No longer is Florida’s Daytona Beach reserved for spring breakers alone. This under-appreciated destination offers plenty of family-friendly fun for parents and kids of all ages, from toddlers to teens.
Must-Visit Museums
One of the largest museums in central Florida is the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach. It’s truly a superb museum and offers a little bit of everything for everyone. Set on a 90-acre nature preserve, it has more than 30,000 objects, including one of the finest American art collections in the Southeast and one of the most significant collections of Cuban paintings found in the country. There’s the Prehistory of Florida Gallery, with a giant ground sloth skeleton; a family museum with restored railroad cars and antique automobiles, plus a huge collection of Coca-Cola memorabilia; and a state-of-the-art planetarium.
Daytona’s Marine Science Center is a hands-on museum that allows children to learn about the environment around them, most specifically the environment and biosphere found right there in Daytona and Volusia County. There’s an aquatic touch pool with stingrays and hermit crabs, as well as a toddler program three times per month with activities specially designed for visitors under age 5, making this a perfect visit for those with smaller children. It’s also budget-friendly, at only $5 per adult and $2 per child.

Teens running around on the beach. Photo: Margaret619 | Dreamstime.com
Tasty Treats
Try some vintage-style boardwalk treats at Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop, around since 1948. Try the “World’s Most Famous Taffy,” created by fourth-generation taffy makers. If you love it, you can even sign up for the taffy of the month club and have the sweet treat shipped straight to your home. Other sweets you’re sure to love include brittles, fudge and popcorn, as well as seafoam, a unique confection with an initial crunch that gives way to melt in your mouth.
Another longstanding confectioner is Angell and Phelps Chocolate Factory, founded in 1925. Stop in for a free factory tour and then browse the expansive shop to get your chocolate fix.
Fun Fests
There are fun festivals and special events occurring all spring in Daytona Beach. Visit Ponce Inlet Lighthouse on National Lighthouse Day, April 6, to celebrate Florida’s tallest lighthouse with kid-friendly activities. During Easter weekend, don’t miss the Eggstravaganza Easter Celebration in downtown Daytona Beach for games, candy and more. A Celtic Festival takes place April 13–14. There’s even a Pokemon Championship April 19–21.
Read This Next
8 Stained-Glass Windows Around the World to See
Slideshow
Feb 13, 2025#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedHotels
Feb 12, 2025Bring the Family to The Crane Resort Barbados
The Crane Resort Barbados offers endless fun for family travelers.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: A Destination for All Ages
However one is traveling, what matters is having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Among many ways to travel, multigenerational trips — on which grandparents, parents and children get to spend quality time together — are gaining popularity. Setting out on this sort of adventure? Madrid has something to offer everyone!
Dining/Entertainment
Feb 12, 2025Planet Hollywood Returns to New York City
Planet Hollywood New York officially opened its doors Feb. 3, allowing family travelers in New York City the chance to enjoy an evening in this beloved restaurant and entertainment venue. Redefining Hollywood glamor beneath a 360-degree canopy of state-of-the-art, high-definition screens, Planet Hollywood New York boasts more than 692 video tiles for an immersive dining experience.
Destinations / Europe
Feb 11, 20253 Family-Friendly Wine Tours in Tuscany, Italy
Wine tasting is part of the travel experience in Tuscany, and parents don’t need to miss it when traveling with children. These three Tuscan wineries and wine estates not only welcome family travelers but also provide special activities for young visitors.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Magic of East Crete: A Perfect Family Getaway
East Crete is a blend of stunning landscapes, history and charming towns, making it an ideal family destination. Far from the crowds of the west, the region offers pristine beaches, ancient sites and authentic Cretan villages.
Hotels
Feb 11, 2025Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Debuts Winter Getaway Experience
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina, a stunning waterfront resort on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, announced a winter getaway experience for family travelers planning some last-minute fun in the cold. With this new promotion, guests can participate in the resort’s top winter experiences.
ShareThis