Curated journey
10 Things To Do In Tallahassee With Kids
Although Tallahassee, Florida, is known as a university town, we discovered there are plenty of fun, family-friendly things to do. Here are our favorites:
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Market District · Tallahassee · United States
Lofty Pursuits
Lofty Pursuits opened in 1993 as a small skill toy store. Over the years, the product lines expanded, and every time Lofty Pursuits outgrew an old location and moved, something major was added. First, it was board games and general toys, then a full-service soda fountain and candy making, most recently it has been a full kitchen to do a daily brunch, and to make more candy. Lofty Pursuits has been the set for film, a location that preserves lost skills like Victorian Candy Making and a place where you can find a smile, when you need it, when you want it, and even when you are not looking for it. So come in, enjoy our collections of odd things that should be preserved, have brunch, watch us make candy and taste hard candies when they are warm. See us make candy canes, pull out a board game and sit back and play for a bit. Not everything in life should be rushed, but everything should make you happy. Lofty Pursuits, your happy place in Tallahassee.
30.505°N 84.254°W
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Lake Bradford/Cascade Lake · Tallahassee · United States
Tallahassee Museum
Catherine Murat, born a Virginian, moved to Florida with her parents where she met and married a Frenchman, Achille Murat. Related to George Washington by birth, she became a French princess by marriage. She lived at Bellevue from 1854 to 1867. In 1860, twenty-five enslaved descendants of Africans lived at Bellevue. They worked in the cotton fields, provided skilled labor, and tended to the cooking, among them members of the Hughes and Lee families. Explore these contrasting plantation communities at Bellevue’s house, kitchen, and slave cabin.
30.410°N 84.344°W
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Tallahassee · United States
Wakulla River
Emerging from the mouth of the world’s largest freshwater spring, the Wakulla River is an Official Florida Canoe Trail and a part of Florida’s Statewide System of Greenways and Trails. This 10-mile long paddling trail is an easy half-day journey through the river’s clear, cool waters (with slow currents making the upstream journey simple for those choosing not to shuttle), but offers an outstanding opportunity to witness the area’s diverse plant and animal life. Paddlers can choose between a three or six-mile paddling excursion, and the current is mild enough to paddle up and down the river for as long as desired. Starting three miles downstream from the spring itself (Edward Ball Wakulla State Park is fenced off to boaters of all kinds), the Wakulla River is wide, nearly straight and lined with cypress trees. Overhead, cormorant, anhinga, osprey and other birds can be seen soaring and nesting in the towering trees. In the water, playful turtles and reclusive alligators are almost certain to be seen while manatee are also possbile when the water is warmer. Featured Uses: Canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing. Dogs are not permitted. Access: From Tallahassee Take Hwy 363 (Woodville Hwy.) 18 miles south to State Rd. 98 (Coastal Hwy.) turn right follow to the west 2 miles. It is located on the left side before the bridge at the Wakulla River. Amenities: Kayak, paddle boarding and canoe rentals are available at the City of St. Marks Wakulla River Park launch point. Restrooms, benches, water access and parking are also available.
30.149°N 84.210°W
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Tallahassee · United States
Wakulla Springs
6. Take A Jungle Cruise At Wakulla Springs Wakulla Springs is the perfect place to see wild manatees. These gentle creatures swim upstream to play in the warm waters of one of the world’s largest freshwater springs. An astonishing 2000-4000 gallons of water flow out of the spring every second at a constant temperature of 69°F (20°C). A diving tower jutting out into the spring provides a bird’s eye view of the good-natured manatees as they congregate in the deeper waters, even the babies. Manatees (or sea cows) look like grey, tusk-less walruses, but are much cuter. We stared in amazement for a while as the youngest member of the herd curiously nuzzled the colorful buoys and cuddled his mummy. As mammals, they rise to the surface every 3 to 5 minutes to breathe, so you can get a better look with a little patience. If you want to get even closer to nature, you can take the relaxing jungle cruise. It leaves approximately every hour from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. and travels down the river with a guide pointing out manatees, turtles, black vultures, regurgitates, and plenty of alligators. It’s an inexpensive activity, and you’re sure to get your fill of gators. It kind of freaked me out since it was the very same river we kayaked on earlier that morning.
30.234°N 84.305°W
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Mission San Luis · Tallahassee · United States
Mission San Luis
Enjoy Tallahassees only National Historic Landmark as you explore 64-acres of the former western most capital of Spanish Florida. Interpreters in historic clothing will teach you about the life of the Apalachee and Spanish people who lived and worked here more than 300 years ago. San Luis is pet friendly and a great place to picnic. Guided Group Tours are available with advance reservation. Open Tuesday Sunday 10am 4pm
30.449°N 84.320°W
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Miccosukee · Tallahassee · United States
Goodwood Museum & Gardens
Originally a 1,600-acre cotton plantation, the home is now on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as museum situated on 20-acres of land with centuries old live oaks and gardens. In addition to the main house, there are 20 structures dating from 1835 to 1925. The main house features original family furnishings, porcelain, textiles, glassware and art.
30.456°N 84.258°W
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Tallahassee · United States
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory
The lab hosts free public tours of the facility on the third Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. No reservations are required for this standing tour; just show up wearing close-toed shoes!) and check in at the reception desk. These tours include a general overview of the Magnet Lab and the research conducted here as well as explanations of the different types of magnets used here, including resistive magnets, superconducting magnets, pulsed magnets and our world-record hybrid magnet. The lab is located in Tallahassee's Innovation Park at 1800 E. Paul Dirac Drive. The standing monthly tours are not intended for school groups or other large groups. Read more about tours for those groups below.
30.424°N 84.321°W
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Midtown · Tallahassee · United States
The Grove Museum
30.451°N 84.282°W
Continue drifting
6 Tallahassee Restaurants Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives
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Are you looking for fun things to do in Tallahassee, FL? Guy Fieri loves bold flavors and hidden gems. His search for the best took him to Florida’s Capital City. These six Tallahassee restaurants are a must-visit. As shown on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives TV show. You can find Southern comfort food and dishes from around the world. Now it’s your turn to experience the flavors that caught Food Network’s attention.
Your Guide to the Ultimate FSU Seminole Experience
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As home to Florida State University, Tallahassee welcomes thousands of FSU students each year, including those visiting and those who choose to make the Capital City home for their college career and beyond. With so much to see and do on campus, here is a roundup of “must-dos” while visiting, including that perfect spot for your best selfie both on and off campus. WHERE TO STAY Located in CollegeTown, Hotel Indigo is steps away from Doak Campbell Stadium and within easy walking distance to FSU’s campus. ON CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS Don’t miss the excitement of live college sports by attending a game in person. Revel in a rich Seminole tradition by attending one of the many sporting events on campus – both team and intercollegiate. Whether taking in a football game at Doak Campbell Stadium in the fall or a softball game in the spring, there’s always a sporting occasion to don your garnet and gold from head to toe. Browse the works of art on display at FSU’s Museum of Fine Arts. Found in the School of Visual Arts, the museum is known for its history of exciting exhibitions, from lush paintings and dynamic sculptures to challenging installations and provocative photography. Pop into the lobby of the world-renowned FSU College of Motion Picture Arts Film School for a glimpse into the world of making movies. Located at Doak Campbell Stadium, the Film School lobby posters will astonish even the most cultured film buff. The walls are adorned with movie posters from some of the award-winning works of film school alumni like Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-winning picture “Moonlight.” In spring, it’s hard to pass the Wescott Building and Fountain without seeing someone tossing their graduation cap or popping a bottle of champagne while posing for their senior picture. Likely the most iconic building on campus, the Westcott Building houses the offices of the president and vice presidents, as well as Ruby Diamond Auditorium, the largest auditorium on campus. The fountain in front of Westcott is a symbol of FSU’s proud heritage and pays homage to FSU graduates. The iconic spot is one of the most photographed on campus and the perfect spot to take that “selfie” for Instagram. See a movie at the budget-friendly FSU Student Life Cinema. Located in the Askew Student Life Center, the theater is one of the nation’s leading campus movie theaters; a great place to enjoy a movie and budget-friendly movie theater popcorn and snacks. Features include current blockbusters, documentaries, independent, foreign, and restored cinema classics. Movies are selected by an all-student committee and are FREE to students with a valid FSU ID. OFF CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS Dine, Shop, and Play in CollegeTown. Situated just steps from Doak Campbell Stadium, CollegeTown is the heart of game days and offers dining, shopping, entertainment, and year-round festivities for students, locals, visitors, and alumni alike. No visit to FSU is complete without a meal at CollegeTown favorite, Madison Social, known as MadSo to locals. The popular spot serves pub fare with a twist and is best known for its BLT Dip and signature cocktails. Another foodie hot spot includes Gordo’s for authentic Cuban cuisine found on West Pensacola St. and Gaines Street Pies for superhero-worthy pizza. Experience Tallahassee’s natural beauty and history at the Tallahassee Museum. Set amidst 52 acres of breathtaking Florida flora and fauna and just five miles southwest of FSU’s campus, the Museum’s living and historic exhibits, native wildlife, nature trails, and zip line and aerial adventure courses are enjoyed by visitors of all ages. Options for happy hour abound in Tallahassee. Craft Beer Lovers make their way to Proof Brewing, Co., Tallahassee’s largest brewery, where guests enjoy a modern yet intimate tasting room, expansive lawn, covered patio, award-winning craft beer, and on-site restaurant called the Brew Pub. History buffs will enjoy browsing the menu at Bar 1903. Located downtown in the historic Walker Library, the cocktail menu spans 160 years of historic drinks. Those interested in cocktails with a view can delight in the colorful city landscape from one of Tallahassee’s three rooftop bars, Charlie Park at Cascades Park, downtown at Eve on Adams, or at Level 8 at the Hotel Duval. Take in the sights and sounds of Cascades Park. This 24-acre downtown park includes Florida’s Prime Meridian marker, the Adderley Amphitheater, multi-use trails, an interactive water fountain, a Discovery playscape, numerous historical markers, and spirit houses that are a commemoration to Smokey Hollow, an area that was once a thriving black community. Grab a picnic lunch to go from the Power Plant Cafe or dine al fresco on the patio overlooking the park at the Edison. Explore Tallahassee’s Parks and Trails. The Capital City lies in one of the most biologically diverse regions in the U.S. and is home to more than 700 miles of varying trails — aptly lending the nickname “Trailahassee” – with abundant biking, hiking, paddling, equestrian, and running trails. Whether by land or water, breathtaking landscapes, amazing wildlife, and recreational activities abound for outdoor enthusiasts, explorers, trailblazers, and adventurers of all types. Spend a day out on the bike trails with one of Tallahassee’s local bike shops that provide rental bikes and guided trail rides. Kayak along Tallahassee’s water trails with Harry Smith Outdoors, offering half-day, full-day, or multi-day eco-tours that are great fun for the whole family. On your way in or out of town, enjoy the natural beauty of Canopy Road Drives, the scenic byways that define the Tallahassee area. These nine official signature canopy roads offer more than 78 miles of intriguing shaded drives and are a relaxing way to see the city. Limbs of huge moss-draped live oaks, sweet gums, hickory trees, and pines provide a towering, cooling canopy over roads that were once paths traveled by native tribes. TALLAHASSEE GUIDED TOURS Guided tours are a great way to relax and learn your way around the Capital City as told through the eyes of one of Tallahassee’s local experts. Sit back and enjoy the ride as you learn about the history, sites, and people that make Tallahassee a Southern Living Top 10 City of the South. There’s no friendlier, more intimate way to see Tallahassee than from the seat of a Capital City Pedicab. Roll up and down the famed “seven hills” of Tallahassee, traversing the downtown, Gaines Street, the city’s universities, historic sites, and much more. All Aboard Capital City Tours provides a narrated sightseeing tour on an electric golf cart named Wilma, an SUV, or, for groups, on Stella, a fancy trolley.