Central Florida Family Day Trips Guide
Central Florida Family Day Trips Guide – If you’re looking to get out of town for the weekend (or even the day), here are some ideas on where you can take the family to make some fun family memories!
With hectic schedules and limited vacation days, taking a day trip can be like a mini-vacay for the family to create new memories and enjoy new experiences by getting out of town and back in one day. Below are some ideas for some “Day Trips” for you to consider spending time with your family. So, get out there and find an experience that your family will never forget. Whether you haven’t had a vacation in a while or you’re gearing up for one, there are always great things to do outside Orlando, but in our own backyard.
The Beach
This seems like a no-brainer, but you can enjoy the beach any time in Florida. In fact, we enjoyed a December day at the beach and it was absolutely gorgeous. The water may be cold, but the kids don’t mind. Choose beaches between Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach and everything in between. Or, consider heading to the west coast.
Silver Springs
From glass bottom boats to canoe and kayak rentals, this state park is the perfect setting to enjoy some outdoor fun with the family for the day. You can check out any special events and plan your trip around them. They have guided tours and dining options to make your day complete. Also, check out Silver River State Park.
Visit Ocala National Forest
Canoes, kayaks, trails, horseback riding, river tours and more…the Ocala National Forest is an opportunity to truly escape to the great ideas. If you choose to make it a weekend, take your camping gear for some old fashioned experiences with the family.
Mount Dora
Take an adventure tour, visit the lake, take the train, do a dinner show, attend an event, and go for a wine tasting when the day is done. There is so much for the family to do an experience in Mt. Dora and it’s in our own backyard.
Sebring
A sleepy town just 2 hours south of Orlando, Sebring is a historic town with a lot to do.
Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park covers more than 2,600 acres, including the largest spring on the St. Johns River. Blue Spring is a designated Manatee Refuge and the winter home to a growing population of West Indian Manatees. The spring and spring run are closed during Manatee season, mid-November through March 15. Swimming or diving with manatees is not permitted; this rule is strictly enforced. Check out all there is to do in Blue Spring State Park.
St. Augustine
Visit the Castillo de San Marco, shop St. George Street, visit many historical sites like the oldest wooden school house or the nation’s oldest home in one place: St. Augustine. I recently visited St. Augustine after years and I was so pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness, upkeep and growth of the city. There is more to do than you can fit into a day, but if you only have a day, it’s approximately 90+ minutes from Orlando and you can have enough fun in one day. We like to take the tram tour around the city and hop on and off where we want. Don’t forget there’s a great beach there too!
Head to Tampa
From Busch Gardens to Zoo Tampa, Florida Aquarium, and more, you can find a host of things to do for a day in the Tampa area.
Visit Homosassa State Park
Visitors can see West Indian manatees every day of the year from the park’s underwater observatory in the main spring. The park showcases native Florida wildlife, including manatees, black bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, American alligators, American crocodiles, and river otters. Manatee programs are offered three times daily. At the Wildlife Encounter programs, snakes and other native animals are featured. Recreational opportunities include picnicking, nature study, and bird-watching. The park features a children’s education center, providing hands-on experiences about Florida’s environment. Transportation from the visitor center on U.S. 19 to the West Entrance is available by tram or boat. The park has two concessionaire-operated gift shops and a concessionaire-operated café with a selection of beverages and snacks. Plan 3 1/2 to 4 hours to tour the park. Check the Ranger Programs for a list of interactive events throughout the park each day. Click here to view everything there is to do.
Tarpon Springs
The Sponge Industry helped build a Greek Community that is now famous not only for the worlds finest sponges, but for some of the finest Greek Restaurants, Markets, and Bakeries in the Country. What will you find in Tarpon Springs? The Sponge Docks, Greek Restaurants, Bakeries, Attractions, Natural Sponges, Sponge Diving, Tours,Sightseeing Cruises, Unique Greek and Florida Souvenirs, lots of Shopping, Sightseeing and Live Entertainment (Bouzoukia).
Tarpon Springs is the perfect day trip from Tampa, Clearwater, St Pete, Sarasota, Pasco and Orlando. Check out our history, culture and some of the best Greek Food you’ve ever had! We are just minutes away from Tampa. Come visit our Greece. Click here to see where we are.
Weeki Wachee
If you thought mermaids were just the lively imaginings of lonely sailors, think again — and come to Weeki Wachee Springs, the City of Live Mermaids, on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
Located about an hour north of Tampa at the crossroads of U.S. 19 and State Road 50, Weeki Wachee is more than just a mark on a road map. Weeki Wachee is an enchanted spring — the only one of its kind in the world — and one of Florida’s oldest and most unique roadside attractions. For almost 60 years, the fun, family oriented park has lured in visitors with beautiful mermaids who swim in the cool, clear spring waters. Weeki Wachee Springs is a magical entrance into a mysterious blue underwater world of mermaids, manatees, turtles and bubbles. Sitting in the Mermaid Theater, visitors feel like they are inside the flowing spring, and are transported back to simpler times, before super theme parks and super highways appeared. So come to Weeki Wachee Springs and see a splendid side of Florida lore, where dreams really do come true.
Hontoon State Park
This island, located in the St. Johns River in Volusia County, welcomes visitors to enjoy nature and history in quiet solitude. The island is accessible only by private boat or park ferry. Evidence of Native American habitation over thousands of years can be witnessed as visitors hike through the park. Stop in and walk through the impressive visitor center to learn more about the many inhabitants and uses of Hontoon Island over the years. Boating, canoeing, and fishing are popular activities and canoe rentals are available. Picnic areas include tables, grills, and a playground. Overnight boat slip rentals are also available. The park’s ferry operates daily from 8:00 a.m. to one hour before sunset. Located six miles west of Deland off State Road 44. Check out all there is to do at Hontoon State Park.
Disclaimer: Events and information listed on this site are subject to last minute cancellations and changes which might not be reflected in this MyCentralFloridaFamily.com post. Please always confirm with this family-friendly business by calling or clicking the links for the most up-to-date information.
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