Itching to get out of Indian River County for the day? There's a ton to do right here at home in Vero Beach and Sebastian, of course, but sometimes a trip out of town can make for some extra special family memories!
To make planning easier for you, we've compiled a list of 50+ places to explore within an approximately 2-hour drive of Vero Beach. All of the listed locations are outside of Indian River County.
Please note: While we've done our best to keep this information up to date, please check with attractions before heading out!
This guide contains links to deals through CertifiKID, the parent company of Macaroni KID. If you would like to sign up for a CertifiKID account in order to take advantage of these deals, I would love it if you used my referral link HERE.
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Jump to: Animals | Museums | Nature | Theme Parks | Water Parks | Other Attractions
8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL | (321) 254-9453
There are a variety of animals in Africa, Australia, Caribbean, Florida, and Rainforest exhibits, along with giraffe and bird feedings. Some popular animals here include lions, sea otters, and meerkats. Kids will also enjoy the playground and splash pad.
3600 W Sample Rd, Coconut Creek, FL
This facility houses 20,000 live butterflies. There are also six free-flight aviaries, botanical gardens, and a butterfly museum.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771 | (407) 323-4450
This zoo is home to over 350 animals, and kids can also enjoy the splash pad, petting zoo, and train ride.
5145 Harvey Tew Road, Plant City, FL | (813) 717-9865
Walk through hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs, learn about dinosaurs through interactive exhibits, and play on the dino-themed playground.
Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
890 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL | (772) 225-0505
A 57-acre marine life center featuring nature trails, touch tanks, and a 750,000-gallon gamefish lagoon. There are educational programs as well as opportunities to feed the stingrays. Inside the center, there are aquariums, educational games, and exhibits.
14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL | (407) 855-5496
See alligators and crocodiles and enjoy a free-flight aviary, petting zoo, animal shows, and more.
— View deal on CertifiKID
2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, FL | (561) 793-1084
Drive-through safari with a petting zoo, lorikeet and giraffe feeding, and more attractions.
Lion Country Safari - Save Up to 30%
— View deal on CertifiKID
14200 US Hwy-1, Juno Beach, FL | (561) 627-8280
This is a sea turtle research, rehabilitation, education, and conservation center. Visit their outdoor ecosystems to see marine life, take a tour, or participate in a class!
6000 N. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL | (561) 626-2833
Learn about manatees and Lake Worth Lagoon through exhibits, a walking tour, and viewing on the observation deck. For your best shot at seeing one of these gentle giants, visit during manatee season from November 15th - March 31st.
12943 61st Street N, West Palm Beach, FL | (561) 790-2116
This sanctuary houses over 200 animals including big cats and offers guided tours (by appointment only).
Palm Beach Zoo
1301 Summit Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL | (561) 547-9453
Animal exhibits here include The Islands, Asia, the Tropics of the Americas, and Florida Wetlands. This zoo offers close-up animal experiences with select animals such as otters and sloths.
5705 E Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, St Cloud, FL | (407) 892-6905
The Serpentarium houses over 80 species of snakes from around the world. Activities include venom extraction show, non-venomous snake holding, and baby alligator holding.
8449 International Drive, Orlando, FL | (855) 450-0680
Exhibits include a 360-degree ocean tunnel, Jelly Wall, Indian Ocean, Feeding Frenzy, and Coastal Rockpool. There is also a vitural reality experience.
3301 Lake Cypress Road, Kenansville, FL | (407) 957-3135
This drive-thru safari park offers airboat tours, animal shows, and animal encounters.
Looking for more places to see animals closer to home? Check out our guide Where to Find Animals In and Around Indian River County.
Cox Science Center and Aquarium
4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL | (561) 832-1988
Journey Through the Human Brain exhibit, outdoor trail, splash pad, 10,000-gallon aquarium, miniature golf course, planetarium, observatory, and more!
Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast
1707 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach, FL | (772) 225-7575
Interactive exhibits include fire station, newsroom, town market, Spanish galleon, and more!
600 Bonnet Springs Boulevard, Lakeland, FL | (863) 687-3869
Permanent exhibits include Watermelon Seeds, Design Park, St. Christopher's Project City Play, and TBD Gallery. There is also daily programming, such as storytime and STEM Challenge. The museum is located in Bonnet Springs Park, which has a playground, cafe, gardens, butterfly house, and more.
5000 N Wickham Road STE 110, Melbourne, FL | (321) 622-6546
There are multiple zones in this indoor play space, such as kitchen, dress-up, construction, fire station, and more. There are also classes offered. Please note that they are not open on Saturdays due to birthday parties.
352 South Nova Road, Daytona Beach, FL | (386) 255-0285
There is a variety of permanent exhibits, including a large collection of Americana and a children's museum with encourages hands-on exploration.
3300 N Hwy A1A, Fort Pierce, FL 34949 | (772) 595-5845
This museum is located on the training grounds of the original Navy combat divers, the Frogmen. Learn about the Navy SEALs through interactive exhibits, test your skills on the obstacle course, and honor the fallen at the Navy SEAL Memorial.
777 E Princeton Street, Orlando, FL | (407) 514-2000
Interactive exhibits include KidsTown, Dogs!, DinoDigs, Our Planet, and more. There are also scheduled experiences, such as the flight and science labs. If you have an EBT or WIC card, you qualify for reduced admission (please see the website for more details).
924 SE Central Pkwy, Stuart, FL 34994 | (772) 247-7453
Indoor play area with themed sections for imaginative play along with areas for your child to get their energy out, such as slides into a ball pit and a playhouse with slides.
529 NW Prima Vista Blvd Suite 109, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34983 | (772) 274-5245
Indoor play area with themed areas for imaginative play and a cafe area for caregivers.
3503 NW Federal Hwy, Jensen Beach, FL 34957 | (772) 486-8880
Indoor play area with themed areas such as dress up, vet, babies, and kitchen and a small indoor playground.
9067 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | (401) 351-8800
Self-described as an amusement park for the mind. Wonder zones include extreme weather, space discovery, light and sound, and more. They also have laser tag, a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, and a 4D XD motion theater.
1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853 | (863) 676-1408
Visit the beautiful gardens - including children's gardens with a naturalistic splash pad - and listen to the Singing Tower. If you have a membership to McKee Botanical Gardens, you get free admission to Bok Tower!
400 E Kelly Park Road, Apopka, FL 32712 | (407) 254-1902
Tube on the natural lazy river at this beautiful Florida spring.
574 S Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33455 | (561) 744-6668
Hike, swim, snorkel, and visit the beach at the barrier island sanctuary.
1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712 | (407) 553-4383
Snorkel, scuba dive, fish, kayak, bike, and more at this 7,000-acre Florida State Park.
Walt Disney World ® Theme Parks - Up to $100 Off Gate Prices
— View deal on CertifiKID
Orlando, FL
Walt Disney Word's Animal Kingdom
2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Visa, FL | (407) 939-5277
200 Epcot Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | (407) 939-5277
Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios
351 S Studio Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | (407) 939-5277
Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom
1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | (407) 939-5277
6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821 | (407) 513-4600
Swim with dolphins, snorkel with fish and rays, hand-feed tropical birds, and more.
Discovery Cove - Up to 15% Off
— View deal on CertifiKID
Swim with Dolphins!
2850 Florida Plaza Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746 | (407) 383-3867
5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 363-3867
Rides, bumper cars, go-carts, and more.
Fun Spot America Florida - Save Up to 60%
— View deal on CertifiKID
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32963 | (855) 433-4210
Exhibits include the Rocket Garden, U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, Astronaut Training Simulators, Shuttle Launch Experience, and Planet Play, a new indoor playground.
Kennedy Space Center - Save Up to 30%
— View deal on CertifiKID
1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884 | (888) 690-5346
Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884 | (833) 451-8004
7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, FL | (407) 545-5550
A variety of marine life can be found in the aquariums and habitats at SeaWorld, including dolphins, stingrays, manatees, penguins, and sharks. Of course, there are also lots of attractions and shows to be enjoyed here also!
6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 363-8000
Universal's Islands of Adventure
6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 224-4233
5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821 | (407) 545-5550
This is SeaWorld's water park. Waterslides and rides, aquariums, and animal shows and encounters.
151 Lamstein Lane, Royal Palm Beach, FL 22411 | (561) 790-6160
This waterpark includes a lazy river, lily pad walk, and water playground.
601 Earl Street, Daytona Beach, FL | (386) 254-5020
The Waterpark includes a variety of slides, lazy river, wave pool, and children's play area. The Fun Park includes bumper cars, laser tag, mini golf, go-karts, an arcade, and more.
3230 Inspiration Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34747 | (407) 910-1401
6566 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 | (561) 848-6272
Slides, rides, lazy river, FlowRider, and wave pool.
Rapids Water Park - Save Up to 30%
— View deal on CertifiKID
931 SE Ruhnke Stree, Stuart, FL 34994 | (772) 320-3100
6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 363-8000
Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | (407) 939-5277
Walt Disney World ® Water Parks - Save Up to 20%
— View deal on CertifiKID
Blizzard Beach Water Park or Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
3960 S Babcock Street, Melbourne, FL 32901 | (321) 956-6706
Go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, and more.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
9299 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 610-5020
Indoor go-carts, arcade, laser tag, and more.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games - Save Up to 40%
— View deal on CertifiKID
8001 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL | (407) 757-1700
Hands-on exhibits, art projects, and indoor play
2250 Coastal Lane, West Melbourne, FL 32904 | (321) 953-2966
2400 NW Federal Highway, Stuart, FL 34994 | (772) 692-9717
7419 Internation Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 351-3368
Arcade and indoor play space
8986 International Drive, Orlando, FL | (407) 541-3300
Arcade and virtual reality
440 NW Peacock Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 | (772) 236-0970
750 Bass Pro Drive NE Palm Bay, FL 32905 | (321) 953-0284
Trampoline park
8969 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 337-4359
Learn to fly and test out your skills.
14086 Centerline Drive Orlando, FL 32827 | (407) 313-2907
Play on the outdoor aqua park, complete the ropes course, bounce on the inflatables, relax on the beach, and learn how to wakeboard.
8615 Florida Rock Rd Orlando, FL 32824 | (407) 801-7977
Play on the outdoor aquapark and enjoy a cable or boat session to wakeboard, waterski, tube, and more.
15051 Frank Jarrell Road, Clermont, FL | (352) 394-4377
Enjoy outdoor time in a Florida citrus grove! Take a monster truck tour, mine for gems, say "hi" to the farm animals, and pick citrus during the season.
200 West Drive, Melbourne, FL 32904 | (321) 794-8775
Rock climbing, including kid-friendly walls.
9020 S US-1, Port St. Lucie, FL | (772) 408-9349
6729 Colonnade Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32940 | (321) 999-2021
Trampoline park that also includes rock climbing, indoor go-karts, and an indoor playground.
WinterClub Indoor Ski & Snowboard
2950 Aloma Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792 | (407) 618-1123
We may live in Florida, but you can still practice your snowboarding and skiing skills with WinterClub's 2 dry indoor slopes and interactive simulators.
Is there a spot your family loves within driving distance of Vero Beach that isn't listed here? Do you want to know more about a certain destination? Drop me a line at alisone@macaronikid.com.