7 Family-Friendly Highlights on the Miami to Orlando, Florida Route

Planning a road trip from Miami to Orlando opens up a world of exciting adventures for families traveling together along Florida’s scenic highways.

The journey between these two vibrant cities offers far more than just a drive, with countless opportunities to create lasting memories and discover hidden gems along the way.

Whether you’re heading to theme parks or simply exploring the Sunshine State, the stops between Miami and Orlando provide entertainment, education, and fun for travelers of all ages.

1. Lion Country Safari

Imagine driving your own vehicle through a landscape where lions lounge under Florida sunshine and zebras graze just feet away from your car windows.

Lion Country Safari transforms an ordinary road trip into an extraordinary wildlife expedition that kids absolutely love.

Located in West Palm Beach, this drive-through safari park spans over 600 acres and houses more than 900 animals from six continents.

Your family can cruise through seven distinct sections, each representing different regions of the world, from the Serengeti to the Kalahari.

Children press their faces against windows as giraffes bend down to peek at passing cars, while rhinos and ostriches wander freely across the savanna-like terrain.

The self-guided tour typically takes about an hour and a half, allowing families to move at their own comfortable pace and spend extra time observing favorite animals.

After the drive-through experience, families can explore Safari World, a walk-through amusement area featuring a petting zoo, paddle boats, and a splash pad perfect for cooling off.

Kids can feed parakeets by hand at the aviary or watch playful otters diving and swimming in their habitat.

The park also offers giraffe feeding experiences where children can get up close with these gentle giants and offer them leafy snacks.

Educational presentations throughout the day teach families about conservation efforts and animal behaviors in engaging, kid-friendly formats.

Pack snacks and drinks since you’ll be in your car for the safari portion, and remember to keep windows closed in certain sections for safety.

This stop typically adds about two to three hours to your journey but provides stories and photos your family will treasure for years.

The combination of adventure, education, and hands-on animal encounters makes Lion Country Safari an absolute highlight worth the detour.

2. Loggerhead Marinelife Center

Sea turtles have captured imaginations for centuries, and at the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, your family can witness these magnificent creatures receiving world-class care.

This oceanfront facility serves as both a hospital for injured sea turtles and an educational center that teaches visitors about marine conservation.

Best of all, admission is completely free, though donations are greatly appreciated to support their vital rescue work.

Kids gather around outdoor tanks where recovering turtles swim and surface for air, each with their own compelling rescue story.

Knowledgeable staff members and volunteers share fascinating details about each turtle patient, explaining their injuries and the rehabilitation process in ways that children easily understand.

The center’s exhibits feature interactive displays about ocean ecosystems, beach conservation, and the threats facing sea turtles in the wild.

Young visitors can crawl through a life-sized sea turtle shell model or watch educational videos about nesting behaviors and hatchling journeys to the sea.

During nesting season from March through October, the center offers guided turtle walks where families can observe nesting loggerheads in their natural beach environment.

These nighttime experiences require advance reservations and provide unforgettable opportunities to witness nature’s ancient rituals firsthand.

The campus also includes a nature trail through coastal habitat where families can spot native birds and learn about dune ecosystems.

A small gift shop offers turtle-themed souvenirs, books, and educational materials, with proceeds supporting rescue operations.

The outdoor setting means families can enjoy fresh ocean breezes while learning, and the nearby beach provides a perfect spot for a quick swim or picnic.

Plan to spend about an hour exploring the facility, though animal-loving families often find themselves staying longer.

This meaningful stop combines education with inspiration, showing children how dedicated individuals work to protect endangered species and preserve ocean habitats for future generations.

3. Riverbend Park

Nature lovers find paradise at Riverbend Park, a stunning 680-acre natural oasis nestled along the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter.

This pristine preserve offers families a chance to disconnect from technology and reconnect with Florida’s wild beauty through various outdoor activities.

Kayak and canoe rentals allow families to paddle through winding waterways shaded by towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss.

The calm river waters are perfect for beginners, and children as young as five can safely enjoy the experience with proper supervision and life jackets.

As you glide along, keep eyes peeled for alligators sunning on banks, turtles plopping into water, and colorful birds fishing in the shallows.

Rangers emphasize that alligators are common but generally avoid people, teaching kids to respect wildlife from a safe distance.

For families preferring to stay on land, thirteen miles of trails wind through pine flatwoods, wetlands, and hardwood hammocks.

These well-maintained paths accommodate strollers and are suitable for all fitness levels, making them accessible for young children and grandparents alike.

Interpretive signs along trails identify native plants and explain the ecological importance of different habitats within the park.

The park regularly hosts ranger-led programs including guided nature walks, campfire programs, and full moon paddles that add educational value to your visit.

Fishing enthusiasts can cast lines from designated areas, potentially catching bass, bluegill, or catfish while teaching children patience and outdoor skills.

Covered picnic pavilions provide shaded spots for family lunches, and clean restroom facilities ensure comfort during your visit.

A small visitor center features exhibits about the Loxahatchee River ecosystem and the plants and animals that call it home.

Arrive early during peak season as parking fills quickly, especially on weekends when families flock to this beloved natural retreat.

This peaceful stop offers a refreshing contrast to theme park excitement and reminds families why Florida is called the Sunshine State.

4. Dubois Park

Hidden along the Jupiter Inlet, Dubois Park offers a magical snorkeling experience perfectly suited for young children and nervous swimmers.

Unlike typical Florida beaches with waves and currents, this park features a protected lagoon where calm, clear water allows even the smallest snorkelers to observe marine life safely.

The shallow depths rarely exceed four feet in most areas, giving parents peace of mind while children explore underwater wonders.

Colorful tropical fish dart between rocks and seagrass, and kids delight in spotting crabs scuttling across the sandy bottom.

The tidal flow brings in creatures from the nearby inlet, so each visit offers different discoveries depending on tide schedules and seasons.

Many families spot pufferfish, angelfish, parrotfish, and occasionally even small stingrays gliding gracefully through the lagoon.

Beyond snorkeling, the park provides excellent amenities including shaded picnic areas, clean bathrooms, and outdoor showers for rinsing off saltwater.

A small sandy beach area allows toddlers to build sandcastles while older siblings snorkel, keeping everyone in the family entertained.

The park also features a boat ramp and fishing areas where families can try their luck catching snook, snapper, or jacks.

Local anglers often share tips with visiting families, creating friendly interactions that enhance the community feel of this beloved spot.

Shaded pathways wind through the park, offering pleasant walks with views of the Jupiter Lighthouse standing sentinel across the inlet.

During low tide, tide pools form along the rocky areas, creating natural aquariums where children can observe trapped fish and invertebrates up close.

Pack your own snorkel gear to avoid rental fees, and bring water shoes since some areas have rocky surfaces that can be tough on bare feet.

Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, providing a more peaceful experience for families seeking relaxation.

This gem of a park proves that amazing beach experiences don’t require expensive admission tickets or long walks from parking areas, just curiosity and a sense of adventure.

5. Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center

Have you ever felt the smooth, slippery skin of a stingray gliding beneath your fingertips?

At the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center in Stuart, children experience this thrilling sensation at the interactive stingray touch tank, one of the facility’s most popular attractions.

This nonprofit marine science center sits on a beautiful 57-acre coastal hardwood hammock and mangrove forest along the Indian River Lagoon.

The facility combines aquarium exhibits with nature trails, creating a comprehensive educational experience that appeals to various interests and age groups.

Indoor galleries feature tanks showcasing the incredible biodiversity of Florida’s coastal waters, from tiny seahorses to impressive game fish.

Each exhibit includes detailed information about species, their roles in marine ecosystems, and conservation challenges they face.

Staff members circulate throughout the facility, eager to answer questions and share fascinating facts that bring the exhibits to life.

Outside, elevated boardwalks wind through native coastal habitats, allowing families to observe wildlife without disturbing fragile ecosystems.

Children spot fiddler crabs waving their oversized claws, herons stalking fish in shallow water, and occasionally dolphins surfacing in the lagoon.

Interpretive signs along the trail explain the critical importance of mangrove forests in protecting coastlines and providing nursery habitat for juvenile fish.

The center offers daily feeding demonstrations and educational programs that make complex marine science concepts accessible to young minds.

A game fish lagoon allows visitors to observe tarpon, snook, and other sport fish species in a spacious, naturalistic environment.

The facility’s commitment to conservation education inspires many children to think differently about their relationship with ocean environments.

Special summer camps and weekend programs provide deeper learning opportunities for families planning extended stays in the area.

Admission fees are reasonable and support the center’s research, education, and conservation initiatives throughout the Treasure Coast region.

Plan for at least ninety minutes to fully explore both indoor exhibits and outdoor trails at a relaxed pace that allows for plenty of questions and discovery.

6. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park

Pristine beaches, excellent shelling, and uncrowded shores make Fort Pierce Inlet State Park a refreshing alternative to Florida’s more commercialized beach destinations.

This 340-acre barrier island park preserves a slice of old Florida, where natural beauty takes center stage over development and tourist attractions.

Two distinct beach areas offer different experiences: the north side features calmer waters perfect for swimming, while the south side near the inlet attracts surfers and fishing enthusiasts.

Families with young children typically prefer the north beach where gentle waves lap the shore and the gradual slope into the ocean provides safe wading.

The park is renowned among shell collectors as one of the best shelling locations on Florida’s east coast.

After storms or during low tide, the beach becomes a treasure trove of colorful shells, sand dollars, and sea glass that delight young collectors.

Children race along the waterline, buckets swinging, competing to find the most beautiful or unusual specimens to take home as souvenirs.

A short nature trail winds through coastal hammock habitat where families can spot gopher tortoises, lizards, and numerous bird species.

The trail provides welcome shade during hot afternoons and teaches children about the diverse ecosystems that exist beyond the beach.

Covered picnic pavilions overlook the ocean, offering picture-perfect spots for family lunches with the sound of waves providing background music.

The park includes clean restrooms and outdoor showers, essential amenities that parents appreciate after sandy beach adventures.

Anglers cast lines from the beach or walk to nearby jetties where snook, redfish, and various other species bite regularly.

Watching fishing boats navigate the inlet channel provides entertainment for children taking breaks from swimming and playing in the sand.

The park rarely feels crowded even during peak season, giving families space to spread out and enjoy a more private beach experience.

Remember to bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and snacks since no concessions operate within the park boundaries.

This tranquil stop reminds families that sometimes the simplest pleasures create the most cherished vacation memories.

7. Brevard Zoo

Few experiences create bigger smiles than a child’s first time feeding a giraffe, and Brevard Zoo in Melbourne makes this dream come true for countless families.

This exceptional zoo distinguishes itself through immersive experiences that allow visitors to interact with animals rather than simply observing them from a distance.

The Giraffe Feeding area ranks as the zoo’s most popular attraction, where these gentle giants bend their long necks down to accept lettuce leaves from delighted children.

Kids giggle as giraffes wrap their long, purple tongues around food offerings, creating photo opportunities that become treasured family keepsakes.

Beyond giraffes, the zoo offers kayak tours through animal habitats, allowing families to paddle past rhinos, waterbuck, and various bird species.

These guided kayak adventures provide unique perspectives and teach children about animal behaviors while developing their paddling skills.

The zoo’s layout follows geographical regions including Florida, South America, Australia, and Africa, with each area authentically representing native habitats.

Free-flight aviaries allow colorful birds to fly overhead and land nearby, sometimes perching on railings just inches from amazed visitors.

Children can purchase small cups of nectar and watch as lorikeets land on their arms to drink, creating unforgettable close encounters.

The Paws On Play area features a splash pad, playground equipment, and opportunities to meet domestic animals like goats and sheep.

This section provides perfect breaks for younger children who need to burn energy between animal exhibits.

The zoo maintains a strong conservation focus, with staff members sharing information about endangered species and what families can do to help protect wildlife.

Shaded walkways and plenty of rest areas make the zoo comfortable even during warm Florida afternoons.

Multiple dining options offer kid-friendly meals, though many families bring picnic lunches to enjoy in designated areas.

Plan to spend at least three to four hours exploring the zoo’s many exhibits and participating in interactive experiences.

The combination of education, conservation, and hands-on animal encounters makes Brevard Zoo a standout stop that exceeds typical zoo expectations.