Summers in Florida are hot. We all know that, so when cooler weather arrives it's time to head outdoors! There are plenty of great things to do in and around Volusia County during the winter months. The winter months are great for getting outside and exploring nature. The temperatures are mild and there's plenty of things to choose from. This is the time of the year when you won't be bombarded by mosquitoes, so make the most of it.  Whether you are in Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, DeLand, or beyond, you are close to a lot of great opportunities to have fun outdoors. Plus, spending time in nature is healthy for the whole family.

Here are some great outdoor winter activities that families can do in and around the Daytona Beach and Volusia County area:

Have a Bonfire
This is always a fun thing to do and it's something all ages can engage in. Consider having a beach bonfire. Whether you do all the set up yourself for it or you hire a place to do it for you, it's a fun winter activity. Beach bonfires are not allowed during turtle nesting season, so winter is the time to have some fun with it. Read my review on having one here.

Take an Eco Boat Tour
There are some fun family friendly boat tours that you can take in the area. These are fun for the whole family. You can usually see some alligators and dolphins, depending on which one you take. Good places to check out for this include Cracker Creek, the boat cruise at DeLeon Springs State Park, and the Marine Discovery Center. 

Go Hiking
There are some great family-friendly hiking trails in and around Volusia County. Hiking season in Florida runs from around November through March, so winter is the perfect time for hiking in the Sunshine State. Keep the mileage age appropriate so the little ones can keep up, and be sure to take water and dress for the weather. Check out the list of hiking trails near Volusia County.

Kayak Together
Even younger kids can enjoy kayaking with the family. There are numerous places the family can kayak in the area, including at Cracker Creek in Port Orange, through the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach, and at Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach. For a little more adventure and fun, consider taking a bioluminescent night kayak tour.

Go Camping
Camping in the winter months can be a lot of fun and more tolerable than trying to camp in the heat of the summer. There are plenty of options, including cabins, tent camping, and using a travel trailer if you have one (or want to rent one). Check out the list of good places to camp in and around Volusia County.

Hit up a Spring
While going to the springs is typically a summer activity, you can also have fun at them during the winter months. Most springs in the area offer swimming (if you care to take a dip in the cold weather), along with kayaking, hiking, having a picnic, and hiking the trails. Pack up a picnic and head to a spring for a few hours of family fun. Check out the Florida springs guide to find the one you want to visit.

Bike About
There are some great paved bike trails in and around Volusia County. If you don't have a bike rack for your vehicle, you can pick one up a 4-bike rack at Walmart or on Amazon for under $70. Load up the bikes, pack some snacks and drinks, and head out for a nice family bike ride. Check out the list of paved bike trails in and around Volusia County to find the one you want to visit first. There are also a couple of local mountain biking trails you can try out.

Take a Wildlife Drive
There are a couple of wildlife drives within an hour of Volusia County. The family can enjoy the scenery as you drive through. See the list of wildlife drives that are not far away.

See Manatees
Every winter in Florida, the manatees seek refuge in various areas throughout the state. This makes it easier for you to spot them. Plan some time to take the kids to see the manatees. Check out the list of places of where to see manatees in Florida. Locally, you can see them at Blue Spring State Park. The colder the  morning, the more manatees you will see in the spring. Sometimes there are 700-800 of them huddled in there, which is a joy to see.

Watch a Launch Up Close
Sure, you have watched rocket launches from your driveway in Volusia County. But have you ever watched one from Jetty Park? That's a whole other experience! You can feel the ground shake and it's awesome to witness. Check the launch calendar and plan to get to the park in time to see the launch from across the river. You wont' be disappointed. 

See the Statues
The family can see the largest Buddha statues in the state by stopping by the White Sands Buddhist Center in Mims. Just a short drive from here, the serene grounds are open to visitors. Take a stroll around to see the statues and read the peaceful messages. 

Climb the Stairs
Visit the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse to climb the stairs and take in an awesome view of the area. It's a long way up, but most people seem to manage just fine. There's also a short nature trail in the area across the street from the Marine Science Center that you can do on the same trip to the area.