If you’re new to DeLand, congratulations on moving to one of the most family-friendly areas of Florida! One thing is certain; once you have settled in, you’ll see that there is something for everyone and always something to do. Your kids’ ideas on what to do may have automatically honed in on the nearby major amusement parks such as Disney World or Universal Studios. But there is so much more that DeLand and the surrounding area have to offer. Therefore, here are our suggestions for the top five most family-friendly things to do if you’re moving here!
#1. Hit the Beach in Daytona!
What better way to spend a day with your family after a move than to spend it at the beach! After all, isn’t that why so many people love to visit or move to Florida? Our state is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. DeLand is only a short drive from the world-famous Daytona Beach. No matter what time of the year, the beach is always a fun thing to do with your family. Whether your family is into swimming, surfing, or just soaking up the sun, there’s always fun to be had.
While you are at Daytona for the beach, don’t forget to visit the Daytona Beach Boardwalk to enjoy a classic boardwalk experience. There are a number of family-operated businesses, including rides and arcades for kids of all ages to enjoy. And of course, don’t forget to enjoy the delicious treats available to eat!
#2. Visit our Local State Park!
If you want to spend a relaxing and peaceful day outdoors, look no further than Hontoon Island State Park located on the St. Johns River in DeLand. You can only get to the park by park ferry or private boat. This historic park is loaded with a history dating back thousands of years of Native American habitation and how Hontoon Island has been used over the years.
Get back to nature and enjoy hiking the trails or boating from one of the 42 accessible boat slips. For fishing buffs, you can try your luck catching catfish, perch, or crappie. There is a picnic area featuring grills and a playground, which makes for a fun day for all. And if you really want to get back to nature, consider booking an overnight stay in one of the park’s rustic cabins or for a more primitive experience, at one of the 12 tent sites.
#3. Check Out Stetson Mansion
The Stetson Mansion is one of DeLand’s most well-preserved Victorian-era mansions. It was built in the mid-1880s by John and Elizabeth Stetson, the family famous for their hat business…yes, those Stetsons! It is known as Florida’s first luxury estate. The mansion has hosted several national and international dignitaries over the years, including President Grover Cleveland, King Edward VII, Thomas Edison, and the Carnegie and Vanderbilt families.
Today, this three-story Victorian-style home is owned and operated as a living history museum. Located on Camphor Lane, the mansion is open to the public through guided tours that typically last between 60 to 90 minutes. While on the tour, you will be able to view 3D-patterned parquet flooring, Tiffany stained-glass windows, an original Edison light fixture, and a Dali lithograph. The tours are reasonably priced and provide insight into how society’s upper crust lived during a time when the DeLand area was mainly undeveloped. For a special treat, come visit the Stetson mansion during the winter holiday season to see its lavish decorations during its annual public Christmas celebration.
#4. Experience History at the DeLand Naval Air Station Museum
The DeLand Naval Air Station Museum is home to the historic facilities of Naval Air Station DeLand, which operated as a United States Naval Air Station during World War II from 1942 to 1946. After the war, the former airport reverted back to DeLand’s Municipal Airport and the Florida Military School during mid-century.
In 1995, the airfield’s Chief Master at Arms House has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It displays extensive exhibits demonstrating the history of the United States Navy and aviation, including the World War II operations at the air station. Aircraft featured at the air station museum include a Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bomber, F-14 Tomcat, USN Nasty-class PTF-3, and a Korean War-era H-13 Sioux M.A.S.H. copter. Guided tours are available Wednesday through Sunday with an advance reservation.
#5. Enjoy a Good Old-Fashioned County Fair
Since 1923, DeLand-area residents have been enjoying the Volusia County Fair and Youth Show. This annual community fair is held during the first week of November at the Volusia County Fairgrounds and Expo Center. Your family can enjoy the full old-fashioned county fair experience with exciting games of chance and rides. Forget the diet, and enjoy fair food classics, including cotton candy, corn dogs, and funnel cakes.
This is the event that local 4-H groups and farmers wait for all year to compete in agricultural and livestock exhibits. Everyone from the community is invited to participate in photography, music, and art displays and contests throughout fair week. During the rest of the year, the fairgrounds hosts other special events, including a weekly farmer’s market and live music performances.
Living in DeLand means never having to be bored because there is always so much to do, no matter what time of year it is when you are buying a home. If you and your family are considering a move to DeLand, contact Palmetto Realty to explore your options for buying a home.