The 25 BEST Florida Roadside Attractions to Visit with Kids
Florida is widely known for its beautiful beaches and fun-filled Theme Parks, but those are only part of the fun the Sunshine State offers. Florida’s largest industry is tourism, and there are many unique and quirky roadside attractions that are fun for families to stop and visit on a family trip. Wondering where you should stop on your next road trip to Florida? We’ve got you covered. Here are the 25 best Florida roadside attractions you won’t want to miss on your next family vacation.
1 – Gatorland
Florida is widely known for two things: the beautiful Florida sunshine and the gators. Gatorland is an exciting roadside attraction in Kissimmee, Florida that lets you get close to the Florida Alligators. They offer interactive shows, gator wrestling, exhibits, and even a chance to take a picture holding an alligator.
2- Bok Tower Gardens
Bok Tower Gardens is a 250-acre garden and bird sanctuary open to guests daily. Bok Tower Gardens is known for its Singing Tower, which is a National Historic Landmark in Lake Wales, Florida. The gardens are beautiful to walk through, and they are a great Florida roadside attraction where kids can get out of the car and explore. They hold annual events, including concerts, outdoor yoga, and art classes.
3 – Coral Castle Museum
The Coral Castle Museum is a castle made of limestone designed and created by the famous Edward Leedskainin in Homestead, Florida. He made this castle by himself from 1923 to 1951 by carving more than 1,100 tons of coral rock. Kids can walk through the limestone castle while exploring the artistic sculptures throughout the property.
4 – Dinosaur World
If you are planning a drive down I4, one of the most popular roadside attractions is Dinosaur World in Plant City, Florida. This Jurassic attraction has hundreds of dinosaurs for kids to visit. It’s a great place for kids to run around, explore, play through exhibits, and learn about their favorite dinosaurs in the Prehistoric Museum.
5 – Tallahassee Automobile Museum
Home to one of America’s most extensive collections of antique cars, the Tallahassee Automobile Museum offers families a look at the history of the automobile. Not only do they have a large collection of cars, but they also have many other antique collections on display in the museum, including knives, boats, fishing lures, and sports.
6 – Monuments of States
If you are looking for a unique family picture on your trip to Florida, stop by The Monument of States in Kissimmee, Florida. The Monument of States was created as a symbol of American unity in 1943 after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It was made from stones donated from all over the world and even had a stone donated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
7 – The Fountain of Youth
One of the top historical sites to visit in the country is The Fountain of Youth in St Augustine, Florida. The Fountain of Youth has been an attraction dating back to the 1860s and is still a great spot to stop and explore on a trip to Florida. One drink from the Fountain of Youth is said to restore youth to the person who drinks it.
8 – St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park
If you are spending time in St. Augustine, Florida, one of the best places to take kids is the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park. The alligator farm has over 24 species of crocodilians and many other reptiles, mammals, and birds for kids to have a chance to see up close. Check out their calendar before heading to the park, as they have many special events throughout the year, such as their Zoo Camps and Creatures of the Night events.
9 – Goofy Golf
Goofy Golf is one of the most iconic mini golf courses in Florida and has many unique and “goofy” statues kids will love throughout the park. This Panama City Beach Goofy Golf course has been around since 1959 and is a special place kids will love.
10 – Weeki Wachee Springs Mermaids
If “Ariel the Mermaid” was your favorite princess growing up and you love marine life, make sure to stop by and see the Mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs. Their underwater glass-sided theater Mermaid show has been around since 1947 and is one of the only places in the world you can see Mermaids. This is a magical experience for kids of all ages. Weeki Wachee has many other activities, including water slides, a swimming area, and glass bottom boat rides down the Florida Springs.
11 – Southernmost Point Buoy
No trip to Key West is complete without a picture at the southernmost point of the continental United States. Anchored in concrete, the Southernmost Point Buoy is an icon of Florida you won’t want to miss out on.
12 – Showcase of Citrus
There is nothing more Floridian than the delicious Florida Citrus. The Showcase of Citrus, located in Clermont, Florida is a great roadside attraction kids and adults will love. The U-pick farm allows you to pick seasonal Florida citrus and enjoy many exciting activities. The Monster Truck Adventure through the ranch is one of the most popular activities, where visitors can explore the native woodlands and citrus groves from a Monster Truck. They also have many exotic animals, including zebras, bison, and many more.
13 – The Wonder Gardens
Initially opened in 1936, The Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs, Florida is a beautiful botanical garden and refuge for over 300 rescued and rehabilitated animals. The Wonder Gardens is perfect for kids who love animals and getting out into nature.
14 – Wild Florida
Located in Kenansville, Florida, Wild Florida is a unique, drive-thru wildlife and safari park that offers families up-close encounters with animals, Everglades airboat tours, alligator shows, and a petting zoo. Kids will have an adventure-filled day where they can see animals such as bison, sloths, Florida panthers, and more. This is also the headquarters of the Florida Everglades and a perfect place to see the wild side of Florida.
15 – Rainbow Springs
Rainbow Springs is just the place for the family if you’re looking for a magical place to cool off on a hot Florida day. Located in Dunnellon, Florida, Rainbow Springs is known for its crystal-clear waters, always a crisp 74 degrees. They have tubing, kayaking, nature trails, a swimming area, and rare Florida waterfalls.
16 – Big Orange
Looking for old Florida roadside attractions for your next family trip? One of the most iconic Florida roadside attractions is the Big Orange attraction in Melbourne, Florida. This “Big Orange” is exactly that-a big orange. Standing 15 feet in diameter, it was built in the 1960s and is a traditional photo spot for many families visiting the Sunshine State.
17 – St. George Island Lighthouse
Another great Florida roadside attraction for kids is the St. George Island Lighthouse in Eastpoint, Florida. This lighthouse is full of history, with a museum where children can learn about the lighthouse. The original St. George Island Lighthouse was over 150 years old before it fell over in 2005. It was rebuilt, and now visitors can climb up to the top to see the gorgeous views of Florida’s Forgotten Coast. (Children must be at least 40 inches tall to climb to the top of the lighthouse)
18 – Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing
The Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing lets visitors be a part of the history of drag racing. With close to 300 cars, this exuberant Ocala, Florida museum allows visitors to see the chronicle of drag racing from its beginnings to the current day.
19 – Boyett’s Grove & Citrus Attraction
Boyett’s Grove & Citrus Attraction is what you would think of first when you hear the term “roadside attraction.” Located in Brooksville, Florida, Boyett’s has a wildlife park, petting zoo, dinosaur caves to explore, mini golf, and so much more. Kids will have a blast exploring everything Boyett’s has to offer, and it is an experience like no other in Florida.
20 – Spivey Farms
While visiting Florida, one of the best roadside attractions is picking some fresh Florida strawberries. Plant City is known for its fresh strawberries and yearly Strawberry Festival. Spivey Farms in Plant City allows you to pick your own strawberries and enjoy some of the best strawberries in Florida.
21 – Swampy the Alligator- Jungle Adventures
Another great Florida roadside attraction is the well-known “Swampy,” the Alligator in Christmas, Florida. This 200-foot-long alligator is the entrance to Jungle Adventures, A Real Florida Animal Park. This roadside zoo offers animal exhibits, shows, an old Florida village replica, and a riverboat ride.
22 – Kennedy Space Center
One of Florida’s top places to visit with kids is NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, Florida. The Kennedy Space Center is great for kids and parents and offers educational and entertaining attractions. Check their calendar before you visit. You may even have a chance to see an actual rocket launch while you are visiting.
23 – Solomon’s Castle
Do your kids love castles, knights, and princesses? Then make sure to check out Solomon’s Castle in Ona, Florida. This Castle was made by the world-renowned artist Howard Solomon, who gives tours of the castle and has his artwork shown here. This castle is made of shiny aluminum and has many art statues and paintings inside. Kids will love the unique art made from recycled materials.
24 – Citrus Tower
Located in Clermont, Florida, this iconic Citrus Tower was built in 1956 as a tribute to the Central Florida citrus industry. The Citrus Tower is located on one of the highest hills in Florida and is 22 stores tall, giving families a great view of Central Florida. At the bottom of the tower is a citrus-themed coffee shop with historic photos and archives of the historical Florida citrus growers.
25 – Big Betsy, The Giant Lobster
Are you looking for weird roadside attractions in Florida for your next family road trip? Make sure you stop by and visit Big Betsy. Big Betsy, the largest lobster in Florida, is over 40 feet long and 30 feet tall. Located in Islamorada, Florida this larger-than-life crustacean is a great roadside attraction to visit with kids, where you can get a one-of-a-kind picture with a quirky piece of Florida.
Have you taken a road trip to visit the Sunshine State with kids? Let us know what Florida roadside attractions you recommend visiting with kids!
Cover photo: iStock
Disclaimer: We earn a commission if you click any of the links above and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
