Top 8 Activities for Kids in New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is a delightful destination for families, offering a range of activities that will captivate and entertain children of all ages. From exploring historical sites and engaging with marine life to enjoying the great outdoors and indulging in creative arts, there is no shortage of exciting and educational experiences. This guide highlights some of the top activities that will ensure kids have a memorable and fun-filled time in this charming coastal town.
1. Visit Parks
New Smyrna Beach boasts a variety of parks that offer engaging and fun activities for kids. One standout is Riverside Park, which features a scenic riverwalk perfect for a leisurely family stroll. Kids can enjoy the playground equipped with slides, swings, and climbing structures, while parents can relax under shaded picnic areas. The park also hosts regular community events, making it a lively spot for families to gather.
Old Fort Park, with its historical ruins, provides an educational twist to outdoor play. Children can explore the remnants of an old coquina fort, sparking their imagination and curiosity about history. The park's open spaces are ideal for playing catch or flying kites, and the on-site picnic tables make it a convenient place for a family lunch.
Another great spot is the 27th Avenue Park, which combines beach access with traditional park amenities. Kids can alternate between building sandcastles on the beach and playing on the parkâs equipment. The park also includes basketball and racquetball courts for those looking to engage in more structured activities.
For a more natural experience, the Smyrna Dunes Park offers extensive trails and boardwalks that wind through diverse ecosystems, including dunes, saltwater marshes, and scrub zones. It's an excellent spot for wildlife spotting, with frequent sightings of birds, crabs, and even tortoises. The park's fishing pier and observation tower provide additional points of interest, ensuring that kids remain entertained and engaged throughout their visit.
2. Beach Fun
Combing the beach for hidden treasures in New Smyrna Beach offers kids an engaging and educational activity. With miles of sandy shoreline, young explorers can find a variety of seashells, colorful pebbles, and perhaps even a rare piece of sea glass or fossil. This activity not only ignites their sense of adventure but also teaches them about marine life and the natural world. Parents can join in, making it a fun family bonding experience.
Building sandcastles is another fun beach activity that delights children of all ages. Armed with buckets, shovels, and a little imagination, kids can create intricate sandcastles, fortresses, and other sandy sculptures. This creative endeavor fosters their artistic skills and spatial awareness, while the soft, sun-warmed sand provides a perfect medium for endless creativity. Friendly competitions to see who can build the tallest tower or the most elaborate design add an element of fun and teamwork.
New Smyrna Beach also boasts several playgrounds conveniently located near the beach, offering a perfect break from the sun and sand. These playgrounds are equipped with swings, slides, climbing structures, and other amenities designed to entertain and challenge children. Kids can run, jump, and play in a safe environment, giving them a chance to burn off energy while parents relax nearby. The combination of beach fun and playground activities ensures that children have a memorable and active day at New Smyrna Beach.
3. Marine Discovery Center
At the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach, kids can dive into a world of marine life and coastal ecosystems. This educational and engaging center offers a variety of hands-on activities and interactive exhibits that are perfect for young explorers. One of the highlights is the touch tank, where children can get up close and personal with sea creatures like starfish, crabs, and sea urchins. This tactile experience helps foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for marine biodiversity.
The center also offers guided eco-tours, which are both fun and informative. Families can go on a boat tour through the Indian River Lagoon, one of North Americaâs most diverse estuaries. During the tour, kids can spot dolphins, manatees, and a plethora of bird species, while learning about the importance of these animals and their habitats. The knowledgeable guides share fascinating facts and stories, making the experience both entertaining and educational.
For those who prefer land-based activities, the Marine Discovery Center has nature trails and a butterfly garden. The trails provide an opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna, while the butterfly garden offers a serene spot to observe these beautiful insects in their natural environment. The center also hosts seasonal camps and workshops tailored for children, focusing on marine science and conservation. These programs are designed to inspire young minds and instill a love for the ocean and its inhabitants.
4. Water Sports
New Smyrna Beach offers a fantastic array of water sports that can keep kids entertained and active. One of the most popular activities is surfing. The beach is renowned for its consistent waves, making it an excellent spot for beginners to learn. Surf schools and camps provide lessons tailored specifically for children, ensuring they learn the basics safely and enjoyably.
Another thrilling option is paddleboarding. The calm waters of the Indian River Lagoon are perfect for kids to practice balancing on a board while exploring the local marine life. Many rental shops offer kid-sized paddleboards and guided tours to enhance the experience.
For a more fast-paced adventure, kids can try jet skiing. Rental services along the beach offer child-friendly jet skis and safety gear. This activity provides an exhilarating way to explore the coastline and spot dolphins and other marine creatures.
Kayaking is another excellent option, with many guided tours available. These tours often include educational components, teaching kids about the local ecosystem and wildlife. The gentle waters and scenic routes make kayaking both fun and informative.
Snorkeling is also a hit, especially at locations like the Marine Discovery Center, where kids can observe underwater life up close. The clear waters around New Smyrna Beach are home to various fish, sea turtles, and other fascinating marine species.
Whether riding the waves, paddling through serene waters, or speeding across the surface, New Smyrna Beachâs water sports provide endless fun and excitement for kids.
5. Atlantic Center for the Arts
The Atlantic Center for the Arts in New Smyrna Beach offers an enriching experience for kids interested in the arts. This multidisciplinary facility provides a variety of workshops, classes, and events designed to foster creativity and artistic expression among young people. Children can engage in hands-on activities such as painting, sculpture, and printmaking, guided by experienced instructors who help them explore different techniques and mediums.
The center frequently hosts special programs tailored specifically for children, including summer art camps and after-school sessions. These programs not only introduce kids to the fundamentals of art but also encourage them to experiment and develop their unique artistic voices. Through collaborative projects, children learn the importance of teamwork and the joy of creating something together.
Additionally, the Atlantic Center for the Arts features inspiring exhibitions that showcase the work of professional artists. These exhibits provide a wonderful opportunity for kids to see diverse artistic styles and gain insights into the creative process. The center's tranquil setting, surrounded by lush natural landscapes, adds to the inspiring atmosphere, making it an ideal place for young artists to immerse themselves in their work.
Families visiting the center can also enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces, including nature trails and gardens, which offer a peaceful environment for relaxation and reflection. The Atlantic Center for the Arts stands out as a vibrant cultural hub where children can explore their creativity and find inspiration in the world of art.
6. New Smyrna Museum of History
The New Smyrna Museum of History is an engaging destination that offers a fun and educational experience for kids. The museum provides a glimpse into the rich history of New Smyrna Beach, featuring exhibits that highlight the area's Native American roots, early European settlers, and the development of the community over the centuries. Kids can explore interactive displays that bring history to life, such as a replica of an old schoolhouse and a detailed model of the town as it appeared in the past.
One of the standout exhibits is dedicated to the Turnbull Colony, an 18th-century settlement established by Scottish physician Andrew Turnbull. Children can learn about the challenges faced by the settlers and the diverse group of people who made the colony their home. The museum also showcases artifacts from the region's maritime history, including shipwrecks and treasures recovered from the ocean.
The hands-on activities and guided tours make the visit particularly engaging for young minds. Special programs and events are frequently held, offering unique opportunities for children to participate in historical reenactments, craft workshops, and storytelling sessions. These activities are designed to spark curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the past.
The New Smyrna Museum of History is not only informative but also an enjoyable outing that encourages kids to connect with the history of their community in a meaningful way.
7. NSB History Trail
The New Smyrna Beach History Trail offers an engaging journey through the rich past of this charming coastal town, perfect for kids with curious minds. As they walk the trail, they'll encounter various historical markers that tell the story of New Smyrna Beach's founding, growth, and development over the centuries. The trail is designed to be both educational and enjoyable, with each stop providing a glimpse into a different era.
Children will learn about the early Native American inhabitants and the arrival of European settlers. The markers highlight significant events and figures that shaped the community, including the role of the British and Spanish in the area's development. Interactive elements along the trail make history come alive, offering a hands-on experience that is both informative and fun.
One of the highlights includes the Old Fort Park, where kids can explore the ruins of an 18th-century coquina stone structure. They can imagine the lives of the settlers and the challenges they faced. The trail also features the historic Canal Street, lined with charming buildings and shops that have stood the test of time, providing a tangible connection to the past.
The trail's accessible layout ensures a pleasant experience for families, encouraging kids to ask questions and delve deeper into the local heritage. By the end of the walk, young visitors will have a newfound appreciation for the history that has shaped New Smyrna Beach into the vibrant community it is today.
8. Dale Avenue Sun Trail
The Dale Avenue Sun Trail in New Smyrna Beach offers an engaging outdoor experience tailored for children. The trail winds through a variety of natural landscapes, providing kids with an opportunity to explore and learn about the local environment. The path is well-maintained and suitable for walking, running, and biking, making it accessible to kids of all ages.
Along the trail, numerous educational signs highlight the area's native plants and wildlife. These signs offer interesting facts and spark curiosity, encouraging young explorers to observe their surroundings closely. The trail also features several shaded rest areas with benches, perfect for taking a break and enjoying a snack while appreciating nature.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Dale Avenue Sun Trail is its connection to the nearby beach. As kids make their way along the path, they can catch glimpses of the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, motivating them to continue their journey. The proximity to the beach allows families to combine a trail hike with a beach outing, offering a full day of outdoor fun.
In addition to its natural beauty, the trail occasionally hosts community events and educational programs. These events are designed to engage children in interactive activities, such as guided nature walks and scavenger hunts. These programs foster a sense of community and encourage children to develop a deeper appreciation for the environment.
The Dale Avenue Sun Trail is a perfect place for children to experience the joys of outdoor adventure and environmental education.
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Our condos are strategically located to ensure you're never far from the action, allowing easy access to a myriad of activities that children and adults alike will adore. Beyond the comfort of your vacation home, New Smyrna Beach unfolds as a vibrant tapestry of experiences, promising both fun and educational outings that make every moment of your stay memorable.
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