Spring break sneaks up fast! If you haven’t planned a big trip, no worries—there are plenty of quick, easy and fun escapes just a short drive away. Here’s your guide to last-minute, family-friendly spring break adventures in and around Flagler, Volusia and St. Johns counties.
1. Beach + Boardwalk Weekend 🌊🎡
📍 St. Augustine Beach, Daytona Beach, Flagler Beach
● Pack a picnic and spend the day on the sand.
● Explore the St. Johns County Ocean Pier Park or walk the Daytona Beach Boardwalk & Pier for arcade fun and treats.
● Try surfing lessons or rent bikes for a scenic ride.
💡 Pro Tip: End the day with a casual seafood dinner—kids love spots like Salt Life Food Shack in St. Augustine or Crabby’s in Daytona.
2. Space & Science Adventure 🚀🔭
📍 Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island (About 90 mins from Volusia)
● Watch a rocket launch if one is scheduled.
● Walk through the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit and experience the astronaut training simulators.
● Stop by the nearby Brevard Zoo for a kayak tour through animal habitats.
💡 Pro Tip: Buy tickets online ahead of time to skip the lines.
3. Wild Florida: Parks & Springs Escape 🌿💦
📍 Blue Spring State Park (Orange City) | DeLeon Springs | Washington Oaks Gardens
● Take a boat tour or rent kayaks to spot manatees.
● Swim in crystal-clear springs and have a pancake breakfast at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill (DeLeon Springs).
● Walk through the gardens and coquina rock formations at Washington Oaks State Park in Palm Coast.
💡 Pro Tip: Bring water shoes—the natural spring floors can be slippery.
4. History & Treasure Hunt 🏴☠️⚔️
📍 St. Augustine: The Nation’s Oldest City
● Explore Castillo de San Marcos and watch a real cannon firing.
● Walk St. George Street for unique shops and ice cream stops.
● Try the Pirate & Treasure Museum or take a family-friendly ghost tour.
💡 Pro Tip: Let kids bring a notebook for “travel journaling” to draw or write about their favorite part of the day.
5. Animal Encounters & Safari Fun 🦁🦓
📍 St. Augustine Wild Reserve | Central Florida Zoo | Marineland Dolphin Adventure
● Meet exotic rescue animals at St. Augustine Wild Reserve (reservations required).
● Feed giraffes and take a zipline ride at Central Florida Zoo.
● Book a dolphin encounter at Marineland.
💡 Pro Tip: Morning tours tend to be cooler and less crowded.
6. Theme Park Alternative: Thrills Without the Crowds 🎢🚤
📍 Fun Spot America (Orlando) | Daytona Lagoon Water Park | New Smyrna Dunes
● Ride go-karts and roller coasters at Fun Spot America, a budget-friendly alternative to big theme parks.
● Cool off at Daytona Lagoon with water slides and mini golf.
● Take an airboat ride through the St. Johns River to see gators and birds up close.
💡 Pro Tip: Pack extra clothes—water rides and outdoor adventures can get messy.
7. DIY Backyard Staycation 🏕️🍿
If travel isn’t in the budget, turn home into a vacation destination.
● Camp in the backyard with tents, s’mores and stargazing.
● Have a themed movie night (Hawaiian luau, space adventure or camping trip).
● Create an at-home water park with sprinklers, water balloons and DIY slip ‘n slides.
💡 Pro Tip: Let each family member pick an activity to make it feel like a true getaway.
