Whether visiting a sibling at one of the universities, traveling with the family for the legislative session or living in Florida’s Capital City, there’s a variety of things to do with kids in Tallahassee.
Family Travel to Tallahassee: Things to do with Kids
Fun Station - Go-karts zip around Fun Station’s track where the next Dale Earnhardt Jr. or Danica Patrick is waiting to get revved up. Skeet ball, video games, laser tag, bumper boats and miniature golf are also offered at this indoor-outdoor facility. (2821 Sharer Road, telephone: (850) 383-0788).
Old Capitol - A trip to Florida’s Capital City warrants a visit to see where politics comes alive and the Old Capitol in downtown Tallahassee is the best bet for kids. Now a museum, exhibits display the history of Florida politics, highlight important moments in Florida’s history and explain how modern government works all the way from the governor’s office through the Supreme Court and to the Senate and House. (Monroe Street at Apalachee Parkway, telephone: (850) 487-1902)
JK Arabian Stables – Buckaroos of all ages will enjoy the beauty of Apalachicola National Forest by horseback. Kids as young as 5-years-old can ride western style. JK Arabian Stables guides ensure all riders are comfortable handling their horses before embarking on a 90-minute or two-hour trail ride. (3280 Creek Stable Road, telephone: (850) 575 3000)
Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science – Children’s left and right brains are stimulated and entertained while visiting this downtown Tallahassee museum. Science exhibits are interactive and challenge minds to think differently. Art exhibits showcase world-renowned artists along with eclectic collections piquing curiosity. (350 S. Duval Street, telephone: (850) 513-07000)
Tallahassee Museum – Nineteenth and twentieth centuries are preserved to show how life was in Florida’s Big Bend at this 52-acre outdoor museum. Included is the Bellevue Plantation House, the home of Princess Catherine Murat, great- grandniece of George Washington and niece (by marriage) of Napoleon Bonaparte.
A boardwalk trail meanders through the only Florida zoo dedicated to indigenous animals like alligators, Florida black bears and Florida panthers. The 19th century-style Big Bend Farm holds more touchable farm animals. An art gallery holds rotating exhibits and the Discovery Center allows for hands-on entertainment. (3945 Museum Drive, on Rankin Road, telephone: (850) 576-1636).
The Wilderness Way – The whole family deserves a good paddle (no, not that kind). Join The Wilderness Way on an easy kayak trip down one of the local waterways, like the Wakulla and Wacissa Rivers. Canoe and kayak rentals are available for independent family trips. (4901 Woodville Highway, telephone: (850)-877-7200).
Zoinks – Jumpers, mazes, climbing areas and slides will wow children (and make parents wonder why they didn’t have this when growing up) at Tallahassee’s newest children entertainment center. While Zoinks is designed for children 2 to 12, parents have their own area with wireless Internet and flat-screen television. (1390 Village Square Boulevard, telephone: (850) 222-5867)
Family Travel to Tallahassee: Where to Eat with Kids
Tallahassee offers a solid collection of family-friendly restaurants with children’s menus. These include the Olive Garden (1103 APALACHEE PARKWAY, telephone: (850) 878-2949), Ted’s Montana Grill (1954 Village Green Way, telephone: (850) 561-8337) and Chuck E. Cheese (2810 Sharer Road, telephone: (850) 422-0366).
Dog Et Al (1456 S Monroe Street, telephone: (850) 222-4099) is a great Tallahassee lunch spot for a Little Dog or Corndog. Nino’s Restaurant (6497 Apalachee Parkway, telephone: (850) 878-8141) is ideal for casual and special occasion dinners. Fare is German, Italian, seafood and American with a children’s menu for the under 12 crowd. Stop by Lake Ella for homemade ice cream at Barb’s Brittles (1671 N. Monroe Street, telephone: (850) 385-9839).
”Things to do Near Tallahassee,” “Ecotourism Travel to Wakulla” and “Free Things to do in Tallahassee” are additional resources in planning a family trip to Florida’s Capital City.
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