Things to Do with Children, Tweens, and Teens
New Smyrna Beach is the perfect summer destination for every age and energy level. With 17 miles of shoreline, outdoor adventures, art experiences, and sweet treats around every corner, NSB delivers a summer getaway that keeps boredom at bay and fun front and center. Here’s your go-to guide for making family memories in NSB, no matter your kiddo’s age:
Little Ones (Toddlers & Children)
Beach Days & Sandcastle Play
Nothing beats a beach day for little ones. Wide, flat shorelines and warm, gentle surf make New Smyrna Beach ideal for splashing, digging, and collecting shells. Head to 27th Avenue Beachfront Park for convenient restrooms, picnic areas, and a nearby playground, making transitions from water to snack time a breeze.
Marine Discovery Center
Let their imaginations set sail at the Marine Discovery Center, where touch tanks, eco-tours, and hands-on exhibits help kids connect with NSB’s coastal ecosystems. Book a family-friendly pontoon tour or kayak adventure to spot dolphins, birds, and maybe even manatees!
Playgrounds & Parks
Burn off extra energy at Riverside Park, which offers shaded play areas, a splash fountain, and space to run. Nearby Old Fort Park is a great place to explore history and stretch little legs between activities.
Treat Break
Craving something sweet? Head to the historic New Smyrna Dairy Queen for an Insta-worthy retro vibe and the perfect cool-down treat after a beach day. Don’t forget to snap a pic in front of the famous 1950’s sign!
Middle Ground Fun (Tweens & Preteens)
Surf Lessons & Ocean Vibes
Got an adventurous tween? Book a surf lesson with Jimmy Lane Surf Academy or Surfin’ NSB. These local surf schools specialize in working with kids and offering fun, safe instruction that will have your preteens riding waves in no time.
Fishing & Piers
Try casting off Smyrna Dunes Park’s fishing pier, great for beginners and pros alike. With a bit of luck (and bait from a local shop), you might land a catch while taking in sweeping inlet views.
Hands-On History
At the New Smyrna Museum of History, tweens can explore engaging exhibits that tell the story of the area's earliest settlers, Native American heritage, and the city's coastal legacy. It’s a fun, interactive stop that adds a bit of learning to your beach vacation.
Creative Break
Check out the Hub on Canal or Jane’s Art Center for kids’ art classes and gallery browsing. Many workshops are open to all ages and offer a great indoor alternative when you need a break from the sun.
For the Teens (13–17)
Downtown Exploring
Teens will love browsing the local shops on Flagler Avenue, grabbing smoothies from GoJuice, and snapping pics by the Flagler Avenue beach sign.
Outdoor Adventure
For teens who crave action, try stand-up paddleboarding, e-bike rentals, or even a dolphin-spotting boat tour. Outfitters like Paddleboard NSB offer rentals and lessons perfect for older kids looking for independence and excitement.
Live Music & Local Flavor
Evenings come alive with family-friendly live music at places like Outriggers or Hidden Treasure Tiki Bar and Grille. Teens can enjoy the lively atmosphere while parents kick back and relax.
Bowling & Mini Golf
Cap off the night with family fun nearby. Teens will dig bowling at New Smyrna Lanes and check out Tiki Adventure Zone in Port Orange for go-karting, mini-golf, and arcade games.
Port Orange Half‑Day Adventure
Venture just across the bridge to Port Orange for a day of adventure, perfect for all ages:
All Children’s Park offers pirate-themed playgrounds, a splash pad, and picnic areas that make for a lively morning or afternoon.
Explore the City Center Municipal Complex, where a walking trail around the lake, playground, skate park, amphitheater, and community center await.
Love movies? Catch the latest blockbuster at Regal Pavilion in Port Orange for a fun evening out!
Plan Your Summer Family Adventure
New Smyrna Beach is more than just a beach town — it’s a place where every family member can find their version of summer fun. Whether you're building sandcastles with little ones, cheering on your tween’s first wave ride, or letting your teen explore their adventurous side, NSB makes summer travel easy, relaxing, and unforgettable.
Start planning your kid-approved beach vacation at https://www.visitnsbfl.com/.
