While Florida is famously known as the home of “The Most Magical Place On Earth,” there are countless other exciting destinations to explore away from the Orlando theme parks. These attractions are perfect for a family vacation that everyone can appreciate.

From actual rocket launch pads to stunning, crystal-clear springs, Florida offers an abundance of attractions catering to different preferences, budgets, and comfort levels. As a Florida local and mom, I’ve put together a list of my top recommendations for things to do with kids and teens that extend beyond the theme park experience.

1. Experience Kennedy Space Center and Go for a Space Mission

Both kids and adults will be captivated by the wonders of the Kennedy Space Center. A visit here sparks curiosity about outer space, making it a must-see on any Florida itinerary.

One exciting activity available is the opportunity to “wear the shoes” of an astronaut and join them on a flight experience. Under the guidance of a seasoned NASA astronaut, participants can board a space shuttle simulator that simulates launch conditions at an astonishing speed of 17,500 miles per hour. The experience also includes lunch with an astronaut and additional surprises to enhance the adventure.

Visitors can also explore Planet Play, an interactive playground where kids can engage with planets; the stunning Rocket Garden; the space shuttle Atlantis display; opportunities to meet real astronauts; and even the chance to touch a genuine moon rock.

If your travel dates are flexible, try to coordinate your visit with a scheduled rocket launch; however, be aware that launches can be postponed with little notice. To maximize your trip, consider exploring other attractions along the Space Coast since Kennedy Space Center is only about an hour away from Orlando’s main attractions, making it an easily accessible destination whether you’re arriving via train, car, or plane.

2. Relax and Float Along a Natural Lazy River

Florida boasts many beautiful freshwater swimming areas, but Rock Springs in Kelly Park is especially notable for its inviting natural lazy river and shallow swimming spots with year-round crystal-clear turquoise water. Tubing and clear kayak tours present two fun ways to explore this enchanting location (a tour guide such as Get Up and Go Kayaking is necessary to access some areas).

This site also offers hiking paths available throughout the year and maintains lifeguard-supervised swimming areas during peak seasons. Additional benefits include a visitor capacity limit to reduce crowding and a strict no-alcohol policy to maintain a peaceful environment. The local wildlife is diverse, with deer and turkeys being frequently sighted, while some visitors have reported encounters with bears, monkeys, and alligators in this tranquil setting.

For families who enjoy the great outdoors, Rock Springs offers opportunities for primitive camping, all while being less than thirty minutes away from the excitement of Disney World. Be aware that visiting this unique gem requires some preparation as entry operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. Go Scalloping Along the Gulf Coast

Plan ahead for a truly special activity in Florida: snorkeling to gather scallops for your own dinner along the Gulf Coast. Scallop season varies from 10 days to several weeks based on the location, making this experience a delightful treasure hunt for both adults and children, as you explore shallow seagrass beds while searching for scallop shells and their shiny blue eyes.

Getting to the seagrass beds is straightforward. First, hire a boat with a valid saltwater fishing license to save money on individual licenses that you will only need once. Your captain will navigate to the best scalloping areas, where the water levels don’t exceed those of a swimming pool. Once the boat is anchored, put on your snorkeling gear (it’s advisable to bring your own gear for adults and children to avoid using rented equipment), and dive into the water to collect as many scallops as your bucket can hold.

Scallops are friendly creatures but can be tricky to catch at first. If you miss one, it quickly swims away, adding excitement to the chase. After your adventure, enjoy lunch and water play on a sandbar, eagerly anticipating the feast at home. Staying in a vacation rental? Bring the scallops back to prepare for a mouthwatering seafood dinner. Alternatively, you can take your catch to a local restaurant, where chefs will cook your scallops for you.

4. Experience Cowboy Life at a Dude Ranch

When you think of dude ranches, you might imagine vast, mountainous landscapes like those in the Rockies. However, in Florida, Westgate River Ranch offers everything necessary for a thrilling “wild west” experience.

This expansive 1,700-acre site overlooking the Kissimmee River isn’t just an agritourism resort; it’s an adventure that allows kids to feel like true cowboys and cowgirls. Enjoy luxury glamping options like Conestoga wagons and teepees, attend the country’s longest-running Saturday night rodeo, and visit the Cowboy Adventure Park, which features a mechanical bull, rock-climbing wall, tractor racetrack, and pumpkin patch.

The activity list is extensive, including options like archery, horseback riding, and swamp buggy airboat rides, as well as pontoon cruises, petting farms, and trap and skeet shooting. Campfire storytelling turns into an adventure during the S’mores ‘N Pours experience, a family-friendly package that comes with a bottle of premium bourbon for the adults.

5. Fly High and Explore Nature on Zip-lines

No need to go overseas for an exhilarating zip-lining experience! Families with children aged seven and older can zip through the treetops at Mobbly Bayou Wilderness Preserve, located just outside Tampa Bay.

Empower Adventures provides several zip-lining options, including some of the area’s longest and fastest lines, along with opportunities to admire the stunning natural scenery. Families can opt for standard zip-lining trips as well as themed experiences, such as sunset or moonlit excursions, adding a unique twist.

This zip-line course is particularly exciting because it incorporates aerial challenges like suspension bridges and swinging logs, along with other thrilling activities. Highly trained professional guides accompany every tour for safety and assistance.

6. Step into a Winter Wonderland Adorned with Lights

In Florida, swapping snowy winter delights for sun-soaked beach experiences is one of the many pleasures during the holiday season. For families eager to avoid frigid weather while still soaking in the enchantment of festive lights and charming architecture reminiscent of gingerbread houses, St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights festival is the perfect destination. This event is a nod to the rich history of America’s oldest city, rooted in the Spanish tradition of placing white candles in windows to celebrate Christmas.

The Nights of Lights festival takes festive celebrations up a notch with over three million sparkling lights, complemented by illuminated boat parades on select evenings. Be sure to allocate time to visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, or consider a day trip to nearby Amelia Island. If you’re keen on building sandcastles, include Ponte Vedra Beach and Anastasia State Park in your Florida getaway plans.

Keep in mind that St. Augustine is in the northern part of Florida, which means winters can be a bit cooler (compared to the rest of the state). While you can certainly enjoy some beach time, it’s wise to pack accordingly. Despite the weather, St. Augustine’s location makes it a convenient stop on a Florida road trip if you’re traveling from the East Coast or other areas of the state.

7. Snorkel in a vibrant estuary and then lunch on a tropical island

If your kids have ever wished to swim beneath the sea as if they were in The Little Mermaid, Blue Heron Bridge, located near West Palm Beach, is an ideal spot. Recognized by “Sport Diver” magazine as one of the premier dive sites globally, this bridge overlooks an estuary that offers snorkelers and scuba divers access to pristine waters filled with diverse marine life and colorful coral reefs. Expect to encounter tropical fish, octopuses, and rays, with occasional sightings of seahorses, sea turtles, and even manatees.

This distinctive Florida destination provides easy water access from a small beach, and parking is readily available near the site. For optimal visibility, plan to snorkel about an hour before high tide. It is also recommended to reserve a guided tour from a local dive shop to ensure you follow the renowned “Snorkel Trail” and maximize your adventure. If timed correctly, you can enjoy around two hours of exploration.

To end your day filled with exciting Florida activities, bring along a packed lunch and rent kayaks to navigate the lagoon toward Peanut Island (just remember to follow safety protocols as you’re sharing the waters with boaters). This little paradise can easily make you feel like you’re in the Caribbean and is perfect for picnics, nature walks, lounging on the beach, and enjoying more snorkeling opportunities.

8. Embrace the culture and classic charm of Key West

Each island in the Florida Keys holds its own charm, but Key West stands out for its unique culture, quirky vibe, and a wide range of family-friendly activities. If you’re planning a Florida road trip, you can even stop at other islands like kid-friendly Key Largo and Duck Key along the way. While Key West is known for its lively Duval Street, the vibrant atmosphere won’t overshadow family-friendly fun (as long as you avoid wild festivals during your visit).

Popular family-friendly museums include the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Museum, and the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum. Several notable Florida attractions in Key West also make for great photo opportunities, such as the Southernmost Point marker and the Curry Mansion, rumored to be where the famous key lime pie originated.

The best experiences for families in Key West often go beyond the obvious. Enjoying a sunset cruise, a ghost tour (for families with older kids), or a fishing charter in the Back Country can all provide memorable and unique adventures.

If you’re looking for activities in Florida, consider taking a day trip to Dry Tortugas National Park. This collection of small islands is located about 70 miles from Key West and can only be reached by boat or seaplane.

The article “8 Florida attractions that are just as exciting as Disney and Universal” first appeared on FamilyVacationist.com.

The perspectives presented in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily represent YSL News. FamilyVacationist.com and TourScoop.com are managed by Vacationist Media LLC. Through FamilyVacationist’s travel recommendation approach, we evaluate and choose ideas for family vacations, family-friendly destinations, all-inclusive resorts, and timeless family trips suitable for all age groups. TourScoop focuses on guided tours, tour operators, their reviews, travel itineraries, and gear suggestions.