Quick Summary
The Treasure Coast spans Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties along Florida’s east coast and offers a wide range of family activities year-round. Options include beaches, waterparks, nature preserves, museums, waterway adventures, and indoor entertainment. Most outdoor activities are accessible to children of all ages. Many top attractions are free or low-cost. Florida’s heat and afternoon thunderstorms are the primary seasonal considerations for planning.
Preparation & What to Know
Best Time to Visit with Kids
The Treasure Coast is a year-round destination, but each season has trade-offs for families. If you are coming here seasonally or for a short period, here are some things to keep in mind depending on timing.
Winter (December through February)
This is the most comfortable season for outdoor activities. Temperatures range from the mid-60s to low 80s, humidity is low, and crowds at beaches and parks are manageable. This is the best season for full-day outdoor outings with young children.
Spring (March through May)
Spring brings warm, pleasant weather and is ideal for beach visits, nature hikes, and water activities. Sea turtle nesting season begins March 1 and runs through October 31, managed by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Nesting activity adds an educational element to beach visits during this period.
Summer (June through August)
This season is hot and humid with near-daily afternoon thunderstorms, typically between 2 PM and 5 PM. Plan outdoor activities in the morning and shift to indoor options or waterparks in the afternoon. Sailfish Splash Waterpark and indoor venues like trampoline parks are most popular during the summer.
Fall (September through November)
Fall sees temperatures moderate from late September. Beaches thin out considerably after Labor Day, making fall a quieter and more relaxed option for families who prefer uncrowded beach days.
What to Pack
- Reef-safe sunscreen — required spirit for the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem and encouraged throughout the region
- Water and snacks — many parks and preserves have limited or no food service
- Closed-toe shoes for nature trails, which often include roots, sand, and uneven terrain
- Change of clothes for young children, especially at splash pads and waterparks
- Insect repellent — mosquitoes are active near freshwater preserves and lagoon areas, especially at dawn and dusk
- Rain gear or a backup indoor plan for summer afternoon visits
Age Considerations
Most Treasure Coast family attractions span a wide age range, but a few specifics help with planning:
- Toddlers and young children (under 5) do best at splash pads, zero-entry waterpark areas, calm shallow beaches like Bathtub Beach in Stuart, and indoor play venues
- Elementary-age kids (5 to 12) get the most out of nature centers, kayaking, trampoline parks, the Children’s Museum, and beach parks with playgrounds
- Tweens and teens (12+) enjoy surf camps, paddleboarding, inlet fishing, snorkeling, and more active outdoor pursuits
Outdoor and Nature Activities
Beaches
Humiston Beach Park
📍Location: 3000 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
📆 Date & Time: Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:45 PM
✅ Overview: Managed by Indian River County Parks and Recreation, Humiston Beach Park offers lifeguards, an updated playground, picnic areas, and easy walking access to Ocean Drive shops and dining. Voted one of the Top 10 Beaches for Families in the U.S. by Family Vacation Critic.
Stuart Beach
📍Location: 889 NE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996
📆 Date & Time: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
✅ Overview: Stuart Beach is one of the most well-equipped public beaches on the Treasure Coast. It features lifeguards, volleyball courts, a playground, the Seaside Cafe, and 300 free parking spaces. Arrive before 9 AM on weekends to secure a spot.
Pepper Park Beachside
📍Location: 3302 N Hwy A1A, Fort Pierce, FL 34949
📆 Date & Time: Daily, 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
✅ Overview: Pepper Park Beachside is one of the best-equipped free beach parks in St. Lucie County. Features lifeguards, grills, showers, snorkeling access, basketball and tennis courts, and a large pavilion near a parking lot.
Bathtub Beach
📍Location: 1585 SE MacArthur Blvd, Stuart, FL 34996
📆 Date & Time: Daily, 10:00 AM – 4:45 PM
✅ Overview: Bathtub Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches in the region. That said, we find that many visitors misunderstand it. In the past, Bathtub Beach had a natural offshore reef that created a calm, shallow lagoon for toddlers and young swimmers. The ecosystem has changed quite a bit, and while it is still beautiful, it is not as great for snorkeling. Best visited during incoming or high tide for the calmest conditions; check the Martin County tide chart before visiting.
Waterparks and Splash Areas
Sailfish Splash Waterpark
📍Location: 931 SE Ruhnke St, Stuart, FL 34994
📆 Date & Time: Friday, 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday, 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
✅ Overview: Sailfish Splash Waterpark is the Treasure Coast’s most popular water park. Features include two four-story waterslides, a 1,000-foot lazy river, a 7,326-square-foot zero-depth entry splash playground with jets, sprays, and a 300-gallon dump bucket, and a 50-meter competition pool. Private cabanas are available for rent. Infants and children not potty-trained must wear a water containment diaper (available for purchase at the park). Shaded seating is first-come, first-served, so arrive early on hot summer days to claim a good spot. Purchase passes online in advance to save time and guarantee entry during peak season.
Pioneer Park Splash Pad
📍Location: 2454 SE Westmoreland Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
📆 Date & Time: Daily, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
✅ Overview: Pioneer Park at the Port District features the Banyan Basin, an interactive splash pad with spray jets and water features set within a larger riverfront park. The same park includes a major playground, restrooms, water refill stations, a shower rinse-off station, and shaded green spaces. Located immediately south of the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens, making it easy to combine both into a single outing. One of the best free water play stops on the Treasure Coast for mixed-age families.
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Indian Riverside Park Fountains
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📍Location: 1707 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach, FL 34957
📆 Date & Time: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
✅ Overview: The interactive splash fountain at Indian Riverside Park in Jensen Beach offers a free, open-air water play area within a 63-acre waterfront park. Kids can run through spray jets and play in the fountain while the broader park offers a 780-foot fishing pier, mangrove boardwalks, picnic pavilions, and an adjacent Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast. One of the most versatile free park destinations on the Treasure Coast for families spending a full day outdoors.
Nature Centers and Wildlife
Environmental Learning Center (ELC)
📍Location: 255 Live Oak Dr Building A, Vero Beach, FL 32963
📆 Date & Time: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
✅ Overview: The Environmental Learning Center is a 64-acre non-profit nature preserve on an island in the Indian River Lagoon in Vero Beach. It is one of the best hands-on nature experiences for children on the Treasure Coast. Kids can explore a touch tank with horseshoe crabs, sea stars, and sea urchins; visit 2,000 gallons of aquariums featuring native lagoon species; and participate in guided kayak and pontoon boat tours. The Nature Playscape is designed for unstructured outdoor play, including climbing, balancing, and digging. The Atala Butterfly Garden is home to one of Florida’s rarest butterflies. Hard-packed trails and boardwalks through mangrove forest lead to views of the Indian River Lagoon. Guided kayak tours are available for all skill levels; no experience required.
Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast
📍Location: 1707 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach, FL 34957
📆 Date & Time: Tuesday – Wednesday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Thursday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
✅ Overview: The Children’s Museum of the Treasure Coast offers hands-on, interactive exhibits focused on nature, health, history, and recycling. Designed for children up to age 10. The museum runs year-round day camps and seasonal programs and is one of the few fully indoor, climate-controlled family attractions in Martin County. Located adjacent to Indian Riverside Park, making it easy to combine with an outdoor visit.
Oxbow Eco-Center
📍Location: 5400 NE St James Dr, Port St. Lucie, FL 34983
📆 Date & Time: Tuesday – Friday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
✅ Overview: Operated by St. Lucie County, the Oxbow Eco-Center is a 225-acre nature sanctuary with interactive exhibits, nature trails through hammocks, pine flatwoods, and wetlands, and extensive educational programming for children. It hosts popular summer camps including Wild Child Camp, Jr. Preserve Rangers, and STEMtastic! Camp. The annual St. Lucie Earth Day Festival is held here each April and is free and open to the public. Best visited in the morning; mosquitoes increase in the late afternoon near wetland areas.
Savannas Preserve State Park
📍Location: 2541 SE Morningside Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
📆 Date & Time: Daily, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
✅ Overview: Managed by Florida State Parks, Savannas Preserve State Park encompasses nearly 7,000 acres of protected freshwater marshes between Jensen Beach and Fort Pierce, making it the largest preserve of its kind in the region. Over 15 miles of multi-use nature trails are suitable for hiking and biking. Boardwalks over waterways offer safe fishing access. Wildlife commonly spotted includes ospreys, sandhill cranes, marsh rabbits, and alligators. A canoe and kayak launch provides water access. Best visited in the morning during summer months; bring insect repellent for all seasons.
On the Water
The Indian River Lagoon runs the length of the Treasure Coast and is one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America, home to dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and over 400 bird species.
Kayaking and Paddleboarding
📍Location: Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, 905 Shorewinds Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34949; ELC, 255 Live Oak Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
✅ Overview: The ELC in Vero Beach and Fort Pierce Inlet State Park are the top kayak and paddleboard launch points on the Treasure Coast. Fort Pierce Inlet State Park provides kayaking through scenic mangrove forests and access to a saltwater snorkeling site just 100 yards from the beach. No experience is required for beginner-level guided tours.
Pontoon and Boat Tours
📍Location: Departing from Vero Beach (ELC), Fort Pierce, Stuart, and Jensen Beach
✅ Overview: The ELC offers guided sunset pontoon tours of the Indian River Lagoon. Dolphin and wildlife boat tours operate out of Fort Pierce, Stuart, and Jensen Beach. Most tours run 90 minutes to 2 hours and are appropriate for children of all ages. Book in advance, especially on weekends.
Pier Fishing
📍Location: Indian Riverside Park, 1707 NE Indian River Dr, Jensen Beach, FL 34957; Sandsprit Park, Stuart, FL; Jaycee Beach Park, 4200 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
✅ Overview: The Treasure Coast is one of Florida’s premier family fishing destinations. Indian Riverside Park has a 780-foot fishing pier on the Indian River. Sandsprit Park in Stuart offers waterfront fishing with boat ramp access. Jaycee Beach Park in Vero Beach provides oceanfront pier access. A Florida fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older; children under 16 fish for free with a licensed adult.
Indoor Activities
Trampoline & Adventure Parks
Urban Air Trampoline & Adventure Park
📍Location: 9020 S U.S. Hwy 1, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
📆 Date & Time: Daily, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
✅ Overview: A large indoor adventure park on US-1 in Port St. Lucie offering trampolines, upside-down bumper cars, laser tag, climbing walls, obstacle courses, indoor skydiving, and foam pits. Suitable for a wide range of ages. One of the most popular things to do on a rainy day in Port St. Lucie.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
📍Location: 440 NW Peacock Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
📆 Date & Time: Monday – Thursday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Sunday, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
✅ Overview: Sky Zone in Port St. Lucie features wall-to-wall trampolines, a zip line, obstacle courses, dodgeball, foam pits, slides, a trapeze, and a balance beam. This indoor playground around Port St. Lucie is suitable for children of all ages and popular for birthday parties and group outings.
Elev8 Fun
📍Location: 3342 NW Federal Hwy, Jensen Beach, FL 34957
📆 Date & Time: Monday – Thursday, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Friday, 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM; Saturday, 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM; Sunday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
✅ Overview: Opened in May 2025, Elev8 Fun is a 120,000-square-foot indoor adventure park at Treasure Coast Square in Jensen Beach. Fully air-conditioned. Attractions include electric go-karts reaching up to 35 mph on a winding indoor track, laser tag, over 140 arcade games, bowling, glow-in-the-dark mini golf, a prize redemption room, and a high-tech escape room. One of the largest indoor entertainment venues in South Florida and well-suited for older kids and teens. A trampoline park and food hall are planned for a future phase.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
St. Lucie County Aquarium (Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit)
📍Location: 420 Seaway Dr, Fort Pierce, FL 34949
📆 Date & Time: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
✅ Overview: Located at Museum Pointe Park in Fort Pierce, this public aquarium features six living ecosystem displays, a touch tank with horseshoe crabs and peppermint shrimp, and microscope exhibits. Managed through a partnership between St. Lucie County and the Smithsonian Institution. One of the most affordable science-based family attractions on the Treasure Coast.
McKee Botanical Garden
📍Location: 350 US-1, Vero Beach, FL 32962
📆 Date & Time: Tuesday – Sunday, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
✅ Overview: An 18-acre subtropical garden listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Suited for children who enjoy outdoor exploration and nature-based play. McKee Botanical Garden features over 100 varieties of water lilies, a children’s garden with interactive elements, and restored historic architecture throughout the grounds. Hosts seasonal family-friendly events and a popular summer camp program.
Navy SEAL Museum
📍Location: 3300 N Hwy A1A, Fort Pierce, FL 34949
📆 Date & Time: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
✅ Overview: Located on Hutchinson Island, this museum tells the history of the U.S. Navy SEALs from WWII to the present. Outdoor aircraft, helicopters, and military equipment displays make it particularly engaging for older children and teens. One of the few military history museums in South Florida open to the public year-round.
Seasonal Considerations and Restrictions
- Sea turtle nesting season runs March 1 through October 31 on all Treasure Coast beaches, per FWC guidelines. Do not approach, touch, or use artificial lighting near nesting turtles or hatchlings. Nests are marked with posted signs.
- Jellyfish are common along Treasure Coast beaches during warmer months (May through September). Check local beach conditions before swimming.
- Alligators are present in all freshwater and brackish environments, including canals, lakes, and the Indian River Lagoon. Maintain a safe distance and never feed wildlife.
- Sailfish Splash Waterpark operates on a seasonal schedule with reduced hours in spring and fall and expanded daily hours during summer. Check the Martin County website before visiting.
- State park entry fees apply at Sebastian Inlet State Park and Avalon State Park. Most county and city parks are free to access.
Safety and Best Practices
- Apply sunscreen before leaving the car and reapply every 90 minutes. Florida’s UV index is high year-round, even on overcast days.
- Hydrate constantly. Even in winter, Florida heat and humidity can cause dehydration faster than expected, especially for active children.
- Watch for afternoon storms. Lightning storms typically build between 2 PM and 5 PM in summer. Leave the beach and exit the water at the first sign of thunder or lightning. Most beach parks have covered pavilions for shelter.
- Swim near lifeguards. Lifeguarded beaches on the Treasure Coast include Stuart Beach, Humiston Park Beach, Jaycee Beach Park, South Beach Park (Vero Beach), and Pepper Park Beach. Check current lifeguard schedules with each park before visiting.
- Keep children within arm’s reach near all water. This includes canals, lagoon edges, splash pads, and waterpark areas, as well as the ocean.
- Wear water shoes at rocky beaches. Locations like Blowing Rocks Preserve and coquina formation beaches on Hutchinson Island have uneven rock surfaces that can be slippery and sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best age for kids to visit the Treasure Coast?
The Treasure Coast has activities for every age. Toddlers and young children do best at calm beaches like Bathtub Beach and the zero-entry areas at Sailfish Splash Waterpark. Elementary-age kids enjoy the Environmental Learning Center, Children’s Museum, and beach parks. Tweens and teens benefit most from kayaking, snorkeling, surf camps, and fishing outings.
Are Treasure Coast beaches safe for young children?
Yes, with supervision. Bathtub Beach in Stuart is the calmest and most toddler-friendly. Humiston Park Beach and Jaycee Beach Park in Vero Beach have lifeguards and shallow entry areas. Always supervise young children in or near the water, regardless of conditions.
Is the Treasure Coast good for kids during the summer?
Yes, with planning. Summer is hot and humid with daily afternoon storms. Plan beach and outdoor activities for the morning (before noon) and use afternoons for Sailfish Splash Waterpark, trampoline parks, the Children’s Museum, or the St. Lucie County Aquarium. Summer also coincides with peak sea turtle nesting season, adding an educational element to beach visits.
