Back in 2021, we decided to take a trip to explore an area of our state that we hadn’t visited yet with the girls, so we chose to drive up to the Panhandle and explore Tallahassee. At first we weren’t sure how much there would be that would interest Hadassah and Hannah (who were nine and six at the time), but after some research, we learned there are plenty of fun family activities in Tallahassee! Read on to discover some activities we recommend.
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1.) TAKE A TOUR OF THE FLORIDA GOVERNOR'S MANSION
Getting a chance to see and learn about the residence of Florida’s first family was one of our favorite family activities in Tallahassee. Tours are free and are only offered on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the Regular Legislative Session (March and April); they can be scheduled through the Governor’s Mansion website. Just fill out a form with your contact information and preferred date and time of visit, and someone will get back to you to confirm your visit and provide instructions.
We visited in April and there was only one other person on our tour. We passed through security before entering. (Please note that no food, drink, backpacks or handbags are allowed, but cameras and cell phones are permitted.) Sandy was our docent, and she was wonderful, engaging our kids throughout the tour so they were actively involved in learning about everything from the Florida Highwaymen artwork featured throughout the Mansion to the gigantic Silver Punch Bowl. She even read them a story in the Florida Library Children’s Corner. (Storytime can be requested when you book your tour.) The tour lasted about thirty minutes and covered both the history of the Mansion, interesting facts about some of the antiques displayed, and information about some of the Mansion’s former residents. We were so glad we had the opportunity to visit and highly recommend scheduling a tour if you will be in Tallahassee during March or April.
2.) CRUISE THE WAKULLA RIVER AT EDWARD BALL WAKULLA SPRINGS STATE PARK
Wakulla Springs has the distinction of being one of the oldest and deepest freshwater springs in the world. Surrounded by an age-old cypress swamp and home to a variety of native wildlife, including alligators, manatees, turtles, anhingas, and herons, Wakulla Springs’ prehistoric environment has served as the setting for several classic Hollywood films. Exploring the lush, jungle-like surroundings during a boat tour will leave no doubt as to why filmmakers chose this location for movies such as Tarzan’s Secret Treasure and Creature from the Black Lagoon.
We started our visit with a boat tour of the springs, where we learned about the history of the springs and spotted a variety of wildlife including multiple alligators, turtles, herons, and even a manatee. Our guide pointed out specific filming locations and shared the tragic story of Wakulla Springs’ famous resident alligator, Old Joe. Boat tours are $12 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3-12, and they must be reserved in advance.
After the boat tour, the girls braved taking a dip in the refreshing 69-degree water. Hadassah was even adventurous enough to try jumping from the diving platform!
Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park hosts a plethora of other activities to enjoy, including hiking and birding. If you are interested in staying overnight, consider booking a room at The Lodge at Wakulla Springs. Constructed in the 1930’s, The Lodge at Wakulla Springs is furnished with period furniture, which provides a glimpse into Old Florida. There is also a restaurant on site. For younger visitors, the park also participates in the Florida State Parks Junior Ranger Program. Just find a park ranger to pick up a booklet, and complete the activities to learn about Florida’s natural and cultural resources and become a Junior Ranger!
3.) VISIT TALLAHASSEE MUSEUM
Tallahassee Museum is a fantastic destination for families with kids, and provides plenty of educational and recreational activities. Visitors can view historic buildings such as a church, a plantation house, and a schoolhouse to learn about Florida in the 1800’s, conquer aerial courses and ziplines through Tree-to-Tree Adventures, or take a quiet walk through a live oak tree hammock. Our favorite thing to do here was traversing the elevated boardwalks and viewing a variety of native Florida species, including endangered animals such as the Florida panther and the red wolf. (This was Hadassah’s first time seeing a Florida panther in person, which made our little nature lover truly ecstatic!) Because this entire museum is outdoors, we highly recommend wearing comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toed shoes, as well as bringing a hat, sunscreen, and bug spray. Museum tickets are $15.50 for adults and $11 for kids ages 4-15. (Kids 3 and under are free.) Tree-to-Tree Adventures requires a separate ticket.
4.) PLAY AT CASCADES PARK
Cascades Park provides multiple opportunities for kids to explore, run around, and have fun. At the Imagination Fountain, 73 jets randomly shoot water into the air, providing the perfect opportunity for kids to splash around and cool off. Public changing rooms are conveniently located right next to the splash pad so kids can change into dry clothes when they’re done playing.
Our favorite area of the park was the Discovery Zone. This playground was designed to incorporate natural Florida elements, which we love because these types of playgrounds encourage imagination and foster a connection with nature. The girls thoroughly enjoyed this area and spent quite a while climbing, jumping, and sliding!
Before we left, we also checked out the Prime Meridian Marker, which is the beginning point for all land surveys in Florida. The marker is inside of a map of Florida, so we had fun finding and standing on the counties where we were born.
5.) GET A TREAT AT LOFTY PURSUITS
Southern Living sums up Lofty Pursuits succinctly: “Lofty Pursuits is undeniably a place of dreams.” Is it a candy store? An ice cream parlor? A toy shop? How about all of the above! Here kids can watch colorful candy being made, build a custom ice cream sundae, or shop a wide collection of fun toys and games. If you don’t mind the inevitable sugar high, Lofty Pursuits makes an enjoyable and whimsical stop.
Due to time constraints, we weren’t able to do all the things we wanted to do—including visiting Mission San Luis and the Historic Capitol Museum—but that just means we’ll have to go back, because there are plenty of fun family activities in Tallahassee!
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Sarah
I am the main writer and website designer for Florida Unveiled. I love the parts of Florida visitors don’t often see: the tea-colored water that flows in cypress-laden rivers; the chorus of frogs after a hard rain; the rustle of palmetto as an unseen creature scampers by. Some of my favorite places in Florida are the Everglades, the Keys, Smyrna Dunes Park, Bok Tower Gardens, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, and St. Augustine’s Historic District.
