Amaze your kids with the best only-in-Florida experiences right now

The best Florida experiences go beyond sunshine, theme parks and beaches. We’ve found face-to-face animal encounters, bioluminescent kayaking, lemur cuddles and plenty more. Take a look.

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Swim with Manatees at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Animal lovers can make memories at Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Wild manatees can be found here from mid-November through late March. Grab the family, book a tour and dive in for an up-close encounter with the gentle sea creatures, or take a kayak out and paddle among them. Either way this is one of the Florida experiences kids will never forget.

Skydiving simulator, iFly Orlando

Free-falling Florida experiences at iFly Orlando

Now you can experience sky diving without having to jump out of a plane. At iFly in Orlando, you can get a taste for free fall in an indoor wind tunnel.

They even have a special flight school for kids ages 4-16, where they learn a progression of flying skills through one-on-one coaching.

Rocket launches, Kennedy Space Center

Watch rocket launches at Kennedy Space Center

At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, budding astronauts will be left in awe at the attractions and tours describing the story of humans in space.

If you time your visit right, you can even view a rocket launch, featuring live launch commentary from space experts. It’s a blast, literally.

Paddling in the Everglades

The Everglades feature some of the best Florida experiences

Outdoorsy families can not only explore the famous Everglades, but also camp there. Breathtaking backcountry camping sites are accessible by canoe, kayak and motorboat, making the journey to get to the campsite as much of an adventure as the camping.

The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from December to May.

Lemurs, Jungle Island, Florida

Could cuddles with lemurs top all Florida experiences?

At Jungle Island in Miami, kids can go beyond just looking at animals through glass. Kids can hang with friendly sloths or feed parrots. But for truly unforgettable Florida experiences, the Lemur Experience is a must. Enjoy 45 minutes of one-on-one time with these soft and cuddly friends.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Meet starry Dolphins at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Little ones will delight in getting to see Winter, the movie star dolphin from Dolphin Tale, at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Families can also visit all of the resident sea animals, including five different species of turtles, three dolphins and sea otters.

Plus, kids who fall in love with their newfound sea-friends can even adopt them with donations covering a rescued animal’s needs for a year

Bioluminescent Kayaking, Florida

Kids love kayaking in bioluminescent waters

Experience gliding through glowing blue water off the Florida coast. One popular spot for this is Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, though there are many tour operators you can book who will take you out for a night time paddle.

Take this adventure to the next level by opting to go in a clear-bottomed kayak for even greater views of the swirling blues beneath you.

Daytona International Speedway, Florida

NASCAR races are thrilling Florida experiences

Daytona International Speedway, the World Center of Racing, has a thrilling appeal for all ages.

Go behind the scenes with a 30-minute, All Access or VIP Speedway Track Tour, then visit the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America. It honors racing in all its forms, and is a fun, colorful and exciting exhibit the whole family will enjoy.

Diagon Alley, Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Best Florida experiences include fire-breathing dragons

Young witches and wizards won’t want to miss spending a day at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Orlando.

Diagon Alley comes complete with a dragon looming over Gringotts Bank, breathing real fire. Other highlights include boarding the Hogwarts Express and dining at the Leaky Cauldron.