Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do with Kids in Tallahassee, FL

  • Published 2022/11/19

Located between Jacksonville and Pensacola in the Northern Panhandle region of Florida, Tallahassee in Leon County is the state’s capital city.

Although it may not be as well-known as some of Florida’s other tourist destinations, Tallahassee has a lot to offer families looking for a fun vacation.

From incredible historical tours to many fun attractions, your family will surely have a good time here, especially the kids.

Some of the best things to do in Tallahassee with kids include visiting old mansions, seeing different wildlife, and exploring all the city has to offer.

No matter what your family enjoys, the Sunshine State’s capital will surely have something everyone will love.

So if you’re planning your family trip, make sure to include the best things to do in Tallahassee, Florida, with kids!

Spend Some Time at Cascades Park

View of the sunset from Cascades Park

Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock.com

If you’re looking for a beautiful place to spend an afternoon, look no further than Cascades Park.

Located in the heart of Tallahassee, this large 24-acre park offers a little something for everyone.

The park features a playground for kids, a duck pond, and walking trails.

It’s the perfect spot for a family picnic or a relaxing stroll.

What’s more, Cascades Park is home to some of the most incredible flora and fauna.

So if you’re looking to get some fresh air and take in some beautiful scenery, this is the place to be.

Paved trail at Cascades Park

Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock.com

Cascades Park is also great for getting acquainted with Tallahassee wildlife.

As you stroll through the park, keep your eyes peeled for different birds and other animals.

Tallahassee is also great for people-watching.

It’s a bustling park with people doing their daily jogs or walking their dogs.

So take some time to sit on a bench and people-watch while the kids play.

Geese at Cascades Park

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Take the Kids to Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee

Exterior of the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee

Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tallahassee has many places where the kids can learn and have fun.

However, none offer quite the same experience as the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee.

Located in downtown Tallahassee, this hands-on learning center is perfect for kids of all ages and offers various exhibits and activities.

The space mission simulator is one of the most popular exhibits at the Challenger Learning Center.

Kids can climb into a real-life space shuttle and experience what it’s like to travel through space.

Other programs include Camp Challenger, Kids’ Free Day, Public Missions, Homeschool Days, Scout Programs, and much more.

In addition to the exhibits, the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee also offers workshops and classes for kids.

These classes cover science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics.

There’s also an IMAX theater that shows educational films and even the latest movies throughout the day.

With the variety of things to do, your family will have a blast at the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee.

So if you’re looking for a fun and educational activity to do with the kids, the Challenger Learning Center is a great place to visit.

Satisfy Your Kid’s Sweet Tooth at Sugar Rush Milkshake Bar

Let’s face it—kids love sweets, and it’s only a matter before they start begging for a sugary treat.

When that happens, there’s only one place to go in Tallahassee: Sugar Rush Milkshake Bar.

Located in downtown Tallahassee, this family-owned and operated business is the perfect place to satisfy your kid’s sweet tooth.

The Sugar Rush Milkshake Bar offers various milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, floats, and shakes.

And there’s something for everyone here, from chocolate lovers to strawberry fans.

Moreover, the Sugar Rush Milkshake Bar is open seven days a week and offers late-night hours on Fridays and Saturdays.

So whether you’re looking for an afternoon treat or a midnight snack, this is the place to be.

If you’re looking for somewhere to take the kids that will put a smile on their faces, make sure to visit the Sugar Rush Milkshake Bar.

The kids will thank you for it!

Appreciate Street Art in Tallahassee at the Railroad Square Art District

Caboose restaurant at Railroad Square Art District

Ryan Hovatter, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Railroad Square Art District is one of the best places in Tallahassee to take in some amazing street art.

Covering 10 acres of downtown Tallahassee, this district is home to a variety of different art studios and galleries, as well as restaurants and shops.

Moreover, Railroad Square Art District is constantly changing and evolving, so there’s always something new to see.

There’s also a vintage pinball where the kids can play all afternoon.

The district is also home to a monthly street art festival featuring local artists’ work.

The First Friday Monthly Festival features open galleries, various shops, live music, and good food.

Kids will love seeing the many colorful murals that adorn the walls of the businesses in Railroad Square.

And they’ll also enjoy exploring the different shops and galleries.

If you’re looking for a place to take in beautiful artwork, Railroad Square Art District is the place to be.

You’ll be amazed at the talent on display here.

Visit the Goodwood Museum & Gardens

Exterior of the Goodwood Museum & Gardens

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Goodwood Museum & Gardens is a must-see for anyone visiting Tallahassee.

This historical museum is home to various artifacts and exhibits, including a Civil War museum, a railroad museum, and a carriage museum.

What’s more, the Goodwood Museum & Gardens is surrounded by beautiful gardens and landscaping.

It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon strolling through the gardens and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

A water tower at Goodwood Museum & Gardens

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kids will love seeing all the different Goodwood Museum & Gardens exhibits.

They’ll also enjoy walking through the beautiful gardens.

So if you’re looking for a place to learn about Tallahassee’s history, the Goodwood Museum & Gardens is the place to be.

You’ll be amazed at all the different artifacts and exhibits on display here.

Witness Contemporary Art at Venvi Art Gallery

Tallahassee has plenty of places to appreciate art, and one of the best is the Venvi Art Gallery.

This contemporary art gallery is home to various exhibitions throughout the year.

It features energetic abstractions and serene landscapes from both local and international artists.

The gallery also offers various workshops and events that are perfect for kids.

Venvi Art Gallery is the go-to place for art lovers, collectors, and those who appreciate art in all its forms.

Kids will also appreciate the artistic talent displayed at the Venvi Art Gallery.

In addition, they’ll be amazed by the artwork’s different colors, shapes, and sizes.

If you’re looking for a place to take in and appreciate beautiful contemporary artwork, the Venvi Art Gallery is the perfect place to visit.

Satisfy Your Child’s Inner Geekiness at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Exterior of the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

NationalMagLab, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is a place where kids can learn about science in a fun and interactive way.

This lab is home to the world’s largest and most powerful magnets, which means that kids can explore all sorts of different scientific concepts here.

What’s more, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory offers various exhibits and activities that kids will love.

For example, they can explore the laws of motion in the Newton’s Playground exhibit or learn about electricity in the Electricity Theater.

Kids will also love taking a break in the MagLab Cafe, which offers delicious food and drinks for purchase.

The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory is the perfect place for kids who want to learn about science in a fun and interactive way.

They’ll love exploring all the different exhibits and activities on offer here.

Take a Hike on Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail

View of the paved Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kids also need their daily dose of exercise, and what better way to get it than by taking a hike on the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail?

This 16-mile-long trail is perfect for families, as it’s relatively flat and easy to navigate.

Plus, the trail offers stunning views of Apalachicola Bay.

Kids will love exploring all the different plant and animal life found on Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail.

Signage of Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail

Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Your kids will also appreciate getting some fresh air and exercise during your trip to Tallahassee.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and active activity with your kids, look no further than the Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad State Trail.

Have a Blast at The Tallahassee Fun Station

If you’re looking for a place to take the kids that will keep them entertained for hours, look no further than the Tallahassee Fun Station.

This amusement park is home to go-karts and multiple fun arcade games.

The tracks run for miles, and the games constantly change, so there’s no room for boredom here.

Kids will love racing around the go-kart track and playing various arcade games. And they’ll have a blast doing it.

If your little ones are getting bored and you’d want them to unwind and have fun during your Tallahassee trip, make sure to take them to the Tallahassee Fun Station.

They’ll be occupied all day long by this amusement park’s amenities.

What’s more, the Tallahassee Fun Station also offers various food options and merchandise shops.

So if you’re looking for a place to buy souvenirs, this is the place to be.

The Tallahassee Fun Station is the perfect place for kids of all ages.

They’ll have a blast riding the rides and playing the games.

Enjoy Nature at the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

A garden at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Joanne Dale / Shutterstock.com

The Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is beautiful and offers stunning views of nature and wildlife.

The park is home to various gardens, including a secret garden, a walled garden, and a butterfly garden.

Kids will love exploring all the different gardens at the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park.

They’ll also enjoy spotting the animals in the park, including white-tailed deer, birds, bobcats, and alligators.

A lake at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Joseph Thomas Photography / Shutterstock.com

In addition to its gardens, the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park also offers a variety of activities for kids.

They can go on a nature hike, participate in a scavenger hunt, or play in the playground.

Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park is perfect for kids who want to enjoy nature and explore different gardens.

They’ll have a fun time playing in the park and spotting all the different animals that live there.

A trail at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park

Joanne Dale / Shutterstock.com

Check Out the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum

A 1931 car in the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum

Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Tallahassee Antique Car Museum is a must-visit for anyone who loves cars.

It’s home to various antique cars from different eras, including classic cars, race cars, and even cars from the 1920s.

Kids will love checking out all the different cars at the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum.

They can learn about the different models and how they were used back in the day.

In addition to its car collection, the museum also offers a variety of other exhibits.

For example, kids can learn about the history of transportation or explore the world of automobiles in the future.

A car from the 1950s in the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum

Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The owner, DeVoe Moore, is a well-known collector of antique cars.

He has been collecting cars for over 40 years and has an impressive collection.

He shares his collections with the public through the Tallahassee Antique Car Museum.

The Tallahassee Antique Car Museum is excellent for kids to learn about cars and transportation.

They’ll love exploring the exhibits and checking out the different cars on display.

Antique car in Tallahassee Antique Car Museum

Infrogmation of New Orleans, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Explore The Mission San Luis History Museum

Mission San Luis is a great place to learn about the history of Florida.

This Spanish mission was built in the 1600s and is now a part of a state park.

Mission San Luis is home to many exhibits, including a museum about the Apalachee Indians.

Kids will love learning about the different cultures influencing Florida’s history.

What’s more, Mission San Luis offers guided tours around the mission.

These tours are perfect for kids who want to learn more about the history of this mission and the people who built it.

Mission San Luis is a must-see for anyone interested in Florida’s history.

You’ll be amazed at all the different exhibits here, including a museum dedicated to the Apalachee Indians.

So, if you want your kids to learn a thing or two about Florida’s history while on vacation, make sure to visit Mission San Luis.

Spend a Day at Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park

Daytime view of Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park

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Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park is a nature lover’s paradise.

It’s home to various hiking trails, bird-watching areas, and more.

This beautiful 670-acre park lies on the eastern shore of Lake Jackson.

It features two active recreation areas that families and friends can enjoy.

The Meadows Soccer Complex is a youth and adult soccer facility located on Millers’ Landing Road.

On the other hand, Meridian Park is a multi-use youth sports complex that can be used for various sporting events or community gatherings.

Wildflowers along Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park

Dmitriy_A / Shutterstock.com

Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park is the perfect place to enjoy the great outdoors.

Kids will love exploring all the different hiking trails and bird-watching areas.

They can also enjoy playing in the park’s two active recreation areas.

So, Elinor Klapp-Phipps Park is the perfect place to go if you’re feeling active and want to bring your kids along for a fun day.

Learn about Tallahassee’s Rich History at the Tallahassee Museum

Tallahassee came a long way from its humble beginnings as a small trading post.

Through the years, Tallahassee has served as the state capital of Florida, a major center of the cotton industry, and a key location during the Civil War.

The Tallahassee Museum is perfect for learning about the city’s rich history.

It’s filled with different artifacts, exhibits, and displays that tell the story of Tallahassee and its surrounding areas.

The museum offers exhibits detailing Tallahassee’s past, such as the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Seminole Wars.

Kids will love learning about the events that shaped Tallahassee’s history.

In addition to its historical exhibits, the Tallahassee Museum also offers a variety of hands-on activities for kids.

For example, they can try to be a Seminole warrior in the “Warrior Challenge” or pan for gold in the “Gold Rush.”

The Tallahassee Museum is perfect for learning about the city’s rich history.

Your kids will love exploring all the different exhibits and participating in the hands-on activities here.

Other Things To Do Nearby

As the state capital of Florida, you can find everything you need to have a fun and memorable vacation with the family.

However, a visit to some other nearby attractions wouldn’t hurt.

Go On a Day Trip to St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

A lighthouse at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

William Silver / Shutterstock.com

The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful nature reserve in nearby St. Marks, Florida.

It’s home to various plants and animals, including alligators, deer, and birds.

At a whopping 83,000 acres, St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is nothing short of massive.

However, you will only be able to see some of it in just one day.

That’s why it’s best to take a day trip from Tallahassee to explore this nature reserve at your own pace.

The waters of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Chongbum Thomas Park / Shutterstock.com

Kids will love exploring all the different areas of the refuge and spotting the different animals.

You can take a nature hike -boat tour or participate in a wildlife scavenger hunt.

The St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is the perfect place for kids who want to learn about nature and wildlife.

They’ll have a blast exploring all the different areas of the refuge and learning a lot of interesting things about the area in the Visitor Center.

Coastal bird at St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

Ken Schulze / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

You can expect to have a great time visiting Tallahassee with the kids.

The Sunshine State’s capital city does not disappoint when it comes to attractions and things for adults and kids.

From exploring historical homes to playing in active recreation areas, your kids will surely find something they’ll enjoy in Tallahassee.

This list only scratches the surface of all the best things to do in Tallahassee with kids.

But you can guarantee that any activity on this list will be enjoyable for the whole family.

So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Tallahassee today!

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