#he works at a local kids science museum and id really like to work w them on something but they charge way too much

[anotherpapercut]

trying to email someone I barely know to see if they can give me free stuff. wish me luck

[randyk1m-blog]

There is such an amazing variety of things to do in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Being located between 2 large cities – Milwaukee and Chicago – you get a small town feel with lots of great activities to do.

Here are our recommendations on things to do when you visit Kenosha either for a day trip, the weekend or longer! 

Museums

There are 5, yes you read that right, 5 museums in the Kenosha area and some of them are even listed as part of the Smithsonian Institution. These museums are no joke and well worth a visit! And the best part is you get an amazing museum without all the people that are drawn to the larger museums in Milwaukee and Chicago.

Civil War Museum

A top of the line museum where you can learn all about the Civil War and how it impacted the Midwest. It is the only Civil War museum in the country that focuses specifically on the Midwest during the Civil War.

Part of the museum is free where you can walk around and then go into the activity center for hands on Civil War activities including costumes you can try on and different activities you can do. All for free. 

The Fiery Trail and Seeing The Elephants film are the sections you have to pay for. $9 per adult and kids 15 and under are free with a paying adult. It is definitely worth it to pay for this.

The Fiery Trail takes you on a journey through the personal stories of Midwesterners before, during and after the Civil War. The stories range from nurses to soldiers to slaves and children. You can even sit next to them on the “train” and here their story first hand! No they aren’t real people but figurines dressed up in period clothes with voice recording. Still a pretty cool experience!

Seeing The Elephants is a 360 degree movie that shares the story of first combat for a group of soldiers. The 360 degree screen it is shown on is a whole experience in itself.

They also have a variety of workshops and classes throughout the year – so be sure to look into that as well. And once you are done with the museum head over to the gift shop for a look around.

Cost: $9 to see everything (kids under $15 free) Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 12 – 5pm (always check the website to confirm dates and times they are open) Website: https://museums.kenosha.org/civilwar/

Dinosaur Discovery Museum

The Dinosaur Museum is the only museum to focus on the link between meat-eating dinosaurs and birds with the largest collection of meat-eating theropods on display. They are also recognized by the Smithsonian Institute. And it is all FREE!

When first entering they have a great hands on area that has a large digging station, puzzles and a variety of other dinosaur related activities. It will be hard to get your kids to leave this area.

Next you head into the main Dinosaur room where they have more than 20 dinosaurs displayed. This would be a great time to ask if Nick is in and available to do a tour. Yes FREE tours by someone that knows everything there is to know about the museum and dinosaurs! Hopefully you are there on a day he is available – just ask at the front to see and tell him Crazy Family Adventure sent you. 

If he isn’t available never fear there are signs sharing the names of the dinosaurs along with facts on them.

Once done here (could take 5 minutes to quickly walk through or over an hour if Nick comes up to take you on a tour or if you take your time reading all of the signs). Head down to the basement. This is where a working lab exists that the local Carthage Institute of Paleontology group uses to work on bones they have found on their expeditions. You can look in on what they have been working on from glass windows.

This area is also filled with more hands on activities that you can do with the kids. Nick had mentioned there was going to be even more added to this area soon so it is definitely worth coming down to see what they have setup.

They also offer a variety of classes so be sure to look into that. 

Cost: FREE – donations accepted! Hours: Closed Monday. Open Noon – 5pm Tuesday thru Sunday (always check the website to confirm dates and times they are open) Website: https://museums.kenosha.org/dinosaur/

Kenosha Public Museum

The Kenosha Public Museum is a natural sciences and fine and decorative arts museum located down by the lakefront in Kenosha – right next to the Civil War Museum and overlooking Lake Michigan. One of the main attraction is the Mammoth that was excavated right in Kenosha. You can also walk through the four season Native American display. And on some dates they will have a worker at the end of the display dressed in costume and available to show you artifacts and to talk about the history of the area. 

Upstairs they have evolving exhibits – usually fine arts inspired. Plus an amazing place you can sit out to look out over the beautiful lakefront and Lake Michigan. 

One of the things our kids like to do best is head to the hands on area that is filled with different activities for the kids to do. From light tables to building blocks to books and stuffed animals. There are lots of things to touch, feel and play with here! 

They also offer a variety of classes so be sure to look into that. 

Cost: FREE – donations accepted! Hours: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 12 – 5pm(always check the website to confirm dates and times they are open) Website: https://museums.kenosha.org/public/

Southport Light Station and Museum

Come learn all about the Lighthouse and the history and growth of Kenosha. Plus if it is open you can go up in the Lighthouse for an amazing view of the lakefront and Kenosha. 

The museum is located in the Lighthouse keepers house. A few of the rooms show what it would have looked like back with the Lighthouse keeper lived here. The other rooms have displays and images explaining the history of the Lighthouse.

Ron is usually there when the museum is open and he is loaded with amazing information on Kenosha, the Kenosha Lighthouse and just lighthouses in general! If he is available ask for a tour and you will learn everything you want to know.

Cost: FREE Hours: Open May 2, 2019 – October 27, 2019: Thurs.-Sat. 10am-4pm, Sun. 12-4pm (always check the website to confirm dates and times they are open) Website: https://www.visitkenosha.com/things-to-do/southport-light-station-museum

Kenosha History Center

The Kenosha History Museum is split up in different timeframes. Starting from when Kenosha was first settled into the automobile era. With a variety of other displays throughout. Plus the gift shop is the perfect place to get books and documents on more Kenosha history! If you are interested in learning more about the city this is where you should go! 

Cost: FREE Hours: Open Tues.-Fri. 10am-4:30pm, Sat. 10am-4pm, Sun. 12-4pm (always check the website to confirm dates and times they are open) Website: http://www.kenoshahistorycenter.org/

Activities

Kenosha is filled with all different kind of activities from things you pay for to things that are free. Visit the Renaissance, go skiing, watch a play, take in a sporting event, the list goes on and on! 

Bristol Renaissance Faire 

If you are coming to the area in the summer you won’t want to miss the Renaissance Faire. It is such a unique and fun experience for the whole family! It is a whole village that is built to represent Renaissance times when Queen Elizabeth the first ruled. And yes Queen Elizabeth will make an appearance. 

You can walk around and check out all of the shops – that are only allowed to have products similar to what would have been sold during the renaissance timeframe. Things like hand made candles, swords (REAL swords), jewelry, wood cups, chain mail (for real!), and so much more. 

Then spend the rest of your time watching the fun shows! They have a mud wrestling show, Adult only Pub Crawls, Comedians, Acrobats, hawks and more! They even have a joust! These are really shows that you won’t find anywhere else – well unless you go to another Renn Faire somewhere else in the country. A lot of the shop owners and performers do this full time and travel around the country attending Renn Faires all year. 

It has been a tradition for us to go to the Renn Faire (and dress up in costume – people do that!) since I was 8 years old!

Cost: Adult single day – $25.95, Senior (62+) & Military w/ID  – $24.95 (Box Office only), Child (ages 5-12) single day – $11.50, Children 4 and younger are FREE! You can usually find coupons online – and be sure to check their site for the most current prices.  Hours: (July 4th weekend to Labor Day and only weekends) Website: http://renfair.com/bristol/

Wilmot Mountain

If you are looking to spend an amazing day skiing, snow boarding or tubing this is the place for you. Wilmot Mountain has a variety of different levels of ski hills. And if you don’t have equipment – never fear! They have a huge collection of everything to rent.

If you are new to skiing or snowboarding they have an awesome group of instructors to show you the ropes.

You can easily make a day out of it by starting the day with lessons then spending the rest of the time on the hills. They also have a cafeteria and a restaurant. Along with a fire-pit you can sit around and watch the skiers come down.

Cost: Varies based on what you are looking for – check their site for details.  Hours: Check their site to confirm when they are open based on when you want to go. Website: https://www.wilmotmountain.com/

Rhode Center For The Arts

If you are in to theatre, then be sure to check out what is playing at the Rhode Center For The Arts. It is small town theatre but they still do a great job. Plus it means it is a smaller theatre so every seat is good! They have different plays throughout the year so check out their site for the most recent info.

Cost: Tickets normally start at $10 each Hours: Check site for plays, dates and times Website: http://www.rhodecenter.org/

Kingfish game 

If you are there during the season don’t miss Kenosha’s collegiate league baseball team. They do a really great job of having activities for the kids throughout the game. Plus the stadium is nice and compact so there isn’t a bad seat in the place!

Cost: Tickets start at $8 – check site for all options Hours: Spring and Summer – check site for game dates and times Website: https://northwoodsleague.com/kenosha-kingfish/

College Athletics

What sport do you want to go and see? Between Division 2 UW-Parkside and Division 3 Carthage College there is a huge list! Football, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball, Wrestling the list goes on and on. Check out the college website for details.

Cost: Varies – check site and event for pricing Hours: D2 and D3 – year round Website: UW-Parkside – D2 or Carthage College – D3

Kenosha Comedy Club

Kenosha has its own Comedy Club where you will see two opening comedians plus a national touring headliner for 90 minutes on Friday and Saturday nights. No need to deal with traffic and big cities to see a comedian. Make a night out of it in downtown Kenosha with dinner at one of the many downtown restaurants and then walk over to the Comedy Show.

Cost: Tickets start at $12 each – check site for details based on show Hours: Friday and Saturday nights – check site for times of shows. Website: http://www.kenoshacomedyclub.com/

Glass Blowing at Flamed Beginnings

Want a fun and unique activity to do as a family? Checkout Flamed Beginnings. Mike the owner is awesome at what he does and he is a great teacher. You can contact him to setup your own private lesson and learn how to blow glass! We did 4 classes with our kids and it was such a cool experience and one of the kids favorite activities that we did when we were back in Kenosha this winter. 

Cost: Prices vary – Ask Mike when you talk to him Hours: Classes are usually on the weekend – but the shop is open every day starting at Noon.  Website: https://www.facebook.com/FlamedBeginnings/

Kenosha Harbormarket

During the warmer months (May – October) you can visit the outside Farmers Market. Every year it gets bigger and bigger and they bring in more vendors. The have local honey and meat, handmade baskets, popcorn, all sorts of food and more! It is a fun way to spend a Saturday morning. During the winter months they bring the market indoor – it is a smaller market but still has a lot of good items. 

Cost: Free Hours Outdoor: Saturdays outdoors, mid-May to mid-October, 9am-2pm Saturday Website: Summer: https://www.visitkenosha.com/shopping/kenosha-harbormarket-shopping Hours Indoors: Saturdays indoors at Rhode Center for the Arts, 514-56th Street, mid-October to mid-May, 10am-2pm Website: Winter: https://www.visitkenosha.com/shopping/kenosha-winter-harbormarket

Ice Skating (Winter)

A perfect winter activity. The city sets up a small ice rink – it is small, but that works out well for beginner skaters. Don’t have skates? Don’t worry you can rent them for FREE – yes Free! Here is a great activity to do and if you aren’t sure if you will enjoy it you can go and try for free – love that!

Cost: Free Hours: Skate Rental: 4 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays, and noon to 7:30 p.m. Sundays Website: https://www.visitkenosha.com/things-to-do/veterans-memorial-park

Jelly Belly Warehouse Tour

Are you a fan of Jelly Belly jelly beans?! Then you definitely want to head out to the Jelly Belly Visitors Center. They have a FREE tour where they take you through the warehouse and explain the origin of the Jelly Belly. And the best part – at the end of the tour they give you FREE Jelly Belly’s! After that spend time in the store for anything and everything Jelly Belly – it is the largest Jelly Belly store I have ever seen. And you can even sample flavors of Jelly Belly’s and fudge.

Cost: Free Hours: 7 days a week 9am-4pm they run the tours. The store is open until 5pm.  Website: https://www.jellybelly.com/wisconsin-warehouse

Petrifying Springs Biergarten

A German Biergarten in the middle of a county park. Love it! You put a deposit on a “boot” – a big glass when you get there – it is $5 cash only. Then order and pay for what you want to drink. Before you leave turn in the token they give you for the glass and you get your $5 back.

They also have super big pretzels and a few other German style snack foods. Wednesday night is trivia night and pretty much every other night of the week they have something else going on.

This is perfect for parents since it is surrounded by a big open field that the kids can run and play on while you sit at the picnic table and enjoy your beer! Win – Win!!

Cost: Cash – $5 for beer glass rental then cost of beer or food you purchase Hours: Website: https://www.petsbiergarten.com/

Petrifying Springs (or Pets)

This is the county park where the Biergarten is located. Besides the Biergarten they also have trails for short hikes and paved bike path that runs through the whole park. Plus multiple playgrounds and pavilions you can rent or just hang out in if no one is there.

If you like Golf be sure to check out the golf course here. It is priced well and is a nice course. 

Hawthorn Hollow is another fun outdoor place to check out!

Cost: Free Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Website: http://www.kenoshacounty.org/1652/Petrifying-Springs-Park

Parkside Cross Country Trail

If you are into trail running or just like to go on a nice walk be sure to checkout the Parkside Cross Country Trail – which is located right across the street from Pets and the Biergarten.

In Winter you can cross country ski here too.

Just be aware if there is a cross country race going on you will not be able to go on the trails.

Cost: Free Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Website: http://www.trailville.com/wiki/WI_Kenosha_Parkside_Trails

Golf courses

There are a variety of golf courses in Kenosha at great prices and nice courses! Petrifying Springs, Muni and Brighton Dale are all owned by the city. Then if you are looking for a private owned course you can check out Maplecrest. 

Cost: Varies by course Hours: Seasonal (Spring/Summer/Fall) Website: https://www.visitkenosha.com/things-to-do?category=12

Disc Golf

Looking for a different thing to do? Check out the professionally built Disc Golf course at UW Parkside! The course is woven throughout 700 acres and is an 18 hole course! If you don’t have equipment be sure to check out the Disc Golf Pro-shop located in the University Bookstore – they have everything you would need to buy to play a round!

Cost: You have to pay for parking during the week – check out the site for details so you don’t get a ticket! Hours: Always open Website: https://www.uwp.edu/live/play/disc-golf.cfm

Kenosha Lakefront

Kenosha has done a great job focusing on the Lakefront and making it a great place to go to hang out for the day, to have a picnic or to go for a nice walk. There is nice walking trail, parks, beaches, flowers, and benches everywhere.

Cost: FREE Hours: Always open

Trolley Ride

When you are downtown jump on the Historic Trolley for a tour of downtown between Kemper Center and Carthage. What kid doesn’t like a trolley ride!

Cost: $1 for 13 & older, $.50 for 5 – 12. 4 & under FREE with paid fare. Military – FREE Hours: Open Seasonally – warm weather: Wed-Sun. 1:45-9:15pm (always check site to confirm times) Website: https://www.visitkenosha.com/things-to-do/lakefront-trolley

Electric Streetcar

Not just a Trolley but also a Streetcar downtown! Be sure to jump on the Streetcar for a 2 mile roundtrip along the Lakefront in Kenosha.

Cost: $1.00 ages 13 and older / $.50 ages 5 to 12 / 4 and under free. Hours: Open year round – different hours based on season. Check website for hours.  Website: https://www.visitkenosha.com/things-to-do/electric-streetcar-circulator

Beaches

No, this isn’t Florida but there are still nice beaches to visit in Kenosha! The water is a little bit colder and don’t let a lake fool you – the currents and riptides can be more dangerous than an ocean. So be aware.

On a sunny day bring the sand toys and beach chairs and spend a day hanging out at the beach! There are 5 beaches in Kenosha on Lake Michigan to pick from.

Cost: Free Hours: Open all the time Website: https://www.visitkenosha.com/search?searchtext=beaches&searchmode=anyword

Peanut Butter and Jam

One of our favorite summer activities! Head down to the lakefront with your lawn chairs, dinner, and drinks to enjoy a FREE concert! They do this every Thursday in the summer and it is awesome! Bring your own and free music. Love it!

Cost: FREE Hours: 11:30am and 6pm on Thursdays in July and August (check site for details) Website: https://www.visitkenosha.com/events/peanut-butter-jam-concert-series-(8)

Events

All summer long there is Event after Event being held on the Lakefront in Kenosha. They never disappoint so be sure to check them out! Everything from Tall Ships (that come in on Lake Michigan), a Marathon, Beer Festivals and more! 

Cost: Some have fees and some are free Hours: Vary based on event Website: https://www.visitkenosha.com/events

Breweries

You know we love to check out breweries and Kenosha does not disappoint! There is: Public Craft Brewing Co, RNoggin Brewing Co, and Rustic Road Brewing Co.

Where To Stay

Stella Hotel

Not open yet! But opening soon! A Boutique Hotel – with on-site restaurant/bar and seasonal rooftop bar with views of Lake Michigan. I can’t wait to check this one out when it opens.

Wyndham Garden Kenosha Harborside 

An older hotel that has been remodeled. Located right in downtown by a lot of the attractions and museums. Walk everywhere! 

Candlewood Suites Kenosha

This hotel (and a variety of others) are located out by I-94. It is about a 15 minute drive to get to downtown from here. It is located by a lot of the chain restaurants in town and shopping. 

For other Kenosha hotel ideas check out TripAdvisor. 

What To Eat

Pizza!! We’ve traveled the country and we still think Kenosha has the best thin crust pizza any where. You can’t lose picking from Villa D Carlo, Tenutas, or Casa Capri, just to name a few.

Other delicious eats in KTown include Grabs Burgers, La Fogata, Mike’s Chicken & Donuts, Choo Choo Charlies, Rustic Road Brewery.

Check out our post: 9 Delicious Kenosha Restaurants You Will Want To Eat At for more ideas! 

Other Things To Do In The Area

24 Fun And Exciting Things To Do In Chicago With Kids [Video Included]

18 Amazing Things To Do In Milwaukee This Week

39 Reasons You Will Fall In Love With Green Meadows Farm

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                  **Thank you to Visit Kenosha for hosting parts of our stay. All opinions are our own. This post contains affiliate links.**

The post 27 Wonderful Things To Do In Kenosha, Wisconsin [Including Where To Stay] appeared first on Crazy Family Adventure.

[2traveldads-blog]

We always love to visit places we’ve heard about but never been before.  We especially love finding the unknown side of a city or area…. like Daytona Beach.  The first thing that comes to mind when you hear Daytona is either NASCAR racing or spring break, but we were just there exploring the area and did all kinds of family friendly activities in Daytona Beach.

First off, there is so much more to the area than just the beach or NASCAR events.  We’re all about exploring the smaller towns and getting into nature so activities in Daytona Beach and the surrounding towns really made for a fun trip.  Take a look how we planned a vacation in Daytona Beach that got us into the Florida back country, showed us some history, gave a dose of science AND allowed for fun beach time.  

Getting to the Daytona Area

I wish every layover happened in the Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB).  Yes, it’s a tiny airport but it’s beautiful, clean, not crowded and so easy.  With only a few airlines flying via DAB it’s not a madhouse at all.  Also, depending on the season and day of the week DAB flights are fairly inexpensive, which is such a bonus when you’re talking about family travel.

If you’re driving, Daytona Beach lays a third of the way down Florida’s Atlantic Coast.  We paired a trip to Daytona with a vacation to St Augustine, but it can easily be added onto an Orlando trip or be its own thing.

Note:  although a small airport DAB has plenty of rental car options, including companies that will allow one-way rentals, to or from DAB.

Activities on Daytona Beach

We love beach days and we’ve done them all over Florida, most recently up and down the Florida Gulf Coast.  Activities on Daytona Beach are very different from other beach towns.  Here vehicles are allowed to drive on the beach almost everywhere and there are designated lanes of traffic.  It’s odd.

Tip:  if you want to do beach time with kids, plan it at LOW TIDE so that there is more space for them, as when the tide comes in the play space in minimized and it’s not safe for children due to the cars.

Riding Bikes on the Beach

One of the activities in Daytona Beach we enjoyed was riding beach bikes ON the sand.  We’ve rented bikes in Victoria BC and in Georgia’s Golden Isles (on both St Simons and Jekyll Island), but have never ventured directly onto the beach with them.  It’s a totally different way to experience it.  We got our bikes through Blue Coast Shop and were outfitted with trailers, helmets (optional), bike locks and storage bags.  Our bikes had big fat tires meant for riding on sand.

Biking on the beach is not as easy as biking on pavement or mountain bike trails.  On the beach you need to keep up your pace and really pay attention to where you’re riding.  There are pockets of soft sand that’ll make you tilt or over-correct if you’re not paying attention, or there are hard pressed bumps from cars being on the beach.  And then if you’re riding just off the tide line you might just have to ride through the edge of a wave if you’re not careful.  It’s really a mixed bag.  Totally fun, but if you’re looking for an easy ride, this ain’t it. This is a workout to remember and you’ll love it!

Tip:  if you want to snap pictures while riding, use a GoPro with a strap. Shore bird will fly alongside you and it’s the coolest shot if you can capture it!

Adding some Science to your Vacation

Since we get to travel so much our kids get to experience all kinds of nature and beauty and we’re so thankful for that.  With it though, we also like to work in educational stuff as much as possible and there are the perfect activities in Daytona Beach and around for that!  

MOAS Children’s Museum and Planetarium

The Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences is quite the place.  With collections of historical artifacts, Americana/memorabilia, some beautiful art galleries, a children’s museum and a planetarium, you could spend hours here wandering.  It’s actually a great idea if you’ve been spending too much time in the sun and need a little break.

If you know me in real life or just have been following our blog for awhile you know that children’s museums are an anxiety attack waiting to happen for me.  Denver has a very nice one, but the one here in Daytona was ideal.  It wasn’t too big and it wasn’t overly crowded.  The kids had a blast!  Most of our time was spent doing the cause and effect activities, but our youngest, Elliott, loved the black-light room where he could build a skeleton.  It was ridiculously silly.

The Planetarium at MOAS was also really cool.  We weren’t there during a full on space exploration presentation, but got to see a laser show instead (and it wasn’t a Pink Floyd one).  The kids loved watching the laser story of Orion’s Belt and the mythology behind it.  Totally random fun activity in Daytona.

Tip:  check the MOAS website for a full planetarium schedule including special space events.

Ponce Inlet Marine Science Center

We’ve got a few really awesome local aquariums in the Pacific Northwest, so you might say that we’re aquarium aficionados.  What made the Ponce Inlet Marine Science Center so great was the bottomless education available at every display.  From learning about pollution in the oceans to touching stingrays and hearing about each one’s individual personality, it was a treat.  There were lots of staff available for questions and hands on opportunities.

Fun story:  we asked about local bird watching, specifically looking for roseate spoonbills and the most awesome lady, Shell, gave us info, maps, and even had us pop back to her office to check for local tips online.  She and everyone else was ready and willing to play teacher and tour guide.

Turtle Recovery and Conservation

We love when an attraction type place is actually there for a purpose and not just entertainment.  The Ponce Inlet Marine Science Center is just that.  In addition to learning about the local environment and interacting with the sea life you’ll see just offshore, they also have a Sea Turtle Hospital ICU Ward.  Here they treat and nurse injured sea turtles of all kinds and sizes.  While this isn’t necessarily the “attraction” of the Ponce Inlet Marine Science Center it was the best part for us.  Veterinarians watch over the many turtles treating their wounds and conditions with great care.

There is also a bird sanctuary and recovery center.  This was a great surprise for us, with recovering pelicans, owls, hawks, and even a pair of bald eagles.  There is a good portion of the complex that isn’t accessible to the public, but we could hear the birds squawking as they were being treated.  Such a wonderful group of people taking care of Florida’s wildlife.

Tip:  if you’re traveling northward there is another cool operation in Georgia’s Golden Isles:  the Georgia Sea Turtle Center on Jekyll Island.  Their operation is a bit bigger, servicing a very diverse ocean-going clientele.

History in the Daytona Area

Before arriving in the Daytona Beach area we know very little about the area…except for its NASCARness.  Daytona was actually settled in 1870 and has some great pockets of culture and cool sights.

Ponce Inlet Lighthouse

We climb every lighthouse we come across.  We have an adorable one in our area, the Point No Point Light (it’s so tiny!), so we feed out need for nautical fun every few weeks with a visit.  The Daytona Beach area has one that’s much much cooler:  the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse.  At 175 feet tall and built in 1887 it’s quite the sight.  The area surrounding the tower, once keepers quarters and utility buildings, is actually a collection of small museums all about lighthouses and the area’s seafaring past.

Tip:  if you’re traveling with little kids, this is a great place to visit as there are no height restrictions to climbing the 203 steps.  The St Augustine Lighthouse has 219 steps and has a height restriction of 44 inches tall, so not all kids can climb.  The only restriction to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse is that any climbers must do it on their own; they cannot be carried.

DeLand Historic District

This spot is a bit out of the way, but if you’re venturing inland it’s a great area to stop for lunch and maybe go for a stroll.  The town of DeLand is exactly what you picture when you think of a turn-of-the-century settled town.  It’s got perfect sidewalks lined with trees, squares and greenspace, and Stetson University right in the middle of the historic district.  We stopped in for sushi and a short stroll.  It was night and day different from Daytona Beach where we’d been for the last few days.

Florida’s Back Country

When we did our epic Florida Gulf Coast road trip we got to head inland and explore some of the natural springs.  Florida has over 1000 springs and they’re all different and beautiful.  We visited two while on our Daytona Beach trip.

De Leon Springs State Park

Best breakfast ever.  What?  At a state park?  Yep, totally true.  Within DeLeon Springs State Park is the Old Spanish Sugarmill Restaurant.  Um, it was meant for us.  The tables have their own griddles in the middle and you pay per person for different types of pancake batter that you cook yourselves.  It’s the coolest and the kids had a blast.  The Old Spanish Sugarmill has been in operation since 1961 and I hope it outlives us.  The staff was so nice and truthfully, we were wishing we’d discovered it on day one in Daytona.

Tip:  if you have somebody with allergies, there are enough moms and gramas working at the Old Spanish Sugarmill that you need only mention a tiny concern and they’re on top of it! We were able to have a great time in a completely egg-allergy safe environment.

Beyond the fun restaurant there’s more. De Leon Springs State Park is the home of the Fountain of Youth.  Wait… Wasn’t the Fountain of Youth in St Augustine?  Yes, there too.

The beautiful head springs found in De Leon Springs State Park also lay claim to being the fount, Bimini.  It was a legend for the longest time and thank goodness Juan Ponce decided this was it… or the St Augustine site is it…  It’s beautiful, either way, and I swam in it.  Now you won’t see me age in our pictures.

Once you’ve dipped in the Fountain of Youth, you should head down river on an ecotour to learn more about the spring and the marshlands surrounding it.  We had a very chill naturalist lead us down river, spotting all kinds of birds and cypresses, as well as alligators and even a manatee.  The kids really enjoyed the abundance of wildlife on our ecotour.

Note:  if you’re not familiar with the term, an ecotour is a tour where you’re introduced to and learn about the ecosystem of the area, so it’s not just sightseeing; an ecotour’s purpose is to teach and inspire conservation of the delicate natural world.

Tomoka State Park

After doing several other kayak and ecotour expeditions we were ready to explore Tomoka State Park on our own.  We rented kayaks from the Tomoka Outpost within the state park and headed out.  The kids are pros at water safety so jumping in a kayak is NBD (no big deal)… but when the warning from the state park comes with “be aware of alligators and sharks in the brackish water…” we’re a little more cautious.  We talked to the kids about staying calm and keeping their hands out of the water and then set sail.

Renting kayaks at Tomoka State Park was really easy, and since we headed up river we had a very safe experience.  It’s easy to turn up each little channel and wander through the grass islands in your kayak, so having a continuous flow back out to the Innercoastal Waterway keeps you going the right way and you cannot get lost.  This is super awesome when you’re kayaking with kids because they want you to paddle up all of the most narrow waterways available.

Tip:  don’t forget your extra water on the kayak trail, as it’s hot and in the middle of the grass islands there is very little wind to cool you off.

Blue Springs State Park

Our final adventure activities in Daytona Beach landed us at Blue Springs State Park… so we save our best for last.  Much like Rainbow Springs State Park on the Gulf side, Blue Springs is beautiful beyond words.  We we directed here by some other folks on our ecotour in De Leon Springs State Park and I’m so glad we listened.

We parked in the main parking area and started hiking upriver.  I say hiking, but it was all on boardwalks.  As if the Spanish moss swaying in the tree above us wasn’t enough, we started out jaunt along the river and were completely sucked into the gorgeous water.  There was viewing platform after viewing platform as we wandered up river… and then we got to get in!!!  

Oliver, our oldest, and I got in first.  We swam around and played, but needed a better area for all four of us to get in.

After walking past the tube rental station (that’s right!) we found a great spot for all of us to get into the river and enjoy the crystal clear water.  Closer to the actual Blue Springs there weren’t any of the scary huge Florida Gar fish (harmless), so the kids got to have fun without fear.  I wish we would’ve planned better to be able to snorkel or dive at the actual head spring as it’s the deepest and most beautiful we’ve gotten to see in Florida.  Next time…

Tip:  if you can plan it out, there are great camping facilities at Blue Springs State Park.  You can have a fun Daytona Beach vacation and then move inland to immerse in nature.  Just a thought…

Four days in the Daytona Beach area was just about right, but we could’ve easy spend one or two more.  Upon our next visit we aim to camp in the Florida State Parks near Daytona.  We loved the towns we rolled through and the beauty that waited just away from the beach.  The sights and activities in Daytona Beach and around were so much fun we would happily return upon another #LoveFL trip!

Beyond Daytona Beach: exploring Daytona as a family We always love to visit places we’ve heard about but never been before. We especially love finding the unknown side of a city or area....