5 Kid-Friendly Summer Adventures Before School Starts (2025 Guide)
If your kids are bouncing off the walls, or you're just trying to squeeze in one more unforgettable family memory before school starts, I’ve got you covered! These five adventures are all easy day trips from Tampa and are packed with kid-approved fun, from feeding giraffes to swinging through the treetops.
1. Hop the Ferry to Caladesi Island State Park (Dunedin)
One of Florida’s most beautiful beaches is just a short ferry ride away. The Caladesi Island Ferry departs from Honeymoon Island State Park and takes you to four miles of pristine, undeveloped shoreline at Caladesi Island State Park.
Once on the island, kids can go shelling, explore nature trails, or simply splash around in the Gulf. It’s also a great spot to look for birds and you’ll likely see some areas blocked off for sea turtle nests.
The Caladesi Island Ferry runs daily, weather permitting, with departures starting at 10 am. Pets are not allowed on the ferry or island. Be sure to bring your own snacks, towels, and beach toys to make the most of your visit.
Photo Credit: Orlando Tree Trek
2. Challenge Yourself at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park (Kissimmee)
Got a little ninja warrior on your hands? Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is an outdoor adventure course set in a pine forest, where kids (and grown-ups!) can climb rope bridges, swing from platforms, and soar through the trees on ziplines. There are 97 aerial challenges in total, designed for a variety of age groups and skill levels.
Access to the courses is broken down by age:
Ages 12 and up: Full access to all four courses, plus a 425-foot zip line
Ages 9 to 11: Access to three of the courses, plus the zip line
Ages 6 to 8: Two junior courses with 21 kid-sized challenges
Every participant wears a safety harness and remains clipped in at all times. Trained staff are stationed on the ground to monitor and assist, so parents can feel confident while their kids test their courage in the trees.
During the summer, it’s best to book the earliest time slot for cooler temperatures and discounted pricing. You can also add an unlimited water ticket to stay hydrated throughout your adventure.
Photo Credit: Giraffe Ranch
3. See Exotic Animals at Giraffe Ranch (Dade City)
If your kids love animals, Giraffe Ranch is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in Florida. Just 45 minutes north of Tampa, it’s home to around 600 animals, including giraffes, zebras, ostriches, pygmy hippos, and more. You'll find species from Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, all in one place.
Families can choose from several safari-style tours led by knowledgeable guides. You can stay in your own vehicle and follow a guide through the drive-thru safari, or ride in one of Giraffe Ranch’s open-air 4WD trucks, which has shade canopies and stadium seating for great views.
For something truly unique, kids can experience the ranch by camel-back, on a Segway, or even riding in a Cyber Truck. All tours (except the self-drive option) include the chance to feed a giraffe, which is a guaranteed highlight for most little adventurers!
Tours must be booked in advance. Walk-up reservations are not accepted.
Photo Credit: Sister Jo’s Surf School
4. Learn to Surf at Sister Jo’s Surf School (Indian Rocks Beach)
When you think of surfing in Florida, Cocoa Beach might be the first place that comes to mind. But here’s a fun fact: you don’t have to drive across the state to hang ten. Sister Jo’s Surf School is right in Indian Rocks Beach and is actually Pinellas County’s original surf school.
This local gem has grown into one of the most sought-after places to learn how to surf in the Sunshine State, welcoming both locals and visitors. The group sessions are beginner-friendly and great for families with kids who want to try something new. Private coaching is also available if your child would benefit from more one-on-one instruction.
And surfing’s just the beginning. Sister Jo’s also partners with local pros to offer skimboarding, paddleboarding, and even skateboarding lessons, making it a one-stop shop for all kinds of coastal fun.
5. Explore Wild Florida at Robinson Preserve (Bradenton)
Robinson Preserve is a perfect mix of outdoor fun and natural beauty, and it’s completely free to visit. This 600+ acre coastal preserve in northwest Bradenton gives families a true taste of Wild Florida, with wide open spaces to explore, paddle, and play.
Start at the main entrance (1704 99th Street Northwest), where you can hike to the top of a 53-foot observation tower and take in sweeping views of Tampa Bay. If your family loves the water, bring your own kayaks or paddleboards for a DIY paddle through the mangroves. Don’t have your own gear? You can rent from Kayak Jack’s for a self-guided experience, or go with Get Up and Go Robinson Preserve for a guided tour in light-up clear kayaks.
Over at the south entrance, make time to visit the NEST and Canopy Zone. This area is a hit with kids thanks to its rope bridges, climbing nets, boardwalks, and twisting slides among the trees.
Robinson Preserve is open 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset, and admission is always free.
