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Daytona Beach: A Great Drivable Family Vacation Destination

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Daytona Beach is a great drivable family vacation destination. It is 60 to 90 minutes away from Orlando, depending on which side of Orlando you are on. The kids will barely have time to say “are we there yet” before you arrive at your vacation destination.

Why visit Daytona Beach? Because it has gorgeous beaches, family-friendly attractions, and fun annual events that everyone in the family will enjoy.

Visit Daytona Beach with the Kids

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or indoor activities to beat the heat, here are some of the top things to do in Daytona Beach with kids.visit Daytona Beach

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Hit the Beach

Daytona Beach is known for its wide, sandy beaches and calm, warm waters. The beach is free to access and offers plenty of space for families to spread out and enjoy the sun. There are also plenty of beachfront parks with playgrounds and picnic areas for families to enjoy.

Visit Daytona Lagoon

Daytona Lagoon is a waterpark and family entertainment center that offers a variety of attractions for kids of all ages whether your family prefers to be in the water or on land, Daytona Lagoon has you covered.

The waterpark features eight different attractions including multiple water slides, a lazy river, a children’s splash park and a wave pool.  The Fun Park features go-karts, bumper cars, a large arcade, an indoor laser tag arena, a rock climbing wall, a ropes course and mini golf.

There is no shortage of fun to be had at Daytona Lagoon!

Explore the Marine Science Center

The Marine Science Center is a must-visit attraction for families interested in marine life. The center features a variety of exhibits, including a turtle rehabilitation area where visitors can see rescued sea turtles up close. There is also a touch tank where kids can interact with marine creatures like stingrays and hermit crabs.

Go on a Tour of the Daytona International Speedway

If you have any racing fans in your family, a visit to the Daytona International Speedway is a must. The speedway offers guided tours that take visitors behind the scenes of one of the most famous racing venues in the world. Kids, and adults, will love seeing the racecars up close and learning about the history of the sport. You don’t need to be a racing fan to enjoy this tour.

Good to note: If no drive-alongs are being done that day, you will also get to walk on the track, which is an amazing experience for racing fans.

Visit the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum

The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is a historic landmark that offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views, explore the museum exhibits, and even spot dolphins and sea turtles in the water below.

Good to note: There is no AC in the lighthouse and it gets very hot in the summer. I would advise going up first thing in the morning before it gets too hot inside.

Play at the Daytona Beach Boardwalk

The Daytona Beach Boardwalk is a classic beachside attraction that offers a variety of activities for families. From carnival rides and games to shops and restaurants, there is no shortage of fun to be had at the boardwalk. Kids will love riding the Ferris wheel and playing games to win prizes.

Good to note: In the summer they have live performances such as jugglers, balloon artists and escape artists.

Visit the Daytona Beach Bandshell

The Daytona Beach Bandshell is an outdoor amphitheater that hosts a variety of concerts and events throughout the year. Families can enjoy free concerts on Friday and Saturday nights during the summer months, featuring a variety of tribute bands playing a variety of types of music. The Daytona Beach Bandshell also holds special annual events like the Daytona Beach Reggae Festival.

Go Fishing on the Sunglow Fishing Pier

The Sunglow Fishing Pier at Crabby Joe’s Daytona is a great place to take kids fishing, even if you don’t have your own gear. The pier offers rod rentals and bait, and the friendly staff can help kids learn how to fish. Some of the types of fish that you can catch at the pier include Whiting, Flounder, Trout, Spanish Mackeral and more.

Even if you don’t catch anything, it is a great way to spend time together as a family and the views from the pier are worth the trip.

Visit the Museum of Arts and Sciences

The Museum of Arts and Sciences is a great place to spend a rainy day or take a break from the sun. The museum features a variety of exhibits, including a planetarium, a children’s museum, and a collection of Florida art and artifacts. Kids will love the interactive exhibits and hands-on activities.

The museum also offers scavenger hunt sheets for each of the exhibits. It is a great way to get kids more interested in what they are seeing and increase their level of learning at the museum.

Take a Dolphin and Manatee Eco Tour

For a unique and educational experience, take a dolphin and manatee eco tour. These tours take visitors on a boat ride through the local waterways to spot dolphins, manatees, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Some tours even offer the opportunity to swim with dolphins or get up close and personal with manatees.

Play Mini-Golf at Congo River Golf

Congo River Golf is a family-friendly mini-golf course that offers a variety of themed courses, including an African safari course and an Egyptian adventure course. Kids will love exploring the interactive exhibits and obstacles, while parents can enjoy the beautiful landscaping and scenery.

Visit the Jackie Robinson Ballpark

The Jackie Robinson Ballpark is a historic landmark that honors the legacy of the famous baseball player who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball. This is the location where he played his first professional game. Visitors can tour the ballpark as well as catch a game by the Daytona Tortugas.

Take a Surfing Lesson

Daytona Beach is known for its great surfing conditions, and there are plenty of surf schools and instructors who can teach kids how to catch a wave. Surfing lessons are a fun and exciting way to get active and enjoy the beach, and can be a great way to bond as a family.

Visit the Daytona Flea and Farmers Market

The Daytona Flea and Farmers Market is a great place to find unique souvenirs and gifts, as well as enjoy a variety of food and drink options. The market features hundreds of vendors selling everything from handmade crafts and jewelry to fresh produce and seafood.

So if you are looking for a quick weekend getaway for the family or a longer vacation that is drivable from Orlando, then Daytona Beach is a great option. With its beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, and exciting events, there is no shortage of things to do in Daytona Beach with kids.

 

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