Gardens and Historic Sites for Kids

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22 family-friendly spots across Florida, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Texas, & US Virgin Islands, with costs, best ages, parking tips, and what to bring.

22 adventures found

St. John, VI

Annaberg Sugar Plantation

The best preserved sugar mill ruins in the Virgin Islands, on a hillside with a windmill tower and a view to the British islands.

  • Nature
  • Ages 5+
  • ~2h
  • Paid

San Juan, PR

Castillo San Cristobal

The largest Spanish fort built in the Americas, with a tunnel system, a dungeon and centuries-old ship drawings scratched into the walls.

  • Nature
  • Ages 5+
  • ~2h
  • Paid

San Juan, PR

Castillo San Felipe del Morro

A six-level Spanish fortress on the headland, with tunnels, sentry boxes and the best kite-flying lawn in the Caribbean.

  • Nature
  • Ages 4+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Christiansted, VI

Christiansted National Historic Site

A yellow Danish fort on the harbour front, with dungeons, ramparts and cannon, in a walkable eighteenth-century colonial town.

  • Nature
  • Ages 5+
  • ~2h
  • Paid

Fernandina Beach, FL

Fort Clinch State Park

A remarkably intact brick fort with costumed reenactors, plus shark tooth hunting on the beach and camping under live oaks.

  • Nature
  • Ages 4+
  • ~4h
  • Paid

Kula, HI

Ali i Kula Lavender Farm

Scenic lavender farm on Haleakala slopes with ocean views and lavender treats. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. About an hour.

  • Nature
  • Ages 2+
  • ~1h
  • Paid

Kaneohe, HI

Byodo-In Temple

Beautiful Japanese temple with koi fish, peace bell, and dramatic mountain backdrop. Paid entry. Works from toddler age.

  • Nature
  • Ages 2+
  • ~1h
  • Paid

Haiku, HI

Garden of Eden Arboretum

Jurassic Park filming lookout in a tropical botanical garden on the Road to Hana. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. About an hour.

  • Nature
  • Ages 2+
  • ~1h
  • Paid

Papaikou, HI

Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden

Ocean bluff tropical garden with waterfalls, exotic plants, and Jurassic Park scenery. Paid entry. Works from toddler age.

  • Nature
  • Ages 2+
  • ~2h
  • Paid

Captain Cook, HI

Hawaii Tropical Fruit Farm

Guided tour tasting 60+ exotic fruits straight from the tree on a family farm. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. About an hour.

  • Nature
  • Ages 2+
  • ~1h
  • Paid

Hilo, HI

Hilo Farmers Market

Hawaii's biggest farmers market with 200+ vendors, exotic fruits, and tropical flowers. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour.

  • Nature
  • Ages 1+
  • ~1h
  • Free

Kaneohe, HI

Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden

Free 400-acre botanical garden with dramatic mountain backdrop and camping. Free. Works from toddler age. About two hours.

  • Nature
  • Ages 1+
  • ~2h
  • Free

Kaneohe, HI

Kualoa Ranch

Jurassic Park filming location with horseback riding, ATVs, and zip lines. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. Easily a full day.

  • Nature
  • Ages 3+
  • ~5h
  • Paid

Wailuku, HI

Maui Tropical Plantation

Tram tour through a working tropical fruit farm with tastings and zipline. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. About two hours.

  • Nature
  • Ages 2+
  • ~2h
  • Paid

Hilo, HI

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory

Free factory tour with macadamia nut samples, orchards, and nature trail. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.

  • Nature
  • Ages 2+
  • ~1h
  • Free

Laie, HI

Polynesian Cultural Center

Interactive Pacific Island cultural park with hands-on activities and evening luau. Paid entry. Best from about age 3. Easily a full day.

  • Nature
  • Ages 3+
  • ~8h
  • Paid

Haleiwa, HI

Waimea Valley

Paved botanical garden walk to a swimmable 45-foot waterfall. Paid entry. Works from toddler age. A half-day trip. Stroller-friendly.

  • Hiking
  • Ages 2+
  • ~3h
  • Paid

Frisco, TX

Frisco Rail District Murals

Colorful street murals along historic Main Street perfect for edgy senior portraits. Free. Best from about age 4. About an hour.

  • Photography
  • Ages 4+
  • ~1h
  • Free

Frisco, TX

Frisco Square

Urban architecture and a central park gazebo ideal for portraits and family photos. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour.

  • Photography
  • Ages 2+
  • ~1h
  • Free

Plano, TX

Legacy West

Modern architecture and a choreographed fountain at this lifestyle center on the Frisco-Plano border. Free. Works from toddler age.

  • Photography
  • Ages 2+
  • ~1h
  • Free

Frisco, TX

Texas Sculpture Garden at Hall Park

Free outdoor sculpture park with 50+ works and beautiful landscaping. Free. Works from toddler age. About an hour. Stroller-friendly.

  • Photography
  • Ages 2+
  • ~1h
  • Free