Florida Bucket List: 50 Things to Do in Florida

If you’re planning a Florida family vacation and want to make the most of your trip, this Florida Bucket List is a great place to start. Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the United States for good reason! With beautiful beaches, world-famous theme parks, natural springs, wildlife encounters, and plenty of outdoor adventures, it’s perfect for any family.

Let’s dive into 50 of the best things to do in Florida. If you’re flying into Florida, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental. I’ve rented cars through Discount USA Rental at many Florida airports, and it’s been hassle-free every time. They offer the best rates on all types of rental cars and most local airports.

Florida Bucket List

Here’s the ultimate Florida Bucket list, starting with theme parks. This list of 50 things to do in Florida is listed in sections (theme parks, beaches, National and State Parks, wildlife, etc.), so feel free to skip any section that doesn’t appeal to your family.

1. Visit Magic Kingdom

You can’t make a Florida Bucket List without including Magic Kingdom. From classic rides to fireworks, it’s the most iconic Disney park. By the way, if you need a stroller in Orlando, we recommend Orlando Stroller Rentals! 

You can also make a custom Tiara in Magic Kingdom! Here is our guide to making a custom Tiara at Disney World.

2. Visit EPCOT

Food, festivals, and futuristic attractions make EPCOT a must-do. Some of the best rides (like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure) are here, along with one of our favorite places to get Dole Whip. We have a blog post about where to find Dole Whip at Disney World, because we love it that much!

3. Visit Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios has quickly become one of Disney’s biggest thrill-park options thanks to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Toy Story Land. This is our family’s personal favorite thanks to Galaxy’s Edge. You can even build a Droid here! Check out 32 Things to do at Hollywood Studios for more tips for this park.

4. Visit Animal Kingdom

Part zoo, part theme park, Animal Kingdom is perfect for families who love animals and slower-paced attractions.

5. Explore Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is just one part of Universal Orlando Resort. Universal Orlando is comprised of Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, Epic Universe, CityWalk, and 11 Universal hotels! Universal Studios is the first park with lots of movie-based rides and attractions.

We have so many tips for Universal Orlando, from 15 Genius Universal Studios Hacks to How to Eat at Universal on a Budget. Check out all of our Universal tips if you’re planning a vacation!

6. Visit Islands of Adventure

Home to Hogsmeade, Jurassic Park, and big thrill rides, Islands of Adventure is a must-do for older kids and teens. Don’t worry, there’s plenty to do with little kids thanks to Suess Landing and some Jurassic Park-themed fun for the little ones. Check out things to do at Universal Orlando with toddlers and babies for more.

While Universal isn’t quite as famous for meet-and-greets as Disney, some of the most fun meet-and-greets are in Islands of Adventure.

7. Visit Epic Universe

Universal’s newest park brings Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, Wizarding World expansion, and more. We have so many tips for Epic Universe. Check them out:

• The Ultimate Guide to Epic Universe
• 10 things to know before going to Epic Universe
• All the rides at Epic Universe
• A Guide to Power-Up Bands at Super Nintendo World

8. Explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Whether you pick Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade (preferably both!), the Wizarding World is one of the most immersive theme park lands in the world.

9. Spend a Day at Volcano Bay

Universal’s water park features slides, sandy beaches, a wave pool, and great food. We have 15 Genius Volcano Bay Tips, but keep in mind that Volcano Bay is undergoing a major renovation in 2026 and will be closed for a while. Check the official website (or ask me, your travel agent!) before planning to visit Volcano Bay.

10. Visit Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or Disney’s Blizzard Beach

Typhoon Lagoon is one of the most themed water parks in the country, perfect for families. Typically open seasonally, Blizzard Beach is another fun Disney water park when available.

11. Visit Dinosaur World

Do you have a dinosaur fan in your family? We do! Dinosaur World (close to Lakeland, Florida) is sure to be a hit! We have a blog post about it: Is Dinosaur World in Lakeland FL worth visiting?

Best Beaches in Florida

Here are some of the best beaches in Florida, starting with two of our personal favorites. We live on the Gulf Coast and think our beaches might be the best! We also have a guide to the 10 best Florida beaches for kids.

12. Clearwater Beach

White sand, gentle waves, and lots of amenities make Clearwater Beach great for families. Clearwater is great for families in general, so check out the 30 best things to do in Clearwater with Kids.

13. Siesta Key

Known for powdery sand made of quartz, it’s one of Florida’s most beautiful beaches. We also have a blog post with 15 fantastic things to do in Siesta Key.

14. Destin

Clear, emerald water and soft sand make Destin a favorite for beach vacations. Looking for more things to do in Destin? Check out:

• A Guide to Crab Island in Destin, Florida
• 32 things to do in Destin Florida
• The best restaurants in Destin

15. Cocoa Beach

A great Atlantic-side option close to the Kennedy Space Center. Don’t miss the top 10 Things to Do on Florida’s Space Coast while you’re there!

16. Fort De Soto Park

A quieter, more natural beach with beautiful scenery.

17. St. Augustine Beach

A great mix of history, sand, and family-friendly fun. Don’t miss things to do in St. Augustine with Kids. Bonus if you’re visiting around the holidays, you won’t want to miss the Christmas lights!

National Parks in Florida

There are a few National Parks in Florida; you can check them all out here: The Ultimate List of Florida National Parks

18. Everglades National Park

A must-do for wildlife lovers. Airboats, birds, gators, and lots of natural beauty.

19. Biscayne National Park

Perfect for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and exploring clear blue water.

20. Dry Tortugas National Park

Accessible only by ferry or seaplane, and home to the historic Fort Jefferson. We created a guide for how to visit Dry Tortugas National Park.

Florida State Parks Worth the Trip

Florida has so many State Parks, it would be difficult to visit all of them (we haven’t – yet!) Check out our guide to the 10 Best State Parks in Florida for even more deals.

21. Bahia Honda State Park

One of the most beautiful places in the Florida Keys.

22. Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Crystal-clear tubing paradise.

23. Grayton Beach State Park

Stunning beaches and quiet nature trails.

24. Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Great for kayaking, biking, and exploring Florida’s ecosystems.

25. Blue Spring State Park

The best place to see manatees in winter. We have an entire blog post with the 12 best places to see manatees in Florida. If seeing a manatee is on your Florida Bucket List, check it out!

Florida Springs to Add to Your Bucket List

It probably won’t surprise you to know that we have a blog post dedicated to the 10 Best Springs in Florida to visit, but here are some of our favorites.

26. Ginnie Springs

One of the most famous (and clearest) springs in Florida.

27. Weeki Wachee Springs

Home to mermaid shows and the beautiful Weeki Wachee River.

28. Gilchrist Blue Springs

A crystal-clear spring perfect for swimming.

29. Silver Springs

Famous for glass-bottom boat rides and clear kayaking tours. 

30. Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

A great place to see rescued wildlife and natural springs.

31. Devil’s Den Spring

An underground spring that feels like a hidden cave.

Wildlife and Outdoor Adventures in Florida

We LOVE the Florida theme parks, but it’s nice to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather (when it’s not too hot!) and wildlife.

32. See Manatees in Crystal River

One of the only places you can legally swim with these gentle giants. Fun fact: Florida Travel with Kids was born from an idea that I had while kayaking Crystal River! Check out some of the best tours and kayak rentals here. You can also check out 16 things to do in Crystal River with kids.

33. Take an Airboat Ride

Airboat Tours are available in the Everglades and throughout central Florida.

34. Snorkel with Sea Turtles in the Keys

The Florida Keys are known for some of the best snorkeling in the U.S. Please keep your distance from any wildlife, as it’s illegal and harmful to get too close! Check out the 10 best places to see sea turtles in Florida for more places to find turtles.

35. Kayak with Bioluminescence

Bioluminescent kayaking near Titusville and Cocoa Beach is a bucket-list experience.

36. Visit a Wildlife Sanctuary

There are many wildlife sanctuaries and places that rehab wildlife in Florida. We prefer to visit them over zoos. We have blog posts about Seaside Seabird Sanctuary and Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda, Florida.  If you won’t be close to either, just look for a wildlife sanctuary close to where you’re visiting!

This observation deck at Seaside Seabird Sanctuary is so pretty!

37. Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Home to rescued dolphins, sea turtles, and educational exhibits. We have a blog post all about Visiting Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Florida Towns and Road Trips

Don’t miss some of the best towns in Florida and short Florida road trips.

38. Drive the Overseas Highway

The Florida Keys scenic drive is one of the best road trips in the country. We have a blog post with 30 things to do from Miami to Key West.

39. Explore St. Augustine

Historic architecture, shops, beaches, and great food. This is one of the best places to visit during Christmas for holiday lights!

40. Visit Mount Dora

A charming small town with markets, festivals, and lake views.

41. Visit Cedar Key

A quiet, old-Florida island with great seafood and sunsets.

42. Explore Apalachicola and the Forgotten Coast

Laid-back, beautiful, and far less crowded than other coastal areas.

Classic Florida Experiences

Here are some classic Florida experiences to add to your Florida Bucket List that aren’t beaches or theme parks.

43. Watch a Rocket Launch at Kennedy Space Center

If you time it right, this is an unforgettable experience.

44. Take a Boat Tour

Whether you choose dolphins, sunset cruises, or eco-tours, Florida offers them everywhere. Check Viator for a tour in the destination of your choice.

45. Watch a Gulf Coast Sunset

Clearwater, Sarasota, and the Keys have some of the best.

46. Visit a Florida Citrus Grove

Find a U-pick farm or sample fresh citrus in-season. We have a blog post about the best strawberry farms in Florida.

47. Ride the SkyWheel or Observation Wheel

Great views from Panama City Beach or ICON Park in Orlando.

48. Visit a Florida Lighthouse

St. Augustine and Ponce Inlet have beautiful historic lighthouses. We have a blog post with The Ultimate List of Florida Lighthouses for more ideas!

49. Stay at a Beachfront Resort

There’s nothing quite like waking up right on the sand. Here’s one of our favorites, Hyatt Regency Clearwater.

50. Attend a Florida Festival

Strawberries, seafood, art festivals, and more happen year-round.

The ultimate Florida Bucket List

There you have it, the Ultimate Florida Bucket List. Of this list of 50 things to do in Florida, what is your favorite? Do you have any favorites to add? Let us know in the comments!

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here. If you want even more tips, make sure to join our mailing list. We’ll share any new tips and tricks we learn, along with Florida news and recent blog posts of our adventures.

Don’t worry; we don’t like spam either, and we’ll never send more than one email weekly!

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