Florida’s Beautiful Parks for National Park Week and Year-Round
National Park Week is an annual celebration of America’s national parks, encouraging visitors of all ages to explore the beauty, history and adventures of these protected lands. Hosted by the National Park Service (NPS), National Park Week is April 19-27, 2025, to include special programs, ranger-led activities and, most immediately, free admission on the first day of the celebration!
It’s the perfect springtime opportunity for Orlando families to connect with nature, learn about conservation and enjoy the great outdoors together.
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Our very own Sunshine State, known for its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes, is home to 11 national parks. These parks provide incredible chances for Florida families to explore, from interactive visitor centers and kid-friendly hiking trails to wildlife encounters and educational programs. Here’s what you need to know about National Park Week!
Day Trips from Orlando to Celebrate National Park Week
1. Canaveral National Seashore
7611 Atlantic Ave. S., New Smyrna Beach
The closest national park to home, Canaveral National Seashore is just an hour and fifteen minutes northeast of Orlando. I’ve been a Floridian most of my life and just learned that this national treasure is the longest stretch of undeveloped Atlantic coastline in Florida. That’s pretty cool, right?
Families looking for a quiet beach experience will love Canaveral National Seashore. It offers miles of pristine shores, where kids can search for seashells and shark teeth, spot manatees in the Mosquito Lagoon or explore the Apollo Visitor Center. The short Eldora Hammock Trail is an easy-breezy hike suitable for all ages.
Even though it’s not far from home, do plan for an epic overnight stay. You see, Canaveral National Seashore has more than a dozen primitive island camping sites that can be reserved by Mosquito Lagoon. You’ll need to take your own boat, canoe or kayak; and, in addition to making reservations, a permit is also required. A few logistical steps to take but this adventure is awesome sauce.
2. De Soto National Memorial
8300 De Soto Memorial Hwy., Bradenton
De Soto National Memorial, located two hours southwest of Orlando in Bradenton, commemorates the landing of Spanish explorer Hernando De Soto. Families can watch reenactments, try on period armor and participate in hands-on activities at Camp Uzita. The shaded nature trails and scenic picnic areas make for a relaxing visit.
I am partial to The Gulf side of Florida, so I highly recommend embarking on a 1.5-hour tandem kayak tour led by a knowledgeable guide while visiting the De Soto area. Note that children must weigh at least 50 pounds, be at least 7 years old and, if younger than 15, children must be accompanied by an adult.
Worth the Drive to Celebrate National Park Week
3. Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
11 South Castillo Drive, St. Augustine
Located in St. Augustine less than two hours from Orlando, Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a hit with families, including my own. Some schools in Greater Orlando schedule a field trip—typically fourth grade level—to explore the iconic, 17th-century Spanish fort.
Kids love climbing the walls, watching cannon-firing demonstrations and engaging with costumed reenactors. As with other national park sites, the Junior Ranger Program offers a fun way for children to learn about the fort’s history.
Pssst… if and when you plan a family getaway to St. Augustine, check out some itinerary suggestions from our sister site, Orlando Date Night Guide. Specifically, read up on “10 Free Things To Do in St. Augustine To Explore Together,” “11 Kid-Friendly St. Augustine Restaurants,” and “12 Playful Indoor Things To Do in St. Augustine On Rainy Days”
4. Fort Matanzas National Monument
8635 A1A South, St. Augustine
Located just south of Castillo de San Marcos, Fort Matanzas was a secondary defense fort protecting the Ancient City. This small but mighty fort is accessible by a free ferry ride, which adds excitement for kids.
Start at the visitors center and walk scenic the nature trails. Those with eagle eyes may spot dolphins and other wildlife. Next, climb aboard the boat for a short journey over to Fort Matanzas. Brave the narrow ladder up to the top for breathtaking views.
5. Fort Caroline National Memorial
12713 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville
Venture a smidge further north to discover Fort Caroline. This locale offers a glimpse into the early European settlements in Florida. Families can explore a reconstructed fort, hike scenic trails and visit the Timucuan Preserve Visitor Center, which has exhibits and ranger-led programs geared toward kids.
6. Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
12713 Fort Caroline Road, Jacksonville
Neighboring Fort Caroline, the hidden gem of Timucuan blends nature with history. Families can paddle through scenic waterways, hike through salt marshes and explore Kingsley Plantation, where kids can learn about early life in Florida. The visitor center offers interactive exhibits and educational programs as well.
7. Everglades National Park
40001 State Road 9336, Homestead
The largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., Everglades National Park is a must-visit for families! It’s about a four-hour trek south from Orlando but, unlike most national parks, the Everglades has three entrances in three different cities. That’s because this outdoor oasis spans a whooping 1,509,000 acres across Miami Dade County, Monroe County and Collier County… with much to do.
The main entrance is in Homestead. However, families often set their GPS to one of the park’s three visitor centers: Shark Valley Visitor Center, Flamingo Visitor Center and Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. Opt for the latter to appreciate interactive exhibits and, again, the super fun Junior Ranger Program. Seriously, my littles love this free engagement because they earn badges.
Perhaps the most popular thing to do in the Everglades is take a guided airboat ride to spot alligators, turtles, fish and birds. Also, walk the Anhinga Trail, an easy boardwalk path perfect for young children. Everglades National Park hosts tons of events on a regular basis, so check the NPS calendar for listings.
8. Big Cypress National Preserve
33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee
Adjacent to Everglades National Park, Big Cypress is a picture-perfect paradise for families who love outdoorsy adventures. The boardwalks offer easy wildlife viewing of alligators, birds and turtles, while ranger-led swamp walks provide an unforgettable experience of this national park. The visitor center has fun, hands-on exhibits for kids too.
9. Biscayne National Park
9700 SW 328th Street, Sir Lancelot Jones Way, Homestead
Located just south of Miami, Biscayne National Park is 95% water, making this national park ideal for families to plunge into aquatic adventures. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center has engaging exhibits, and families can enjoy guided boat tours, snorkeling trips over coral reefs or canoeing through mangrove forests. Older children will love discovering shipwrecks on the Maritime Heritage Trail.
Biscayne National Park is often referred to as a water wonderland. And really… it’s no wonder because the family-friendly options are endless here. Totally worth the four-hour long drive from Orlando—no matter how many times the kids ask, “Are we there yet?”
10. Dry Tortugas National Park
70+ miles off the coast of Florida in The Gulf
Ok, ok, I admit it… I personally prefer to do Key West as an adult-only trip without the kids. But for parents who want to visit the Southern Most Point of the continental U.S. with the kids in tow, make sure to venture beyond the coast to Dry Tortugas National Park.
Accessible only by boat or seaplane, Dry Tortugas is a unique adventure for families. Do note that some children (and adults) tend to get queasy or seasick during the two-hour and fifteen-minute boat ride.
The highlight is Fort Jefferson, where kids can explore tunnels and learn about Civil War history. The crystal-clear waters offer excellent snorkeling and swimming opportunities, making it a great spot for children to experience marine life up close.
11. Gulf Islands National Seashore
1801 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze
Stretching from Florida to Mississippi, Gulf Islands National Seashore features pristine beaches, historic forts and diverse wildlife. Families making their way up to the Panhandle can swim, build sandcastles or explore Fort Pickens. Kids can climb old cannons and learn about military history here, among other fun things.
Plan Your National Park Week Adventure
Here are a few tips for making the most of your National Park Week experience:
- Check for special events: Many parks offer free admission and host special family-friendly programs, guided tours and interactive activities during the week. If you can’t visit any of the national parks during this celebratory week, do check schedules for other events and free admission days.
- Pack smart: As with any family outing, bring sunscreen, bug spray, plenty of water and snacks to keep kids happy and hydrated.
- Engage with rangers: Park rangers are a fantastic resource for learning more about parks and can suggest age-appropriate activities for your family.
- Participate in the Junior Ranger program: Many parks offer this free program, allowing kids to complete educational activities and earn badges. So fun!
- Download the app: Check out the National Park Service’s NPS Mobile App. Among many features, this app offers a new NPS podcast and audio tours.
- Take a virtual tour: There are more than 400 national parks across the country. If you can’t physically make it to all of the parks, explore from afar via NPS’ virtual access.
- Annual pass options: Annual passes may be a wise investment for families looking to access national parks on a regular basis. Park-goers may obtain a single site pass to a particular national park or an America the Beautiful pass which embodies nationwide access to most national parks. Complimentary annual pass options are available for military, individuals with disabilities, U.S. fourth graders and select volunteers.
