10 Fun Things to Do With Kids in Daytona Beach, FL
Beyond the world-famous speedway, Daytona Beach is a massive playground for all ages. From sun-soaked waves to hidden wildlife gems, here’s a definitive checklist of family-friendly attractions you won’t want to miss.
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1. Daytona International Speedway Tour
Get a behind-the-scenes look on this interactive tour through the legendary track as your guide entertains you with fun facts and NASCAR history. Your ticket includes admission to the 20,000-square-foot Motorsports Hall of Fame, where kids will be amazed by all forms of racing, including stock cars, sports cars, drag racing, motorcycles, powerboating and aviation.
2. K1 Speed
Speaking of racing, kids can get in on the action at K1 Speed. Laid-back, this isn’t. The electric go-karts reach speeds of up to 45 mph on 12 heart-pounding laps. The facility offers a dedicated racetrack for kids, open to thrill-seekers at least 4 feet tall. Meanwhile, teens can race with adults on the bigger, faster go-karts. Yes, they might outpace you, but it’s a bonding experience.
3. Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure
Now it’s time to speed through the air. The popular Daytona Beach Zipline Adventure boasts 10 ziplines and dozens of treetop challenges, from tight ropes to swinging bridges. It’s a great team-building experience as you encourage each other to conquer each obstacle. Kids need to be at least 8 years old and 54 inches tall to participate, and everyone gets a thorough safety training on the ground.
4. Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure
As the name suggests, the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure is much more than an aquarium. Sure, you can see sharks, seahorses and fish of all kinds. You can stop by the touch tank to pet a stingray or starfish. But they have so much more: reptiles, amphibians, birds and even mammals. The lemurs and otters are crowd favorites for their playful antics.
5. The Brown
You might know it as the Museum of Arts & Sciences, but this beloved museum is getting more than just a name change. The Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, Science & History – or The Brown – will temporarily close its doors in 2026 to break ground on its future home, while continuing to host community programs like the Summer Learning Institute, Lohman Field Study programs and member-only events. When it reopens in the fall of 2028, it will boast a bigger planetarium, a cafe, nature trails and more. Families will especially love the new interactive children’s experience. During the museum’s closure, the learning continues with summer camps and the Museum in Motion outreach van.
Museum Reimagined
The Cici & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art, Science & History, formerly called the Museum of Arts & Sciences, is undergoing a massive renovation. When it reopens in 2028, the 63-acre campus will offer an enhanced visitor experience that incorporates storytelling and technology in new ways.
“The new experience in the new museum is going to be stunning,” says Jonna “JJ” Royer, chief advancement officer for The Brown. “This is going to be such a boost to the community in so many ways, from education to tourism and even the events we’re going to hold. A first-class experience in a first-class building.”
Plans include a 60-foot planetarium dome – 20 feet larger than the current one – a cafe, retail center, expanded classrooms, black box theater and space for traveling exhibits. Royer says the reimagined galleries will allow the nonprofit’s collection of 30,000 pieces to be rotated so there’s always something fresh on display.
A refreshed children’s experience is also in the works, designed to be highly interactive and boasting a dedicated early childhood learning center. Outdoors, a walking path will curve along the Tuscawilla Preserve with observation decks, trails and an updated education center.
The overhaul is funded largely through the philanthropy of Cici and Hyatt Brown. The couple has already committed $75 million to the project, and community donations of $25 million will trigger a 3-to-1 match, bringing the investment to $175 million.
During the closure, the museum is staying active through Museum in Motion, an outreach van that serves as a mobile extension of its exhibits, plus programs like planetarium shows and the annual Summer Learning Institute. To see the latest updates, visit moasfuture.org.
6. Jackie Robinson Ballpark
Catching a ballgame is a classic family day out. Cheer on the Daytona Tortugas, snap a selfie with Shelldon the mascot and fill up on hot dogs – really fill up if you come for an all-you-can-eat Belly Buster Wednesday. Sundays are extra special for families, with ticket discounts, pregame autographs and the chance for kids to run the bases after the game.
7. Daytona Lagoon
If you’re looking for something to keep the family entertained for hours, Daytona Lagoon has you covered. Party hard indoors with laser tag, bumper cars, go-karts and ziplining. Then, spend the afternoon at the water park, floating down the lazy river and sliding down rides like Adventure Mountain and Blackbeard’s Revenge. There’s a water play area for tots, conveniently lined with lounge chairs.
8. Congo River Golf
Congo River Golf offers mini golf, Florida-style. Enjoy the rainforest vibes with waterfalls and caves as you play through 18 holes. Along the way, kids can search for Dr. Livingstone’s treasures. Find them all, and you’ll win a prize. If you want to extend your visit, Congo River also offers gem mining, an arcade and over 25 gators.
9. Daytona Beach & Boardwalk
Everyone can be a kid at the boardwalk. Build sandcastles on the beach. Fish off the pier (no fee or license required). Play games like Skee-Ball and ride the Ferris wheel – or the much faster Slingshot. And, of course, you can’t skip the sweet shop for saltwater taffy and homemade ice cream. In the evening, catch roving street performers or maybe a concert at the Daytona Beach Bandshell.
10. Riverfront Esplanade
Want more chill than thrills? Hit up the Riverfront Esplanade to find a waterfront oasis of manicured gardens and broad lawns. Watch the kids play in the splash pad or let Fido have a run in the dog park. Swings overlooking the river are a great place to unwind, and the park often hosts events like markets, music and movie nights.
Get to Know Greater Daytona Beach
Want to learn more about living and working in Greater Daytona, FL? Check out the latest edition of Livability Greater Daytona Region – Volusia County, Florida.