5 Unique Florida Fall Adventures

It’s no surprise that Florida is the perfect backdrop for Fall adventures considering that as the rest of the country starts bundling up, Florida just gets comfy again. The summer heat and crowds melt away, and locals feel like they can breathe again. For visitors, it feels like the state turns into their personal playground before the winter travelers return. But here’s the fun part: Florida has so many hidden surprises beyond the beach and theme park rides.

There are food festivals, bonfire season, and cultural celebrations that offer so much more to explore, indulge in, and discover. Here are five unique fall adventures that will have you exploring the Sunshine State’s hidden gems and wandering far from the beaten path.

EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

So, this one may not come as a shocking surprise, but it’s so good that it’s worth saying. If you can only visit Disney World once in your life, I highly recommend that you time your visit during one of the special festivals like this one. It’s a foodie’s haven! Wine and dine around the world while introducing your family to global cuisines without leaving Florida.

Presented by CORKCICLE, this annual event runs from August 29 to November 23, 2024, at EPCOT in Walt Disney World. Cute kiosks representing different countries serve up dishes from Africa to Japan, and there’s even live music from big-name artists like Boyz II Men and Sugar Ray—at no extra cost!

We love the variety of flavors, with most bites ranging from $5 to $13, and there are even allergy-friendly options found throughout the festival. Don’t leave without indulging in the passion fruit cheesecake from Hawaii and tasting some of Florida’s fantastic flavors. Track your family’s culinary adventure with a festival passport and navigate the Kidcot Fun Stops and scavenger hunts along the way. This is an effortless way to eat, play, and make memories together.

Kids Free Sept-Oct in Key West

If a tropical fall adventure sounds like your thing, the Florida Keys offers kids-free admission from September to October at popular attractions like the Key West Aquarium and the Conch Tour Train. Enjoy the open-air ride that passes Key West’s most famous spots while highlighting its unique history and modern present. 

Our favorite hidden gem is Scarecrows in the Garden at the Key West Tropical Forest and Botanical Garden. This quirky display of scarecrows is made from natural, recycled, and repurposed or reused materials only.

Being the Chicago natives that we are, we couldn’t go without stopping by a true Chicago tradition found right in Key West! The Original Rainbow cone is stacked in slices of 5 flavors: chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio, and orange sherbet, and kids can enjoy one free with an adult purchase!

Stack a midweek adventure with visits that include aquarium encounters, turtle rescues, glass-bottom boat tours, and a visit to see the famous Hemingway 6-toed cats. 

Flightober Fest

Flightober Fest is held in Lakeland every October (October 12, 2024), This festival is at the SUN ‘n FUN Expo campus with aircraft displays, music, food, craft beer, and kid’s activities. Some families even fly in and camp out. The $5 entry is affordable with kids under 12 entering for FREE, giving access to 11 local craft beer breweries, 3 scheduled bands playing, and a Pumpkin Dash 5K Run/Walk to kick off the event.

This aviation festival lets kids engage with interactive exhibits like flight simulators while you enjoy craft beer and live music. Watch aviation history come alive with historical planes on display and hands-on aviation activities, including drone flying. Don’t forget your lawn chairs for lounging near the live music comfortably.

Celebrate Native American Heritage Month near Miami

For the ultimate experience in cultural exploration, a visit to the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum in Big Cypress during the American Indigenous Arts Celebration (November 1-2, 2024) is a must as it showcases Native American culture through art, music, and dance. 

We loved being drawn into this educational exploration of the Seminole Tribe of Florida through traditional performances and detailed storytelling. The arts and crafts demonstrations from Native artisans include basket weaving and beadwork.

The mile-long walk on the boardwalk gives you a taste of the peaceful, quiet life in the Everglades. Bring cash for local arts and crafts vendors—and don’t leave without trying some authentic tribal food. Trust us, this experience will stick with you.

Kids Free November in Jacksonville

Jacksonville is one of the liveliest outdoor experiences to enjoy for wildlife and nature enthusiasts, and November is the perfect month to experience it. All month long in November, Jacksonville offers free admission for kids to over 20 attractions, from museums to zoos. Plan a budget-friendly fall getaway filled with hands-on experiences like feeding giraffes at the Jacksonville Zoo.

Go from the dinosaur digs at MOSH (Museum of Science and History) to enjoying free bike rentals, kayaking, mini-golf, and even ice skating. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, where endangered big cats were rescued and provided a loving, forever home. We’ve been celebrating fall adventures in Florida for over 20 years as visitors and over 10 years as locals.  From food festivals to cultural celebrations and hands-on activities, it’s one of the best times to fall in love with all that Florida has to offer.