Florida offers sunshine, beaches, theme-style excitement, and seasonal celebrations — making it one of the most exciting places for travel and family fun. Whether you’re planning coastal adventures in the Keys or looking for fun things to do in Florida with kids, here’s your curated guide featuring December–January 2025–2026 events plus year-round attractions.
It’s also home to many of the best elementary schools in Florida, which makes it a popular choice for families relocating or planning educational trips along with vacations.
Florida is famous for outdoor enjoyment — it has 1,197 miles of coastline, including 825 miles of sandy beaches, and it’s the only U.S. state touching both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. This makes exploring things to do in Florida Keys and beach towns like Seaside, Florida a year-round treat.
🎉 December & January 2025–2026 Events in Florida
1. Nights of Lights – St. Augustine
✨ Magical holiday district lighting
Experience 3+ million white lights brightening the nation’s oldest city — perfect for evening walks or trolley tours with family.
- Date: November 15, 2025 – January 11, 2026
- Location: Historic Downtown St. Augustine, FL
- Event Info: https://www.visitstaugustine.com/event/nights-lights-light-night
2. Moonpreneur Online Session (Virtual)
A wonderful learning opportunity for WV kids interested in Robotics, AI, Coding, IoT, and Game Development. This complements academics beautifully — especially for parents looking at the best elementary schools in WV.
- Date: Year-round sessions + December special workshops
- Link: https://moonpreneur.com/home/book-a-free-trial/
You can also find the In-person workshop near you here.
3. Gingerbread Village – Glazer Children’s Museum, Tampa
🎄 Holiday creativity for kids
Children design “gingerbread” houses using recycled craft materials — a fun, eco-friendly holiday activity indoors.
- Dates: November 4, 2025 – January 5, 2026
- Location: 110 W Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, FL
- Info & Tickets: https://glazermuseum.org/visit
4. 29th Annual Kumquat Festival – Dade City
🍊 A quirky & sweet Florida classic
Taste kumquat pies, shop handmade crafts, enjoy entertainment & kids’ zones — a delightful local culture celebration.
- Date: Saturday, January 31, 2026 – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Location: Downtown Dade City, FL
- Official Page: https://www.eastpascochamber.org/annual-kumquat-festival/
5. Tampa Bay Festival of Lights & Santa’s Village
🎅 Drive-through lights & festive family fun
Enjoy animated light tunnels, Santa’s Village, themed displays — a holiday treat for little ones near the Gulf Coast.
- Dates: November 27 – December 28, 2025
- Location: Hillsborough County Fairgrounds (Tampa-area)
- Tickets/Info: https://hillsboroughcountyfair.com
🌴 Year-Round Activities in Florida
These kid-friendly spots are also close to neighborhoods known for some of the best elementary schools in Florida, making them great for families who plan to move or frequently visit the Sunshine State.
6. Seaside, Florida – Scenic Beach Town
🏖 Coastal charm + bike paths + pastel town squares
Known for its walkable town center, local markets & family-friendly beaches — ideal if you’re searching for things to do in Seaside Florida.
- Location: Seaside, FL (Scenic Highway 30A)
- Visitor Info: https://www.visitsouthwalton.com/explore/seaside
7. Glazer Children’s Museum – Tampa
🧒 STEM learning & interactive play
Perfect indoor educational fun with hands-on exhibits.
- Open: Daily
- Location: Tampa, FL
- Tickets: https://glazermuseum.org/visit
8. St. Augustine Historic District
⛪ Old-world architecture + history + coastal views
Explore forts, museums, narrow pedestrian streets & waterfront beauty — a favorite for family trips.
- Open: Year-round
- Location: St. Augustine, FL
- Tourism Info: https://www.visitstaugustine.com
9. Anastasia State Park – St. Augustine
🌊 Beach adventures & wildlife
Hiking trails, kayaking, and 4 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline.
- Open: Daily (Entry fee applies)
- Location: 300 Anastasia Park Rd, St. Augustine, FL
- Official Page: https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/anastasia-state-park
10. Nature & Adventures in the Florida Keys
🐬 Snorkeling, marine life & tropical breeze
Looking for things to do in the Florida Keys? Choose from coral reef tours, fishing trips, dolphin encounters & sunset cruises.
- Location: Island chain stretching from Key Largo to Key West
- Visitor Info: https://fla-keys.com
11. Local Festivals & Small-Town Celebrations
🎶 Old-Florida traditions year-round
- Location: Across Florida
- Statewide Event Guide: https://www.visitflorida.com/events
From citrus fairs to seafood festivals — these community-style events give authentic cultural vibes beyond theme parks.
🌟 Bonus Florida Facts (Fun & Reliable!)
| Fact | Source |
|---|---|
| Florida has 67 counties, and nearly every coastal county has a public beach | visitflorida.com |
| More than 130+ million tourists visit annually (highest in the U.S.) | visitflorida.com tourism data |
| The state receives 230+ days of sunshine per year on average | State weather averages |
☀ No wonder there are endless fun things to do in Florida!
🎯 Why Visit Florida?
- Weather stays warm in winter, making December & January trips perfect
- Family-friendly fun with free or low-cost options
- Beaches, museums, history, culture — everything in one state
Ideal for both short getaways and extended vacations
Wherever you go — whether the Florida Keys, Seaside, or historic towns — you’re never far from sunshine, excitement & unforgettable experiences.
Moonpreneur is on a mission to disrupt traditional education and future-proof the next generation with holistic learning solutions. Its Innovator Program is building tomorrow’s workforce by training students in AI/ML, Robotics, Coding, IoT, and Apps, enabling entrepreneurship through experiential learning.
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