Enjoy the Best of Florida Weather with These Outdoor Activities

As the weather in Florida reaches the perfect balance between cool and hot, families are looking for ways to enjoy the outdoors before the scorching heat sets in. From boat rides to petting zoos, there are plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained and engaged.

One popular option is the Pirate Water Taxi in downtown Tampa, where riders can hop on and off all day while enjoying a narrated trip along the Hillsborough River. For a more adventurous experience, the Lost Pearl pirate cruise offers swashbuckling games and entertainment for the whole family.

Animal lovers can visit the Alligator & Wildlife Discovery Center at John’s Pass Village in Madeira Beach, where they can interact with over 180 animals, including alligators, lizards, and snakes. For a more hands-on farm experience, Old McMickey’s Farm in Odessa allows visitors to learn about farm life and even milk a cow.

For history buffs, Cracker Country at the Florida State Fairgrounds offers a glimpse into 19th-century rural Florida with original buildings and costumed interpreters. The Pioneer Florida Museum and Village in Dade City also provides a historical experience with self-guided tours and special events.

As the U-pick season kicks off, families can visit farms like Upicktopia in Masaryktown to pick their own fruits and vegetables. For a dino-themed adventure, Dinosaur World in Plant City features lifelike replicas and a bone yard where kids can excavate fossils.

Adventure seekers can head to Adventure Island in Tampa, which reopens for the season with new waterslides and a revamped lounge area. With deals like a free Adventure Island pass with the purchase of a Busch Gardens Fun Card, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors before the spring break crowds arrive.