Indian Rocks Beach is one of Florida’s most popular travel destinations. This peaceful coastal town sits surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Intracoastal Waterway, making it a great spot for beach activities and water sports. There are plenty of family-friendly things to do outdoors, from massive water slides and dolphin cruises to visiting local museums and nature centers. Book a stay at an Indian Rocks Beach vacation rental today. Check out the top kid-centric things to do in the Indian Rocks Beach area.
1. Splash Around at Splash Harbour Water Park
Cool off from the warm Florida sun by spending the day at Splash Harbour, a popular water slide park with slides to suit every thrill-seeking level. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a tube ride solo or with a partner down Smuggler’s Run, a 42-foot slide that curves and twists around in all the right spots. If you’d rather just relax, grab a tube and float down the Great White Lazy River. The park also has a swimming pool, a sunbathing deck, and an awesome concession stand.
2. Visit Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve
Give your kids a delightful nature lesson by visiting Indian Rocks Beach Nature Preserve, featuring a boardwalk, fishing lake, and beautiful views of the Clearwater Beach Bridge. Pack a lunch and sit along the water’s edge while you check out the wildlife in their natural habitat, or do a little fishing at the end of the boardwalk.
3. Learn About Floridian History at Indian Rocks Historical Museum
Spend the day learning about local history at the Indian Rocks Historical Museum. Find out how the city got its name, and tour the different rooms filled with unique items that include “Kahuna,” a tiki god statue who once welcomed visitors to Florida’s Tiki Gardens Restaurant. Check out shipwreck artifacts from a mysterious shipwreck that occurred off-shore, take in photos of classic cars, and more.
4. Spend the Day at the Beach
A family beach day or two is a must when visiting Indian Rocks Beach. Fill up a beach bag with the essentials, pack a cooler, and head to the shoreline of Indian Rocks Beach for some fun in the sun. Build sandcastles, beach comb for shells, or simply kick back on your beach chairs and take in the sounds of the surf and the soothing ocean breeze.
5. Experience Living History at Heritage Village
Heritage Village Living History Museum is a great place to take the kids for an adventurous day of interactive learning and a trip back in time. This 21-acre museum houses over 31 historic buildings and structures, including a school, a firehouse, and a sugar cane mill. Take a self-guided tour of the grounds, and make sure to stop by the live meat curing demonstration at the smokehouse, as well as the sugar boiling demonstration at the boiling shed.
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6. Take a Dolphin Snorkeling Cruise
For a magical day out on the water, sign up for a dolphin snorkeling cruise. St. Pete Dolphin Snorkeling Tours and Island Boat Adventure both offer cruises for kids and adults. These cruises take guests along the coastline and stop in Egmont Key for snorkeling and island exploring. Dolphins are also easy to spot from the boat deck with a pair of binoculars and a good eye.
7. Visit the Birds at Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary
The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary sits less than a mile away in neighboring Indian Shores and houses over 3,000 birds. The sanctuary is a non-profit foundation that takes in injured, sick, and orphaned birds and provides them with a safe and comfortable haven in which to heal and thrive. Take a tour of the sanctuary and learn about their mission while visiting with the beautiful birds.
8. Take a Family Fishing Charter
If you’ve got a fishing enthusiast in the family who are hoping to catch some snapper or flounder during your vacation, sign up for a fishing charter. Contagious Deep Sea Fishing Charters offers day trips with Captain Mike, who helps with everything from baiting the lines to boxing up your catches for a grill out at your vacation rental.
9. Take a Family Surfing Lesson
Surfing is a popular water sport in Indian Rocks Beach, thanks to the crisp waves of the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re new to surfing, there’s no better way to hit the waves than a family surfing lesson. Island Surf Shop has everything you need for a great day on the water, from boards and gear to lessons and training tips before you venture out on your board. The shop also rents out paddle boards and boogie boards for anyone not ready to brave it on a surfboard.
10. Go Kayaking Along Indian Shores
For a relaxing day exploring the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico, rent some kayaks from Island Marine Rentals and navigate the waters at your own pace. All kayaks come with GPS guides to keep you on the right path, and you can even rent a GoPro camera for the day to record your journey.
11. Have a Picnic at Chief Chic-A-Si Park
For a day of family bonding, pack a picnic lunch, a frisbee, and a blanket and head over to Chief Chic-A-Si Park. This park is named after Chief Chic-A-Si, an explorer who, according to legend, drank healing waters from the warm springs in the area. This beautiful green space houses the Indian Rocks Beach Historical Museum and includes amenities such as picnic tables, a gazebo, and a butterfly garden.
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