source: Michelle Rise
Full of lovely stretches of beach combined with amazing family friendly activities, Daytona is the perfect spring break destination. We recently spent five full days exploring the sandy beaches and city of Daytona from morning to night and could easily have done so a month if not for the responsibilities of real life.
FOR THE KIDS
We know why grown-ups love Daytona, the beach, seafood restaurants and racetrack among others. For car and motorcycle enthusiasts, Daytona is tops. But kids aren’t left out by any means. We found loads to do with our kids that combined fun with learning experiences and much of it was free. There can be no complaints from any member of the family when fun is available free of charge.
CHECK IT OUT
source: Michelle Rise
- Florida’s Tallest Lighthouse – By cruising just 20 miles south of Daytona Beach, you’ll find the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse. Explore this strikingly beautiful historic landmark with a shaded playground and lush landscaping. Our kids loved the height of the lighthouse and the playground. As a bonus, we grown-ups were able to soak up some interesting history along with beautiful scenery.
Miniature Golf – Kids of all ages love miniature golf and ours are no exception. Without even leaving our hotel, we played several games of miniature golf. Anytime you visit a city in Florida, check with your hotel for in-house activities. You’d be surprised how many fun on-site events are available for kids. You can also explore caves and feed the alligators at Congo River golf. Ask your hotel for coupons!
- Pet a Stingray – The Marine Science Center in nearby Ponce Inlet is a great way to spend some time, especially if it’s during a typical afternoon Florida rain shower. It’s what we did for exactly that reason. Besides the excitement of petting a live stingray, your kids can check out the skull of a humpback whale, moray eels and numerous fish. For any youngster interested in conservation, the sea turtle hospital section is a must see. The staff takes excellent care of injured loggerhead and green sea turtles and will patiently answer questions from curious minds.
source: Michelle Rise
- Enjoy a Luau – It’s Florida not Hawaii, yet it’s possible here in Daytona to experience an authentic Polynesian luau. We didn’t realize it was an all-you-can-eat buffet until we arrived. The food is delicious authentic Hawaiian, complete with hula and fire dancers creating an atmosphere that will have you thinking you’re several hours to the west in Hawaii. We booked our stay at the Hawaiian Inn Beach Resort right on Daytona Beach to be able to experience everything the Ohana Luau had to offer. We all went home with a few new dance moves and my littlest got a Tahitian drum set!
- Feed Your Need for Speed – Do you love NASCAR and the Daytona 500 races? Learn all about the Daytona International Speedway by taking a behind-the-scenes tour. Choose a simple informative style tour or get hands-on with the Richard Petty Driving Experience. There are ride alongs for kids as young as 6 but kids of all ages are crazy out it, especially their dads.
- Ferris Wheel – Take a stroll on the Daytona Beach Boardwalk. Play games at the arcade, enjoy carnival rides or go fishing from the historical Daytona Beach Pier. We topped our evening off with a ride on the ferris wheel for a breathtaking view of the city and the Atlantic ocean. Our kids loved the thrill but we found it nostalgically romantic.
- Children’s Museum – The Museum of Arts & Sciences offers great hands-on attractions. Our kids got a kick out of making their own pizzas but even more fun was the Tennis Ball Launcher. A free planetarium show of the night sky and a Children’s Laser Show are included with museum admission. Check show times and be sure to be present for these extra activities.
- Magic Milk Sand Art – Kids always want souvenirs. We let ours get creative and make their own at Magic Milk Sand Art. They are guided through making everything from traditional footprints in the sand to a multitude of other treasures. Think ahead and consider having them do something for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day while they’re at it.
You can see now why 5 days simply wasn’t enough time. Believe me, there is so much more to Daytona than a racetrack. However you choose to spend your spring break time in Daytona, be sure to work in beach fun for the ultimate in relaxation. Just don’t forget water for hydration and sunblock for the intense Florida sunshine. What do you enjoy most when visiting Daytona?
Bio:
As a homemaker and Mother of 5, Michelle Rise has become a family travel enthusiast. While trekking through Disney parks with her Family for over 10 years, Michelle has become an expert on navigating families through Disney. When she’s not writing about her experiences or teaching her children to drive, Michelle can be found chasing the family dog up rainbow mountain with her husband of over 25 years, Ben. You can follow Michelle on Twitter, @Rise7Up, for all of her latest writings.
I would love to visit Daytona one day. I have never been to that part of FL.
You won’t be disappointed, there truly is something for everyone in Daytona!
Florida is still in our top bucket list. I will definitely save your post. Thank you so much for sharing. You have a very beautiful daughter.
Jessica Cassidy recently posted…How to keep your face clean with Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes
Glad I was able to help, and thanks so much for the compliment! (my daughter says thank you, too. 🙂 )
Great tips and all on my bucket list to visit. Traveling is possible now that the kids are grown and on their own. I’d love to see all of these places and collect seashells in the sun. Now that sounds fun. 🙂
Laura (Lauras Little House Tips) recently posted…Egg Shell Planting-Perfect for Starting Plants
You’ll appreciate Daytona. The good news is that most Florida beaches are great for seashells and sunshine, but Daytona has so much to explore off the beach as well!
Those look so cool. My mom would go crazy over the light house. She obsessed with them.
Jennifer recently posted…Top 20 Video Games of 2014 You Need in Your Library Giveaway
We love them, too! If you have the chance, I’d recommend visiting the lighthouse in St. Augustine, Florida as well. Beautiful little town and so much to see!
Gosh, I have not been to Daytona Beach in years! I do remember the beaches were very clean there.
Kelly Hutchinson recently posted…Spring Cleaning Hacks: Homemade Dishwasher Tabs
They do take good care of the beaches, I think that’s one of the reasons we love it so much!
Oh I love visiting FL and haven’t visited in such a long time. I had no clue there are so many fun things to do. May have to check it out. Thanks so much…
Happy to help, and hope you get to visit again soon!
I’d love to visit Florida with my family. Daytona Beach sound fun for the kids and us Adults.
Amy recently posted…DIY Graduation Treasure Box Money Holder Gift Idea #ShutterflyGrad
Absolutely, Daytona has something fun for the whole family. Hope you get to visit soon!
This is one place that I’ve always wanted to visit! *sigh* someday – hopefully sooner rather than later!
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos recently posted…Dealing with Spring Sneezies
Fingers crossed for you, Daytona is well worth a visit! 🙂
I’ve never been to Daytona but I would love to attend a luau. It looks so cool and the food sounds amazing. I used to love frequenting the Kahiki restaurant when it was here in central Ohio. It went out of business years ago though.
Dee Mauser recently posted…Money Saving Coupon for Luvs
Luaus are so much fun! We loved this one because we felt like we were able to get a little taste of paradise without having to travel too far. 🙂
I had no idea you could do all of this in Daytona! What a great way to have a Luau experience without traveling to Hawaii!
Liz Mays recently posted…It’s All About Fizz and Flavor!
That’s exactly what I said! You’d be surprised what you can find in Daytona when you wander off the beaten path!
I have never been to Florida, but it is definitely one of the places we want to visit one day. Anytime I think Florida, my mind automatically goes to Disney World and Universal Studios. Love that most of the attractions are free. With our family, “free” is the right price point. Will be adding these places to our list of places to visit in Florida.
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Don’t get me wrong, we love both Disney and Universal Studios – but there are so many places in Florida to explore that won’t break your budget. That’s one reason why we love Daytona so much. Hope you get to cross these off your list soon!
What fun ideas! I love visiting children’s museums in different cities!
So do we, fun for the whole family! 🙂
This looks like such a lovely time! I’d love to get to Daytona Beach soon. Beautiful place.
Sarah @ Must Have Mom recently posted…Easy DIY Nautical Dish Soap Bottles
It is beautiful! Thanks for the feedback and hope you get to see it for yourself soon!
That looks like a full list of fun. Thank you for sharing,
kristin recently posted…National Frozen Food Month With New Ball Park Flame Grilled Patties
Thanks for your feedback, glad you liked it!
I have always wanted to visit Daytona! It sounds beautiful.
It sure is! Thanks for your feedback!
I haven’t been to Florida for a few months now. I would love to go back soon!
Dawn recently posted…New Discount Codes for Themed Party Supplies!
Now you have a list of places to visit when you come back! 🙂
I’m heading to Florida in the next couple months. I will need to check out some of these things.
Aubrey recently posted…Homemade Lemon Raspberry Cupcakes Recipe
That’s great to hear, you’re visiting at the perfect time!
We are so fortunate ti live 15 miles west of Daytona. So much to do all the time. We go for lunch or dinner all the time and just enjoy the scenery.
Myrah – Coupon Mamacita recently posted…*Just Released* $3.00 off ONE Burts Bees Renewal Face Care
If only I could live that close to Daytona beach! I feel like we found so much to do in our short five-day trip, so I can only imagine how many wonderful places you’ve found.
I remember hitting Daytona on spring break during college. It was a lot of fun
harriet recently posted…How to Make Homemade Tortilla Chips
Those were the days, huh? It’s so much fun in Daytona, for every age!
I haven’t visited Daytona since I was in high school. I am due for a visit.
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I’m sure it will be just as fun! We were surprised at how many activities we found that the whole family could enjoy.
Daytona is deifnitely on my list to go before i die! Thanks for sharing!
Katriza recently posted…Cutis Vita Skin Moisturizer Review
Glad I could help, and hope you get to visit FL soon!
I didn’t realize there was a luau there. I”d love to see one in person…Tampa or Hawaii would be fine. 🙂
We didn’t either until we stumbled across it during our stay at the resort! Daytona has all kinds of little treasures if you explore off the beaten path. 🙂
I love going to Florida. My parents are there six months a year and we always go visit. Daytona Beach is beautiful.
How lucky you are, to be able to visit that often! We can’t wait to go back.
Looks like a fun and relaxing vacation! For the adults and kiddos!
Maggie recently posted…Birchbox March 2015 Unboxing and Review #Birchbox
Definitely fun for the whole family and for every age! 🙂
I grew up in Florida, but we never did this things. I will share it with my friends and family that are still there. Looks like fun!
Thanks so much! And it’s never too late to cross these off of your list. Go for it!
I never thought to take the kids to Daytona on Spring Break. It certainly sounds like a great trip though
Our Family World recently posted…What Free Resources Are There for Coping with a Toddler Speech Delay?
Most people associate spring break at Daytona with college kids, but it really is perfect for every age! 🙂
This sounds like a ton of fun. Family vacations are the best.
The Pinterested Parent recently posted…Handprint Teapot
They sure are, and it was fun! 🙂
Florida is definitely a hotspot for spring break…I’ve only been to Orlando and hoping someday I could visit Daytona.
Dhemz recently posted…Direct Energy Rate Plans For Our Troops and Vets | #DEcares
Yes it is, and not just for college kids! Luckily that’s seemed to calm down a little bit. Orlando is amazing too, we’re a bit of a Disney-crazed family haha. Hope you get to visit Daytona soon!