From Disney World to Universal, Florida is known for its abundance of theme park attractions. Adding up the cost of entrance fees, food and accommodation, however, can add up pretty quickly when you’re planning a family getaway to the Sunshine State. Luckily for those on a budget, Florida is also home to plenty of low-cost attractions and cheap destinations where you can escape the tourist crowds and save your hard-earned money. From outdoor adventures to budget-friendly activities, read on to discover cheap things to do with the kids in Florida that won’t break the bank.
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, Spring Hill
What Is It? One of the top kid-friendly natural springs in Florida, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is world-famous for its unique underwater theater and mermaid shows.
Why Do It? A beautifully developed state park, visitors can watch the show before swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking through the 72-degree crystal clear waters.
Good to Know: Kids will especially enjoy the slides at the on-site water park, Buccaneer Bay.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fort White
What Is It? Ideal for a day of tubing down crystal clear springs, Ichetucknee Springs State Park offers six miles of shaded hammocks and wetlands.
Why Do It? At this popular North Florida springs, kids can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and canoeing through eight major springs, while hiking and wildlife viewing are also popular activities on land.
Good to Know: Float under the lush live oak and cypress trees as you try your best to spot the park’s array of otters, turtles, wild turkeys, and egrets.
Naval Aviation Museum, Pensacola
What Is It? The world’s largest Naval Aviation museum and one of the most visited museums in Florida, the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola offers visitors a peek into the rich history of over 150 restored aircraft.
Why Do It? Representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aviation, visitors can experience hands-on history with more than 4,000 artifacts on its 37-acre grounds.
Good to Know: Both kids and adults alike will be mesmerized by the famous Blue Angels practicing over the museum.
Pier 60 Sunset Celebration, Clearwater Beach
What Is It? One of Florida’s most popular white-sand beaches, Clearwater Beach is known for its beautiful coastline and array of land and water-based activities.
Why Do It?A pedestrian-friendly area that comes alive in the evening, the area is packed with visitors soaking in the sunset colors reflecting on the water as musicians and street performers entertain along the area’s restaurants and shops.
Good to Know: Boasting three miles of pristine white sand, this award-winning beach is home to free nightly events at Pier 60.
Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales
What Is It? One of the most impressive gardens in Florida, Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is famous for its 205-foot singing bell tower and majestic 60-bell carillon.
Why Do It? Nature-loving families can spend an entire day here, meandering through the diverse grounds and strolling past swan-filled pools.
Good to Know: You can admire the array of azaleas, camellias, pinkish-blush Cinnamon Cindy and explosion of colors that highlight the area, explore scenic trails, or relax in one of the garden’s peaceful resting spots.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo
What Is It? One of the most visually stunning state parks in the country, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is consistently rated as one of the best snorkeling spots in Florida.
Why Do It? Kids will love the chance to explore the first undersea park and only living coral reef in the United States.
Good to Know: You can spend an entire day seeing the area’s plethora of colorful fish and diverse underwater marine life.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island
What Is It? Animal-loving adventurers will enjoy a day out at J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island.
Why Do It? The 6,300-acre refuge covers almost half of the island, and families can get up close and personal to some of Florida’s unique wildlife, from alligators to a variety of birds.
Good to Know: Hiking and biking through the trails is a popular pastime, in addition to riding on the open-air tram along the lively Wildlife Drive.
Rainbow Springs State Park, Dunnellon
What Is It? One of the best springs in the state, Rainbow Springs State Park is the perfect place to take the entire family on one of Florida’s famously hot summer days.
Why Do It? You can take a dip or float on a tube through the perfect 70-degree crystal clear waters, where a vibrant array of azalea blooms highlight the moss-draped cypress trees and waterfall views.
Good to Know: Kayaking and canoeing are also popular daytime activities, and quiet picnic areas are available throughout the park.
John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota
What Is It? Located in Sarasota, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art is a 66-acre European palace-style complex with a circus museum, art museum, and railroad car.
Why Do It? Offering a range of vibrant gardens, visitors can explore this bright pink attraction to find a full day’s worth of activities.
Good to Know: Kids will be delighted with the chance to walk the wire in the Circus Museum, explore memorabilia dedicated to the “Greatest Show on Earth,” and explore the whimsical Dwarf Garden.
Sun Splash Family Waterpark, Cape Coral
What Is It? One of the most budget-friendly water parks in Florida, Sun Splash Family Waterpark in Cape Coral offers the entire family the perfect escape from the summer heat.
Why Do It? Nestled on a 14-acre piece of land, younger kids can enjoy the park’s array of interactive water features and mini slides.
Good to Know: Older kids can try their hand at the more adventurous 30-foot darkened tunnel and a five-story slide with a steep drop.
Sanibel Island
What Is It? A family-friendly island with small-town charm, Sanibel Island offers laid-back beaches and unique treasures ripe for the picking.
Why Do It? Known as the “Shelling Capital of the World,” Sanibel Island is where people from around the world come to scour the beaches every morning for pieces that have washed up onshore.
Good to Know: Easily accessible for even the littlest beachgoer, kids can spend hours combing through the 300 species of colorful shells.
Three Sisters Springs, Crystal River
What Is It? Located on Florida’s west coast, Three Sisters Springs is a beloved natural springs area known for its unspoiled habitat.
Why Do It? A 57-acre oasis, kids can have the opportunity to swim with manatees in certain months of the year. It’s one of the best places to see manatees in Florida, and these gentle creatures can be spotted from land or boat.
Good to Know: An on-site trolley tour takes visitors to a boardwalk where manatee viewing is available.
Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, Key West
What Is It? A top family attraction in the Florida Keys, the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory is home to over 50 species of butterflies in its 5,000 square foot aviary.
Why Do It? Visitors can explore butterfly anatomy, physiology, the life cycle of a butterfly and the migratory world of these gorgeous winged creatures.
Good to Know: Enough to entertain the kids for an entire day, visitors will also find over 20 exotic bird species, 3,500 plants, and a tranquil set of waterfalls.
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, Port St. Joe
What Is It? Considered to be one of the best beaches in the country, St. Joseph Peninsula State Park offers 9.5 miles of snow-white beach.
Why Do It? Its untouched natural beauty and postcard-worthy views are surely impressive, but the area is also a perfect day out with the kids, where fishing, swimming, and picnicking are popular.
Good to Know: Visit the nearby Wilderness Preserve, hike along the bay shore to find nature trails, or set up camp for a night of stargazing and s’mores.
Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine
What Is It? Situated in America’s oldest city, Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine is the perfect day trip for kids interested in the past.
Why Do It? The city’s 500 years of history is highlighted throughout the city’s charming streets, where cobblestone roads are met with fascinating landmarks.
Good to Know: Castillo de San Marcos is the centerpiece of the city’s history, where visitors can walk along the walls of this massive fort where centuries-old historic battles took place.
Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach
What Is It? A stunning Japanese-inspired attraction with beautiful landscapes, Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens is one of the best gardens in Florida.
Why Do It? This attraction will take you and your family around the world with its Zen-like tranquility, brightly colored cherry blossoms, and serene landscapes.
Good to Know: Perfect for a sunny day, you can meander through the neatly manicured gardens and explore the colorful displays and exhibits, or attend one of their lively festivals held throughout the year.
Perdido Key State Park, Pensacola
What Is It? Located between Pensacola and Alabama, Perdido Key State Park is a perfect place to get away from it all.
Why Do It? With 16 miles of rolling white sand dunes and tranquil Gulf waters, the kids can enjoy a secluded beach area all to themselves.
Good to Know: It’s easy to lose track of time here, as hiking, crabbing, and fishing are popular daytime activities, while camping is found across the bridge at Big Lagoon State Park.
