Orlando to Miami With Kids: 13 Fun Roadside Stops That Make the Drive Feel Shorter

The stretch between Orlando and Miami runs through some of Florida’s most captivating landscapes, where wetlands meet coastal charm and roadside wonders await around every bend.

Families who take this route discover more than just highways; they find alligator parks, prehistoric exhibits, racing history, and quirky monuments that turn travel time into adventure time.

Breaking up the journey with memorable stops keeps restless kids entertained while giving everyone a chance to stretch their legs and create lasting vacation memories.

These carefully chosen destinations blend education with excitement, offering something special for every age group along the way.

1. Gatorland

Few places capture Florida’s wild side quite like this legendary attraction, where thousands of alligators and crocodiles call home.

The moment you walk through the giant gator-jaw entrance, you know you’re in for something different from typical theme parks.

Live shows featuring fearless handlers wrestling massive reptiles keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Kids gasp as trainers demonstrate feeding techniques and explain behaviors that make these ancient creatures so fascinating.

The Screamin’ Gator Zipline offers a unique perspective, soaring over the breeding marsh where hundreds of gators bask below.

Younger visitors love the petting zoo area, where they can interact with gentler animals and get a break from the toothy residents.

Educational talks throughout the day teach families about conservation efforts and the important role these reptiles play in Florida’s ecosystem.

The Gator Gully Splash Park provides welcome relief on hot days, with water features designed for cooling off between exhibits.

Photography opportunities abound, from baby gators in the nursery to massive specimens that seem prehistoric in size.

This stop works perfectly as either a quick hour-long visit or an extended morning adventure, depending on your schedule.

The park’s location just south of Orlando makes it an ideal first stop when heading toward Miami.

Snack bars scattered throughout offer refreshments without needing to leave the park.

Address: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, Florida

2. Dinosaur World

Imagine walking among creatures that roamed Earth millions of years ago, their towering forms rising from lush Florida greenery.

Over 200 life-sized dinosaur replicas create an outdoor museum that feels like stepping back through time.

The winding paths lead families past everything from gentle herbivores to fearsome predators, each carefully positioned in natural settings.

Children race ahead to discover what prehistoric giant waits around the next corner, their excitement building with every new find.

The fossil dig area transforms kids into paleontologists, letting them uncover replica bones buried in sand.

This hands-on experience teaches excavation techniques while keeping little ones engaged and learning without realizing it.

A playground designed with dinosaur themes provides a spot for burning off energy between educational exhibits.

The indoor museum houses actual fossils and displays that explain how scientists piece together information about extinct species.

Parents appreciate the shaded picnic areas perfect for breaking out snacks or enjoying lunch surrounded by prehistoric scenery.

The gift shop offers reasonably priced souvenirs, from small dinosaur figures to educational books about paleontology.

Located in Plant City, this attraction sits conveniently along the route, making it easy to incorporate into your travel plans.

Most families spend about two hours exploring, though dinosaur enthusiasts could easily stay longer.

Address: 5145 Harvey Tew Rd, Plant City, Florida

3. Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing

Speed enthusiasts find paradise in this tribute to American drag racing, where chrome gleams and history roars from every corner.

The museum showcases an incredible collection of vintage race cars, each with its own story of triumph and innovation.

Don Garlits himself revolutionized the sport, and his personal vehicles demonstrate the evolution of racing technology over decades.

Kids who love cars stand mesmerized before sleek machines that once screamed down quarter-mile tracks at incredible velocities.

The collection includes not just dragsters but also antique automobiles that show how car design has transformed through generations.

Interactive displays explain the physics of racing, from aerodynamics to engine power, making complex concepts accessible to young minds.

Parents often find themselves just as captivated as their children, reminiscing about classic car culture and racing legends.

The museum’s location in Ocala positions it perfectly for a midway break on the Orlando to Miami journey.

Air conditioning throughout provides comfortable viewing regardless of Florida’s weather outside.

Guided tours offer deeper insights, though the self-guided experience works wonderfully for families moving at their own pace.

The gift shop features racing memorabilia and die-cast models that make excellent keepsakes.

Even families who aren’t hardcore racing fans find the craftsmanship and history fascinating.

Address: 13700 SW 16th Ave, Ocala, Florida

4. Silver Springs State Park

Crystal-clear waters bubble up from underground aquifers, creating one of Florida’s most enchanting natural wonders.

The famous glass-bottom boat tours have delighted visitors for generations, offering views into an underwater world without getting wet.

Peering through the boat’s transparent floor, passengers spot fish, turtles, and the occasional manatee gliding through impossibly clear spring water.

The spring’s constant 72-degree temperature provides year-round comfort, with water so pure you can see every detail of the sandy bottom.

Kayak and canoe rentals allow more adventurous families to explore at their own pace, paddling through waterways lined with cypress trees.

Nature trails wind through the surrounding park, where deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species make frequent appearances.

The park’s rich history includes serving as a filming location for classic Tarzan movies and numerous other Hollywood productions.

Picnic areas with grills invite families to enjoy meals surrounded by natural beauty and the soothing sound of flowing water.

Rangers lead educational programs that teach about spring ecosystems and the importance of protecting these fragile water sources.

The visitor center features exhibits about the area’s geology, explaining how these remarkable springs formed over thousands of years.

This stop offers a refreshing contrast to theme parks and museums, immersing families in authentic Florida wilderness.

The park’s proximity to Ocala makes it easy to visit alongside other area attractions.

Address: 1425 NE 58th Ave, Ocala, Florida

5. Yeehaw Junction Desert Inn

This legendary roadside stop has been serving travelers since 1889, making it one of Florida’s oldest continuously operating establishments.

The quirky name alone sparks curiosity, and the building’s weathered exterior promises authentic Old Florida character.

Inside, the atmosphere transports visitors back to frontier days, with rustic decor and walls covered in historical photographs.

The restaurant serves hearty comfort food that hits the spot after hours on the road, from burgers to Southern specialties.

Kids enjoy exploring the building’s nooks and crannies, discovering artifacts and memorabilia from bygone eras.

The attached general store sells snacks, drinks, and quirky souvenirs that capture the location’s unique personality.

Truckers, tourists, and locals all mingle here, creating a genuine crossroads atmosphere you won’t find at chain restaurants.

The outdoor area features picnic tables where families can stretch their legs while enjoying the rural surroundings.

Stories and legends about the location’s colorful past add intrigue, with tales of frontier life and famous visitors.

Located at the actual junction of several highways, this spot truly lives up to its name as a meeting point.

Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained, an important consideration for families with young children on long drives.

The stop provides a perfect opportunity to refuel both your vehicle and your family before continuing south.

Address: 5400 S Kenansville Rd, Yeehaw Junction, Florida

6. Lion Country Safari

Your family vehicle transforms into a safari cruiser as you enter this remarkable drive-through wildlife preserve.

Unlike traditional zoos, animals roam freely across expansive habitats while visitors observe from the safety of their cars.

Giraffes amble across the road, their long necks swaying gracefully, sometimes approaching close enough to peer into windows.

Zebras graze in herds, their distinctive stripes creating mesmerizing patterns against the green Florida landscape.

Rhinos lumber past, their prehistoric appearance making them seem like creatures from another world.

The lion section always draws gasps, with these magnificent predators lounging in the shade or prowling their territory.

Kids press against windows, cameras ready, hoping to capture the perfect wildlife photograph.

The drive takes about an hour, moving slowly to allow plenty of observation time without disturbing the animals.

After the safari drive, a walk-through amusement area offers rides, animal encounters, and feeding opportunities.

The petting zoo section lets children interact with domesticated animals, providing hands-on experiences that complement the safari.

Educational talks scheduled throughout the day teach about conservation efforts and the animals’ natural habitats.

Water play areas help families cool down, especially welcome during Florida’s warmer months.

Address: 2003 Lion Country Safari Rd, Loxahatchee, Florida

7. Robert Is Here Fruit Stand

A simple fruit stand grew into a South Florida institution, famous for tropical treats and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.

The story began when young Robert set up a cucumber stand in 1959, and his father made a sign that still greets visitors today.

Mountains of exotic fruits fill displays, many varieties unfamiliar to visitors from other regions.

Dragon fruit, lychee, mamey sapote, and carambola create a rainbow of colors and shapes that fascinate children.

The famous fruit milkshakes blend tropical flavors into creamy concoctions that taste like sunshine in a cup.

A small petting zoo behind the stand lets kids interact with goats, chickens, and other friendly farm animals.

Peacocks strut freely around the property, their iridescent feathers catching the light as they parade past shoppers.

Fresh-squeezed juices provide healthy refreshment, offering a welcome alternative to typical roadside snack options.

The stand also sells local honey, homemade preserves, and other artisan products that make excellent gifts.

Parents appreciate the opportunity to introduce children to new fruits, turning a rest stop into an educational experience.

The location in Homestead positions it perfectly as one of the last stops before reaching Miami.

Friendly staff offer samples and suggestions, helping visitors navigate the unfamiliar fruit selection.

Address: 19200 SW 344th St, Homestead, Florida

8. Coral Castle

One man’s obsession created this puzzling monument, where massive coral stones form walls, furniture, and sculptures that defy explanation.

Edward Leedskalnin worked alone at night, somehow moving and carving stones weighing several tons each without modern machinery.

The mystery of his construction methods continues to baffle engineers and scientists who study the site.

Children wander through the outdoor museum, touching smooth stone surfaces and marveling at the precision of ancient-looking carvings.

A stone gate weighing nine tons swings open with the touch of a finger, balanced so perfectly it moves effortlessly.

The Polaris telescope, carved from coral, aligns perfectly with the North Star, demonstrating Leedskalnin’s astronomical knowledge.

Stone furniture includes beds, tables, and chairs, all carved from single pieces of coral rock.

The crescent moon pool and various celestial symbols suggest deeper meanings behind the seemingly random structures.

Guided tours share theories about construction techniques, from magnetic levitation to simple mechanical advantage.

The love story behind the castle adds romantic intrigue, as Leedskalnin supposedly built it for a woman who left him.

Educational displays explain coral rock formation and the geology of South Florida’s unique limestone landscape.

This stop sparks imagination and conversation, with families debating theories long after leaving.

Address: 28655 S Dixie Hwy, Homestead, Florida

9. Everglades Alligator Farm

Propellers roar to life as airboats skim across sawgrass prairies, offering an authentic Everglades adventure.

The farm combines wildlife exhibits with thrilling airboat rides that showcase Florida’s famous wetland ecosystem.

Experienced captains navigate through narrow waterways, pointing out alligators, wading birds, and native plants.

The wind whips through passengers’ hair as boats glide over shallow water, providing an exhilarating rush kids absolutely love.

Back on land, alligator shows demonstrate these reptiles’ power and agility, with handlers explaining behaviors and conservation status.

The farm houses hundreds of alligators at various life stages, from tiny hatchlings to massive adults over twelve feet long.

Snake demonstrations introduce families to various Florida serpent species, dispelling myths while teaching respect for these creatures.

A wildlife show features other native animals, including birds of prey that swoop impressively close to audiences.

Educational talks emphasize the Everglades’ importance as a unique ecosystem facing environmental challenges.

The observation deck provides views across the wetlands, where wild alligators often sun themselves on banks.

Photography opportunities abound, from action shots on airboats to close-ups of reptiles during feeding demonstrations.

This stop offers a perfect introduction to Everglades ecology before potentially visiting the national park itself.

Address: 40351 SW 192nd Ave, Homestead, Florida

10. Schnebly Redland’s Winery

Florida’s only winery producing wines from tropical fruits creates an unexpected oasis in the agricultural heartland south of Miami.

While parents sample unique mango, lychee, and passion fruit wines, the property offers plenty for children to enjoy.

Lush tropical gardens surround the tasting room, with koi ponds, waterfalls, and shaded pathways perfect for exploring.

The waterfall grotto creates a dramatic backdrop, with water cascading over rocks into a pool where colorful fish swim.

Non-alcoholic tropical juices and sodas ensure younger family members have delicious beverages during the visit.

The outdoor seating area under towering trees provides a peaceful spot to relax away from highway noise.

Tours explain the unique process of making wine from tropical fruits instead of traditional grapes.

Kids enjoy feeding fish in the ponds, tossing pellets and watching dozens of koi surge to the surface.

The property’s natural beauty makes it feel like a botanical garden that happens to produce wine.

Local art often decorates the grounds, with sculptures and installations adding creative touches to the landscape.

The winery restaurant serves lunch featuring fresh, local ingredients that showcase South Florida’s agricultural bounty.

This stop offers sophistication and relaxation, a change of pace from more action-oriented attractions.

Address: 30205 SW 217th Ave, Homestead, Florida

11. Monkey Jungle

The tables turn at this unique attraction where humans walk through caged paths while primates roam freely above and around them.

This reverse-zoo concept puts visitors inside protective screening while monkeys behave naturally in a semi-wild environment.

Over 400 primates representing various species swing through trees, socialize, and occasionally investigate the humans passing below.

Squirrel monkeys, known for their tiny size and energetic antics, provide constant entertainment as they leap between branches.

The facility focuses on conservation and research, contributing to scientific understanding of primate behavior and ecology.

Shows scheduled throughout the day demonstrate natural behaviors, with trained staff explaining social structures and communication methods.

The swimming and diving demonstration features Java macaques plunging into water to retrieve treats, a rare behavior among primates.

Children giggle as curious monkeys approach the screening, sometimes reaching tiny fingers through to touch human hands.

Educational presentations teach about threats facing wild primate populations and conservation efforts worldwide.

The facility’s history dates back to 1933, making it one of Florida’s oldest wildlife attractions still operating.

Shaded pathways keep visitors comfortable even during warm weather, with the forest canopy providing natural cooling.

This stop offers something completely different from other animal attractions, creating memories families discuss for years.

Address: 14805 SW 216th St, Miami, Florida

12. Deering Estate

Where Biscayne Bay meets ancient coastal forest, this historic estate preserves both natural wonders and architectural treasures.

Charles Deering’s winter residence showcases early 20th-century elegance, with Mediterranean Revival architecture overlooking stunning waterfront views.

The property encompasses multiple ecosystems, from mangrove wetlands to tropical hardwood hammocks teeming with wildlife.

Nature trails wind through environments where endangered species find refuge just minutes from urban Miami.

Guided tours explore both the historic buildings and natural areas, with knowledgeable guides sharing stories about the estate’s fascinating past.

Archaeological sites on the property reveal evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years.

The fossil pit exposes ancient rock formations containing marine fossils from when the area lay beneath prehistoric seas.

Canoe and kayak tours launch from the estate’s shoreline, paddling through mangrove tunnels and along the bay.

Special programs for children include nature scavenger hunts and hands-on activities that connect kids with the environment.

The estate hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and cultural events that showcase local talent and history.

Picnic areas with bay breezes provide perfect spots for families to enjoy lunch surrounded by natural beauty.

This stop combines history, nature, and culture into one comprehensive experience near your final destination.

Address: 16701 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, Florida

13. Zoo Miami

As the only tropical zoo in the continental United States, this expansive facility houses animals in habitats that mirror their natural environments.

The cage-free exhibits use moats and natural barriers instead of bars, creating immersive experiences that feel like visiting wildlife in the wild.

Over 3,000 animals representing 500 species roam across 750 acres of carefully designed landscapes.

The Amazon and Beyond exhibit transports visitors to South American rainforests, complete with jaguars, harpy eagles, and anacondas.

Africa features elephants, giraffes, and zebras grazing in expansive savannas that stretch to the horizon.

The Florida Mission Everglades exhibit showcases native wildlife, including the endangered Florida panther and American crocodile.

Interactive feeding experiences let children offer snacks to giraffes, their long tongues gently accepting treats from outstretched hands.

The zoo’s tram system helps families navigate the vast property without exhausting little legs.

Splash stations and shaded rest areas provide relief from Miami’s warm climate throughout the grounds.

Educational programs run continuously, with keepers sharing insights about animal care, conservation, and natural behaviors.

The facility’s commitment to breeding endangered species contributes to global conservation efforts.

Arriving at the zoo signals you’ve nearly reached Miami, making it an ideal final stop before checking into your hotel.

Address: 12400 SW 152nd St, Miami, Florida