There's a reason that Florida is a go-to destination for Spring Break–from the warm weather, to the endless beaches, to the obvious family attractions–and for West Michiganders, it's basically a tradition to spend a week away from the cold in the Sunshine State. But if you're looking to add more pizzazz and less predictability to your 2025 travel plans, don't skip out on these hidden gems and thrilling adventures that await your family in Florida!
Check out this guide of must-see attractions to help you venture off the beaten path of your favorite Florida destinations. From nature excursions to animal encounters and more, make a plan to create new and exciting memories with your family. Happy exploring!
Exotic Animal Experience, Orlando
Orlando may be home to the most magical place on earth, but there are other incredible moments to be had outside the kingdom. At the Exotic Animal Experience, your family can get up close and personal with more than a dozen species of animals from across the world for once-in-a-lifetime interactive encounters.
Since 2010, the privately-owned facility has been enchanting visitors with their friendly bush babies, capybaras, lemurs, kangaroos and more, with reviews raving about how well-cared for the animals are by the knowledgeable staff and volunteers. The attraction is licensed with the USDA and Florida Fish & Wildlife, and is located 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport. Learn more and get tickets at their website.
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While there are lots of parks to choose from in Orlando, why not take your family on a natural adventure at the Rock Springs in Kelly Park, a 355-acre wildlife preserve! The free-flowing natural springs are part of the Floridian aquifer system and pour out more than 65,000 gallons of water per minute. Learn more at their website.
Fly nonstop to Orlando International Airport on Frontier and Southwest, and Orlando-Sanford International Airport on Allegiant. Learn more.
Florida Botanical Gardens, Clearwater
After sunbathing on the beach and exploring marine animals at the aquarium, immerse your family in the natural beauty of southern Florida at the Florida Botanical Gardens. Showcased across more than 100 acres you'll find a variety of gardens to explore, from herbs to cacti to palms and native plants. Also nestled amongst the natural landscape is the Majeed Discovery Children's Garden, featuring a magical forest, pollinator landing, and bamboo bridge, promoting exploration and imagination for kids of all ages.
Managed by the Pinellas County Parks and Conservation Resources Department, the mission of the gardens is to promote environmentally friendly techniques and showcase the natural flora, fauna and resources that are abundant in the region. Learn more about their mission, programs, events and purchase tickets on their website.
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Take in even more nature by venturing out to Caladesi Island State Park. Visitors can kayak through the mangrove forests or stroll along the untouched beaches of Florida's west coast. Learn more and plan your visit at their website.
Fly nonstop to St. Petersburg-Clearwater on Allegiant. Learn more.
Everglades Airboat Tour, Fort Lauderdale
Get your fix for adventure by taking your family on an airboat tour through Everglades National Park, just west of Fort Lauderdale. Gliding across the "River of Grass" gives prime opportunities to spot alligators, birds, and other native wildlife that call the Everglades home. Here, you can fully experience the unique wetland ecosystem that Florida is so well-known for.
These tours offer a thrilling educational experience that's sure to captivate kids and adults alike, and with many tour outfits to choose from, you can easily find the tour length and price point that fits your family's vacation needs.
Check out these top-rated companies to learn more and for booking information:
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Take your family even deeper into the flora and fauna of the Fort Lauderdale region by visiting the Flamingo Gardens or Butterfly World. Visit their websites to learn more and for ticketing information.
Fly nonstop to Fort Lauderdale on Allegiant. Learn more.
Tampa Bay History Center, Tampa
All aboard a fun and educational experience at the Tampa Bay History Center. While the museum has something for all ages, the Treasure Seekers permanent exhibit is a great way to spend time with your kids learning about the conquistadors, pirates and shipwrecks of Florida's exciting past. With a 60-foot, 18th-century pirate ship at the helm of the experience, you and your family can explore interactive displays and view historic artifacts that date back to the 1600s.
The 60,000-square-foot museum can be found on Tampa's Riverwalk, and also includes a number of other permanent exhibits, temporary exhibits, galleries, classrooms, a store and a restaurant. Learn more about visiting, and purchase tickets today, at their website.
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Less than an hour drive from Tampa, visit Publix Field at Joker Merchant Stadium in Lakeland to see a Detroit Tigers spring training game in action! Learn more and get tickets at their website.
Fly nonstop to Tampa on Southwest. Learn more.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf, Destin
Located east of Destin, and nestled within the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, you'll find a little bit of everything at the Village of Baytowne Wharf. Open to the public, the village features 15 boutiques, more than a dozen eateries, galleries, venues and more, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon window shopping or an evening out with the family.
The Baytowne Wharf also includes many kid-friendly amenities, including Adventure Land Playground, Baytowne Adventure Zone Park, a carousel, an arcade and laser maze, and an escape room. The village also hosts a Wednesday Night Concert Series every March through October that's free for all visitors, and the perfect place for a pop-up picnic dinner with the family.
Learn more about all the Baytowne Wharf offerings at their website.
BONUS ATTRACTION
Bring out your inner pirate on the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise, launching from HarborWalk Village in Destin. The replica ship features entertainment and interactive adventures as your family takes to the high seas of the Emerald Coast. Learn more and get tickets at their website.
Fly nonstop to Destin on Allegiant. Learn more.
