guides

Family-Friendly Florida Day Trips

Over 50 fun ideas all within a 2 hour drive of Vero Beach

By Alison Ellis, publisher of Macaroni KID Vero Beach June 7, 2023

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. 


We are looking for a sponsor for this guide! Email me today for more info!

Jump to: Animals | Museums | Nature | Theme Parks | Water Parks | Other Attractions

Animals

Brevard Zoo

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. 


Butterfly World 

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. 


Dinosaur World 

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. 


Gatorland 

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. 

Gatorland - Save Up to 35% 

View deal on CertifiKID

Lion Country Safari 

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

Loggerhead Marinelife Center 

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! 


Manatee Lagoon

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. 


McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary

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. 


Reptile World Serpentarium

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. 


SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium 

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. 


Wild Florida

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.


Museums

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! 


Florida Children's Museum 

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. 


Melbourne Kids Village

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. 


Museum of Arts & Sciences 

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. 


Navy SEAL Museum 

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. 


Orlando Science Center

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). 


WonderWorks Orlando

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. 


Nature

Bok Tower Gardens

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! 


Kelly Park/Rock Springs 

400 E Kelly Park Road, Apopka, FL 32712 | (407) 254-1902 

Tube on the natural lazy river at this beautiful Florida spring. 


Blowing Rocks Preserve

574 S Beach Road, Hobe Sound, FL 33455 | (561) 744-6668

Hike, swim, snorkel, and visit the beach at the barrier island sanctuary. 


Wekiwa Springs State Park 

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.


Theme Parks

Walt Disney World ® Theme Parks - Up to $100 Off Gate Prices 
Orlando, FL

View deal on CertifiKID

Walt Disney Word's Animal Kingdom

2901 Osceola Pkwy, Lake Buena Visa, FL | (407) 939-5277


Walt Disney World's Epcot 

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's Magic Kingdom 

1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | (407) 939-5277


Discovery Cove 

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 
Swim with Dolphins!

View deal on CertifiKID


Fun Spot America 

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


LEGOLAND

1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884 | (888) 690-5346


Peppa Pig Theme Park 

Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884 | (833) 451-8004


SeaWorld Orlando

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! 


Universal Studios 

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 363-8000


Universal's Islands of Adventure 

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 224-4233 


Water Parks

Aquatica

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. 


Calypso Bay Waterpark 

151 Lamstein Lane, Royal Palm Beach, FL 22411 | (561) 790-6160 

This waterpark includes a lazy river, lily pad walk, and water playground. 


Daytona Lagoon

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. 


Island H2O Water Park 

3230 Inspiration Drive, Kissimmee, FL 34747 | (407) 910-1401

Island H2O Live! - Save Up to 35% 

View deal on CertifiKID


Rapids Water Park 

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


Sailfish Splash 

931 SE Ruhnke Stree, Stuart, FL 34994 | (772) 320-3100 


Universal's Volcano Bay 

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% 
Blizzard Beach Water Park or Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

View deal on CertifiKID

Other Attractions

Andretti Thrill 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

Crayola Experience Orlando 

8001 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL | (407) 757-1700 

Hands-on exhibits, art projects, and indoor play 


Chuck E. Cheese

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 


Dave & Buster's Orlando 

8986 International Drive, Orlando, FL | (407) 541-3300 

Arcade and virtual reality 


DEFY 

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 


iFLY Indoor Skydiving 

8969 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 337-4359 

Learn to fly and test out your skills. 

iFLY Indoor Skydiving Orlando - Save 20% 

View deal on CertifiKID

Nona Adventure Park 

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. 


Orlando Watersports Complex 

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. 


Showcase of Citrus

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.


The Edge Rock Gym 

200 West Drive, Melbourne, FL 32904 | (321) 794-8775 

Rock climbing, including kid-friendly walls. 


Urban Air Adventure Park 

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.