Things to do in Crystal River with kids

If you’ve heard about the Crystal River manatees and you found yourself here looking for more things to do in Crystal River with kids. You’re in the right place!

Crystal River is a small city in Florida located North of Tampa. You won’t find fantastic beaches like you will to the south, but there are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Crystal River and near Crystal River.

Are you flying into Florida? Get a cheap rental car!

If you decide to rent a car during your Florida vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental.

Things to Do in Crystal River with Kids

You’re probably not STAYING in Crystal River, but maybe you’ll spend a day in the area because you know it’s one of the best places to see manatees in Florida. Here are a few other things to do in Crystal River while you’re in the area. Crystal River is an easy drive from Tampa and Orlando. 

Swim or Kayak with the Manatees

This is the #1 thing to do in Crystal River, so we had to mention it first.  One of our favorite things to do in Crystal River with kids is swimming or kayaking with the manatees in Kings Bay. Manatees love warm water, so they migrate into the canals when the ocean gets colder.

Check out the 26 best places to kayak in Florida for more kayaking ideas.

Crystal River is the only place in the US where you can legally get into the water and swim with the manatees. Just keep in mind you might need a wetsuit; people think it doesn’t get cold in Florida, but it can!

Fortunately, our favorite provider for all things manatees is Paddles Outdoor Rentals. They offer wetsuits as an add-on if you need them. You can also grab a kayak and paddle out when it’s way too cold to swim.

You can rent single kayaks for the big kids and double kayaks for anyone who isn’t able to paddle themselves very well!

You can also do a small group pontoon boat tour or a glass-bottom kayak tour.

Explore the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge

Another popular item on this list of things to do in Crystal River is explore Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. This wildlife refuge area was created in 1983 to protect the endangered West Indian Manatee. 

The best place to watch the manatees in the water is from the Three Sisters Springs Boardwalk. This area is where three of the springs are located. This is also where you can kayak out, take a boat tour, and see the manatees!

Visit Crystal River Preserve State Park

You know we love state parks, and here’s another one! Crystal River Preserve State Park is another excellent area to kayak in Florida. 

There’s also a two-mile walking drive and a five-mile biking trail.

Explore the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge

When your family arrives at this wildlife refuge, you will all be greeted by more than thirty-one thousand acres of marshes, saltwater bays, and estuaries. This is a beautiful place to visit if your family loves birds, mammals, and reptiles. 

Go Fishing at Fort Island Trail Park

One of the best things to do in Crystal River with kids is fishing at Fort Island Trail Park. The pier, which is one hundred fifty feet long, is the best place to catch a few fish. 

Go Swimming at Hunter Springs Park

Swimming is one of the best things to do at this park. There’s a nice beach area as well as a playground.

Spend the Day at Fort Island Gulf Beach

If you want a better beach destination, I recommend Fort Island Gulf Beach. The nearby boardwalk is perfect for long walks, especially when you want to see a few dolphins. 

Explore Crystal River Archaeological State Park

Crystal River Archaeological State Park is such a fun place to visit!  There is always something fascinating, from the Visitor’s Center artifacts to the burial grounds. 

See the Animals at the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park

Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is only a fifteen-minute drive from Crystal River.

You will have the opportunity to see manatees, alligators, and bald eagles. There is even a Florida panther that was orphaned. 

There is one animal here you might not expect! Lu the hippo has been at this park for years because it used to be a zoo. The locals couldn’t fathom the thought of her being sent elsewhere, so they petitioned the state to keep her at her home. 

You will be happy to know that Lu the hippo was granted Florida citizenship! And she spends her days and nights at this park doing everything hippos do. 

Pick a Few Blueberries

Blueberry picking season in Florida goes from the middle of March until May. So, if you’re in the area during those months, blueberry picking should be on your list of things to do. 

There are plenty of blueberry farms to choose from. Some popular options include Bette’s Blueberry Farm and Misty Meadows Blueberry Farm. If you love berry picking, check out the best strawberry farms in Florida.

Check Out the Art at the Franklin Anderson Gallery of Arts

One of the best art galleries in Crystal River is Franklin Anderson Gallery of Arts. This is a great activity for a rainy day!

See the Boats at Crystal River Boat Builders

Preserving the area’s maritime history is important to the Crystal River Boat Builders. They opened a museum to showcase the different boats used for commercial and residential purposes. 

Visit the Coastal Heritage Museum

Another interesting museum to visit in Crystal River is the Coastal Heritage Museum. You will find this museum inside the Crystal River Old City Hall. 

Go Scalloping

Scalloping is similar to crabbing or catching lobsters. When you go scalloping, you only need a snorkel and a mask. The scalloping season goes from July until early September in Crystal River, and you are limited to two gallons of scallops per person daily. 

Go Back in Time at the Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park

Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Historic State Park was a plantation that produced sugarcane, cotton, and citrus. You can now visit this historic state park.

Take a Horseback Ride Through the Withlacoochee Forest

The Sunny Side Up Farm will allow you to ride one of their rescue horses through the Withlacoochee Forest. 

Things to do in Crystal River with kids

As you can see, Crystal River is more than just manatees! There are plenty of things to do in Crystal River with kids, but we still recommend that you go swimming or kayaking with the gentle giants in the winter.

If you’re taking a day trip to Crystal River from Orlando, check out First Timer Tips for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Star Wars Land vs. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Taking a day trip to Crystal River from Tampa? Don’t miss 30 Things to do in Clearwater with Kids and Dinosaur World Florida Review.

More Florida Travel Ideas:

• 15 Things to do in Siesta Key
• 7 things to buy at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• The 12 best places to see manatees in Florida
• Where to find Dole Whip at Disney World
• First-Timer Tips for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• 50 free things to do in Tampa with kids
• Seaside Seabird Sanctuary review

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.

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