Day Trips for Kids in Florida

Silver Springs - http://www.silversprings.com/ - Waterpark, wildlife exibits, rides and activities. " Surrounding the springs is a marvelous diversity of animals and nature you simply won’t find anywhere else. Come and explore the stunning beauty of Florida in its natural state. "

Blue Spring State Park - http://www.floridastateparks.org/bluespring/ - Boat tours, Camping, Cabins, Canoeing & Kayaking, Swimming, Picnic Area, Playground, Interpretive Exhibit, Nature Trails, and Wildlife Viewing.  5 bucks a carload!  Park Information -2100 W. French Avenue, Orange City, Florida 32763  -  (386) 775-3663

Marine Science Center - http://www.marinesciencecenter.com/ - Admission $5 for adults and $2 for children.

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum - http://www.ponceinlet.org/ - Lighthouse Admission is $5 adults and $1.50 children.

GREEN MEADOWS PETTING FARM - http://GREENMEADOWSFARM.com  Fun petting farm for kids. Highlights include Train Ride, petting farm, pumpkins in fall,  hayride, picnic area, general store.

DeLeon Sugar Mill Central Florida - http://www.floridastateparks.org/deleonsprings/default.cfm  Canoe, kayak and paddleboat rentals are available for a paddling tour of the spring and spring run. De Leon Springs flows into the Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge where canoeists and kayakers can explore 18,000 acres of lakes, creeks and marshes.

Environmental Learning Center, Vero Beach - www.discoverelc.com Exploring this 64-acre campus gives visitors a chance to take a hike and learn about Florida's habitats and eco-systems. Visitors can walk along paths and boardwalks that wind through salt marshes, mangrove forests and hammocks. Wildlife, such as birds, reptiles and crustaceans, make their homes on this island campus. Be sure to read the educational signs that point out the wildlife and native plants. Viewing stations are equipped with binoculars to get a close up observation of the plants and wildlife, including an osprey nest. A new wet lab classroom with hands on exhibits on manatees and island habitats just opened to replace the building destroyed by a lightning fire. Admission is FREE. Open Tuesday through Sunday. (772) 589-5050.

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, Jupiter - Climb up 150 steps to the top of the 1860 lighthouse, then visit the museum to learn the history of this structure. Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for children. You have to be 48" or taller to climb to the top. Price is the same whether you climb the lighthouse or just want to tour the museum.The lighthouse climb can be daunting, but the view at the top of the tower  is really worth the trouble. You get a panaromic look at the Jupiter Inlet park, the ocean and surrounding areas. Word of caution: Don’t look down when climbing to the top, and stop for a rest in the small alcoves along the way. Coming down is actually more intimidating than climbing up the stairs, because you have duck down a little as you start  the descent. Those who make the trip get a small “I climbed the Jupiter Lighthouse” sticker. It’s just a small thing, but you still feel kind of proud wearing it. The faint-hearted of your group are free to wait while relaxing on one of the rocking chairs on the porch of the welcoming center. Visit the Jupiter Lighthouse website for more information, or call (561) 747-8380.