Looking for the ideal family-friendly itinerary around Martin County, Florida? We asked the experts, aka local kiddos, to share their favorite things to do. Here’s their list of the best kid-friendly activities in Martin County.
Visit the Stingrays at the Florida Oceanographic Coastal Center
If it feels like you’ve been saying “don’t touch” on a loop, give yourself (and your kids) a break with a stop at this hands-on attraction. The Coastal Center serves as the headquarters to the Florida Oceanographic Society, a conservation and research outlet that studies sea life. Here, your crew can learn about marine animals, explore nature trails, identify the game fish and sharks in the Center’s 750,000-gallon lagoon and get up close and personal with sea turtles, sting rays and star fish (just to name a few).
Check out the Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast
Get ready to accept your parent of the year award after a day of fun at this kid-focused museum. Start at the Spanish Galleon, a 16th century-style pirate ship where young ones can climb aboard to fire cannons, find treasure chests full of gold and learn to chart a course across the open sea. Next, stop by the Fire Station and the adjacent Car Care Center for a chance to work on a fire truck and race car, respectively. Other exhibits include the Vet Clinic, Bank, Railway, Town Market and Children’s Garden. Choose your own adventure and see where the afternoon takes you!
Practice Your Golf Skills
Florida is packed with stunning golf courses for all experience levels, and Martin County is no different. Take your Tiger Woods-in-training to the Martin County Golf Course for a morning of drives, putts, chips and — fingers crossed — the occasional hole-in-one. Parents will appreciate that this course is part of the Florida Historic Golf Trail, while kids will love the chance to hop on a golf cart through one of two 18-hole courses. Not up for a full game? Practice your swing at the driving range or work on your form at one of multiple putting and chipping greens.
Try Your Hand at Fishing
Sun, sea and over 800 species of fish. That’s what’s waiting for you at a number of stellar fishing spots around Martin County. Post up and drop a line off the dock across from Bathtub Beach, or hop on a boat for some deep water angling. And if your catch turns out to be particularly impressive, consider submitting a photo to the Catch A Florida Memory program, where you can earn prizes, recognition and bragging rights.
Shop, Shop, Shop
If you don’t snap up tons of souvenirs, did you even go on vacation? Teens will love the variety of shops and eateries in downtown Stuart. When you’re done perusing the racks, grab dinner at The Gafford where you can enjoy upscale casual seafood, bistro cuisine, and an impressive list of cocktails. For the sweet tooths in your group, Kilwins Chocolates and Ice Cream shop is a paradise of old-fashioned, handmade confections and ice creams. Locals recommend the fudge, caramel corn, and any flavor of Kilwins’ small-batch ice cream served up in a handmade waffle cone.
Start planning your family vacation to Martin County, Florida by visiting DiscoverMartin.com.