Summer break is days away and soon the kids will be looking for something to do! Or maybe you're visiting central Florida and need some family-friendly activities that won't break the bank.
There's always the beach, of course. But here's a list of some other really fun things you can do without spending a dime:
Marine Discovery Center
With both indoor and outdoor activities, this is a great outing for kids (and adults) who love animals and nature! Enjoy marine aquariums, live animal feedings, interactive exhibits, butterfly gardens, an outdoor play area, nature trails, and more - All for free! This one is a must-visit for residents and visitors alike.
520 Barracuda Blvd. - New Smyrna Beach - (386). 428-4828
https://marinediscoverycenter.org/
Angell & Phelps Factory Tour
Do your kids like candy? Then head right on over to the free chocolate factory tour at Angell and Phelps. This iconic Beach Street business has been around since 1925 and offers a wide range of candies made right there! The tours are self-guided and include a free sample at the end. So fun!
154 South Beach Street - Daytona Beach - (386) 252-6531
MOAS - Museum of Arts & Sciences
The first Tuesday of every month, the Museum of Arts & Sciences offers free admission to Volusia County residents with proof of residency (driver's license, library card, utility bill, voter registration, etc.)
There's a lot to do here! There's a hands-on children's museum and exploration center, a giant ground sloth exhibit, art, one of the largest Coca-Cola memorabilia collections in the world, a huge collection of teddy bears, race cars, and a train station exhibit with two mid-century trains. For a fee, you can also enjoy a show in the planetarium (which is excellent).
352 South Nova Road - Daytona Beach - (386) 255-0285
Environmental Discovery Center
The cheerful yellow building of the Discovery Center houses nature exhibits, animal bones, and a large aquarium of local aquatic life. There's also a live honey bee colony where visitors can watch how a real bee hive operates through thick, clear glass. Outside, you'll find a large deck with binoculars for observing birds, a lake with turtles, and a few walking trails. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
601 Division Ave - Ormond Beach - (386) 615-7081
https://www.ormondbeach.org/730/Environmental-Discovery-Center
Dunlawton Sugar Mill Gardens
This is a 19th-century sugar cane plantation that was destroyed by the Seminoles at the beginning of the Second Seminole War. You can visit the ruins for free and stroll through the botanical gardens. Kids love discovering the concrete dinosaurs hiding among the plants - remnants of a 1950s amusement park called Bongoland. Open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
950 Old Sugar Mill Road - Port Orange
Hanksters Hot Rod Museum
Do your kids like fast cars? Then they'll love Hanksters! Located in an old skating rink, the showroom houses 50-75 classic cars and hot rods. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1790 S Nova Rd - South Daytona - (724) 471-2975
Ponce Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
Most kids, and many adults, have never seen a lighthouse up close. Not only can you see one in Ponce Inlet, you can climb all the way to the top! There's also a museum, picnic areas, and a playground. It's just a short walk to the beach if you want to extend your visit.
This one isn't exactly free, but close. Free admission for Ponce Inlet residents, otherwise $1.65 for children 11 and under.
4931 S Peninsula Dr. - Ponce Inlet - (386) 761-1821
Splash Pads
Looking to cool off with the kids? A splash park will do the trick! There are multiple locations throughout the county where you can play for free. Here are a few of the best:
- South Ormond Neighborhood Center - 176 Division Ave, Ormond Beach
- Whistle Stop Park - 651 Roberts Road, Edgewater
- Andy Romano Beachfront Park - 839 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ormond Beach
- Breakers Oceanfront Park - 11 S. Ocean Ave., Daytona Beach
- Debary Community Splash Park - 137 S. Highway 17-92, DeBary
- Riverwalk Park and Splash Pad - 3459 S Ridgewood Avenue, Port Orange
Storytime at the Library
All Volusia County libraries offer free story times and activities for kids. You can find a complete list with dates, times, and activities here: https://volusialibrary.evanced.info/signup/List?et=3
Various locations
Home Depot Kids Workshops
On the first Saturday of each month, Home Depot offers a free kids workshop. Each week, kids get to make a project that they can take home. Home Depot supplies all of the necessary tools and supplies. You just register for it and attend!
Home Depot stores in Port Orange, Daytona Beach, and New Smyrna Beach.
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