Choose from 156 Fun Things to Do in Florida
ShowingFilter 141-156 of 156 listings.
Amway Center
Orlando's infamous Amway Center hosts some of Florida's biggest sporting, music and entertainment events. The 875,000-square-foot arena captivates visitors of all ages with its variety of restaurants, bars, kid zones and retail shops. With space to accommodate 20,000 guests and modern decor for travelers and locals alike, the venue is unique in its sustainability; environmentally-friendly features such as water efficiency and energy optimization are included throughout the design. Orlando Magic fans will appreciate the home team's 42-foot-high scoreboard, the largest of its kind in the NBA "” now that's a slam dunk.
Practical Info
The Amway Center is located in downtown Orlando. Because the arena host many different events, admission fees and opening times vary. Check the calendar of events for cost and operating hours.
Address: 400 W Church St #200, Orlando, FL, USA 32801, USA
Hours: Vary
Admission: Varies
From $ 50
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Key West
Located on the famous Duval Street, Ripley's Believe It or Not! is one of the most unique attractions you'll find in Key West, Florida. With over 10,000 square feet on the second floor of a historic Key West historical building, the over 500 exhibits will easily keep you busy for an entire day.
Ripley first displayed his odd collection at the Chicago World's Fair in 1893, which was labeled Ripley's Odditorium. The exhibit attracted over 2 million visitors, leading Ripley to take his show on the road. Today, there are franchised locations of Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditoriums all over the world.
The 500-plus exhibits in Key West are showcased in 13 galleries. Ripley collected the most unusual objects and collections he could find on his global travels to create the Odditoriums. Look for featured items like a shrunken head that once belonged to Ernest Hemingway, whose own typewriter and glasses are on display as well.
The Key West Odditorium exhibits include one featuring the world's tallest man, Robert Wadlow, who was 8'11" tall at only 22 years old, a completely white buffalo (odds are one in ten million) and a prehistoric Mastodon skeleton. Other interesting exhibits include an eight-foot statue of Cpt. Jack Sparrow made from recycled car parts and a landscape carved entirely from camel bone.
Don't skip the WaxZone at Ripley's Key West. Located on the first level in the lobby, guests can create a "wax hand." Dip your own hand into wax, or hold hands with a loved one, and create a memento you can take home after your visit.
Practical Info
Ripley's Believe It or Not! is open 365 days a year, from 9am until 10pm. There is an admission fee and children under the age of four are free. Photos and video are allowed inside and the Odditorium is considered safe for young children.
Address: 108 Duval St, Key West, Florida, USA
Hours: Daily 9am-10pm
Admission: Adults $14.99, Children $9.99, under 4 free
From $ 89
Miami Children's Museum
The Miami Children's Museum is not so much a museum as a glorified playhouse, with areas for kids to practice all sorts of adult activities like banking and food shopping, caring for pets, playing TV news anchor in a studio and acting as a local cop or firefighter.
Kids can pretend they're banking at the miniature Bank of America, shopping at the local Publix Supermarket, or taking a Carnival cruise ship, which even stops in the re-created port of Brazil. One of the more impressive exhibits is the World Music Studio, where budding rock stars can lay down a few tracks and play instruments.
The Miami Children's Museum also offers educational displays about subjects ranging from Miami architecture to Brazilian culture. There are also hundreds of bilingual, interactive exhibits as well as programs, classes, and learning materials related to arts, culture, community, and communication.
Practical Info
The Children's Museum is located across the MacArthur Causeway from Jungle Island, east of downtown Miami. There's a parent/teacher resource center, a Kid Smart educational gift shop, a 200-seat auditorium, and a restaurant.
Address: 980 MacArthur Causeway, Watson Island, Miami 33132, USA
Hours: Open daily 10am - 6pm (closes at 4pm on Dec 24 and 31). Closed on Thanksgiving, Dec 25 and Jan 1
Admission: US$15
From $ 79
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Part of the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Disney Hollywood doubles as a theme park and working movie studio where animation and motion pictures are made. The park's attractions and rides are all inspired by Hollywood films, television shows, and the best of Broadway.
The Basics
The park's main attractions are the rides and shows, including the unpredictable hotel elevator in the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, accompanied by an Aerosmith soundtrack. Other fan favorites include Toy Story Land, Alien Swirling Saucers, Star Wars Launch Bay, and Muppet Vision 3D. Kids love the Frozen Sing-Along featuring the main character Elsa, as well as the chance to encounter other characters such as BB-8, Mickey and friends, the Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast. For easy navigation and shorter wait times for rides, opt for a private VIP tour of the park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Exploring with a plan is the best way to get the most out of the large park; maps and entertainment schedules are available at the entrance.
- Most of the park is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Information for guests with disabilities is available at Guest Relations.
- There are at least a dozen restaurants and cafes within the park, and options are available for every budget and diet.
How to Get There
The interstate exits to all Disney parks and resorts are well marked. Along I-4, signs direct drivers to individual destinations. Disney resorts and official hotels offer unlimited free transportation via bus, monorail, ferry, or water taxi to all WDW properties. The parking lot is next to the entry gate.
When to Get There
To avoid lines, arrive right when the gates open and head directly for the most popular rides (Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Rock "˜n' Roller Coaster).
Evolving Disney
Disney's Hollywood Studios is constantly evolving and building new exhibits and entertainment options to match the stream of new movies being released. Guests should be sure to check the website for forthcoming or closing exhibits to avoid disappointment.
Address: Lake Buena Vista, Orlando 32830, USA
Admission: Varies
From $ 900
World Erotic Art Museum
Located in Miami's Art Deco District, The World Erotic Art Museum (WEAM) was founded in 2005 and is the only museum of its kind in the United States "“ exclusively filled with erotic art. The collection includes over 4,000 works of international art, dating back as far as 300 BC.
The 12,000-square-foot museum is the world's largest public collection of erotic art and was founded by Naomi Wilzig, an American art collector and writer. There are pieces from noted artists on display, including Rembrandt, Rodin, Picasso and Dali, while modern pieces include everything from countless sex toys in various shapes to dominatrix Barbie dolls.
If you're surprised to see Rembrandt's name on the list of noted artists, you'll soon learn about his erotic works here. "Rembrandt's Erotic Secrets" is an exhibit of 20 etchings, several of which are now permanently housed in the museum. Another popular exhibit is "African Treasures," which explores fertility worship in Africa as it relates to objects and practices both inside and outside of the bedroom.
Wilzig was honored with a Key to the City of Miami Beach in 2006, and the city also designated October 16 as "World Erotic Art Museum Day" in 2011.
Practical Info
The World Erotic Art Museum is located at 1205 Washington Avenue, at the corner of 12th Street. It's open Monday through Thursday from 11am until 8pm, and on Friday and Saturday from 11am until midnight. WEAM is open year-round but is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. No one under 18 allowed in the museum, and no photography or video is allowed. Admission costs $15.
Address: 1205 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-8pm; Fri-Sun: 11am-midnight
Admission: $15
From $ 79
Perez Art Museum
Since 2013 this stunning glass structure with Miami coastal views has been showcasing contemporary and modern art to the masses. With one of the most impressive collections south of the Mason Dixon Line, the Perez Art Museum (known as PAMM to locals) drives to display works created in the 20 and 21st century from artists around the world. With colorful exhibits that reign from the Caribbean, South America, Africa and Australia, there's a world of wonder inside PAMM's doors. Museum educators host interesting talks and tours that unlock stories about the art and artists that line the halls of PAMM and a unique community-based program brings speakers, thinkers and creators to the community for informative lectures and roundtables.
Practical Info
The Perez Art Museum is located at 1103 Biscayne Boulevard. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and closed Monday. It is open until 9 .m. on Thursdays. Admission is $16 for adults and $12 for students with IDs and youth between the ages of 7 and 12. Admission is free to all every second Saturday of the month.
Address: 1103 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Florida, USA 33132, USA
Hours: Open Tues-Sun 10am-6pm and Thurs 10am-9pm
Admission: Adults: $16; Students and Youth: $12
From $ 79
Ripley's Believe It or Not St Augustine
This quirky museum offers up plenty of fun for travelers who want to take a look at strange oddities and rare specimens. Its colorful galleries filled with wild and bizarre exhibits are perfect for the entire family. And while Ripley’s is a well-known establishment across the globe, the St Augustine location is the first permanent Ripley’s in the U.S.
Visitors can explore more than 800 interactive exhibits that are stationed inside this historic castle. Whether it’s a rainy afternoon or a too-hot day, this iconic museum is an ideal place to unwind, relax and discover!
Practical Info
The museum is located at 19 San Marco Avenue and is open daily from 9 am until 8 pm. Adults can enter for $15.99 and children for $6.99. Discounts are available online and travelers can save by booking with additional tours.
Address: 19 San Marco Avenue, St Augustine, Florida 32084, USA
Hours: Open daily from 9 am until 8 pm
Admission: Adults: $15.99; Children $6.99
From $ 17
Forever Florida
Known for its adventurous theme park and pristine wilderness, the sprawling eco-park Forever Florida is a Sunshine State double-whammy. You can ride on America's only combo of a roller coaster and zipline, or hop in a saddle to ride down trails through the wilds of central Florida by horseback. Under supervision of a trail guide, nature-lovers can climb aboard an open-air coach to scour the marshlands and fields, where it's possible you'll encounter the rare breeds of horses that inhabit Crescent J Ranch, and where you might even catch a glimpse of the wildlife that calls this place home: alligators, turtles, and the protected and endangered Florida panther. The thrilling Rawhide Roundup allows experienced horseback riders to learn how ranchers herd up cattle in a truly wild and heart-pounding day of adventure away from the theme park crowds.
Practical Info
Forever Florida is located 52 miles (84 km) southeast of Orlando, or about a 60-minute drive along Interstate 192. The eco-park is open every day from 9am to 5pm, and admission for the open-air coach nature tour costs $29 for adults and $20 for children ages six to 12. Children younger than five years of age enter free, if sitting on a paid adult's lap. Prices vary by activity. The onsite restaurant is open from 11am to 3pm on weekdays, and from 8:30am to 4pm on weekends. Because of the park's popularity, advance reservations are essential.
Did You Know? Portions of revenue are donated to the Alan Broussad Conservancy, which helps to protect and preserve Florida's fragile native ecosystem.
Address: 4755 North Kenansville Road, St. Cloud, Florida 34773, USA
Hours: 9am"“5pm daily
From $ 69
Key Biscayne
When visiting Miami, one should allot some time for exploring the soft sand, palm tree-littered island of Key Biscayne. This tropical paradise offers idyllic beaches, recreation-filled parks and the country's only federally-recognized underwater archaeological trail, the Maritime Heritage Trail. Only accessible by boat, you'll see the remains of six shipwrecks as well as the Fowey Rocks Lighthouse, a popular spot for snorkeling. Interestingly, Florida as a whole has an interesting network of underwater parks where you can explore wrecks and marine life.
The two main parks visitors to Key Biscayne can visit include Crandon Park and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. At the 808-acre Crandon Park one can bird-watch (there are tons of peacocks!) cycle, kitesurf and bring the kids to the playground. For those heading to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park some activities include hiking nature trails, visiting a historic lighthouse, biking, wildlife spotting, fishing, and spending time at one of Miami's best beaches for swimming and water sports. Start here and continue exploring the rest of Key Biscayne's seven miles (27 km) of pristine beach.
There are a number of tours allowing you to explore Key Biscayne via Biscayne Bay either on its own or combined with other experiences. Some of these include a Miami Everglades Airboat Adventure with Biscayne Bay Cruise, a Miami Combo Tour: City Sightseeing, Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride, or a Miami Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional Biscayne Bay Cruise. From the bay, you'll take in the Miami cityscape as well as attractions like Millionaire's Row, Miami Port, Fisher Island, Miami Beach and more.
Practical Info
To reach Key Biscayne you can take the Rickenbacker Causeway. While Miami and Key Biscayne are year-round destinations, you may want to avoid summer (May through September) as it can get unbearably hot.
Address: Key Biscayne, Florida 33149, USA
From $ 467
Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science
The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science, formerly known as the Miami Science Museum, is located in Miami, Florida and features interactive science and technology exhibits. Visitors can learn about coral reefs at the sea lab; go stargazing in the planetarium; discover the impact of climate change with an exhibit on hurricanes; or look out of Mead telescopes. There is also a rooftop observation deck.
Practical Info
The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Visitors holding the Go Miami Card can visit the museum free of charge.
Address: 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, Florida 33133, USA
Hours: Daily 9am"“6pm (box office closes at 5:30pm)
Admission: Varies
From $ 79
Holocaust Memorial
The Holocaust Memorial, formally known as the Holocaust Memorial of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, is a labor of love by a small group of Holocaust survivors who came together in 1984 to develop a permanent memorial in the city. The group established a private nonprofit organization and decided on Miami as a location given the high concentration of Holocaust survivors settled in the city.
One of the most important elements of Miami's Holocaust Memorial is the Sculpture of Love and Anguish, a giant bronze representation of an outstretched arm, rising from the earth and stretching to the heavens. The entire area is made up of vignettes of family members trying to help each other in a final act of love.
The Memorial Wall is a somber reminder of the lives who were lost during the Holocaust. It's the only link for many survivors to their families, a place they can see their loved ones' names carved on a remembrance memorial. Holocaust survivors serve as docents, offering testimony and explanations to visitors, and the memorial offers lectures, seminars and school tours. Interestingly, the location includes the street numbers of 1933-1945, numbers matching the exact years of the Nazi regime.
Practical Info
The Holocaust Memorial of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation is located at 1933-1945 Meridian Avenue in Miami Beach. It is open daily from 9am to sundown, and admission is free.
Address: 1933-1945 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Hours: Daily from 9am to sundown
From $ 40
Little Manatee River State Park
Even though it's just 30 minutes from urban, bustling Tampa, Little Manatee River State Park can make you feel like you've stepped back in time to a day when these lands were just trees, water, wildlife, and blue sky. Rent a canoe or kayak and cruise the Little Manatee River, or lace up your boots for a 6-mile (9.7-km) hike that loops through the heart of the park. You'll likely see deer as they trot through the bush or turtles sunning on a log, and keep an eye out for alligators that come up to rest and lie on the banks. There are also 12 miles of equestrian trails for exploring the park on horseback, as well as picnic pavilions set right on the forested riverbank. There's a decent chance you could spot a manatee coming up to the bank for a feed, or herons silently stalking fish in the shade of the sand pine and oak. Bobcats, nine-banded armadillos, and river otters also call the park home.
All the animals in the state park are wild and in their natural environment, so it's important to keep a safe distance and enjoy their beauty from afar.
Insider Tip: Winter is the best time for spotting manatees since they're drawn to the river's warm waters.
Practical Info
Little Manatee River State Park is located off US 301 on Lightfoot Road, five miles (eight kilometers) south of Sun City. It is about a 30-minute drive south from Tampa, and a 90-minute drive southwest from Orlando (take exit 246 off Interstate 75). The park is open year-round, from 8am to dark every day. There is an entry fee of $5 per vehicle for two to eight people, and $4 for single-occupant vehicles.
The park is nearly 40 miles (63 km) long and covers 2,600 acres (1052 hectares). It is a popular spot for canoe rentals, pavilion rentals, as well as back country camping. Picnic pavilions can be reserved with a fee, and unreserved ones are first come, first serve. There are restrooms located by the picnic pavilions, but none available on the loop trail.
Address: 215 Lightfoot Rd, Wimauma, Florida 33598, USA
Hours: Daily 8am"“dark
Admission: $5 per vehicle, $4 Single Occupant Vehicle, $2 Pedestrians
From $ 205
Chokoloskee Bay
Located on Florida's southernmost Gulf Coast, Chokoloskee Bay is about ten miles (16 km) long and two miles (3 km) wide and is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by the northern end of the Ten Thousand Islands. A popular destination for fishermen and water sports enthusiasts, the waters of Chokoloskee Bay offer a vast assortment of saltwater fish such as grouper, flounder and red fish for anglers. The sheltered mangrove islands of Ten Thousand Islands offer plenty of areas for kayakers to explore.
In the heart of Chokoloskee Bay is Chokoloskee Island, a small area that is considered the last great frontier in the Everglades. Settled by Native Americans two thousand years ago, modern settlement began in 1874. If you visit the island, check out the Historic Smallwood Store, which is housed in Ted Smallwood's general store. Now a museum, it's on the National Registry of Historic Places and is an authentic glimpse into the colorful"”and sometimes bloody"”history of this region.
In the heart of Chokoloskee Bay is Chokoloskee Island, a small area that is considered the last great frontier in the Everglades. Settled by Native Americans two thousand years ago, modern settlement began in 1874. If you visit the island, check out the Historic Smallwood Store, which is housed in Ted Smallwood's general store. Now a museum, it's on the National Registry of Historic Places and is an authentic glimpse into the colorful"”and sometimes bloody"”history of this region.
Practical Info
Chokoloskee Bay is located south of Big Cypress National Preserve; Everglades City is about three miles to the north. You can access Chokoloskee Island by the causeway that connects it to the mainland near Everglades City. Entrance to the Historic Smallwood Store is $3
Address: Everglades National Park, FL, USA
From $ 500
Las Olas Beach
With soft, white sand and clean, calm waters ideal for families and people who like to wade and relax in the ocean, Las Olas Beach is the quintessential Fort Lauderdale beach. The beach offers great sunbathing, and you can also rent beach umbrellas and chairs.
The Basics
Located a few steps from the trendy restaurants and shops of famed Las Olas Avenue, Las Olas Beach feels like a small beach with calm waters and a family-friendly environment during the day. In the evening, things become a bit more lively atmosphere as the nightlife crowd on Las Olas Avenue heats up. In addition to chair and umbrella rentals, you can also rent water sports equipment.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The beach has public restrooms.
- Alcohol and loud music aren't permitted at this beach.
- Chairs and umbrellas rent for about $12 and $20 per day, respectively.
How to Get There
Las Olas Beach is located about 1 mile east of downtown Fort Lauderdale, Florida. You can reach the beach by taking either the No. 11 or 40 bus right to Las Olas Beach. Public parking is available, but spaces can be limited during busier times of the day.
When to Get There
Las Olas Beach is open 24 hours a day throughout the year. If you're seeking a quieter experience, time your visit for earlier in the morning; a more lively beach scene typically kicks off in the afternoon and early evening, and there's often a party atmosphere on weekends.
Try a Water Taxi
One of the most interesting ways to get around this area of Fort Lauderdale is by water taxi. You can take a water taxi from Las Olas around Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood, hitting up shops, hotels, restaurants, and major attractions, with a narrated tour along the way.
Address: Las Olas Beach, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
From $ 18
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
Florida's Gulf Coast is haven for all kinds of interesting and exotic wildlife, and the Boyd Hill Nature Preserve near St. Petersburg offers the chance to explore unique ecosystems, including hardwood hammocks, sand pine scrub, pine flatwoods, swamp woodlands, willow marsh and lake shore. The 245-acre park has six miles of trail and boardwalk along the shore of Lake Maggiore, where you can spot alligators and lizards, myriad birds, butterflies and much more. The park also has an aviary for birds of prey, picnic areas, a playground and overnight camping.
Practical Info
Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is just outside of St. Petersburg, about halfway between Clearwater and Sarasota. It's situated along the southwest shore or Lake Maggiore, near the St. Petersburg County Club. For visitors looking for an easy way to explore, tram tours run daily at 1 p.m., or 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturdays. The tram costs $2 per person.
Address: 1101 Country Club Way South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33705, USA
Hours: Tues-Fri, 9 am-6 pm; Saturday 7 am-6 pm; Sunday 9am-6 pm.
Admission: $3 for adults, $1.50 for kids age 3 to 16
From $ 45
Discovery Cove
Home to some of the tropical world's most charismatic creatures,the Discovery Cove theme park features opportunities for guests to lounge on the white sand of Serenity Bay, observe tropical fish and stingrays at the Grand Reef, snorkel through cavernous grottos, and float along Wind-Away River to an exotic bird aviary. One of Orlando's most exclusive theme parks, Discovery Bay permits only a limited number of guests each day into its all-inclusive tropical paradise.
The Basics
Everything at Discovery Cove is included in the admission price, including breakfast, lunch, snacks, wetsuits, snorkels, towels, and sunscreen. Those who want to upgrade their day can do so by booking private cabanas or immersive experiences, like exploring the Grand Reef with a specialized dive helmet, swimming with sharks or dolphins under staff supervision, feeding stingrays, or playing dolphin trainer for a day. The entrance fee also includes unlimited admission to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica for 14 consecutive days around the date of your Discovery Cove reservation.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Daily attendance is limited, so it's a good idea to book your visit well ahead of time.
- Bring your own swimsuit, as well as sunglasses, a hat, rubber pool shoes, and dry clothes to change into at the end of the day.
- Swimmers are not permitted to wear jewelry (with the exception of wedding bands) for the safety of Discovery Cove's animals.
- Guests with limited mobility can visit various wading areas and take part in dolphin experiences; specially designed outdoor wheelchairs are available for rent.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Discovery Cove is by car. The entrance to the park is off of Central Florida Parkway, and parking is included in admission. The park also provides free transportation to and from SeaWorld Orlando.
When to Get There
Discovery Cove is open daily from 9am to 5pm, with check-in starting at 7:15am. The park is designed as a full-day, all-inclusive experience, and guests wishing to participate in multiple add-on experiences should plan to arrive as soon as check-ins begin in the morning. During summer and holidays, tickets often sell out as early as two months in advance.
Swimming at Discovery Cove
While Discovery Cove centers around the water, even non-swimmers will have plenty to do, from relaxing on the beach to feeding tropical birds in the aviary. Life vests are also provided, allowing those who are less comfortable in the water to still enjoy the park's waterways.
Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando 32821, USA
Hours: Daily, 9am"“5pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 18