special events, and activities.
Info: free parking – Suite available – large rooms – kitchen in the unit.
Good to know: Florida residents can get a 10% discount off the standard rate.
Located in Miami, the guided Eco-Adventures allow the whole family to go snorkeling at a shipwreck on the Maritime Heritage Trail. There you will see all the colorful coral reefs full of amazing sea life.
Info: There are no park entrance fees.
Good to know: Reservations are advised for the guided eco-adventure tours
This flamingo gardens is a wildlife sanctuary. Kids can discover botanical gardens, meet Josh the 600 pounds black bear, and do a treasure hunt around the whole sanctuary including the flamingo exhibit.
Info: Adults $21.95, Children 3+ 15.95. There is a 20% discount if you have AAA or if you are a service member.
Good to know: Entertain kids at home with their extensive library of fun facts and videos.
The Florida Aquarium is rated among the best aquariums in the US. Discover a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial animals (animals that live entirely on land).
Info: Ticket prices fluctuate based on several factors. To manage capacity online reservations are required for General Admission tickets.
Good to know: There is an outdoor splash pad for kids!
This little restaurant has a great outdoor patio with a tropical vibe and live music most days. the food is delicious with an ever-changing special menu. And the kid’s menu has a lot of options.
Info: All kids’ meals are $9.00 and include a drink. Changing table available
Good to know: The restaurant is located right beside the marina, so little ones can look at the boats.
The club sandpiper bay is a Club med resort with all you can ask for. From lazy river to circus-themed trapeze activities, they have it all. There are many kid-friendly activities, such as cooking classes, kids yoga, mini-golf, and more offered daily and the family rooms have separate places for kids.
Info: Kids club free for age 4+ but they have child care and daycare for little ones with a fee. The packages include food, room, and all water activities.
Good to know: Download their mini travel book with a 12-page coloring book to entertain the kids while on a flight.
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This is not your traditional Everglades alligator farm! This locals’ favorite attraction takes you on a one-hour ride in an airboat at Wild Florida and gator park. The drive-through safari is a must-see.
You can even feed the giraffes!
Info: The airboat tour costs $32.00 Adult / $29.00 Child – Ages 13 and up are adults.
Good to know: Meals at the Chomp house are awesome. We recommend the pulled pork.
Captain Memo’s pirate cruise is a full experience! They have non-stop activities for kids from treasure hunts and tattoos, to water gun battles and dance parties. It’s set up so that the kids can play for two hours and parents can relax on the deck.
Info: Daytime Cruises can be booked online ahead of time – Adults $40, Seniors (65 plus) $38 , Juniors (13-17) and Children (3-12) $33, Babies (2 & under) $11.
Good to know: Better for kids age 2+. There is no Wifi on board.
At the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, you can learn about their animal rescue program. There are many great animal encounters like feeding stingrays, meeting a nurse shark, or meeting Winter the dolphin. We recommend booking the boat tour and stopping by their Kid Zone.
Info: Adults $35.95, Kids (ages 3-12) $26.95, Seniors (ages 60+) $33.95, Children 2 & Under are Free!
Good to know: It is smaller than some other aquariums but has really great photo ops.
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Not your typical all-sand beach, but the rocks will keep kids entertained for hours. The sunset is amazing so we recommend you come in at that time for the full experience.
There you can also catch the ferry to Caladesi Island with a great experience guarantee.
Info: Entrance is 8$ payable by car.
Good to know: Great dog park nearby for the pooch.
You can take a 90 minute guided tour of Whimzeyland. It is a beautiful, colorful, whimsical house made from all sorts of materials like plexiglass sculptures, paintings, bottle trees, recycled material sculptures, and even bowling balls.
Info: Offer classes. Mosaic class for older kids Age: 16 – Adult, Cost: $125 per person
Good to know: The guided tours are usually on Saturdays and you must call the number on their website to reserve.
Go on a 4-mile safari and see large herds of animals roaming around in their wide-open naturalistic habitats. There is a 55-acre adventure park with rides, animal encounters, mini-golf, safari maze, and more. On a hot day, the family can enjoy the water park.
Info: Child (3-9yo.) $30, Regular Ticket (10 years and up) $37
Good to know: Changing areas and restrooms are located inside the attraction area, complimentary with admission.
This beautiful beach is one of the more affordable vacation spots in Florida. The beach provides hours of fun with great surf points, deep-sea fishing, or eco-tour by kayak or airboat. But it is also considered the Space Coast, so you can visit area attractions like the Kennedy Space Center. You might even be able to see a rocket launch into space!
Info: Free parking.
Good to know: No shower or bathroom, so come prepared
Legoland is a Lego-lovers paradise! There are so many rides and attractions and even a water park! There is even a Duplo area for the younger kids.
Info: 1 Day Pass starting at $84.99, 2 Day Pass $109.99, 3 Day Pass $144.99. You can save 10% when you buy in advance. No reservation is required.
Good to know: They have a guide with the rides and attractions that are ADA accessible to guests who use wheelchairs or need special services.
This adorable town is a must-visit. Located just outside of Disney World, it was founded by Walt Disney himself. It’s very quaint and has lots of lakes, parks, and walking trails. Rent bikes near the Bohemian hotel and tour the town.
Info: Aside from the hotel bike rental, touring the town is a free way to spend time with family in the beautiful outdoors.
Good to know: Downtown Orlando is 30 minutes northeast, and Orlando International Airport is 20 minutes east
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All inclusive sailing cruise with private chef, beautiful sceneries and water fun everyday! Rene and his wife are making you feel so welcomed & share their love for the Turkey coast. Kids have their own cabin and menus can be adapted to them. You can be matched with another family to ofset the cost.
