Last Updated on September 15, 2023
It’s easy to keep kids entertained no matter where you travel in Florida, especially in the heyday of Old Florida Attractions. Tourism is Florida’s largest industry. Starting in the late 19th century, people traveled to Florida to ride glass-bottom boats, watch mermaids, and interact with the out-of-the-ordinary, exotic environment.
Although the majority of these unique roadside attractions no longer exist, many are still thriving and are a great option to create family memories that will last a lifetime.
Here are a few of our favorite Authentic Florida family-friendly Old Florida Attractions:
1. Cypress Gardens (Polk County)
Many people don’t realize that LEGOLAND® Florida has made an incredible commitment to preserving the integrity of “Florida’s First Theme Park” — the historic and enchanting Cypress Gardens. LEGOLAND® Florida restored the beautiful botanical gardens to pristine condition. The collection of native plants, including azaleas and camellias, has been reclaimed and combined with a range of exotic species to create a horticultural masterpiece. Still standing guard in the garden is the vast Banyan tree that was planted as a seedling in 1939.
In addition, LEGOLAND® Florida retains the garden’s main attraction: daily water ski shows, which now feature swashbuckling LEGO® pirates.
Cypress Gardens is preserved as one of 14 zones within the Resort. It’s important to note that admission is not available without a ticket to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. They offer great annual pass options for Florida Residents.
2. St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park (St. Johns County)
The St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park began in the late 19th Century as a small exhibition of Florida reptiles and soon became a quintessential Florida attraction. Today it functions as a modern zoo serving the public and the scientific community with educational shows and exhibits, important research, and worldwide conservation efforts.
Alligator Farm is an Old Florida Attraction that is the longest continuously running attraction. The Alligator Farm’s history as an attraction and an accredited zoo is nearly as exciting as zipping across the Alligator Lagoon on Crocodile Crossing, the park’s thrilling zip-line attraction.
Keep in mind, Alligator Farm is a hop, skip, and jump from downtown St. Augustine, America’s Oldest City. St. Augustine’s rich history is well chronicled by the landmarks that bear witness to the various occupations. The assortment of historical attractions such as the fortress-like Castillo de San Marcos and the fabled Fountain of Youth brings history to life, shedding light on its captivating and colorful past.
3. Silver Springs (Marion County)
Located in Northwest Central Florida’s Marion County, Ocala is an adventurer’s paradise and home to an Old Florida Attraction, Silver Springs State Park.
Visitors will enjoy a nostalgic tour of “old Florida” in a vintage glass-bottom boat. Boat captains share the history and ecological features while everyone views the bubbly springs and wonders below.
Those who want to be on their own should consider a kayak paddle of the Ft. King Waterway. This adventure provides a two-mile loop over the springs and past Ross Allen Island. It’s a chance to step back in time while you admire the alligators, otters, manatees, and even the non-native rhesus macaque monkeys brought in years ago that still swing from tree to tree.
Signage warns people not to feed the monkeys and to avoid interaction that might elicit an aggressive response. Just obey the warnings and there’s nothing to worry about. If you feel at all uneasy, stick with the glass bottom boat experience.
4. Gatorland (Osceola County)
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park combining Old Florida charm with exciting experiences, exhibits, and entertainment. Originally opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, the park recently celebrated its 70th Anniversary.
Today, it provides affordably-priced family fun featuring thousands of alligators and crocodiles, breeding marsh with observation tower, free-flight aviary, nature walk, petting zoo, educational wildlife programs, award-winning gift shop, Florida’s best train ride, Gator Gully Splash Park, on-site restaurant and one-of-a-kind shows including Gator Jumparoo, Alligators-Legends of the Swamp, and Up-close Encounters.
Popular adventure experiences inside the park include the Screamin’ Gator Zipline and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.
5. Crystal River, Three Sisters, and Homosassa Springs (Citrus County)
On Florida’s Gulf Coast, north of Tampa and west of Orlando, is Citrus County. It is the world’s largest natural winter refuge for the West Indian Manatee. It’s no wonder it’s known as the “Manatee Capital of the World.” The manatees are attracted to the area because of its abundance of freshwater springs.
These “gentle giants” congregate near the springs, especially during the winter (November until March). They seek the warmer spring water when Gulf water temperatures dip below 68 degrees. Often called “gentle giants” these slow-moving, 1,000-pound, 10-foot long, grayish-brown creatures are related to the elephant, as evidenced by their thick, leathery wrinkled skin.
According to manatee expert and U.S. Geological Survey research biologist Bob Bonde, “Citrus County draws an average of 1,000 manatees per year, and with a total Florida population just exceeding 6,000, that makes the area a significant draw for winter migrating herds.”
The area’s abundance of freshwater springs offers many places where visitors can observe manatees. Crystal River Kings Bay draws the largest aggregation of manatees, especially at the King’s Spring known as the Key Hole; or Hunter Springs, a local county park that provides a walkway for viewing. The emerald blue-green Three Sisters Springs has surrounding boardwalks for viewing manatees in crystal water and the Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park offers an underwater observatory.
Even when the manatees are not in abundance, it’s a wonderful way to spend the day.
6. Flamingo Gardens (Broward County)
Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre Botanical Garden and Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary. The Flamingo Gardens botanical gardens in Fort Lauderdale, (Davie) Florida, feature over 3000 species of rare & exotic, tropical, subtropical, and native plants and trees. Flamingo Gardens wildlife sanctuary is home to the largest collection of Florida native wildlife including alligators, bobcats, eagles, otters, panthers, peacocks, and of course, flamingos!
Established in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens and attractions in South Florida. Originally founded by Floyd L. and Jane Wray as an orange grove, the nonprofit botanical garden is home to 18 “Champion” trees, the largest trees of their species, including the largest tree in Florida.
The centerpiece of the gardens is a natural hammock of 200-year-old Live Oaks dripping with species orchids and epiphytes. Here sits the historic Wray Home Museum, built in 1933 by Floyd L. and Jane Wray as a weekend retreat. It is the oldest residence in Broward County west of University Drive. The building was restored in 1991 to depict a typical South Florida country home of the 1930s.
Specialized botanical gardens, including a Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden, Croton Garden, and Bromeliad Garden dot the main Arboretum.
7. Sarasota Jungle Gardens (Sarasota County)
Sarasota Jungle Gardens features acres of lush tropical vegetation, winding jungle trails and entertaining, educational bird and reptile shows throughout the day.
Established in 1939, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is home to native and exotic animals, including birds of prey, many
different species of parrots and macaws, free-roaming flamingos, primates, small mammals,
dozens of snakes, lizards, iguanas, crocodiles and other reptiles.
Visitors have a unique opportunity to interact with and experience the animals, many of which found their home at
Sarasota Jungle Gardens through approved private donations.
8. Wakulla Springs State Park (Wakulla County)
Located just 30 minutes south of Tallahassee, a true Florida adventure awaits you and your family. Wakulla Springs State Park is the origin of the Wakulla River, which flows nine miles south joining the St. Marks River, then running an additional five miles and finally dumping into the Gulf of Mexico at the Apalachee Bay.
Over 200-300 million gallons of water per day pour out of the Wakulla Spring. It is home to the largest and deepest freshwater spring in the world. The Spring is also home to the deepest and most extensive underwater cave system.
The actual Wakulla Springs preserve area is incredible, and many movies have been shot there. These include Tarzan and The Creature from the Black Lagoon.
Edward Ball, an early conservationist, and visionary purchased the property in 1934 and preserved the habitat. Later, he built the Wakulla Springs Lodge in Mediterranean revival architecture with 27 spacious rooms.
The lobby’s ceiling has beautifully painted wood beams with Florida wildlife and art. There are also marble checker tables, a huge fireplace, and “Old Joe,” a stuffed 11 ft. alligator that lived in the park. The Lodge has a dining room, with delicious baked grouper stuffed with crabmeat, fried chicken, and their famous navy bean soup. The kids will love it and so will you.
9. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park (Hernando County)
Wherever you are on the Adventure Coast, you’ll also find plenty to do and see. The area embodies everything Florida – from kitsch to the natural outdoors. There are beautiful mermaids, endearing manatees, and emerald green rolling hills dotted by farms and rural living. Located an hour west of Orlando, Weeki Wachee Springs is known around the world for its mermaids. Since 1947, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park has captivated families and children with its underwater mermaid performances.
Former Navy man Newton Perry created this roadside attraction that later became part of the Florida State Park system. Perry’s concept of beautiful mermaids performing underwater while intermittently taking breaths through slim air tubes became an instant hit for audiences. Rigorous training, elaborate (fish-tailed) costumes, and a choreographed ballet is set to music against the backdrop of clear natural spring waters.
A first-magnitude spring bubbles up from the Florida aquifer providing an incredible fishbowl stage. Guests sit in a glass theatre as mermaids perform their synchronized underwater shows. They also have special mermaid shows (especially around the holidays) that are extra festive and fun.
After the show, kids can also meet a Weeki Wachee mermaid in person. In addition to the mermaid shows, there is also a riverboat cruise, animal show, and Buccaneer Bay, Florida’s only spring-fed water park.
One pleasant surprise, this “old Florida” attraction still remains one of the best bargains in Florida.
Here are a few other articles you may enjoy:
- Rick Kilby’s 5 Favorite “Old Florida” Roadside Attractions
- A Day Trip to Florida’s Kitschy Adventure Coast
- Historic Richloam General Store Celebrates its 100-Year Anniversary
- A Road Trip to 5 Vintage General Stores in Florida
- 8 Unique and Historic Theatres in Florida
- The 20 Best Historic Hotels in Florida
- Put the Florida Mermaid Trail in Brooksville on Your Bucket List
- Making Mermaid Statues: Follow the Tails