A beach vacation with children may not be relaxing, but it is always memorable and fun! New Smyrna Beach is a family-friendly destination ideal for those traveling with kids of all ages. From the fresh air and sunshine to the cold salty waves, there is no Florida destination better for kids to play than NSB. Below we’ve compiled our favorite beach activities for younger and older children. Whether you are 4 or 44 years old, you’ll find NSB’s kid-friendly activities fun regardless of age.
NSB Activities for Kids Ages 1 – 5
Small children are rarely bored but always busy! Vacationing with an activity list is the best way to direct their curiosity in the right direction (and out of trouble).
Sand Toys
Beach pails and shovels are obvious essentials when planning a beach day with toddlers. What is less obvious though is that you don’t need to bring or purchase any sand toy during your New Smyrna Beach stay. Sandy Andy’s is a NSB rental company that will deliver a bag of sand toys right to your vacation rental’s door. We also recommend renting a beach play pen for little ones who tend to wander!
Seashell Hunt
Channel your child’s built-up energy into hunting for seashells on the beach. While your little one may think it a fun game, you can transform it into an educational experience by working on sorting, categorization, and motor skills. Download this shell scavenger list, and you will find your kids’ attention held a little longer than usual.
Beach Wagon Rides
Beach wagon rides are the perfect NSB activity to do before naptime. Nestle your toddler in with a towel and snack and enjoy a peaceful stroll on the shore with the wagon in tow. We recommend walking NSB’s no-drive shore to ensure a safe experience for your kids. Sandy Andy’s offers standard beach wagons and even a canopy wagon to keep your little one out of the Florida sun.
Ice Cream Shops
Ice cream has no age limits, but it’ll certainly make you the popular parent with the 5 and under crowd. Nothing makes the day run smoother than the promise of ice cream as a reward. Look no further for a tasty scoop than New Smyrna Beach; there’s quite a few popular shops in town. Treats on the Beach is conveniently located on Flagler Avenue, Frozen Gold is a long-standing staple, and Izzy’s Island has a great outdoor space to kick back and enjoy your cone.
NSB Activities for Kids Ages 6 – 12
Laying out in the sun is all the entertainment you may need, but your kids will be less than enthused if that is the extent of your vacation agenda. Keep the boredom blues at bay by scheduling a few kid-friendly NSB activities. From riding the waves to laps around the track, New Smyrna Beach has plenty of fun things to do with your children.
Surf Lessons and Camps
You may be the fun parent but trying to balance on a board in the ocean is where most draw the line. Leave surfing to the professionals and sign your kids up for New Smyrna Beach surf lessons. Surfin’ NSB offers individual and group surfing lessons which range from $50 – $80 a day. No need to commit to a whole week of lessons as you can purchase each day’s surf session individually. In non-busy season, just tell the instructors where you are staying on the beach, and they’ll come to meet you.
Go Kart City
While not a traditional beach activity, go-karting and mini golf will rank high in your children’s vacation to-do list. Treat the kids to an evening at Go Kart City which is only 20 minutes away in Port Orange. Race each other around the winding go-kart track and end with the day at the 18-hole putt-putt course. We recommend scheduling this kid-friendly activity at night once the heat of the day has diminished.
Marine Discovery Center
While a museum may illicit complaints, an interactive discovery center complete with live animal feedings, aquatic exhibits, and kayak tours will be a hit with the younger crowd. Sneak in an educational experience when you take your kids to New Smyrna’s Marine Discovery Center. Come face to face with sea creatures and pop in for live feedings hosted throughout the week. Your children will love the adventure of kayaking through the salt marshes, oyster reefs, and mangroves (and you’ll love how much they’re learning along the way!).
NSB Activities for All Ages
The best part about a New Smyrna Beach vacation is that most NSB activities are fun for every age! Jumping in the pool, building a glorious sandcastle, and snuggling with family for a movie night are universally loved no matter how old you are.
Swimming in the Pool
Swimming in the ocean is invigorating, but sometimes you just need a relaxed day floating in the pool. Nearly all New Smyrna Beach complexes boast of pool(s) for guests and residents to enjoy. Swim a few leisurely laps, float for a while, and then lay out on your towel for the rest of the afternoon. Pools are a safer swimming environment for kids, and you will find them resolute to spend as many hours as they can here. If you stay until evening, you can barbeque at the complex grills and enjoy a family dinner outdoors.
Sandcastle Building Contests
No one is too old for building a sandcastle! Come armed with shovels and pails and spend a day building your kingdom. You’ll find yourself equally as invested in building the best one as your kids are. Just remember to fill in all holes before you head back to your vacation rental.
Movie Nights with Family
After boogie boarding, sandcastles, and hours by the pool, your whole family will be ready to hang out on the couch with a movie. Our New Smyrna Beach vacation rentals are equipped with cable and most have Smart TVs with streaming service apps. Grab a bowl of popcorn and end the fun-filled day gathered with the ones you love.
From seashell hunts to laps around the go-kart track, New Smyrna Beach is a family-friendly destination for your Florida beach vacation. Make your family vacation plans in NSB and browse our selection of direct oceanfront, ocean view, pet-friendly, luxury, home rentals and more.