8 Florida Gems Just as Entertaining as Disney and Universal

While Florida may house "The Most Magical Place On Earth," explore what lies beyond it. Orlando theme parks And you’ll discover a wealth of additional locations to explore and distinctive activities to enjoy in Florida, with each one being sufficiently impressive to warrant inspiration. Florida vacation The entire family will have fun.

Whether you're starting from an actual rocket launchpad or exploring the stunningly clear natural springs, there’s plenty to discover for all kinds of interests, budgets, and preferences. Being both a local Floridian and parent, I’m sharing my favorite spots around Florida outside of just amusement parks, as well as some one-of-a-kind activities perfect for children and teenagers here.

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1. Explore Kennedy Space Center and soar alongside an astronaut

Moments spent with parents and caregivers at Kennedy Space Center will leave both adults and children equally amazed. A full-day visit here is bound to spark everybody’s interest in what exists outside our world, cementing its place as an essential experience among Florida's attractions.

One of the numerous family-friendly activities includes getting the opportunity to “walk in the shoes” of a spacecraft team member and soar alongside an astronaut. Led by a seasoned NASA astronaut, this excursion lets you enter a space shuttle simulation pod, providing a sense of launching into orbit at a speed of 17,500 miles per hour. Savor a meal with an experienced astronaut and look forward to additional delightful surprises throughout your comprehensive journey.

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Families will also enjoy attractions such as Planet Play, which features an interactive zone where children can explore models of the planets; the Rocket Garden; the space shuttle Atlantis exhibition; encounters with various astronauts; and the opportunity to feel a genuine moon rock.

If your schedules allow for variability, consider coordinating your trip around a rocket launch; however, keep in mind these events can be abruptly cancelled. Round out your vacation with additional activities. Space Coast experiences The Kennedy Space Center is approximately one hour away. top Orlando attractions , also ensuring it remains easily accessible regardless of whether you arrive by train, car, or airplane.

2. Paddle or let drift along a tranquil natural river

Florida boasts an extensive system of freshwater pools, caves, and preserved fauna, yet Rock Springs at Kelly Park distinguishes itself with its family-oriented natural "lazy river" and shallow bathing zone featuring consistently pristine turquoise waters throughout the year. Paddling tubes and transparent kayaks offer distinctive means to explore this enchanting haven known as Rock Springs (access requires booking through a touring company). Rise and Shine for SomeKayaking to reach some areas).

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The park features hiking trails accessible throughout the year and has a designated swimming zone monitored by lifeguards during high tourist seasons. It also enforces crowd control measures such as limiting visitor numbers to avoid congestion and implements stringent rules regarding alcohol consumption to maintain a laid-back ambiance. Wildlife enthusiasts might spot white-tailed deer and wild turkeys regularly; however, occasional sightings of black bears, rhesus macaques, and American alligators do occur at this tranquil Floridian destination.

Families who enjoy outdoor activities can enhance their visit to Rock Springs by setting up primitive campsite right at the location (feeling secure knowing they're just under half an hour away from Disney World). Keep in mind that similar to several distinctive attractions in Florida, this option demands some preparation since it operates on a first-come, first-served policy for visitors.

3. Search for scallops along the Gulf Coast

Beforehand, you should create a strategy for one of Florida’s most distinctive activities: snorkeling for fresh scallops along the state's Gulf Coast. The scalloping season varies from about ten days to multiple weeks based on where you are, offering an adventure akin to searching for hidden treasures suitable for all ages. As you explore the shallow sea grass beds, watch out for scallop shells and their small, vivid blue spots.

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Reaching the seagrass beds is straightforward. Initially, you ought to rent a vessel equipped with a legitimate saltwater fishing permit to bypass unnecessary expenses. one-time individual licenses you'll utilize just once Your captain will guide you to prime locations for catching bay scallops, where the depth of the water doesn’t exceed that of a typical swimming pool. After anchoring, you'll put on your snorkeling equipment (make sure everyone has their own set since bringing personal gear means avoiding rental items with prior use), dive into the water, and gather as many shellfish as possible up until you hit your container’s capacity limit.

The scallops may be harmless yet tricky to capture initially; losing sight of one means it swiftly flutters several feet distant, making the pursuit even more thrilling. Conclude your adventure with a delightful lunch and engaging water activities on a sandy bar, anticipating the sumptuous meal ahead. Stay overnight here. vacation rental ? Restore the scallops and create a mouthwatering seafood feast from start to finish. Alternatively, you could bring your catch to a nearby eatery, letting their cook craft your scallop dishes for you.

4. Embrace your inner cowboy or cowgirl at a dude ranch.

Typically, dude ranches bring to mind landscapes featuring mountains located in areas such as the Rockies and Badlands. However, in Florida, you can experience a "Wild West" adventure with all the necessary components at hand. Westgate River Ranch .

This estate spanning 1,700 acres above the scenic Kissimmee River offers far more than just an agritourism destination; it provides an adventure where every child can imagine themselves as a young cowboy or cowgirl. The site boasts upscale camping options such as luxurious Conestoga wagons and traditional teepees, hosts the country’s oldest continuous Saturday evening championship rodeo, and includes a Cowboy Adventure Park equipped with attractions like a mechanical bull, climbing walls, a miniature tractor racing track, and even a pumpkin patch for seasonal fun.

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The lineup of activities goes on with archery, horseback and pony riding, swamp buggy airboat tours, a pontoon boat excursion, a visit to a petting zoo, and trap and skeet shooting. The enjoyment factor rises at campfire gatherings thanks to the S'moes 'N' Pours option, available as part of a bundle deal that comes with a premium bottle of bourbon for adults.

5. Experience a zip-line adventure and hike through vast expanses of untouched natural splendor.

There’s no need to venture abroad for an exciting zipline experience among lush forests; families with children as young as seven years old can enjoy soaring above the trees at the Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve, located just outside of Tampa Bay.

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Empower Adventures provides a range of zipline adventures—which include some of the longest and quickest in the area—along with opportunities to explore the local natural scenery. Visitors have their pick of standard ziplines plus special thematic choices like twilight and night-time excursions, which introduce an air of enchantment for families.

The zip-line course stands out due to its aerial challenges, which include suspension bridges, swinging logs, and various thrilling activities. Throughout your tour, experienced and highly skilled guides will be available at all times.

6. Dive into a magical winter landscape adorned with millions of lights.

Swapping out snow angels for sandcastles is just one of the numerous delights of spending your winter holidays in Florida. If your family wants to dodge impending polar vortexes yet still experience the enchantment of dazzling light shows and candy-cane architecture, make your way down south. St. Augustine For its Nights of Lights festival, one of the more distinctive activities in Florida takes place annually. This event honors the rich history of America's most ancient town through an old Spanish custom, involving the placement of white candles in windows during Christmastime.

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However, the Nights of Lights festival elevates the experience with an impressive display featuring over three million lights and, on certain days, luminescent boat parades. Be sure to allocate some time for visiting the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and exploring Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, or consider planning your visit accordingly. excursion to the close-by Amelia Island If building sandcastles is what you're keen on, include Ponte Vedra Beach and Anastasia State Park in your itinerary for a Florida getaway.

Keep in mind that St. Augustine sits in the northern region of Florida, so during winter months, you might experience relatively cooler weather compared to typical Floridian conditions. Despite this, you'll have ample opportunities for enjoyable beach visits; just make sure your wardrobe reflects these seasonal changes. Apart from the climate, St. Augustine’s position within the state allows for convenient travel options on a Florida road trip, particularly if you're arriving from the East Coast or elsewhere in Florida.

7. Explore a rich biodiversity estuary through snorkeling, followed by a picnic lunch on a tiny tropical island.

Should your children fantasize about diving into the ocean like Ariel from “The Little Mermaid,” then head over to Blue Heron Bridge near West Palm Beach. This spot has been acclaimed as one of the globe’s premier dive locations by Sport Diver magazine. Here, you can marvel at the clear waters above which the bridge looms; both snorkeling enthusiasts and scuba divers will encounter a plethora of aquatic creatures and colorful coral reefs beneath. Expect regular appearances of tropical fish, octopi, and stingrays, with occasional glimpses of more elusive species such as seahorses, sea turtles, and perhaps even manatees.

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This distinctive Florida destination features a convenient small beach for water entry and ample nearby parking. To enjoy optimal visibility and conditions, aim to enter the water approximately an hour prior to high tide. Additionally, it’s advisable to book a guided tour Through a nearby dive shop to make sure you remain close to the famous "Snorkel Trail" and fully enjoy your adventure. Timing it correctly allows for roughly two hours of exploration.

To conclude your day filled with distinctive activities in Florida, pack a picnic lunch and hire some kayaks to navigate through the lagoon towards Peanut Island (make certain to adhere to the safety regulations since this waterway is shared with boats). This tiny haven has the potential to transport you into a state where you almost feel secluded from the world. somewhere in the Caribbean It’s ideal for having picnics, taking nature hikes, lounging at the beach, and plenty of snorkeling too.

8. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and enduring charm of Key West.

Each island within the Florida Keys offers something special, yet Key West stands out among the top destinations in Florida due to its vibrant culture, eccentric charm, and abundance of kid-friendly activities. Should you be planning a driving tour through Florida, this becomes even more appealing since you can explore various islands such as child-oriented Key Largo and Duck Key en route. Despite Duval Street in Key West being known for its lively nightlife, the laid-back atmosphere will not overshadow family enjoyment—provided your timing avoids major festive events.

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Popular museums for families in Key West encompass the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum, and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Additionally, there are numerous quintessential Floridian sites in Key West that you might want to visit just long enough to take a picture. These spots include the Southernmost Point landmark and the Curry Mansion, which could possibly be where the renowned key lime pie was first created.

Several top-notch activities for families visiting Key West may not immediately come to mind. Consider taking a sunset cruise, embarking on a ghost tour (suitable for slightly older children), or going on a fishing expedition in the Back Country. Another option could be making a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park, an array of tiny islands approximately 70 miles offshore from Key West; reaching this park requires either a boat ride or a seaplane journey.

8 Florida Attractions That Are Just As Entertaining As Disney And Universal originally appeared on FamilyVacationist.com .

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The article initially appeared on USA TODAY: 8 Florida Attractions That Are Just As Entertaining As Disney And Universal