Top 5 affordable family activities only in Florida

From affordable places to stay to discounted tours, accessible natural landscapes and free events.

Beaches and Shark Tooth Hunting on Amelia Island
Get your family ready for some aquatic adventure and challenges. While enjoying a refreshing breeze and beautiful views of the Atlantic coast, head to the beaches on the south end of Amelia Island where tourists flock to live out a shark tooth hunter's dream. All you'll need is a keen eye, an exploring spirit and a small mesh bag to collect natural treasures. Shark tooth hunting is a popular activity at Fort Clinch State Park, admission is $6 per vehicle.

Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory in Daytona Beach
Located in the historic riverfront shops in downtown Daytona Beach, the Angell & Phelps Chocolate Factory has been a local tradition since 1925. Take your family on a free, self-guided tour to see the chocolate-making process from start to finish and treat your taste buds to a freshly made sample. Prepare to be amazed by the selection of unique chocolates and other confectionery treats all handcrafted freshly.

Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Homosassa
Best known as the manatee capital of the world, the Crystal River region has several areas where you and your family will be amazed by “sea cows.” You can also see manatees year-round at Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park in nearby Homosassa.

This park is located around the striking Homosassa Spring and is home to rehabilitated native wildlife: alligators, black bears, red wolves, Key deer, flamingos and whooping cranes; as well as Lu, the oldest hippo in captivity. Once you've gotten up close and personal with this variety of species, prepare for the ultimate experience within the park, The Fish Bowl, an underwater observatory that guarantees unparalleled views of manatees and swirling schools of fish.

Admission to this park costs USD $13 for adults, USD $5 for children ages 6-12, and is free for children under 5.

Orlando Science Center, Orlando
Can you imagine enjoying 11,000 square feet of educational fun for kids, teens, and adults? In addition to being one of Orlando’s top STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) attractions for more than six decades, the Orlando Science Center has four floors of interactive exhibit halls, labs and workshops, theaters, an observatory, and experiences that change with the seasons for you and your family.

Little ones will discover fossils in the DinoDigs exhibit hall and challenge other family members to break a world record at The Science of Guinness World Records, the newest traveling exhibit. To access this place, keep in mind that adults will pay USD $24, for children from 2 to 11 years old it costs USD $18 and it is free for children under two years old.

Key Lime Yacht Club and Cabins, Key Largo
Key Lime Yacht Club and Cabins offers you and your family a Key Largo getaway filled with sun, fun, and complimentary excursions. Sailboats, kayaks, paddle boards, bicycles, fishing gear, and snorkeling equipment are provided.

If you choose to stay in the cozy oceanfront cottages, you can purchase discounted snorkeling tours, kayaking trips, as well as sunset cruises. Each cottage is equipped with a kitchenette so you and your family can prepare meals together. The little ones in the house can be transported to an underwater universe surrounded by large-scale murals in themed accommodations like Mermaid Cottage and Manatee Cottage. Nightly rates start at $225.

Source: VISIT FLORIDA.