Any history-loving family should visit St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., founded in 1565. In 1740, the Spanish soldiers erected Fort Matanzas to safeguard the Ancient City.
Williford Spring is free and has fresh water, even if it lacks waterpark features! A renowned swimming hole 25 miles north of Panama City is available year-round from dawn to dusk.
Watch hundreds of alligators at the Emerald Coast's biggest free alligator park! Free entrance to Gator Beach and most live events produced by world-class gator handlers.
Caspersen Beach may be the finest place to legally uncover ancient shark teeth in Florida. This free, family-friendly beach is 21 miles south of Sarasota and offers several amenities.
No street art discussion is complete without Wynwood. Wynwood Walls charges $12 for adults (kids are free), but much of the street art in this colorful Miami area is free.
Gainesville's Florida Museum of Natural History claims to be one of the nation's top five. No matter your opinion, spending a wet day here exploring Florida's fossils, people, canals, and animals will be worth it.
Florida has fewer than 7,000 manatees, so seeing one in the wild is unlikely unless you visit Tampa Electric's Manatee Viewing Center. This popular family-friendly attraction is free and has an information center.
Disney Springs offers free Disney entertainment if you've been to Disney World or can't afford it. This massive shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, formerly Walt Disney World Village and Downtown Disney.
Universal CityWalk, 11 miles distant, rivals Disney Springs. If you have energy and nice shoes, do both in one day. Parking is free after 6 p.m. every night except Halloween Horror Nights, so visit CityWalk last.