Things to do / Travel Guide
Two surefire reasons your kids will have a good time in northeast Florida and the Panhandle are: beaches and manatees. The beaches are plentiful on the First Coast and the Emerald Coast; on the Emerald Coast a big draw will no doubt be the fine white sand and peculiar emerald-colored water. Kids are also likely to enjoy many of the more inland activities such as canoeing and biking. A little historic interest and a lot of active pursuits makes a good formula for a family vacation.
Manatees
There are plenty of opportunities to see and admire manatees in the region, from along the St. Johns River to Cedar Key. On St. Johns River there are several venues at which you can spot these lovable gentle giants, most being near Lake Beresford. Around Chiefland you can visit Manatee Springs State Park, where the manatees are most plentiful in spring, summer, and fall. Note that the rule in all of these parks and venues is that you are not allowed to alter their habitat or invade their space; however, if they approach you or your kid it's okay to pet them, stroke their foreheads, etc.
The most famous manatee destination in the region is Crystal River, south of Cedar Key. This is the prime hangout for these 2,000-pound elephantine creatures, and you and the kids will be able to approach them in their natural habitat. At the Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park it's the same experience save for the wetness: spectators line around a huge fishbowl, where they can get just inches away from manatees and fish.
Ghost Tours
Another idea for an activity that will enthrall the older kids is one of the ghost tours in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island. Ghosts like warm climates and wet environments, especially when there are old houses with lots of history about. Ghost tours happen to be a great way to get kids interested in history. These Ghost Tours of Amelia Island depart from the ticket booth at the corner of 8th Street and Ash Street on Saturday and Sunday evenings at 8 p.m.
Alligator Farm
There's an alligator farm on Anastasia Island in St. Augustine; not to worry, they have crocodiles too! Located on Anastasia Boulevard, you get the awesome chance to view all 23 species of crocodiles, albino alligators born on the bayou, and the 15-foot-long Maximo, a saltwater crocodile, from up close.
Daytona Beach
A trip to northeast Florida with kids must include Daytona Beach. The city is blessed with a huge beach area in addition to all the NASCAR auto racing, both of which your kids are sure to love. Aside from the Daytona 500 and 400, the Daytona International Speedway is at the center of excitement year-round, featuring many different kinds of races such as go-carting, motorcycling, and stock-car racing.
Family Vacation Ideas in Jacksonville, Destin, Daytona Beach, Pensacola, St. Augustine, Northeast Florida
Family-Vacation-Ideas
St. Andrews SRA Beach - Panama City Beach, Florida
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