guides

Family-Friendly Florida Day Trips

75+ fun things to do with kids all within driving distance of Port St. Lucie

By Alison Ellis January 17, 2025

Itching to get out of St. Lucie County for the day? There's a ton to do right here at home in Fort Pierce and Port St. Lucie, 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 75+ places to explore within a 3-hour drive of Saint Lucie County. All of the listed locations are outside of Saint Lucie County. 

Please note: While we've done our best to keep this information current, please check with attractions before heading out!

Jump to: Orlando & Kissimmee | Melbourne | Vero Beach | Jensen Beach & Stuart |West Palm Beach| Fort Lauderdale | Miami | Lake Wales & Lakeland 

Orlando & Kissimmee

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games 

9299 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819 | (407) 610-5020 

You'll find indoor go-carts, arcade games, laser tag, and more. 


Aquatica

5800 Water Play Way, Orlando, FL 32821 | (407) 545-5550 

Enjoy a fun day of waterslides, rides, aquarium viewing, and animal shows and encounters at SeaWorld's waterpark. 


Blue Spring State Park

2100 W French Avenue, Orange City, FL 32763 | (386) 775-3663

Hike, swim, tube, canoe, kayak or take a guided river boat cruise at this spring. Wintering manatees like this spring! Be aware that this park can get crowded and may temporarily close when it reaches capacity. 


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. 


Crayola Experience Orlando 

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

Enjoy Crayola-themed hands-on exhibits, art projects, and an indoor playground. 


Dave & Buster's Orlando 

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

This large arcade, restaurant, and sports bar has a variety of arcade games to choose from. 


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 at SeaWorld's all-inclusive attraction. 


Fun Spot America 

2850 Florida Plaza Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34746 | (407) 383-3867 

5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, FL  32819 | (407) 363-3867 

Have a fun day with rides, bumper cars, go-carts, and more. 


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. 


iFLY Indoor Skydiving 

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

Here you will learn to fly and test out your skydiving skills. 


Island H2O Water Park 

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

Your family will enjoy water slides, a lazy river, and a children's play area. 


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. 


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 Science Center

777 E Princeton Street, Orlando, FL | (407) 514-2000

View our highlight reel!

This indoor science center has something for everyone! Younger kids will love KidsTown, which includes hands-on fun such as climbing towers and water tables. Older kids will appreciate interactive exhibits such as DinoDigs, Our Planet, and more. There are also IMAX shows and 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). 


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. 


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 virtual reality experience. 


SeaWorld Orlando

7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, FL | (407) 545-5550 

View our highlight reel!

A variety of marine life can be found in the aquariums and habitats at SeaWorld, including dolphins, stingrays, manatees, penguins, and sharks. There are also roller coasters, rides, and shows! Little ones will enjoy Sesame Street Land, with age-appropriate rides, a playground, a splash pad, 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.


Universal Studios 

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

This major theme park has movie-themed rides and entertainment. 


Universal Islands of Adventure 

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

This Universal theme park has 8 lands, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter ™ - Hogsmeade™, Jurassic Park, Marvel Super Hero Island®, Seuss Landing™, and more. 


Universal Volcano Bay 

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

Universal's water park has a variety of water slides, winding river, wave pool, a children's area, and more. 


Walt Disney Word's Animal Kingdom

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

Disney's animal-themed park has worlds to explore such as Pandora, Africa, Asia, and Discovery Island. 


Walt Disney's World's Blizzard Beach

Bay Lake, FL 32836 | (407) 939-5277

This Disney water park has water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and a Frozen-themed children's area. This park is closed part of the year, so be sure to check online. 


Walt Disney World's Epcot 

200 Epcot Center Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | (407) 939-5277

Take a tour of 11 countries with World Showcase, be amazed by the planet with World Nature, and explore science and technology with World Discovery. 


Walt Disney World's Hollywood Studios 

351 S Studio Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | (407) 939-5277

This theme park includes the popular Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Toy Story Land, along with other rides and live entertainment. 


Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom 

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

Disney's classic theme park has lots of kid-friendly attractions with recognizable characters! 


Walt Disney World's Typhoon Lagoon 

Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | (407) 939-5277 

This Disney water park features water slides, a flowing creek, a wave pool, and children's area. This park is closed part of the year, so be sure to check online. 


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.


Wild Florida Safari Drive Thru Park

3301 Lake Cypress Road, Kenansville, FL | (407) 957-3135 

This drive-thru safari park offers airboat tours, animal shows, and animal encounters. 


WonderWorks Orlando

9067 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 | (401) 351-8800 

WonderWorks is self-described as "an amusement park for the mind". This indoor attraction includes wonder zones about 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. 


Melbourne

Andretti Thrill Park 

3960 S Babcock Street, Melbourne, FL 32901 | (321) 956-6706

Get your thrills with go-karts, bumper boats, laser tag, and more. 


Brevard Zoo

8225 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne, FL | (321) 254-9453

This fun zoo features a variety of an animals in Africa, Australia, Caribbean, Florida, and Rainforest exhibits. Some popular animals here include lions, sea otters, and meerkats. Kids will enjoy feeding the giraffes and lorikeets, going on a short train ride, and playing on the playground and splash pad area! 


Chuck E. Cheese

2250 Coastal Lane, West Melbourne, FL 32904 | (321) 953-2966

This family fun center has arcade games where kids can win tickets and prizes, a playground, and a trampoline zone. 


DEFY Palm Bay 

750 Bass Pro Drive NE, Palm Bay, FL 32905 | (321) 953-0284

This trampoline park includes attractions such as a ninja course, battle beams, basketball, and dodgeball. 


Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex 

Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32963 | (855) 433-4210 

View our highlight reel!

Families will learn about space and NASA's history in hands-on exhibits. Families will also appreciate the Shuttle Launch Experience, Spaceport KSC ride, and Planet Play, an interactive space-themed indoor playground. 


Melbourne Kids Village

5000 N Wickham Road STE 110, Melbourne, FL | (321) 622-6546 

View our highlight reel!

This indoor play space is the perfect place for parents to relax while young kids play. Kids will find multiple themed areas, such as kitchen, dress-up, construction, fire station, and more. Please note that at the time of publication, they are not open on Saturdays. 


Route 7 Entertainment

1 AAAR Way, Suite 102, Rockledge, FL 32955 | (321) 978-7223

Kids of various ages can get their energy out indoors with attractions such as arcade games, laser tag, ropes course, indoor playground, go-karts, and more!


Space Coast Iceplex 

720 Roy Wall Blvd, Rockledge, FL 32955 | (321) 504-7500 

Boasting an Olympic-sized ice rink, this indoor iceplex offers open skate times for the public. 


Urban Air Adventure Park 

6729 Colonnade Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32940 | (321) 999-2021 

This trampoline park also includes attractions such as climbing walls, laser tag, a ropes course, and an indoor playground. 


Vero Beach

Big Shots 

3456 US-1, Vero Beach, FL 32960 | (772) 979-4653

Take a swing in one of 30 climate-controlled tee boxes while enjoying drinks and food from their full-service restaurant and two sports bars. Boxes fit up to six people and are rented by the hour. There is also a LittleShots putting course where kids can practice while waiting for the tee box. 


Environmental Learning Center

255 Live Oak Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963 | (772) 589-5050

View our highlight reel! 

The ELC is a 64-acre lagoon island nature center. There is an indoor space kids will enjoy with exhibits, a touch tank, and aquariums, as well as an outdoor play space. You can explore natural Florida by using the walking and fitness trails, going on a pontoon boat eco-tour, taking a kayak tour, or renting a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. There are programming and camps available, so make sure to check their calendar!


McKee Botanical Garden 

350 US-1, Vero Beach, FL 32962 | (772) 794-0601

View our highlight reel here! 

Your family will enjoy exploring the botanical gardens, completing the Explorer Backpack, and playing in the Children's Garden. There is a naturalistic splash pad that kids will love cooling off in as well! 


McLarty Treasure Museum 

13180 North A1A, Vero Beach, FL 32963 | (772) 589-2147

This museum is located where one of the ships from the Spanish Fleet sank in 1715. View exhibits and watch a video of the history of the shipwreck. 


Mel Fisher's Treasures 

1322 US-1, Sebastian, FL 32958 | (772) 589-9875

This museum also houses exhibits of the 1715 Spanish fleet salvaged by the world-famous treasure hunter Mel Fisher. Click here for a coupon for admission. 


Sebastian Inlet State Park

9700 South Highway A1A, Melbourne Beach, FL 32951 | (321) 984-4852

View our highlight reel here!

You can bike, bird watch, boat, camp, fish, geocache, hike, mountain bike, paddleboard, canoe, kayak, scuba dive, snorkel, surf, and swim at this state park. The inlet on the lagoon side is especially great for young kids because there are minimal waves, shallow areas, and tidal pools.


Vero Beach Museum of Art 

3001 Riverside Park Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963

Peruse the galleries and sculpture garden and enjoy the latest exhibition. Kids will love playing in the Art Zone, whose highlight is an interactive art wall. 


Jensen Beach & Stuart

Blowing Rocks Preserve

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

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


Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast

1707 NE Indian River Drive, Jensen Beach, FL | (772) 225-7575 

Interactive exhibits at this indoor discovery center include fire station, newsroom, town market, Spanish galleon, and more! 


Chuck E. Cheese

2400 NW Federal Highway, Stuart, FL 34994 | (772) 692-9717 

This family fun center has arcade games where kids can win tickets and prizes, a playground, and a new trampoline zone. 


Elliot Museum 

825 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996 | (772) 225-1961

View local history exhibits, traveling exhibits, and collections such as vintage cars, baseball, and Americana. 


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. 


Hobe Sound Nature Center

13640 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455 | (772) 546-2067

This free nature center, located at the Nathaniel P. Reed Hobe Sound Wildlife Refuge, provides trails, Lagoon beach access, a small museum, and educational programs. 


House of Refuge Museum 

301 SE MacArthur Boulevard, Stuart, FL 34996 | (772) 225-1875

This maritime museum is the oldest structure in Martin County and the only remaining House of Refuge. One hundred yards from the shore, you can snorkel or dive the wreck of Georges Valentine. 


Jonathon Dickinson State Park

16450 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455 | (772) 546-2771

The largest state park in Southeast Florida, you can explore the natural communities found in this park by land or water. Hike or bike on the trails, and canoe, kayak, or boat on the Loxahatchee River. 


RM Little Town & Boba Cafe

924 SE Central Pkwy, Stuart, FL 34994 | (772) 247-7453

This indoor play area has themed sections for imaginative play. They also have areas for your child to get their energy out, such as slides into a ball pit and a playhouse with slides. 


Sailfish Splash Waterpark 

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

This small waterpark has dueling slides, a lazy river, a children's area, and a competition pool. 


Wonderstruck Play Studio 

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. 


West Palm Beach

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. 


Cox Science Center and Aquarium 

4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach, FL | (561) 832-1988 

Explore the indoor science exhibits, outdoor trail, splash pad, 10,000-gallon aquarium, planetarium, and more! 


Lion Country Safari 

2003 Lion Country Safari Road, Loxahatchee, FL | (561) 793-1084 

This drive-through safari also has a petting zoo, water play area, lorikeet and giraffe feeding, and many more kid-friendly attractions. 


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. Kids will enjoy the carousel and splash fountains. 


Rapids Water Park 

6566 N Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33407 | (561) 848-6272 

Slides, a lazy river, a FlowRider, and a wave pool can all be found at this water park. 


Fort Lauderdale

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. 


Flamingo Gardens

3750 S Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33330 | (954) 473-2955

Stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens, the wildlife sanctuary, and the Wray Home Museum. 


Museum of Discovery and Science

401 SW 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

This hands-on museum features interactive exhibits kids will love, including their Magna-Tiles® Studio, and IMAX shows. 


Welleby Park

11100 NW 44th Street, Sunrise, FL 33351 | (954) 747-4600 

View our highlight reel! 

This park has a safety town with mini buildings that kids will enjoy scootering through, a large playground, a dog park, a splash pad, and lots of places to picnic. 

Miami

Miami Children's Museum

980 MacArthur Cswy, Miami, FL 33132 | (305) 373-5437 

Your kids will enjoy exploring the hands-on exhibits such as pet central, castle of dreams, super market, and more. 


Frost Museum of Science

1101 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, FL 33132 | (305) 434-9600

Explore the exhibits, aquarium, and planetarium. 


Wynwood Walls

2516 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33127 | (305) 576-3334

Take a stroll through this fascinating outdoor street art museum. 


Zoo Miami 

12400 SW 152nd Street, Miami, FL 33177 | (305) 251-0400 

View our highlight reel! 

This huge zoo has lots of animals, a playground, a large splash pad, an indoor area with exhibits, and opportunities for animal interactions. 

Lake Wales & Lakeland

Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales, FL 33853 | (863) 676-1408 

View our highlight reel! 

These beautiful gardens include a large children's area with a naturalistic splash pad, sand "box", climbing features, and more. Don't forget to visit the singing tower while you're there - you'll hear it throughout the day! 


Bonnet Springs Park

400 Bonnet Springs Boulevard, Lakeland, FL 33815 | (863) 732-7000

View our highlight reel! 

This huge park features multiple playgrounds, water features, trails, a creek, and more! There is a free trolley available for transport throughout the park. 


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 Children's Museum 

600 Bonnet Springs Boulevard, Lakeland, FL | (863) 687-3869 

Kids will love the themed hands-on exhibits and outdoor play area. The museum is located in Bonnet Springs Park


LEGOLAND

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

This LEGO® themed park was designed with children in mind. It features kid-friendly rides, play areas, and an indoor imagination zone where children can build with LEGO®. A waterpark is also open on select days, but you must pay separately for entrance. 


Peppa Pig Theme Park 

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

This Peppa Pig themed park is perfect for young kids, featuring kid-friendly rides, a splah pad, playgrounds, carnival games, and more. 


Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

3200 River Ranch Boulevard, River Ranch, FL 33867

While you can enjoy a getaway to this Florida Dude Ranch and luxury glamping resort, you can also visit the Saturday Night Rodeo, where you'll be thrilled by competitive bull riders. 

Other At

Is there a spot your family loves that isn't listed here? Do you want to know more about a certain destination? Drop me a line at alisone@macaronikid.com.