Florida is a playground for adventure seekers so there is no shortage of adventurous things to do for spring break in Florida with teens. The state is known for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and theme parks, but there’s much more to the Sunshine State than meets the eye. From natural wonders to thrilling activities, Florida offers an array of adventures for thrill-seekers and adventurers alike.
Here are 25 things to do for spring break in Florida:
1 Visit the Everglades National Park
Home to alligators, crocodiles, manatees, and exotic birds, the Everglades is a must-see for any nature lover. The Ernest Coe entrance has options for hiking, camping, boat tours, and kayak tours. Shark Valley entrance has tram tours for wildlife viewing, bike friendly trails, and a large observation tower. You will definitely want to buy your tram tickets in advance.
The Everglades National Park is a unique and stunning ecosystem. Don’t miss one of the best experiences which is exploring its waterways on a guided airboat tour or pontoon boat into the backwaters.
If you want to extend your stay inside the park there are camping options like the eco-glamping tents and houseboat rentals at the Flamingo campground.
2 Explore the wildlife of Key Largo
One of the most popular islands in the Florida Keys, Key Largo is home to iguanas, dolphins, tarpon, and tropical fish. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is a great place to go snorkeling and explore the colorful coral reefs and diverse marine life.
Visitors can Scuba dive in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Discover dramatic coral reefs and magnificent fish life at this protected marine sanctuary.
3 Visit Biscayne National Park
Kayak or sail through Biscayne Bay: Explore stunning homesites and waterways while kayaking or sailing through one of Miami’s most beautiful neighborhoods.
I loved hiking the trail from the park visitor center to the jetty. It’s an easy trail through the mangroves with a fishing pier.
4 Big Cypress National Preserve
Take a unique hike through the swamp on Big Cypress National Preserve. One of the biggest national parks in Florida, Big Cypress is known for its vast cypress forests and freshwater lakes.
You can book a swamp walk tour through Clyde Butcher art gallery or independent outfitters that work with the national park.
5 Swim with the Manatees
Crystal River is home to a large population of manatees, and visitors can take a swim with these gentle giants in their natural habitat. It’s truly a magical adventure you can only experience in Florida.
6 Visit the Florida Caverns and Florida’s Tallest Natural Waterfall
Head to Florida’s panhandle to explore Florida Caverns State Park. This network of caves with stalactites and stalagmites is a fun family-friendly experience.
While you’re in the area, head over to Falling Waters State Park to see the tallest waterfall in Florida.
7 Visit a Dude Ranch
Westgate River Ranch is a real life dude ranch in Lake Wales Florida where you can party in a saloon, enjoy a rodeo show, ride horses, clay shooting, archery range, and take an airboat ride.
8 Kayak or SUP on the Chaz
Paddling in the calm waters of the Chassahowitzka River is a peaceful and beautiful way to explore one of the pristine waterways of the Nature Coast.
There are clear kayak and traditional kayak tours that take you to local spring fed swimming holes tucked away in the woods.
9 Zip Line Through the Treetops
Zip lining through the trees and over the wetlands at Empower Adventures in Tampa is a thrilling way to get a unique view of the surrounding landscape. There are also zipline parks in Ocala, Bradenton, Dade City, and Kissimmee.
10 Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride
A hot air balloon ride over Orlando is a serene and beautiful way to see the city and the surrounding landscape from above.
11 Hang Glide Through The Skies
For a unique and exciting adventure, try hang gliding in a power glider over the beaches of Florida’s Gulf Coast in Amelia Island with Florida Adventure Sports.
Another way to experience hang gliding in Florida is via air tow. A Wallaby Ranch a small airplane will tow you up in the glider with your guide and then you’ll gracefully float down like a human kite.
12 Take a Ferry to Egmont Key
Visit Fort DeSoto State Park and catch a ferry to spend the day on Egmont Key. The water is pristine! You may see cute gopher tortoises roaming the island and there are ruins of old military buildings for the teens to explore.
13 Explore the St. Augustine Lighthouse
Climbing the 219 steps to the top of the St. Augustine Lighthouse is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. While you’re there, the St.Augustine Alligator Farm is a fun way to spend the day.
14 Swim and snorkel the Springs of Ocala National Forest
Swimming in the clear, spring-fed waters of Silver Springs, Alexander Springs, or Juniper Springs in the Ocala National Forest is a peaceful and beautiful adventure. Salt Springs is another unique spring nearby with a natural salinity.
15 Airboat Ride
Airboats are an exciting way to see nature and wildlife but also have a lot of fun while doing it! They can access areas that are not accessible by foot or regular boat.
Of course, everyone thinks of airboat tours as something you can do in the Everglades and South Florida. However, there are unique airboat tours offered in other parts of the state as well.
We loved the wild airboat ride with Ozello Boats near Crystal River through mangroves and out into the Gulf of Mexico where you may see dolphins, sea turtles, otters, and jumping fish. There are also airboat tours in central Florida.
16 Hike to see Florida Bison
Florida Bison roam the prairie at Prairie Preserve State Park near Gainesville. Cool early mornings are the best time to spot this bison herd of more than 50 bison.
17 Visit the Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit for anyone interested in space exploration and offers a unique and educational experience.
18 Take a Horseback Ride
Riding horses on the beaches of Amelia Island is a serene and beautiful way to explore the coast and experience the state’s natural beauty.
Horse surfing in Bradenton with Beach Horses is a blast! The teens will definitely love this one.
If you’re a beginner and you are curious about horses, Gus Trent Ranch is perfect to learn about caring for horses, grooming them, and easing your way into your first ride.
19 Go River Tubing
Rainbow River is a beautiful spot for tubing. You can take the shorter 2 hour float through the Rainbow River State Park or you can launch from KP Hole for the 4 hour float.
The Ichetucknee River is a popular spot for tubing, snorkeling, and swimming, and offers a peaceful and beautiful way to experience Florida’s natural beauty.
If you’re closer to Orlando visiting the theme parks, you can also experience tubing at Kelly Park on Rock Springs Run.
20 Take a Speedboat Adventure
Take a speedboat adventure out into the Gulf of Mexico or the waters of Tampa Bay.
21 Take a Water Bike on the Hillsborough River
Tampa offers water bike rides down the Hillsborough River. There are also cycle boat rides and e-boats. Tampa’s Marina has so many fun ways to get out on the water.
Spring is here, which means it’s time for some fun in the sun! If you’re planning on taking a trip to Florida this spring, here are some things you should know before you go.
22 The Mouse (obligatory)
Of course Disney World is a popular place for families during spring break. However, you can make it special for your teenager by adding unique experiences like building their own drone or creating their own lightsaber at Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge.
If you’re a passholder or Florida resident who has been numerous times, you could also do one of the many different behind-the-scenes tours at Walt Disney World.
23 Busch Gardens
Of course Busch Gardens has the roller coasters teenagers love but they also have behind-the-scenes animal encounters which would make a place your teen may have already visited extra fun.
24 Deep Sea Fishing
Deep Sea fishing is super accessible and surprisingly affordable. We enjoyed going out with Hubbard’s Marina. You can be a complete novice and still have a great time. They will even clean your catch for you and put it on ice.
25 Segway Tour through Fort Lauderdale
If you’re spending time in South Florida, a segway tour along the Fort Lauderdale riverwalk is a must-do. If you haven’t done it before, don’t worry. It’s easy to get the hang of it.
Where to stay for Spring Break in Florida?
There are plenty of options for where to stay during Spring Break in Florida, from luxurious resorts to cozy cottages. Whatever your budget, you’re sure to find a perfect place to stay!
Check out these Florida Accommodations
What Should I Wear On My Trip To Florida?
Whether you’re planning on spending your days sunbathing on the beach or exploring the city, it’s important to pack those crucial items:
- Sunscreen and comfortable lightweight clothes.
- Sunglasses
- An umbrella/poncho
- Insect Repellant
Florida really has so much to offer for travelers and residents. Use this guide to find some unique and different things to do to plan the perfect Florida spring break vacation itinerary.
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