There’s more to Florida than Disney World. While the theme parks cannot be missed, it’s worth also trying a few of the other fun attractions that the sunshiny state has to offer. Here are just a few other ideas for family days out in Florida.
Visit the Kennedy Space Center
A visit to Kennedy Space Center is a must. It’s here that most of America’s manned space missions have been launched from (in fact, you could even get lucky while you’re there and witness a launch). You can also tour the space center and explore the discovery center in which there are numerous exhibits including the Atlantis Space Shuttle and a sample of moon rock that you can actually touch. There’s also a souvenir shop where you can buy various NASA merchandise.
Rent a boat and go fishing
Florida is one of the best destinations for fishing in the world. A day out fishing in the Atlantic off Florida’s shores could be a great family activity. If you live in Florida or regularly visit, it could be worth joining a boat club, giving you the freedom to rent out boats when you like. There are also guided boat tours that can help you to find the best fishing spots with the help of a local fishing expert.
See some alligators
There are lots of opportunities to see alligators in Florida. There are airboat tours in the Everglades that are dedicated to helping tourists to spot these notorious reptiles. There’s also Gatorland, a theme park and wildlife reserve where you’re guaranteed to see an alligator. Most of these alligator attractions are open to families with kids and are perfectly safe.
Go swimming with manatees
Many people are eager to go swimming with dolphins. But there are other aquatic creatures found in Florida that you can also get up close with. Manatees (commonly referred to as ‘sea cows’) are one such creature. These river-dwelling mammals are gentle animals, making it possible to swim with them in the wild. By taking a guided manatee tour, you can increase your chances of getting up close to a manatee. Many of these trips are family-friendly and provide wet suits and snorkels.
Explore the Florida caverns
A lot of people aren’t aware that Florida has caves. At Florida Caverns State Park, there are a series of caves containing impressive rock formations and underground springs. By taking a guided tour, you can enter these caves and learn all about their fascinating history and geology. This is a great family trip for those craving something a little different.
