Any conversation about the best state in the US to visit will inevitably turn to Florida at some point. The Sunshine State truly has it all - amazing beaches, exciting cities, gorgeous landscapes, incredible wildlife, and some of the best tourist attractions in the entire world. It’s a buzzing, bizarre, and endlessly intriguing destination that genuinely offers something for everyone, from birdwatchers to Spring Breakers.
Above all, Florida is an amazing family vacation destination. From the Okefenokee Swamp on the Alabama border all the way down to Key West, there is an extraordinary range and variety of experiences, sights, and activities that will delight everyone in the family, from youngest to oldest.
And while the biggest attractions like Disney World or Miami Beach are world-famous, there are plenty of things to do and see that fly under the radar. Alternative experiences and slightly more bizarre things to do are Florida’s specialty, which means trying something new and different on your family vacation is an absolute breeze.
So if you are packing your bags and cruising to Florida with your family for your next vacation and want to see a different side of the Sunshine State, here are some of the best unusual family-friendly things to do!
Visit St. Augustine, the oldest city in the US
Florida is a state of firsts. It was the first state to be admitted to the Union after the original 13 colonies, and it also is where the first Europeans settled in the US. St. Augustine was founded in 1565 by Spanish explorer Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, and it has been one of the country’s most important cultural and historical destinations ever since.
Visiting St. Augustine is like traveling back in time, with its gorgeous Spanish Colonial architecture, ancient city walls, and fascinating museums. It is a great spot to explore the rich history of the US and a wonderful family destination.
Watch a rocket launch at Kennedy Space Center
Florida was also the birthplace of the US Space Program, and the Space Coast is one of the best and most interesting tourist destinations in the state. The Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral is an extraordinary place, offering a truly unique visitor experience, and an unrivaled insight into US exploration of space.
You can tour the grounds where astronauts prep for their missions, see a retired spacecraft up close, and even, if you are lucky, watch a rocket launch! Seeing a launch in person is a genuinely unforgettable experience and one that will get every member of the family excited!
Swim with manatees in Crystal River
Florida’s giant, gentle manatees are some of its most charming (and most bizarre) residents, and part of what makes the state such a wonderful place to visit. As a result, the chance to get up close to these amazing animals and actually swim alongside them is something not to be missed.
Crystal River is a small town on Florida’s Gulf Coast, and the natural springs and rivers here are the only place in the US where you can easily swim with manatees, making it a must-visit.
Jump on a boat tour and dive into the warm waters with these curious, friendly creatures, and one of the most memorable experiences you are ever likely to have.
Visit the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg
The final off-the-beaten-track family experience in Florida takes us in a more cultural direction, but it is no less weird for that! St Petersburg (or St Pete to locals) offers gorgeous Gulf Coast beaches and classic laid-back Florida charm, and is also, strangely enough, home to the largest collection of Salvador Dali’s art outside of Europe!
The Dali Museum offers an amazing opportunity to discover the weird and wonderful world of surrealism, and is a great way to get your kids into art! Don’t miss the interactive ‘Experience Dali’ exhibit where your little artists can create their own masterpieces!
