Best Things to Do in Tallahassee with Kids
Best Things to Do in Tallahassee with Kids: As Florida’s capital, Tallahassee is well known for lots of fun things to do with kids. Your family will love the experience in this city as the kid’s activities are fun both for teens and younger babies.
Even without the clear sands, this city has a lot to offer. This beloved town has a remarkably hilly topography and it offers a different vacation experience as we have outlined below.
Best Things to Do in Tallahassee with Kids
Find some of the fun things to do in Tallahassee for families. These things will make your Tallahassee vacation memorable.
Tallahassee Antique Car Museum
As the name includes, the main attraction in this museum is the cars. DeVoe Moore, the man who came up with the idea of the collection of cars will make it possible for your kids to understand and even see the real transformation of the vehicles over the years.
The collection of cars in this museum varies from a horse-drawn hearse to well-renowned brand automobiles like Batmobile (Batman car). Some of the oldest automobiles you will see include an 1860 horse-drawn funeral hearse and an 1896 Duryea. If your family has a special liking for cars, you can expect to see approximately 160 automobiles which has increased from 15 cars since the museum’s opening in 1996.
Things to Do for Kids
Fantastic view of the cars including the Batmobile and the original Batskiboat {both feature in Batman movie} which is very fun for kids of all ages
Inside their huge indoor space, you will also see various types of exciting collectibles ranging from one of the largest collections of case knives to fishing lures and Native American artifacts.
Recommended Ages
All ages
Nearby Recommended Hotel:
- Holiday Inn – Tallahassee E Capitol – Univ, an IHG hotel {4.75km}
- Hamptons inn Tallahassee-Central 4.51 km
Find: All Inclusive Family Resorts in Florida
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
If you and your kids love the experience in the natural world, a visit to this park should be one of your things to do in Tallahassee. Although it is located along the gorgeous Gulf Coast, around 25 miles from Tallahassee, {27 minutes away from the city}. Nature lovers are assured of loving the experience in this sure wildlife refuge.
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a large wildlife refuge that is 68000 acres and It is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the US.
The main attraction in this refuge occurs in winter when thousands of migratory birds camp during this cold season. Additionally, there are also over 40 miles of trails with both freshwater marshes, saltwater marshes, and pine forests.
Things to do
- Watch the migratory birds
- Hiking through the trails
- See wildlife like alligators, woodpeckers, American Bald Eagle, waterfowl, butterflies, and others
- Picnic
Recommended Ages
3 years and above depending on the things you want to do
Nearby Recommended Hotel
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Tallahassee {22.3 miles}
- The Lodge at Wakulla Springs {9.6 miles}
Find: Best Family Vacation Spots in Florida
Tallahassee Museum
Another place in Tallahassee that is an attraction for families is Tallahassee Museum. This 52 acres museum is full of beautiful wildlife-filled marshland
This Museum is the home to a zip line that passes through the nature trails, and treetops. If your kids are young and they cannot enjoy the zip line, there are lots of animals that can be seen in their natural habitat. Some of them include Florida panther, black bears, red wolves, red fox, grey fox, white-tailed deer, cougars, and others
Things to do
- Older kids can enjoy the zip line
- Enjoy the walk on the Museum’s raised boardwalks and see native animals in their natural settings.
- Learn about the 2 centuries of History & Heritage of North Carolina
- Enjoy a meal at their café
- Visit their museum store
Recommended Ages
All ages
Nearby Recommended Hotel Nearby
- Hampton Inn & Suites {5.83 km}
- Hotel Indigo Tallahassee {5.34 km}
Museum of Florida History
Another family attraction in Tallahassee is the Museum of Florida History. This is the museum to visit if you want to know Florida’s history. Located in the central part of the city, this free-entry Museum will offer you the opportunity to see a 27,000-square-foot gallery with more than 3,000 sq. ft. of varying exhibition space and more than 46,800 historically recognized artifacts.
Things to do
- See exhibits and artifacts.
- Learn about Florida’s past from native culture to colonization
- Shop at their historic shop
- Engage in their educational programs and special events
Recommended Ages
3 years and above
Nearby Recommended Hotel
- Residence Inn by Marriott Tallahassee Universities at the Capitol {0.3 miles}
- Home2 Suites by Hilton {1.3 miles}
Cascades Park
If your family wants to experience an outdoor activity at the center of the city, Cascades Park provides you with the best opportunity. It is Tallahassee’s main urban retreat area and a perfect spot for your family to visit. Additionally, the park also creates fun things to do in Tallahassee with toddlers.
Inside the park, you can expect a neat nature-inspired play zone called Discovery walking trails, and an outdoor stage where open-air concerts are held.
Things to do
Kids can enjoy the Imagination Fountain where random filtered water shoots into the air
In the Discover play area, your kids can try to overcome the obstacles in the play area including a Cypress Climb, Butterfly Garden, Steephead Slide, Beach Sand area, and Log Jump.
If you happen to be in the park in the evening you can enjoy a 7-minute show at the Imagination Fountain where programmed lights brighten the environment
See the historical sites like the Prime Meridian Plaza, Korean War Memorial, and Smokey Hollow Commemoration
You can also walk, jog, or bike
Recommended Ages
All Ages
Nearby Recommended Hotel:
- Hyatt House Tallahassee Capitol University {0.7 mile}
- Tru By Hilton Tallahassee Central {2.6 miles}
Mission San Luis de Apalachee
Florida State is rich in historic information and structures. Another historic attraction in Tallahassee is Mission San Luis de Apalachee. It is a history museum founded by the Catholics back in the 1600s and it is housed in a Spanish Franciscan mission. In this museum, you will discover the historic cultural interaction between the Apalachee 1600ss and the Spanish Europeans that took place in the 1500s
Things to do
- You and your kids will be able to see how church services were held back in the 1600s
- Learn about the historical agricultural and living conditions of the area.
- Kids will have the chance to discover what it was like to be a soldier living inside the fort.
- Watch a blacksmith work, as well as the farmers growing the similar crops that were grown 1500s.
- Kids can play in plenty of space available in the museum
Recommended Ages
All ages
Nearby Recommended Hotel:
Best Western Plus Tallahassee North Hotel
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
You could be wondering how National High Magnetic Field Laboratory ended up on the list of attractions for families in Tallahassee. Well, National High Magnetic Field Laboratory commonly referred to as the MagLab, is not just another lab, it is the world’s largest magnet laboratory.
If your kids have an interest in scientific content, green energy, and innovation you should ensure you plan to visit this lab. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month, the lab is freely accessible to the public. Hundreds of scientists and the general public are able to see the recent research being conducted in the lab.
Things to do
Join other visitors for tours within the lab
Recommended Ages
7 years and above
Nearby Recommended Hotel:
Aloft Tallahassee Downtown {2.3 miles}
DoubleTree by Hilton Tallahassee {2.3 miles}
St. Marks Lighthouse
Another Tallahassee Family Fun activity is visiting the St. Marks Lighthouse inside St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, at the mouth of St. Marks River. Approximately 46 minutes’ drive from Tallahassee. This lighthouse was built in 1831 and it is the largest lighthouse in Florida.
Things to do
Take lots of photos around the white brick lighthouse that stands at 73 feet tall.
Recommended Ages
3 years and above
Nearby Recommended Hotel
Best Western Wakulla Inn & Suites
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park
The Wakulla springs are not your ordinary springs, in fact, there are notable since they have featured in famous movies like Black Lagoon and Tarzan. Furthermore, your family cannot miss the chance the deepest and biggest freshwater springs in the world. Located 14 miles south of Tallahassee, these springs will give you a unique and memorable experience.
Not only are the springs surrounded by the beautiful mangrove tree, but there are displays of discovered bones of mastodons and all sorts of prehistoric creatures were once discovered in the springs.
Things to do
- Swimming at the springs
- Boat rides
- Snorkeling
- Horse riding
- Scuba diving
- See wildlife like Alligators, manatees, and birds
- Walk on the nature trails
- Get inside the 1930s Spanish-style lodge
Recommended Ages
3 years and above
Nearby Recommended Hotel
The Lodge at Wakulla Springs {0.2 miles}
Florida State University
A University may not look like an attraction for any family activity, but Florida State University is the state’s oldest university and has several kid-friendly activities. Founded in 1851, you can bet a tour inside the university will provide an unforgettable experience for your kids.
Things to do
- Visit its Heritage museum and see small artifacts that explain the growth of the university since 1851
- See their Museum of Fine art as well as see the performing arts programs
Recommended Ages
6 years and above
Lake Ella
Located on the northern side of Florida State University is Lake Ella. The area around the lake is suitable to have a relaxing stroll around the 0.7-mile-long paved pathway. The site also attracts the weekly Food Truck Thursday assembly, which draws families, students, couples, and visitors from various places.
Things to do
- kids can spot the geese, resident ducks, and turtles.
- Enjoy the traditionally prepared cookies at Barb’s Gourmet Brittles
- Stroll along the lakeside
- Sample and enjoy the delicious foods showcased every Thursday
Recommended Ages
All ages
Conclusion: Best Things to Do in Tallahassee with Kids
Tallahassee, the capital city of Florida, is a place that proves that there is more to enjoy in the state other than its beautiful beaches and clear waters. The above list of Things to Do with Family in Tallahassee will help you come up with the best activities to get involved in if you are visiting the city. Some of the above Best Things to Do in Tallahassee with Kids are found within the city while others are several miles away though not a long hours’ drive. Hope you and your family will find several fun things to do in the city
