Finding family friendly things to do in Sanford, Florida is easy. As a suburb located outside of northern Orlando, Sanford is one of Central Florida’s oldest incorporated cities. It has won a variety of awards for restaurants, gastropubs, different street festivals, boating and steamboat cruises! There are tons of sights to see and fun activities to do, and we’re going over all of it below.
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Things To Do in Sanford Florida
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Central Florida Zoo Cost: Weekday Pricing: Adults: $22.95, Seniors (55+): $18.95, Children (3-12): $16.95 Weekend Pricing: Adults: $24.95, Seniors (55+): $20.95, Children (3-12) $18.95 Ages 2 and under are free. Save $2 off the above prices when you purchase your tickets online. Although this is also subject to a transaction fee. Parking is free.
- Central Florida Zoo Hours: Open daily from 9am to 4pm. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Open till 6pm during Spring Break.
The only zoo in all of Central Florida is located right here in Sanford, Florida. Tucked back off of Lake Monroe, this is a great place to spend the day with the kids. Be sure to have comfortable shoes and a stroller, because you’ll be walking quite a bit through the trails that surround and wind through all the different animal exhibits and enclosures.
Central Florida Zoo also has a botanical garden which are actually smaller gardens sprinkled here and there within the zoo. While there are numerous gardens to see, my favorite is the beautiful butterfly garden.
The zoo itself has a great many animals to see, but beyond that it also has so many other activities. Within the zoo, you’ll find a splash pad, playground, and numerous talks given by the animal keepers.
Central Florida Zoo also has opportunities to interact with the animals. For an additional cost, you can feed the giraffes, touch a rhinoceros, or feed and pet one of the many barnyard animals that make their home here.
At the front of the park, there is also a carousel and train ride, which can be purchased separately.
Seminole Aerial Adventures
- Cost: Kids Course: $17.95/21.95 per person dependent on the day (weekday vs weekend)
- Upland Course: $35.95/39.95 per person dependent on the day (weekday vs weekend)
- Kids Course: Ages 5 and up with height of 36 to 60 inches. Takes about an hour to complete. Times are every hour on the hour from 10am to 3pm
- Upland Course: Any age but requires a height of 54 inches. Takes about an hour and a half. Times are on the half hour starting from 9:30am to 2:30pm
Located just in front of the entrance to Central Florida Zoo, although not a part of the zoo itself, you will find Seminole Aerial Adventures. Hidden within the trees is a zipline and ropes course. With two different courses fit for different adventurers, this is a fun experience for the kids.
If you like ziplines, then check out these other blog posts that include legit zipline adventures.
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My Little Town – Seminole Towne Center
- Cost: $14 for 2 hours of play per child. Up to 2 adults free with one child admission
- Hours: Open daily 9am to 7pm Monday through Saturday and 12pm to 6pm on Sundays
Within the Sanford mall (or Seminole Towne Center), you’ll find My Little Town. My little town is a cute indoor playground and interactive play area that is set up like real life locations. With stations like the grocery store, fire department, police department, castle, or even outdoor patio, there is plenty to assist with kids vivid imaginations. You can also find soft plush play area, ball pit, and even a trampoline.
Elev8 Fun – Seminole Towne Center
- Cost: Varies depending on the activities you want to participate in. Check website for pricing details as they also offer packages for different activity combinations.
- Hours: Open Daily Monday through Thursday 3pm to 10pm, Friday 3pm to 1am, Saturday 11am to 1am, and Sunday 11am to 10pm
Recently added to the Seminole Towne Center is Elev8 Fun. Elev8 is two floors of amusement and fun. Activities here include bowling, laser tag, a ropes course, a glow in the dark miniature golf course, axe throwing, arcade games virtual reality games, and even go-karts. There really is something here for the entire family.
They’ve got a bunch of bowling lanes with plush seating. Don’t worry if you’ve got a little one for bowling, they have lighter bowling balls, guard rails, and even these bowling slides to assist.
The laser tag vests may be a little big, but even your little ones can have fun and participate.
Ride SunRail
- Cost: Varies on one-way vs round-trip as well as destination. Passes are available and there is a 50% discount for ages 7-18 and seniors 65 and over. Children under 6 ride free.
- Hours: Currently designed as a commuter train, the SunRail only operates Mondays through Fridays. [Although there has been talk to open this up to weekends, but hasn’t yet] For specific times, see the Northbound and Southbound schedules.
SunRail starts its journey at the DeBary station and ends at the Poinciana station, covering most of Central Florida during that journey. In Sanford, Florida you can find one of those SunRail stations, as well as in the next town over Lake Mary, Florida.
The SunRail is a double decker train with air-conditioning, restrooms on board, and tons of comfortable seating with either regular seats or group seating with a table.
You can do a round-trip ride on the train or you can stop at one of it’s many destinations and take a stroll around.
The SunRail is a perfect low cost adventure for the train lovers in the family. I am a train lover at heart, and if you are too, then you’ll love these blog posts which all include a train adventure.
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Hidden Palms Ranch and Trail Ride
- Cost: Horse Experience is $85 for the first person, then two additional people for $25 per person. The horse experience is designed for ages 5 and up. During our time, we paid for our 2 kids, but since we were just taking pictures, we didn’t have any entry or participation fee.
- Cost: Trail Rides are $85 per person and can accommodate up to 5 people. Trail rides are limited to those ages 10 and up. The trail ride is about 90 minutes total with 60 minutes of actual horse back riding. There is a weight limit of 225lbs.
- Hours: Trail rides are offered at either 8:30am, 10am, or 4pm. Horse experience is only offered once per day at 11:30am. Closed Mondays, holidays, and horse experience closed for a few different summer camps. Reservations are required, but you can always call the day of to see if there are any cancellations. We were able to get in the same day because of this.
The horse experience was incredible and should definitely be on your list of things to do in Sanford, Florida. The kids are basically going through a day in the life of a horse handler. Doing all the activities that they have to do for the horses each day.
Starting off with a miniature horse, the kids used about 3 different types of brushes. One for cleaning, one for grooming, and one for their hair.
They were then shown the horseshoes and how to clean out their hooves. The kids were able to do this all on their own.
As a reward, they got to feed a special treat to the miniature horse, before he headed back to the stables. Next the regular sized horse was brought over, and they got to do all of it all over again. The only exception being cleaning out the horseshoes and hooves.
The kids were shown the saddle and how to set it up. Once a treat was given, it was time to move on to a trot around the property.
After their horseback rides around the property, we got to see the chicken coop, the baby chicks, and even the ducks. We would absolutely do this again. It was educational and fun and perfect for kids.
The trail rides start at Hidden Palms Ranch which is just across from the Sanford-Orlando international airport down a long thin road. Not far away from Hidden Palms Ranch is the Lake Jesup Conservation Area and this is where your trail ride takes place. With how much wildlife is here in Florida, there is no doubt you will see some during your ride.
Airport Lanes Bowling
- Cost: Varies. Check website for weekly specials. They also often run a summer special with kids play free (15 and under for 2 games for price of shoe rental).
- Hours: Open daily Monday through Thursday 12pm to 12am, Fridays 11am to 2am, Saturday 10am to 2am, and Sundays 10am to 10pm
Airport Lanes Bowling is located around Sanford International Airport. Airport Lanes includes all the standard activities of a bowling alley boasting 32 lanes plus an arcade, billiards, darts, and a restaurant! You can participate in different themed activities such as Latin nights, trivia and more!
Katie’s Landing at Wekiva River
- Cost: Included with State Park entry which can range between $4-6
Wekiva River is a 16-mile-long river north of Orlando starting in Apopka and ending at the St Johns River. Wekiva is one of two federally recognized national and scenic rivers located in Florida. Sanford is full of amazing family-friendly outdoor activities and Katie’s Water Landing has just the place for you to launch your non-motorized watercraft into the river. Katies Water Landing is the only launch located in the state park and is about halfway down the river.
Free Things To Do in Sanford Florida
Playgrounds
Normally I wouldn’t add a playground on your list of things to do in Sanford, Florida except that there are some really cool playgrounds! While you may have a playground in your neighborhood, these couple of playgrounds in this area are worth a stop if you have the time.
Besides the ones mentioned below, other park playgrounds within Sanford, Florida worthy of mention:
- Sylvan Lake Park
- Sunland Park
- Park on Park
- Lee P. Moore Park
Fort Mellon Park
Located right along the Sanford Riverwalk and overlooking Lake Monroe, Fort Mellon Park is definitely worth the stop. Fort Mellon Park combines fun amenities and picturesque beauty, making it a great destination for tourists and locals. The park features wide open grassy area perfect for picnicking or family sports. Fort Mellon Park also has a massive children’s playground area, perfect to keep your little ones occupied. There are also basketball courts and even a large splash pad. This is why Fort Mellon Park is a great place for a fun day out with the kids.
Mike Kirby Park
Located behind the Sanford Kohl’s and seen from SR 417 is Mike Kirby Park. Mike Kirby Park has a few different playground areas focused for different age groups. You can also find a beach volleyball court, pavilion for picnics, and restrooms on the property, but that isn’t what sets this park apart. Mike Kirby Park is also home to Central Florida’s permanent soap box derby track. During the year, you’ll find that this downhill track is gated off in certain sections for safety. But come April and May, they are opened up and you can watch from the bleachers different divisions compete in soap box derby races. Here’s the link to find out the race schedule.
Florida Coast to Coast Trail
Central Florida is known for its beautiful weather most of the year. Outdoor activities are a key part of visiting! The Florida Coast to Coast Trail is 250 miles long in its entirety. This is the first trail of its kind in the country and runs between Saint Petersburg (west coast of Florida) to Titusville (east coast of Florida). You can bike or walk the trail. This is a great and inexpensive activity for the whole family to enjoy!
Seminole Wekiva Trail
The Seminole Wekiva Trail is about 19 miles and starts at the Orange County line (Orlando area) and makes it’s way through Altamonte Springs to Longwood then onto Lake Mary (town next to Sanford).
Cross Seminole Trail
The Cross Seminole Trail is a total of 28 miles. Not only does a portion of it connect the Seminole Wekiva Trail as part of the Florida Coast to Coast Trail, but it also connects 4 other major bike paths. The Cady Way Trail, the Sanford Riverwalk, and the Spring to Spring Trail. If you love hiking or biking, then this is definitely a great activity for your family.
Be warned these are often wooded areas, so please be careful and safe, you may and can see all sorts of Florida wildlife like bears, snakes, alligators, and more. If you need some tips on what to pack, check out the post below.
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If you already have a bike then obviously this is a free activity. If you don’t have a bike then you will need to rent one. Here are several bike rental locations across Sanford to use for either trail.
- Sanford Fun Bike rental for 2 hours : Starting at $20.00.
- Bicikleta Bike Shop rental for 2 hours: Starting at $20.00.
- Pedal Driven Co rental: Starts at $15.00 an hour.
Things To Do in Historic Downtown Sanford Florida
The Ritz Theater at Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center
- Check website for list of productions, cost for admission, showtimes, and season passes.
The Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center also known as the Ritz Theater is a performing arts center in the heart of Sanford. It is listed as one of the US Nationals Register of historic places. The center was opened in the year 1923 and is Sanford’s premier theatre. Depending on the showing the theatre hosts ballet, magicians, illusionists, and special events. The theatre also has a theatrical program, camp and you can even become a member if you plan on visiting frequently.
Explore Historic Downtown Sanford Florida
Downtown Sanford Historical Walking Tour
- Cost: $25 per person [90 minute tour]
- Hours: Every Saturday at 10:30am
Bike Rental
- Cost: 2 hours for $20 pp, 4 hours for $30 pp, 8 hours for $35 pp, and full day for $45 pp
- Hours: Closed Mondays. Check website for available dates and times.
- These are adult sized bikes, so not a good activity for kids, but could do this with teenagers.
E-Bike Rental
- Cost: 2 hours for $40 pp, 4 hours for $60 pp, and full day for $75 pp
- Hours: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Check website for available dates and times.
- These are adult sized bikes, so not a good activity for kids, but could do this with teenagers.
Golf Cart Rental
- Cost: Golf cart seats 4 people. 1 hour for $40, 2 hours for $70, half day (4 hours) for $115, and full day for $175. For the larger golf cart (which seats 6), 2 hours for $90, 4 hours for $135, and full day for $200
- Hours: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Check website for available dates and times.
Sanford is easily one of Florida’s most outdoor-friendly cities. There are a laundry list of trails and riverwalks to take your bike, golf cart, or just walk. Go on a self-guided tour through downtown Sanford. Sanford has beautifully laid cobblestone streets, Victorian buildings, with a picturesque waterfront backdrop. Stopping off at the quaint storefronts, art galleries, welcome center, farmers market, and more. Enjoy a trip around the Sanford Riverwalk which runs along Lake Monroe which boasts several gazebos and benches to take a break.
Ride the Riverboat with St. John’s Rivership Company
- Cost: For lunch cruises, Adults $71 pp, Ages 4-13 $61 pp, and Kids 3 and under are free
- Hours: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Lunch Cruises on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 11am and Sundays at 12pm. Dinner and special event cruise days, times, and prices can be found on the calendar as well as to purchase tickets in advance.
While the lunch cruises are great for the entire family, not all of the dinner or special events are family friendly. So be sure to check the website to see which would be appropriate.
Docked at the Sanford Marina along Sanford’s Riverwalk is where you board the diesel engine powered riverboat. Pushing off from the expansive Lake Monroe, it makes its way down the St. John’s River. As with much of Florida, the St. John’s River is home to tons of wildlife. From the alligators, manatees, dolphins, turtles, or fish in the water, to the osprey, eagles, herons, and more in the sky. The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail includes the St. John’s River which has swamps, marshlands, and trees that are hundreds of years old.
You can head inside to learn more about the history of the boats that have sailed on the St. John’s River in years past. Or just enjoy some live entertainment.
Sanford Museum
- Cost: Adults $3 and Children $1
- Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 9am to 5pm
Every town has history to it and the Sanford Museum located at 520 E 1st Street has all you need to know about it. Opened back in 1957 as the Henry Shelton Memorial Library and Museum it expanded in 1974 and 1993. There are historic paintings, furniture and other pieces dating back from 1820!
Lake Monroe and the St. John’s River
The St. Johns River is the longest river in Florida and is 310 miles. The interesting part of this river is that it is one of the few rivers in north America that it flows north. The St. Johns River is home to a variety of watersports, fishing tournaments, restaurants, and picturesque water views. The river starts as a group of marshes.
Another interesting fact about this huge river is that it is freshwater until it reaches the Jacksonville area. Once the river starts flowing past Jacksonville closer to the Atlantic Ocean where it deposits, is where it gets brackish. St. Johns River runs through Sanford at Lake Monroe area. Lake Monroe is about 9,406 acres and hosts a variety of fish such as Spring Bass, Bluegill and Redear Sunfish.
If fishing isn’t your thing, there are places near the river to hike and camp. Lake Monroe also has a park on the Southwestern Volusia County side.
Another key point in visiting this area is to check out the Lake Monroe Bridge. The bridge was erected in 1933 and is a two-lane steel bridge claiming to be the first electrical swing bridge. The bridge was initially built for relief during the great depression after its completion in 1934. The bridge has since ceased operation in 1994 but still stands as a fishing pier and overlook.
Here are some local vendors to support when enjoying a day at Lake Monroe and the St. Johns River:
Free Things To Do in Historic Downtown Sanford Florida
Downtown Sanford Farmers Market
- Cost: Free to walk around, but then you are just paying for what you purchase
- Hours: Every Saturday 10am to 3pm [October to Mary] and 9am to 2pm [June to September]
Shop local. Farmers markets increase access to local vendors, healthier food, and revitalize downtown districts for small towns. Sanford hosts a farmers market every single Saturday rain or shine (unless there is a hurricane). The farmers market includes home décor, arts and crafts, fresh food, produce, plants and baked goods! The Sanford famers market has over 40 different vendors!
Sanford Food Truck Fiesta
- Cost: Free to walk around, but then you are just paying for what you purchase
- Hours: Every 2nd Sunday from 1pm to 6pm
Saturday’s may be farmer’s market days in Sanford, but on Sundays is when the food trucks descend. Sanford becomes like one big block party. With live music, free parking, and over 30 food trucks, it’s a great place to be.
Free Trolley Service
Getting around downtown Sanford to all of the fun doesn’t have to be difficult. You can always take the downtown Sanford Trolley for free! The free trolley runs from the Amtrak Station as well as the Sanford SunRail Station. There are 7 stops on the trolley, so you won’t miss any of the key sightseeing locations throughout downtown Sanford! At the Amtrak station while waiting for your journey through the city you can enjoy a huge waiting area, a café, and a little gift shop.
Sanford Riverwalk
One of the most beautiful walks is along the Sanford Riverwalk. Walking alongside Lake Monroe this beautiful path is just quintessential Florida living. With swinging benches to enjoy the view as well as plenty of space for strollers, bikes, and those walking, it’s a scenic stop.
Along the Sanford Riverwalk, you will find Veteran’s Memorial Park. Dedicated to the brave men and women who have served our country, this gorgeous park has a monument as well as memorial bricks and informational stops. Sit at the bench at the end of the park’s peninsula to take a moment and pause.
How to get to Sanford Florida
Airports near Sanford Florida
- MCO: Orlando International Airport
- SFB: Orlando-Sanford International Airport
Even though Sanford (SFB) is an international airport, it is definitely a much smaller airport. As a hub for Allegiant airlines, you can fly direct for a low cost to any of the United States cities that they service. For a wider range of airlines as well as departure dates and times, you will probably want to fly into Orlando International Airport.
Once you are in Florida via either of the above airlines, you will need to rent a car. While we do have public transportation available, it is not geared for tourists. The best way to get around especially with a family is to rent a car. Both airlines have car rentals available on site.
Amtrak AutoTrain
- Cost: Depends on the tier of ticket you buy (coach seating) or if you choose a roomette, bedroom, or private suite plus the vehicle charge
- Similar to plane fares, infants are free if they are on your lap.
- Children ages 2 to 12 with their own seat pay half off the adult fare always
- There are also discounts available for seniors, military members and their family, veterans, and those traveling with disabilities.
- Includes continental breakfast at arrival
- Standard Vehicle: $540
- Extended Vehicle: $620
- Hours: Train leaves 5pm and arrives at 10am the next day [17 hour trip]
- Check-in for the loading of your vehicle starts at 12:30pm and must be completed by no later than 3pm in order to make it on the train.
Another interesting and lesser known way to get to Sanford, Florida is via the AutoTrain. Sanford, Florida is hub to Amtrak’s Auto Train. Starting in Lorton, Virginia, you can put your car or SUV on the auto train. Then relax as Amtrak takes you down the east coast corridor tracks to your final destination of Sanford, Florida.
You can choose from seats on the upper level which give you panoramic views along this journey, or the lower level. The nice thing about this train is that there are no middle seats!
Plus doing it this way, you can pack everything you need in your car. Especially those big items like car seats, strollers, suitcases, and more. You don’t have to worry though, because you will still be allowed to bring carry on items onto the train as well. Don’t forget to check out all my packing lists, so you don’t forget to pack anything.
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You can also choose to ride the regular (non-auto train) Amtrak train to Sanford, Florida or a number of other destinations Florida-wide. We were avid Amtrak train riders back in the day when traveling in between New York and Florida. So I’ve been in coach, in a bedroom, and on the auto train. The train ride is an adventure in and of itself, so you don’t have to wait till you get to Florida.
Restaurants in Sanford, Florida that are Kid-Friendly
The Yardery
- Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 11am to 12am, Sundays 11am to 8pm, Tuesday through Thursdays 11am to 1pm, and Closed on Mondays.
The Yardery in Sanford, Florida is a mother’s dining paradise! It’s an entirely outdoor restaurant. The restaurant is fenced in and has tons of kid-friendly activities. So while you eat and enjoy a moment of conversation with whoever you are dining with, your kids can be busy playing at one of the many areas. They’ve got a tire swing, a life-size connect 4 game, a foosball table, a ping-pong table, and many other lawn games like corn hole, jenga, and more.
Henry’s Depot
Henry’s Depot isn’t a singular restaurant, but more of a dining hall with 7 different restaurants to choose from.
- The Basin
- The Current Seafood
- Lojax Pizza
- Get-N-Messy BBQ
- Salvatores Prime Sandwiches
- Sweet & Salty
- The Greenery Creamery
Each open at different times, so you’ll have to check the website for hours. But with each restaurant offering all different types of food and sweets, there is sure to be something for everyone even the pickiest of eaters. With a hustling and bustling atmosphere, you don’t have to worry about kids staying quiet at the table. It’s a cute and quaint little dining stop during your visit to Sanford, Florida
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