Florida is (and always has been) the coolest place to be a kid, hands down. These 22 vintage photos explain why growing up in Florida is an amazing experience you can’t get anywhere else in the world.

Growing up in Florida has always been a pretty unique experience.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Class portrait in front of school building, circa 1890.
You had to be prepared for anything.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
J. K. Small family members - Everglades, November 1913.
A lot of kids practically grew up in the water.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Boy and dog in a boat - Leon County, June 30, 1966.
Learning to fish was an important rite of passage...
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Summer pastime - Jacksonville, 1961.
...and you never know what you were going to catch.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Martha Louise Park with Hammerhead catch - Jacksonville, July 9, 1947.
You developed a healthy appreciation for seafood at an early age.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Boy eating oysters at the Florida Seafood Festival - Apalachicola, October 1969
You were introduced early to joys of camping...
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Children camping out at Camp Indian Springs in Crawfordville, circa 1965
And tubing...
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
FSU students tubing at Wakulla Springs, June 25, 1968.
...and doing just about anything outdoors.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Koreshan girls fishing - Estero, circa 1910.
Finding an arrowhead was like the coolest thing ever.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Brothers with arrowheads and spear points - Florida, circa 1955.
Summers were hot, but also tons of fun.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Watermelon eating contest - Leesburg, May 25, 1949.

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Whether you were hanging out with your siblings...
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Crabbing in San Pablo Creek - Taylor County, July 9, 1947.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Boys with bicycles - Miami, circa 1898.
...or good friends...
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Teenagers at a drive-in - Tallahassee, May 14, 1957.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Sand Crabs start game signals - Daytona Beach, November 11, 1948.
...you could always find something new to see and do.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Girl at Day in Spain Festival - Saint Augustine, 1960.
You learned to appreciate natural beauty...
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Girl posing at a pitcher pump - Merritt Island, circa 1907.
...in all of its many forms.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Constantine Nichols holding crab number 73 at festival - Apalachicola, November 1973.
Wherever you go, there will always be a special place in your heart for your home state.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Young boys on amusement ride at Quincy's Tobacco Festival - Quincy, October 11, 1950.
And when you return, it will welcome you with open arms.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Dorothy Harold Thornton dressed for a school play - Lincolnville (St. Augustine), circa 1925.
Let's face it, Florida kids are just born cool...
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Larry and Louie Poggenburg in Tallahassee, March 16, 1965.
...and anyone who disagrees can go fly a kite.
State Library and Archives of Florida via Flickr/Florida Memory
Boy with kite and trophy - Tallahassee, March 5, 1962.

Did you enjoy these photos? Why else is Florida an amazing place to be a kid? Share your experiences (and any photos you may have) with us in the comments below!

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