On the lookout for Florida highway journey points of interest which are family-friendly and certainly one of a sort? There are many stops alongside the western fringe of Florida’s Gulf Coast the place you’ll be able to pull over for a style of native kitsch or tradition.
However I’m speaking extra than simply fast picture ops right here. These are the locations the place it’s best to spend not less than an hour, usually longer, to expertise one thing out of the bizarre and assured to make lasting reminiscences.
Learn on for eight of the highest points of interest to improve any journey with children on Florida’s west coast. This highway journey itinerary runs from Naples as much as Crystal River.
You would possibly marvel how a zoo finally ends up on a listing of distinctive household points of interest. Nicely, this zoo is not like another. About two hours from Miami, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a tropical backyard and zoo rolled into one. Residents vary from macaws to mountain bongos, and you’ll feed a giraffe or watch alligators devour their lunch as a keeper talks about their weight loss plan and habits.
However essentially the most distinctive factor to do at Naples Zoo needs to be the Primate Expedition Cruise. This 15-minute cruise aboard a lined catamaran winds between mini islands on Lake Victoria the place monkeys, apes and lemurs stay cage-free. Your information explains all about them as they lounge and climb round their island house. Check out the video under for a sneak peek.
Touring with tykes? The zoo’s Safari Squad features a story, animal encounter, craft and themed actions particularly for ages 1-4.
Keep longer: In case you’re staying in Naples and wish the consolation of house with the posh of a resort, I extremely suggest GreenLinks Golf Villas at Lely Resort. Everybody will get their very own room, you will have a full kitchen plus a washer and dryer (a boon for road-trippers), and breakfast on the screened lanai overlooking the lake or golf course is pure bliss. We particularly loved the resort pool. In addition they provide cribs and highchairs on request.
Bubble Room on Captiva Island
Wish to dine in a trolley automotive or below a miniature practice driving across the ceiling? After all you do! The nostalgic and generally wacky decor of the Bubble Room on Captiva Island makes it a should for any go to to the Gulf Coast.
Its signature options embody toys from the ’30s, signed images of movie stars, Christmas elves and coloured lights galore. The restaurant was just lately broken in a hurricane, however the Seventies landmark nonetheless stands. When it reopens, make sure that to go for a scrumptious Carmen Miranda (that’s rice and shrimp in a pineapple bowl) or perhaps the Pita Fonda (a rooster, avocado, pepper jack wrap). Ending with a mega slice of cake is compulsory.
Der Dutchman
Der Dutchman is way more than a spot to eat. It’s a vacation spot with purchasing, tradition, award-winning meals and hospitality within the coronary heart of Sarasota’s Amish group, Pinecraft. They draw guests from world wide, and when you attempt certainly one of their well-known do-it-yourself pies, you’ll perceive why.
If you enter the restaurant, you’ll see some individuals in conventional Mennonite and Amish gown, however all are welcome right here, and the vibe is informal, heat and family-friendly. The child’s menu even teaches snippets of Pennsylvania Dutch like “groombadda mush” for mashed potatoes.
When you can order á la carte, it’s exhausting to beat the buffet. Hearty consolation meals like roast beef, potatoes and recent bread make any day really feel like Thanksgiving, and their well-known broasted rooster, completely seasoned and moist, is a should. The buffet has some superb desserts, however for certainly one of their legendary pies, you’ll want to select from the dozen-plus flavors on the menu.
In case you don’t have time for a full meal, go to the bakery for some fudge, pastries or different treats to go. Then head upstairs to the Carlisle Reward Store. It’s a wonderland of crafts, garments, cookware, linens and extra particularly fitted to items and souvenirs. Staying longer within the space? You possibly can take pleasure in extra Amish hospitality on the charming Carlisle Inn close by.
Zen Glass Studio
From Sarasota, head to St. Petersburg and its superb artwork scene. From music to murals, St. Pete has all of it, however most sudden is the colourful glass artwork. There’s an astounding variety of glass museums and galleries right here (together with the Chihuly Assortment), however if you wish to get hands-on, hit up Zen Glass Studio.
This working studio gives glassblowing hotshop workshops, excellent for teenagers and adults, the place you may make your very personal decoration, pint glass or paperweight. First, choose your colours. Then pay attention as your artist teacher explains methods to create your piece. You’ll swirl the molten glass, coating it with coloration, and maintain it spinning as you soften it within the furnace. We picked the decoration, and it was unbelievable to blow into the steel pipe and watch the globe increase. You possibly can choose up your customized piece the subsequent day — it wants to chill in a managed atmosphere in a single day.
The teacher covers every thing from security to science, and youngsters as younger as 13 shall be fascinated. However adults may even take pleasure in being a “visitor artist” on the studio as you form the glass into one thing certainly one of a sort. I assure it is going to be essentially the most distinctive factor you do in St. Pete, and also you get a home made memento!
Extra warmth: In addition they have “Flameshop” workshops, the place you may make glass artwork on a torch, proven above.
The one attraction on this record that’s seasonal, Enchant has shortly turn into a neighborhood Christmas custom. In contrast to different gentle shows, it’s indoors, so it’s dim sufficient to benefit from the sparkles any time of day, and also you’re not freezing exterior — it will get chilly after sunset in winter, even in Florida.
And what a lightweight show! We have been blown away by the creativity and high quality of the preparations, from flowers and snowflakes to the 100-foot-tall Christmas tree. There have been lights that modified coloration as you stepped on them (nice for teenagers), lights you’ll be able to match between (nice for selfie-loving teenagers) and a lightweight flickering on the backside of your spiked cocktail (Mother and Dad, this one’s for you). It’s each merry and shiny.
The principle draw is the sunshine maze, purportedly the most important on the earth. A themed story with clues guides you to the tip, though it’s probably not the sort of maze you get misplaced in. It’s extra the sort the place you cease each couple minutes to snap one other picture.
Across the maze, there’s ice skating (an add-on), a vacation village, purchasing and snacks, and a stage with leisure. Little ones can meet Santa and go to Little Elves Play Place for video games and tales with Mrs. Claus.
Tip: In case you’re bringing the household, benefit from the household four-pack and the kids-free night time every Wednesday. They do timed entry, however when you enter, you’ll be able to keep so long as you want.
Tip: Learn this story for extra concepts on what to do in St. Petersburg.
Florida has some lovely springs, however none are fairly like these at Weeki Wachee, proven within the characteristic picture above. Mermaids first started performing right here in 1947, and so they nonetheless do at this time, although the positioning has since turn into a state park. Arrive early to get a superb seat. Seeing the Weeki Wachee mermaids is an absolute should once you’re in Florida, and also you don’t need to miss it.
After the present, head over to Buccaneer Bay, included with park admission, to take pleasure in swimming within the springs, floating down the lazy river, and driving the water slides. There’s concessions, a sandy seashore and even kayak and paddleboard leases. And youngsters six and youthful have a devoted wading pool and play space, Lil’ Mates Caribbean Cove, only for them. Given how lengthy you’ll be able to spend and the way little it prices as compared, this is among the greatest offers round.
Tip: Get there early. The park closes entry when it reaches capability, which frequently occurs through the summer time. You possibly can textual content them to seek out out in the event that they’re closed.
Brooksville is a little bit of a detour from U.S. 19 as you drive north alongside the coast, but it surely’s price it. Not solely is town charming, particularly the downtown, however there are many points of interest. The very best for households who’ve been cooped up in a automotive is the FLG X Journey Course & Zip Line.
Climb and swing by the timber, cheering one another. It’s an ideal team-building exercise as you overcome challenges collectively, and the sense of accomplishment on the finish of the course is palpable. The obstacles are color-coded for various ages and talents to verify junior climbers (ages 11th of September) can discover safely. There’s even a Little Ninja course so adventurers aged 5-9 can be part of within the thrills at floor degree.
For the final word adrenaline rush, end with a zipper line race down two parallel 600-foot strains. It’s a rush, and a pleasant segue for a physics debate as you drive to your subsequent cease: Why do adults at all times zip quicker than children if objects fall on the identical charge no matter mass? Or could also be that’s simply us.
Three Sisters Springs
In case you assume seeing mermaids is magical, simply wait until you see the OG sea maids. I’m speaking about manatees, in fact, and Three Sisters Springs is among the greatest locations within the state to see them.
Go on a chilly day from mid-November to late March when the cool temperatures within the Gulf drive tons of of manatees to the hotter springs. Recognized for his or her clear water, you’ll be able to simply see into the blue swimming pools to admire the manatees as they float, frolic and infrequently floor for air. We even noticed child manatees.
To get to the springs, take the handy trolley to the refuge, the place you’re dropped off proper by the boardwalk that results in a number of viewing platforms.
The springs are a part of the Crystal River Nationwide Wildlife Refuge, a haven for hen life (over 100 species) and biodiverse wetlands, so there are many mountaineering alternatives if you wish to spend a bit longer. We particularly loved speaking with the volunteers, who’re a fount of manatee information. They’ll fortunately clarify manatee habits and habitat to you and your children, and also you’ll depart understanding why Floridians love these mild giants and the way vital it’s to guard them.
Concerning the Writer:
Concerning the Writer:Cheryl Rodewig is storyteller, marketer, and award-winning characteristic author specializing in journey. Her Venn diagram contains minimalism, waterfalls, French, and the em sprint. Discover her at cherylrodewig.com or on Twitter at @cherylrodewig.
