• Jungle Island (Miami): Adults might think it's overrated and touristy, but kids love it. You'll need to watch your head, however, because hundreds of parrots, macaws, peacocks, cockatoos, and flamingos are flying above. Continuous suitable (but cheesy) shows star bicycle-riding cockatoos, high-flying macaws, and stunt-happy parrots. There are also tortoises, iguanas, and a rare albino alligator on exhibit. Star-struck folk may also want to keep their eyes on the crowds, which tend to draw big-name celebs with toddlers in tow.
  • Miami Children's Museum (Miami): This museum has hundreds of bilingual, interactive exhibits, along with programs, classes, and learning materials related to arts, culture, community, and communication. It also has a re-creation of the NBC 6 television studio and a working music studio in which aspiring rock stars can lay down tracks and play instruments.
  • Sea Grass Adventures (Miami): This is not your typical nature tour. With Sea Grass Adventures, you will be able to wade in the water on Key Biscayne with your guide and catch an assortment of sea life in the provided nets. At the end of the program, participants gather on the beach while the guide explains what everyone has just caught, passing the creatures around in miniature viewing tanks.
  • Miami Science Museum (Miami): The Science Museum features more than 140 hands-on exhibits that explore the mysteries of the universe. Live demonstrations and collections of rare natural-history specimens make a visit here fun and informative. Many of the demos involve audience participation, which can be lots of fun for willing and able kids and adults alike.
  • J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Sanibel Island): Consisting of more than half of Sanibel Island, this 6,000-plus-acre area of mangrove swamps, winding waterways, and uplands has a 2-mile boardwalk nature trail and a 5-mile, one-way safari-esque Wildlife Drive on which you'll view a motley crew of species, including alligators, raccoons, birds, and other wildlife.
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (Tampa): Although the thrill rides, live entertainment, shops, restaurants, and games get most of the ink at this 335-acre family theme park, Busch Gardens also ranks among the top zoos in the country, with several thousand animals living in naturalistic environments. If you can get them off the roller coasters, kids can find out what all those wild beasts they've seen on the Discovery Channel look like in person.
  • MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) (Tampa): The largest educational science center in the Southeast, MOSI has more than 450 interactive exhibits in which the kids can experience hurricane-force winds, defy the laws of gravity, cruise the mysterious world of microbes, explore the human body, and more. The museum is one of very few in the world to feature the articulated remains of a sauropod dinosaur. They can also watch stunning movies in MOSIMAX, Florida's first IMAX dome theater.
  • The Ringling Circus Museum (Sarasota): Located within the FSU Ringling Center for the Cultural Arts, this museum isn't clowning around when it comes to telling the history of the circus. Devoted to circus memorabilia, the museum features everything from parade wagons and calliopes to costumes and colorful posters.
  • Universal Studios Florida (Orlando): Universal Orlando's original theme park (and working movie studio) is filled with rides based on blockbuster movies and hit TV shows. Woody Woodpecker's Kid Zone, with its zippy pint-size coaster, water slide, and water play area (not to mention the numerous attractions aimed at the toddler set), will keep the kids busy for hours.
  • Universal's Islands of Adventure (Orlando): Hollywood hits, classic comics, and beloved books spring to life here. Thrill seekers and coaster crazies won't want to miss the Hulk, Spiderman, and the Dragon Challenge (at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter), while the Me Ship Olive, Camp Jurassic, and all things Seussian will thrill the younger set -- and that's just a sampling of what awaits you here.
  • Disney's Magic Kingdom (Orlando): Opened some 40 years ago, this remains Disney's premier park. Rides and attractions based on classic Disney characters (think princesses like Cinderella, Ariel, and Snow White; adventurers like Peter Pan, Buzz Lightyear -- and even Captain Jack) have guests of all ages squealing with delight. Thrill seekers, fear not, as rides like Splash Mountain, Space Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean will keep you coming back for more.
  • Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral): Despite the changes afoot in the space program, a recent multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion has made this destination a must-see even if the shuttle program is winding down. There is plenty to keep kids and parents busy for at least a full day, including computer games, IMAX films, and dozens of informative displays on the space program.
  • Daytona International Speedway (Daytona Beach): Behind-the-scenes tours take speed fans into the garages, the drivers meeting room, the press box, and even the victory lane. Or experience a 200-mph ride on a simulator at The DAYTONA 500 Experience, a 60,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art interactive motor-sports attraction where you can learn about the history, color, and excitement of stock car, go-kart, and motorcycle racing in Daytona.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.