Unforgettable wet and wild family fun can be found in northern Florida’s crystal clear springs and meandering rivers, just a short drive from Tarpon Springs. Try an eco-oriented getaway on the Gulf Coast in Citrus County, a sanctuary for dozens of animal species, birds and marine life. Hundreds of rivers, streams, creeks and springs run through the northern half of Florida, allowing plenty of opportunities for water trekking and wildlife scouting. This vacation is packed with adventurous options for nature lovers. Even better, it’s cost-effective, making it an ideal pick for families traveling on a budget.
Great Fun for the Kids
(Toddler to age 18)
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park & Buccaneer Water Park
6131 Commercial Way
Weeki Wachee, FL 34606
352/596-2062
Weeki Wachee is proud to be “the only city of live mermaids,” a reputation it has lived up to since the theme park opened in 1947. Underwater performances of “The Little Mermaid” and “Fish Tails” are done daily, and a Wilderness River Cruise, bird and reptile shows, the petting zoo and unlimited access to the Buccaneer Bay waterpark is included in the admission cost. Exciting flume rides send kids zooming from the top of the slides into the spring fed river, a refreshing natural water source that stays a perfect 72°F year-round, though not all waterpark facilities are open daily. Kids of all ages can participate in beach volleyball, while the little ones keep occupied in the kiddie pool.
Rent a canoe or kayak from the many local vendors; the clear and shallow river is lined with mangroves that attract a variety of wildlife and are prime nesting sites. Herons, egrets, ibis and other shorebirds are plentiful in this area, as are several species of turtles, known to lounge on exposed river rocks and fallen branches.
Fun for the Whole Family
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park
4150 S. Suncoast Blvd.
Homosassa, FL 34446
352/628-5343
A morning or afternoon at the park begins with a 30-minute guided boat ride down Pepper Creek to the wildlife area. The Homosassa River runs directly through the park, a wonderful natural habitat for dozens of bird species, such as flamingos, wood storks, pelicans, swans, sand hill cranes and spoonbills. The park offers several daily educational opportunities run by naturalists and volunteers, including three Manatee Programs, two Wildlife Encounters, and an Alligator Program.
Reptile House provides close-up viewing of native snakes and other reptiles. The Alligator – Hippopotamus Programs are held at the Alligator Lagoon, home of about a dozen alligators that live permanently at the park. The Florida cougar, native black bears, foxes and various birds of prey are located along the protective board walk that wraps around the exterior of the river. The park is also part sanctuary for injured or displaced animals.
Captain Mike’s Lazy River Cruises
13821 State Road 200
Dunnellon, FL 34432
352/637-2726
Withlacoochee, meaning “little great river” was named by the Seminole Indians that once inhabited the area. The land surrounding it is now divided between the river’s residential communities and a protected state forest. Captain Mike Tracy has been expertly navigating his 24-foot covered pontoon boat down the rocky and unpredictable river since 1997. He offers a variety of tours seven days a week, with sunset and moonlight cruises available on select days. Captain Mike possesses an extensive knowledge about all aspects of the Withlacoochee River, from its natural history to its flora, fauna and wildlife population. He adds an element of excitement to each tour by telling eccentric tales about his own exciting life on the river. It is not unusual to see wild alligators on one of Mike’s tours, as well as an abundance of other native animals and birds — red shouldered hawks, eagles, pileated woodpeckers, wild boars, turkeys and the viceroy butterflies to name a few. No sign of life goes unnoticed with Mike’s keen eyes surveying the river, and he is quick to jump from his seat to point out an osprey nest in the treetop or a school of gar swimming alongside the boat.
Alfred McKethan Pine Island Beach
10800 Pine Island Dr
Spring Hill, FL 34607
A peaceful stretch of road leads to the beach at Pine Island, a Hernando County park, surrounded on both sides by a 3.5 acre open expanse of low bushes, coastal scrub and palm trees. The stream that runs parallel to the road is a prime fishing spot for kingfishers, herons and egrets. The jungle gym at the beach playground is a great diversion for young children in between swimming sessions and sand castle building.
The sunsets at the beach are particularly stunning and a good opportunity to use the stationary grills to cook a barbecue dinner. Families can throw a picnic blanket right onto the sandy beach or eat at the tables in the covered picnic area. The snack bar serves cold beverages and light snacks; public restrooms and outdoor showers are also available.
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Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!
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Hi, the Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article it is well written and is very useful.
I love spending time in London. I think if you want to spend time out of the city, Brighton is also a great place to visit, especially as it’s close by. There are a number of family-friendly hotels, too, like The Brighton Hotel:
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It’s a steam excursion train, shorter ride, probably many kids on board. This would be better suited to younger children. Much better choice for the under-12 set.
Ralph
Originally created as a recreation area for employees of the Hershey Chocolate factory, today Hershey Park boasts plenty of chocolate paraphernalia, as well as roller coasters and a water park. Tickets include admission to the nearby ZOOAMERICA. Originally owned by the Knott’s jam producers, Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park is one of the older parks in the US, Knott’s Berry Farm is a classic for those looking for thrill rides, water rides and family fun.
Hi Ralph, thank you for your reply. I haven’t booked it yet as I had similar reservations that since it’s an 8-hr journey, it will not be wise to take the kids at this age but would love to take them on a shorter train tour, I’m currently looking at the Jacobite express (here in the UK).
Hello Zeb,
For children under 10, It would simply be too long a day in too confined a space for them, might get a little boring for them after the first 20 minutes; it’s an eight-hour journey.
If they are active, there isn’t a lot of room to run around on the train, which is smaller than the ones we are used to here in the U.S.
If you have already booked a space, and will have toddlers or young children, suggest you bring lots of things to keep the little ones entertained.
Ralph
A very good article! Thank you
Have been to Switzerland but missed the Glacier Express, I’ve heard it really one of the best train journeys in the World with amazing mountain/alps view. Is it good to travel with kids 7 and 4 years old) too, since it’s 8 hours long?
Sunlight, particularly in late summer and fall, sets off the production of anthocyanin. Cloudy weather dampens production and leads to less colorful displays. Many scientists argue that warming temperatures do not have much to do with the intensity of color, only with its timing: when it appears and how long it lasts. But Howard Neufeld, a professor of biology at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, said climate change could eventually affect the complex processes in leaf senescence and lower anthocyanin production, dulling the autumn reds.
Gladiator School – My new favorite thing to do in Rome. We did this on our last trip to Rome and both kids and adults absolutely loved it. Instructors are great. Highly recommended. Book far in advance. (Pictured above.) Walking Tour: Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill – Excellent guided tour of Ancient Rome. Skip the line to enter all three sites. Very kid-friendly.
Deer Valley caters to families with kid-friendly skiing, child care programs and a limited child-to-instructor ratio. Because Deer Valley sells a limited number of daily lift tickets, tiny tots and pint-sized groms have plenty of room to work on their pizza wedge and French fries. Other amenities include a Children s Center, Adventure Camp and furry mascots on the Adventure Trails. I grew up skiing here and learned to love the mountains and snow at this resort. The amenities are top notch and the food is amazing. As a young kid, when the skiing got tough, I would always head inside and get delicious food and hot cocoa. See more Deer Valley reviews here .
Fall is very busy in the mountainous regions with the influx of leaf peepers from the New England area, around the United States and the world. In these extremely popular areas, you ll want to make lodging reservations at least several weeks ahead, especially on weekends. Columbus Day weekend (Oct 7-9, 2017) is another time in which advanced booking is advised throughout the region.
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Traveling to other cities with your kiddos? Don’t miss Curbed’s maps of the best family activities
Good to know : West Valley is open daily from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Apples are $0.85 a pound. Follow their Facebook page for updates on U-pick apples. And be sure to bring containers for their popular juice pressed right on site!
Minneapolis, Minnesota is a great pick for outdoor-loving families thanks to kid-friendly (and free) favorites like the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, home to more than 40 outdoor works of art
You can’t go wrong with a safari and I would recommend booking with a company like Timbuktu Travel. Have a look at their safari travel tips – .
The K Bar S Lodge, built in 2006, is located a short distance from Mount Rushmore. It is quietly secluded on 31 forested acres and away from busy streets. Battle Creek winds its way throughout the property and the large meadow in front of the Lodge is often a playground for deer and turkeys. As a single traveler it was so fun to be with this group. It s much nicer to be with others when you share a great experience or see something wonderful. And, it s safer than traveling alone. I m hooked on Road Scholar.
Rockefeller State Park offers seasonal activities including hiking, running, bird-watching, fishing ( New York state fishing license required), picnicking, horseback-riding, carriage-driving, photography, painting, and geocaching (park permit required). Sleepy Hollow and neighboring Tarrytown have a deep immigrant history resulting in a rich mix of cuisines: Italian, Greek, Mexican, Indian, French, Portuguese, Irish, Japanese, Dominican, Chinese, Ecuadorian, Thai, Moroccan, and Chilean. Foodies should not miss the Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow farmers market at Patriots Park where you ll find fresh Hudson Valley produce, meat, bread, and wine.
Speaking of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, don t miss out on seeing the Rockettes show-stopping leg kick precision chorus during the holidays at Radio City Music Hall.
Jimmy Buffet s restaurant is a short walk from the Comfort Suites Paradise Island Hotel and Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. What could be better than eating a literal Cheeseburger in Paradise? Pairing it with a yummy margarita, of course.
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Make sure you check out the new sustainable Christmas Market in Berlin!! Its located by Hacksnshiremarkt!
What s more exhilarating than seeing the city from 108 floors above the world-famous Las Vegas Strip? Jumping off it. Strap in and face your fear as you jump off the side of SkyPod at The STRAT.
Have you ever dreamed of creating your own ice sculpture? The Quebec Winter Carnival has just what you’re looking for! Bring your group to our Ice Sculpture Workshops under the guidance of a team led by none other than Marc Lepire, chief sculptor of Bonhomme’s Ice Palace! During this one-hour event, you will learn the workflow of master sculptors and enjoy the unique experience of carving your own solid ice block with your group of 2 to 4 people. Free all-you-can-drink hot chocolate will keep you warm throughout the frosty fun.
When you’re travelling with your kids, indoor-fun options are a must no matter what the season. Montreal saves the day with all kinds of activities, from adventurous physical feats to skill-testing games and educational entertainment.
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Make sure to have lists of important contacts, in case of any emergency like health issue, car issue, towing issue (for emergency roadside assistance nyc), police issue, these all contacts make a trip safe and secure
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Great Read! Travelling with your family is one of the most exciting way to spend your holidays. If you are wondering where to travel next, here are some of the best vacation spots in the world.
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We have traveled through several airports in Germany but never Munich. We will keep Munich on our list for the next trip through Europe since it sounds like the best place to have a stop over with kids. Thanks for the review and the information for kids to do in Munich Airport.
Greetings! I am going to be moving to Brooklyn from Minnesota in the beginning of February! My dad and I plan to take on the journey and would love to take your car with us! Contact me if you need your car out in NYC. Thanks.