Tallahassee is more than the capitol of Florida. It’s a fantastic city for families, with interactive museums (some with free admission) and outdoor adventures galore. It also has an amazing food scene. The best part? It can easily be explored in a few short days, making it one of our favorite weekend getaways for families. #WeHeartTally
Written by Amanda Norcross
1/8
Day 1: Get Outside
Morning/Afternoon
Dedicate a whole day to the Tallahassee Museum. The museum features living history exhibits, zoo animals and zip-lining, with a separate course designed for young kids!
Evening
Let the kids run around Cascades Park, where there's a playground, miles of paved trails and pretty waterfall features. Time your visit to enjoy an outdoor concert at the amphitheater, too!
Dedicate a whole day to the Tallahassee Museum. The museum features living history exhibits, zoo animals and zip-lining, with a separate course designed for young kids!
Evening
Let the kids run around Cascades Park, where there's a playground, miles of paved trails and pretty waterfall features. Time your visit to enjoy an outdoor concert at the amphitheater, too!
2/8
Day 2: Cruise on the Wakulla River
Morning
The best way to see the Wakulla River... is by kayak! And there's no better person to kayak with than Harry Smith from Harry Smith Outdoors. Harry provides and transports all kayaks and life jackets, gets you comfortably set up, and then leads you on a leisurely cruise. Tours last about two hours, and are adaptable for all ages. You're guaranteed to spot birds, alligators and, if you're especially lucky, manatees!
Afternoon
Head to the Lodge at Wakulla Springs for a Jungle Tour. Tours take families deep into the mangroves of the Wakulla River, where you'll spot more wildlife and hear fun historical facts -- like how "The Creature From the Black Lagoon" and the original "Tarzan" were filmed here.
Evening
End your day with a sweet treat at Lofty Pursuits. Here, you'll find ice cream sundaes, floats, sodas, milkshakes and colorful Victorian candy. You even watch staff make the candy! There's also a unique collection of toys and games sold at this quirky shop.
The best way to see the Wakulla River... is by kayak! And there's no better person to kayak with than Harry Smith from Harry Smith Outdoors. Harry provides and transports all kayaks and life jackets, gets you comfortably set up, and then leads you on a leisurely cruise. Tours last about two hours, and are adaptable for all ages. You're guaranteed to spot birds, alligators and, if you're especially lucky, manatees!
Afternoon
Head to the Lodge at Wakulla Springs for a Jungle Tour. Tours take families deep into the mangroves of the Wakulla River, where you'll spot more wildlife and hear fun historical facts -- like how "The Creature From the Black Lagoon" and the original "Tarzan" were filmed here.
Evening
End your day with a sweet treat at Lofty Pursuits. Here, you'll find ice cream sundaes, floats, sodas, milkshakes and colorful Victorian candy. You even watch staff make the candy! There's also a unique collection of toys and games sold at this quirky shop.
3/8
Day 3: Explore a Fortress
If you have an additional day to spend in Tallahassee, head to Mission San Luis de Apalachee -- a historic fortress that's smack dab in the middle of town. Period-dressed interpreters lead interactive tours, or you can opt to take a tour on your own. Expect to spend two to three hours here.
4/8
Where to Stay: Luxury Tallahassee Hotel
Hotel Duval, Autograph Collection is the most luxurious hotel in Tallahassee, with three onsite restaurants -- including a rooftop lounge that provides pretty city views. Recently renovated guestrooms feature mini-fridges and free Wi-Fi.
5/8
Where to Stay: Mid-Range Tallahassee Hotel
The decor alone is worth a stay at the Doubletree Hotel Tallahassee; it reminds us of "Alice in Wonderland" and feels less like a chain hotel and more like a boutique hotel. The hotel offers onsite dining, a rooftop pool and a downtown location that can't be beat.
6/8
Where to Stay: Budget Tallahassee Hotel
Free parking, a swimming pool, onsite dining, exceptionally spacious rooms and budget-friendly rates make the Four Points by Sheraton Tallahassee Downtown a favorite for families.
7/8
Top 5 Tallahassee Restaurants Not to Miss
Bella Bella
Two words: Bubble Bread. It's the highlight of a visit to Bella Bella, as is the delicious Italian fare! Bella Bella is open for lunch and dinner on weekdays, and dinner only on weekends.
Food Glorious Food
We love the name (from "Oliver"), and we love the food even more. Food Glorious Food serves innovative, delicious dishes. Save room for dessert -- the dessert menu is as big, if not bigger, than the lunch and dinner menus. We're still dreaming about the baklava cheesecake...
Dog Et Al
You can't go wrong with a place that serves 13 different kinds of hot dogs. Dog Et Al is fun, casual and cheap!
Paisley Cafe
Get to Paisley Cafe early - especially if you want to snag a seat on the outdoor patio! Paisley Cafe serves the most delicious soups, salads and sandwiches (try the signature chicken salad), and its desserts are pretty amazing, too.
Uptown Cafe
Head to Uptown Cafe to enjoy the Banana Bread French Toast for breakfast (and thank us later). This casual diner also serves lunch.
Two words: Bubble Bread. It's the highlight of a visit to Bella Bella, as is the delicious Italian fare! Bella Bella is open for lunch and dinner on weekdays, and dinner only on weekends.
Food Glorious Food
We love the name (from "Oliver"), and we love the food even more. Food Glorious Food serves innovative, delicious dishes. Save room for dessert -- the dessert menu is as big, if not bigger, than the lunch and dinner menus. We're still dreaming about the baklava cheesecake...
Dog Et Al
You can't go wrong with a place that serves 13 different kinds of hot dogs. Dog Et Al is fun, casual and cheap!
Paisley Cafe
Get to Paisley Cafe early - especially if you want to snag a seat on the outdoor patio! Paisley Cafe serves the most delicious soups, salads and sandwiches (try the signature chicken salad), and its desserts are pretty amazing, too.
Uptown Cafe
Head to Uptown Cafe to enjoy the Banana Bread French Toast for breakfast (and thank us later). This casual diner also serves lunch.
8/8
Planning & Tips
Seasonal Events and Attractions
Tallahassee offers a festival for every season and event. Chances are, there will be some sort of event taking place when you're in town!
Getting Around
Car
You can easily get around Tallahassee by car, and plenty of metered and free parking is available. The only time parking may be an issue is when state legislators are in session, typically between March and April.
Trolley
Utilize the T while you're in town - it's free! Tallahassee provides five trolleys with different routes in and around the city.
Tallahassee offers a festival for every season and event. Chances are, there will be some sort of event taking place when you're in town!
Getting Around
Car
You can easily get around Tallahassee by car, and plenty of metered and free parking is available. The only time parking may be an issue is when state legislators are in session, typically between March and April.
Trolley
Utilize the T while you're in town - it's free! Tallahassee provides five trolleys with different routes in and around the city.
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