It doesn’t have to be Father’s Day to spend a memorable adventure with your dad in Florida. We’ve got plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to cater to fathers of all types, from adventure-seeking dads to history buffs, museum hoppers, and those looking for a peaceful afternoon of fishing. Perfect for children of all ages and different interests, here are the top things to do with your dad in Florida.
Spend a Quiet Afternoon Fishing
Fishing in Florida offers you the perfect chance to bond with your dad without all the distractions, whether you go deep-sea fishing or cast a line off a pier. Hire a deep-sea fishing charter in Key Largo or visit “The World’s Luckiest Fishing Village” in Destin. You’ll find tranquil surroundings in Cedar Key, Steinhatchee, and Stuart, but if you’re looking to bring the entire family then Key West might be more suitable.
Play a Round of Golf
There’s nothing like spending an afternoon with dad on the golf course, where you can have a friendly competition and admire Florida’s picturesque backdrops. Kelly Plantation in Destin is nestled along the Choctawhatchee Bay, while Innisbrook, A Salamander Golf & Spa in Palm Harbor has four championship courses. Impress your dad with a visit to TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra, one of the best golf courses in the state, or stay overnight in a top golf resort, such as Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast with its stunning oceanside views.
Paddle the Waterways
Paddling across Florida’s diverse landscapes offers you the opportunity to connect with nature and your dad. Head to Rainbow Springs State Park to cruise past moss-draped cypress trees, admire the crystal clear waters of Weeki Wachee Springs, or soak up the pristine natural beauty of Ocala National Forest. If you’re really adventurous, you can go on a bioluminescent kayaking tour at night through the Indian River Lagoon or hop in a crystal-clear kayak to see Florida’s natural wonders up close.
Sample Local Brews
Florida has a growing craft beer scene, so what better activity is there for bonding than having a cold one with your pop? Visit Grayton Beer Company in Florida’s Panhandle to sample small-batch brews, soak up the trendy ambiance of Wynwood Brewing Company in Miami or learn about the locally sourced ingredients in Gainesville’s Swamp Head Brewery. Orlando Brewing boasts organic ingredients in its beer, while Cigar City Brewing in Tampa is one of the most well-known breweries in the state.
Explore Florida’s Natural Wonders
Enjoy some fun in the sun with your dad at one of Florida’s best white-sand beaches. Dig your toes in the quartz sand of Siesta Key Beach, throw a football or frisbee at Clearwater Beach or stroll the lively Pensacola Beach Pier. If you’re looking for water sports action, head to Navarre Beach or join an eco-tour at Longboat Key. You can also visit one of the natural springs, from the crystal clear waters at Ginnie Springs to the manatee spotting at Three Sisters Springs. If you want to see a 10,000-year-old limestone sinkhole, visit Devil’s Millhopper.
Go Camping
Go on an overnight camping adventure with your dad in Florida, where you can be near the ocean at St. George Island State Park, Grayton Beach State Park, and St. Andrews State Park. Nature-loving dads will delight with a stay at Anastasia Island State Park, while Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area in Flagler Beach has both beachfront and riverside camping. If you want to also experience Florida’s cowboy history at an 1800s-era cow camp, head to Lake Kissimmee State Park.
Plan an Outdoor Adventure
Florida has enough attractions to cater to all types of interests, from roller coaster action to water park fun. Dads can enjoy wildlife watching in Lakeland at Safari Wilderness or have a cowboy-themed adventure at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo in Lake Wales. If you’ve got a need for speed, take a tour of the Daytona International Speedway or spend an afternoon wakeboarding at Orlando Watersports Complex. You can even go horseback riding at a Florida National Natural Landmark at Paynes Prairie Preserve to see wild bison roaming.
Hike a Scenic Trail
Stretch your legs with a hike with dad in one of Florida’s picturesque parks. The Ocala National Forest boasts 360,000 acres of hiking, Little Manatee River State Park has diverse ecosystems, and the Rock Springs Run Hiking Trail winds past the Wekiva River basin. If you’re looking for something unique, marvel at the Class III foamy waters while you hike Big Shoals State Park or explore mysterious caves at Florida Caverns State Park.
Play Arcade Games
Give your dad a dose of nostalgia with a trip to a video game bar. Player 1 Video Game Bar in Lake Buena Vista has got every game you can think of, while Fire Betty’s Arcade Bar in Tallahassee has classic arcade games and live music. Old school games can be found at Lowry Parcade & Tavern in Tampa, a 3D coaster simulator game is at GameRoom Sawgrass Restaurant & Arcade in Fort Lauderdale, and board games are popular at Cloak and Blaster in Orlando.
Visit a Historic Site
History buffs are spoiled for choice in Florida, where you can spend an afternoon learning about the rich history of the state with your dad. See the oldest fort of its kind in the United States at Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine (a city full of historic attractions), then explore the historic exhibits at Flagler Museum or pay respects at the site of the battle that started the Second Seminole War at Dade Battlefield Historic Park. You can also marvel at the 150 beautifully restored aircraft at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.
Visit a Museum
Learn something new with your dad at one of Florida’s museums. If he’s into art, take him to the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg, while aviation enthusiasts can admire space-related artifacts at the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville. Learn about notable literary history at the Ernest Hemingway Museum in Key West, then see an impressive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park.
