Family Friendly Things to Do in Daytona Beach
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
We love to travel! It is so much fun to explore new locations and make memories with the kids. I almost forget that we live in one of the US’s biggest tourist areas. So we loaded up the other day and took the kids on a “day”cation to Daytona Beach! Daytona Beach offers a wide variety of kid friendly options, dining options and 23 miles of sparkling white sand. That is a LOT of sand! It reminds me that Daytona Beach is also great for couples. I am thinking the hubby and I need a get away soon. I could use some time just for us by the beach.
Even though we live close to Daytona Beach, we don’t go often enough. It was way past time to spend a day, kick up our heels, and see what kind of fun we could find!
Family Friendly Things to Do in Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach Pier & Boardwalk
Our first stop for our Daytona Beach daycation was the Daytona Beach Pier & Boardwalk! We could have easily spent all day here! It has everything! 
You can lounge on the beach, fish from the pier, eat at Joe’s Crab Shack. There is even an amusement center and arcade. My kids would have been happy to spend the entire day or even two parked right here.
We took a walk down the beach a little ways and found some washed up jelly fish, sand dollars, and a friendly seagull. We also got some awesome pictures under the pier! If you stop at the boardwalk pop into Zenos Candy Shop. My kids loved watching their salt water taffy machine pulling the taffy. We even popped in and got a piece. YUM! What are you waiting for? The beach awaits
Museum of Arts & Science
Next stop on our Daytona Beach daycation was the Museum of Arts & Science. We LOVE this museum! It is chocked full of amazing art, and hands on kids activities. I am not sure you can see it all in one day.
You can walk through and see a ton of historic items along with beautiful art pieces. There is a hands on kids science center where you can turn them loose to have a little fun. Plus, how many museums have you seen with full sized trains inside! That was definitely a huge highlight. Hop out doors and walk along the boardwalk nature trail to see Florida plants and wildlife. We had a blast!
Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art
On the same property as the Museum of Arts & Science you will find the Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art. This is a newer art museum that will take your breath away with its beauty. If you love art or just want to surround yourself with beautiful things, this is a place to check out. It also doesn’t hurt that they have a Honey Baked Ham Cafe inside that smells heavenly.
Daytona International Speedway
Start your engines, cause next we headed over to the Daytona International Speedway. We had always wanted to go and take a tour just to check it out and we weren’t disappointed. The kids loved every minute of it. They loved seeing the speedway, the cars, and hearing the roar of the engines. They have several tours a day and they have different levels of tours. You can take a quick 30 minute tour (like we did) or a much longer tour.
Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park
Our final stop for our daycation was a little off the beaten path, but totally worth it! Time for some outdoor fun at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State park. It is located a little north of Daytona Beach. We turned off the main road and traveled down a country road deep into the trees. The kids loved the drive alone. When you reach the end there is Bulow creek which is a breathtaking site. Also a great place to fish. You can continue to drive around until you reach the Bulow Sugar plantation ruins. I call it a win for a vacation spot because my kids learned their share of history. They asked questions and learned about one of the biggest sugar plantations in Florida and how it was destroyed. It is always fascinating to stand where others have stood for hundreds of years.
Free Things To Do
Sometimes when you are on a vacation budget it is fun to find things to do that are cheap. Here is a great list of free things to do in Daytona Beach. Add these to your next trip and you are sure to have some affordable fun.
Festivals
Did you know Daytona Beach is known as the festival capital of Florida? The area hosts more than 50 festivals throughout the year, and Fall festivals make this one of the best times of the year to visit. If you love art, be sure to attend the Halifax Art Festival in scenic downtown Daytona Beach. For classic cars of all varieties, it’s the Daytona Turkey Run at Daytona International Speedway, and for a bit of dancing and tasty gyros, don’t miss the Greek Festival. During the Daytona Blues Festival, you’ll enjoy a top-notch line-up for blues greats performing at historic Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Or find daily live music during Biketoberfest® at Bruce Rossmeyer’s Destination Daytona motorcycle-themed shopping and entertainment complex.
Where to Stay
Daytona Beach has a large variety for your family’s stay including hotels, motels, condo rentals, bed and breakfast inns, vacation rentals and camp grounds – something to fit everyone’s budget and style. You can’t go wrong when you are near the beach!
Daytona Beach really has a ton of great activities for the entire family. Learn more and get your own travel guide now.
