guides

Family-Friendly Florida Day Trips

Over 50 ideas for family fun within 2 hours of South Brevard!

By Alison Ellis, publisher of Macaroni KID South Brevard August 30, 2023

Itching to get out of South Brevard for the day? There's a ton to do right here in South Brevard, of course, but sometimes a trip out of town can make for some extra special family memories! 

To make planning easier for you, we've compiled a list of 50+ places to explore within an approximately 2-hour drive of Melbourne, Florida. All of the listed locations are outside of the Melbourne area. For local family fun ideas, check out our events calendar and other guides!

Please note: While we've done our best to keep this information up to date, please check with attractions before heading out!


This guide contains links to deals through CertifiKID, the parent company of Macaroni KID. If you would like to sign up for a CertifiKID account in order to take advantage of these deals,  I would love it if you used my referral link HERE. 


We are looking for a sponsor for this guide! Email me today for more info!


Jump to: Animals | Museums | Nature | Theme Parks | Water ParksOther Attractions

Animals

Butterfly World 

3600 W Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, FL 

This facility houses 20,000 live butterflies. There are also six free-flight aviaries, botanical gardens, and a butterfly museum. 


Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens 

3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771 | (407) 323-4450 

This zoo is home to over 350 animals, and kids can also enjoy the splash pad, petting zoo, and train ride. 


Dinosaur World 

5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, FL | (813) 717-9865 

Walk through hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs, learn about dinosaurs through interactive exhibits, and play on the dino-themed playground. 


Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center 

890 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL | (772) 225-0505

A 57-acre marine life center featuring nature trails, touch tanks, and a 750,000-gallon gamefish lagoon.  There are educational programs as well as opportunities to feed the stingrays. Inside the center, there are aquariums, educational games, and exhibits. 


Gatorland 

14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL | (407) 855-5496 

See alligators and crocodiles and enjoy a free-flight aviary, petting zoo, animal shows, and more. 

Gatorland - Save Up to 35% 

View deal on CertifiKID

Lion Country Safari 

2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, FL | (561) 793-1084 

This drive-through safari also has a petting zoo, lorikeet and giraffe feeding, and more attractions. 

Lion Country Safari - Save Up to 30% 

View deal on CertifiKID

Loggerhead Marinelife Center 

14200 US Hwy-1, Juno Beach, FL | (561) 627-8280 

This is a sea turtle research, rehabilitation, education, and conservation center. Visit their outdoor ecosystems to see marine life, take a tour, or participate in a class! 


Manatee Lagoon

6000 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL | (561) 626-2833 

Learn about manatees and Lake Worth Lagoon through exhibits, a walking tour, and viewing on the observation deck. For your best shot at seeing one of these gentle giants, visit during manatee season from November 15th - March 31st. 


McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary

12943 61st Street N, West Palm Beach, FL | (561) 790-2116 

This sanctuary houses over 200 animals including big cats and offers guided tours (by appointment only). 


Palm Beach Zoo 

1301 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL | (561) 547-9453

Animal exhibits here include The Islands, Asia, the Tropics of the Americas, and Florida Wetlands. This zoo offers close-up animal experiences with select animals such as otters and sloths. 


Reptile World Serpentarium

5705 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, St Cloud, FL | (407) 892-6905 

The Serpentarium houses over 80 species of snakes from around the world. Activities include venom extraction show, non-venomous snake holding, and baby alligator holding. 


SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium 

8449 International Drive, Orlando, FL | (855) 450-0680 

Exhibits include a 360-degree ocean tunnel, Jelly Wall, Indian Ocean, Feeding Frenzy, and Coastal Rockpool. There is also a virtual reality experience. 


Wild Florida

3301 Lake Cypress Road, Kenansville, FL | (407) 957-3135 

This drive-thru safari park offers airboat tours, animal shows, and animal encounters. 


Museums

Cox Science Center and Aquarium 

4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL | (561) 832-1988 

There is lots to do here, with a Journey Through the Human Brain exhibit, outdoor trail, splash pad, 10,000-gallon aquarium, miniature golf course, planetarium, observatory, and more! 


Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast

1707 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach, FL | (772) 225-7575 

Interactive exhibits include fire station, newsroom, town market, Spanish galleon, and more! 


Florida Children's Museum 

600 Bonnet Springs Boulevard, Lakeland, FL | (863) 687-3869 

Permanent exhibits include Watermelon Seeds, Design Park, St. Christopher's Project City Play, and TBD Gallery. There is also daily programming, such as storytime and STEM Challenge. This museum is located in Bonnet Springs Park, which has a playground, cafe, gardens, butterfly house, and more. 


Museum of Arts & Sciences 

352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, FL | (386) 255-0285 

There is a variety of permanent exhibits, including a large collection of Americana and a children's museum with encourages hands-on exploration. 


Navy SEAL Museum 

3300 N Hwy A1A, Fort Pierce, FL 34949 | (772) 595-5845 

This museum is located on the training grounds of the original Navy combat divers, the Frogmen. Learn about the Navy SEALs through interactive exhibits, test your skills on the obstacle course, and honor the fallen at the Navy SEAL Memorial. 


Orlando Science Center

777 E Princeton Street, Orlando, FL | (407) 514-2000

Interactive exhibits include KidsTown, DinoDigs, Our Planet, and more. There are also scheduled experiences, such as the flight and science labs. If you have an EBT or WIC card, you qualify for reduced admission (please see the website for more details). View our reel here to learn more about OSC


Vero Beach Museum of Art 

3001 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL | (772) 231-0707

Peruse the largest accredited art facility on the Treasure Coast with over 880 works of art. Children will enjoy playing in the hands-on Art Zone. Enjoy free admission the last Saturday of each month. 


WonderWorks Orlando

9067 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | (401) 351-8800 

Self-described as an amusement park for the mind. Wonder zones include extreme weather, space discovery, light and sound, and more. They also have laser tag, a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, and a 4D XD motion theater. 


Nature

Blowing Rocks Preserve

574 S Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33455 | (561) 744-6668

Hike, swim, snorkel, and visit the beach at the barrier island sanctuary. 


Blue Spring State Park 

2100 W. French Avenue, Orange City FL 32763 | (386) 775-3663 

Swim, snorkel, scuba dive, and encounter manatees. 


Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853 | (863) 676-1408 

Visit the beautiful gardens - including children's gardens with a naturalistic splash pad - and listen to the Singing Tower. If you have a membership to McKee Botanical Gardens, you get free admission to Bok Tower! 


Kelly Park/Rock Springs 

400 E Kelly Park Road, Apopka, FL 32712 | (407) 254-1902 

Tube on the natural lazy river at this beautiful Florida spring.


McKee Botanical Garden

350 US Highway 1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 | (772) 794-0601 

This garden has a beautiful botanical collection and includes a Children's Garden. Kids will love running through the splash pad, playing on the pirate ship, and using their imagination in the fairy garden. 


Wekiwa Springs State Park 

1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712 | (407) 553-4383 

Snorkel, scuba dive, fish, kayak, bike, and more at this 7,000-acre Florida State Park.


Theme Parks

Walt Disney World ® Theme Parks - Up to $100 Off Gate Prices 
Orlando, FL

View deal on CertifiKID

Walt Disney Word's Animal Kingdom

2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Visa, FL | (407) 939-5277


Walt Disney World's Epcot 

200 Epcot Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | (407) 939-5277


Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios 

351 S Studio Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | (407) 939-5277


Walt Disney's Magic Kingdom 

1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | (407) 939-5277


Discovery Cove 

6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821 | (407) 513-4600

Swim with dolphins, snorkel with fish and rays, hand-feed tropical birds, and more. 

Discovery Cove - Up to 15% Off 
Swim with Dolphins!

View deal on CertifiKID

Fun Spot America 

2850 Florida Plaza Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746 | (407) 383-3867 

5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, FL  32819 | (407) 363-3867 

Rides, bumper cars, go-carts, and more. 

Fun Spot America Florida - Save Up to 60% 

View deal on CertifiKID


LEGOLAND

1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884 | (888) 690-5346


Peppa Pig Theme Park 

Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884 | (833) 451-8004


SeaWorld Orlando

7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, FL | (407) 545-5550 

A variety of marine life can be found in the aquariums and habitats at SeaWorld, including dolphins, stingrays, manatees, penguins, and sharks. Of course, there are also lots of attractions and shows to be enjoyed here also! 


Universal Studios 

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 363-8000


Universal's Islands of Adventure 

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 224-4233 


Water Parks

Aquatica

5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821 | (407) 545-5550 

This is SeaWorld's water park. Enjoy waterslides and rides, aquariums, and animal shows and encounters. 


Calypso Bay Waterpark 

151 Lamstein Lane, Royal Palm Beach, FL 22411 | (561) 790-6160 

This waterpark includes a lazy river, lily pad walk, and water playground. 


Daytona Lagoon

601 Earl Street, Daytona Beach, FL | (386) 254-5020 

The Waterpark includes a variety of slides, lazy river, wave pool, and children's play area. The Fun Park includes bumper cars, laser tag, mini golf, go-karts, an arcade, and more. 


Island H2O Water Park 

3230 Inspiration Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34747 | (407) 910-1401

Island H2O Live! - Save Up to 35% 

View deal on CertifiKID


Rapids Water Park 

6566 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 | (561) 848-6272 

Slides, rides, lazy river, FlowRider, and wave pool. 

Rapids Water Park - Save Up to 30% 

View deal on CertifiKID


Sailfish Splash 

931 SE Ruhnke Stree, Stuart, FL 34994 | (772) 320-3100 

Enjoy the lazy river, water slides, and zero-depth entry water playground. 


Universal's Volcano Bay 

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 363-8000 


Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon 

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | (407) 939-5277 

Walt Disney World ® Water Parks - Save Up to 20% 
Blizzard Beach Water Park or Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

View deal on CertifiKID

Other Attractions

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

9299 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 610-5020 

Indoor go-carts, arcade, laser tag, and more. 

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games - Save Up to 40% 

View deal on CertifiKID

Crayola Experience Orlando 

8001 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL | (407) 757-1700 

Enjoy hands-on exhibits, art projects, and indoor play. 


Dave & Buster's Orlando 

8986 International Drive, Orlando, FL | (407) 541-3300 

Play games in the large arcade and experience virtual reality. 


iFLY Indoor Skydiving 

8969 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 337-4359 

Learn to fly and test out your skills at this indoor skydiving facility. 

iFLY Indoor Skydiving Orlando - Save 20% 

View deal on CertifiKID

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32963 | (855) 433-4210 

Exhibits include the Rocket Garden, U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, Astronaut Training Simulators, Shuttle Launch Experience, and Planet Play, a new indoor playground. 

Kennedy Space Center - Save Up to 30% 

View deal on CertifiKID

Nona Adventure Park 

14086 Centerline Drive Orlando, FL 32827 | (407) 313-2907 

Play on the outdoor aqua park, complete the ropes course, bounce on the inflatables, relax on the beach, and learn how to wakeboard. 


Orlando Watersports Complex 

8615 Florida Rock Rd Orlando, FL 32824 | (407) 801-7977 

Play on the outdoor aquapark and enjoy a cable or boat session to wakeboard, waterski, tube, and more. 


Showcase of Citrus

15051 Frank Jarrell Road, Clermont, FL | (352) 394-4377

Enjoy outdoor time in a Florida citrus grove! Take a monster truck tour, mine for gems, say "hi" to the farm animals, and pick citrus during the season.


WinterClub Indoor Ski & Snowboard

2950 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792 | (407) 618-1123

We may live in Florida, but you can still practice your snowboarding and skiing skills with WinterClub's 2 dry indoor slopes and interactive simulators. 


Is there a spot your family loves within driving distance of South Brevard that isn't listed here? Do you want to know more about a certain destination? Drop me a line at alisone@macaronikid.com.