Best Florida Family Vacations (Kids & Parents Love!)
Florida family vacations appeal to sun-loving, adventure-seeking kids and parents alike. Theme parks are an obvious draw with plenty of amusing options in the Sunshine State. Florida also boasts amazing sand beaches, educational attractions, and plenty of opportunities to play in nature. Here are nine of the best family vacation spots in Florida that are sure to please travelers of all ages.
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1. Orlando
Theme Parks Galore
Renowned for its amusement parks aplenty, Orlando is often the first place that comes to mind when searching for the best Florida family vacation spots. Travelers seeking the wonder of Disney will enjoy Orlando’s four uniquely themed amusement parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park.
Also under the Walt Disney World umbrella, you’ll find two water parks, a myriad of unique hotels, two entertainment districts, a miniature golf center, and outdoorsy activities like boating and archery.
The Orlando fun doesn’t stop with Disney, though. Universal Orlando Resort appeals to moviegoers and superhero fans. Especially appealing to followers of The Boy Who Lived is Universal’s incredible Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Meanwhile, animal-loving families will enjoy a day connecting with ocean creatures at SeaWorld Orlando. Plus, approximately 1.25 million alligators live in the state of Florida and you can safely see these bad boys during a visit to the Gatorland theme park.
Of course, Lego lovers will want to take a day trip to nearby Legoland Florida for a dose of interactive Lego brick-themed play.
Families can easily spend an entire vacation in the Orlando area and never run out of things to do. Orlando isn’t just for kids, though. Take a look at fun things to do in Orlando for adults!
2. Sanibel and Captiva Islands
Paradise for Seashell Collectors
A world away from the fast-paced vacations of Orlando, families seeking a tranquil retreat will fall in love with the barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva. These isles are home to some of the best shelling beaches in the nation.
At J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island vacationers will find birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals of all sorts. Active families will also enjoy biking the islands and canoeing or kayaking the waterways.
Amber Johnson, The Outdoorsy Travel Mama, says, “Sanibel and Captiva Islands are a dream for wildlife and shell lovers. You’ll find 15 miles of unspoiled beaches, 25 miles of bike paths, 50 types of fish, 230 types of birds, 400 types of shells, no stoplights, a ban on fast-food chains, and a law that dictates no buildings taller than the tallest palm tree.”
3. Fort Lauderdale
Venice of the U.S.
Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of the U.S.” for its many picturesque canals lined with mansions and megayachts. Explore the waterways via the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi, a swashbuckling Bluefoot Pirate Adventures boat, or the always entertaining Jungle Queen Riverboat Cruise.
On land, families love learning at the Museum of Discovery and Science. Meanwhile, shoppers will have an easy time finding souvenirs of their Florida family vacation among the boutiques and art galleries lining the city’s most famous street, Las Olas Boulevard.
Discover even more fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale with kids.
4. Miami
South Florida Magic
The array of fabulous things to do in Miami with kids and teens may surprise parents. This South Florida city is renowned for its sizzling nightlife, art deco buildings, and hot fashion sense but Miami also offers a lot of attractions for families. There’s something for everyone in The Magic City.
Get a taste of the city’s vibrant Cuban culture with a visit to Little Havana. Budding artists will dig Wynwood Walls, an amazing outdoor museum that showcases street art. For animal interactions, your family can hand-feed spider monkeys at Monkey Jungle, watch aquatic shows at Miami Seaquarium, or see more than 3,000 creatures representing 500+ species at Zoo Miami.
On a rainy day, learn through play indoors at the Miami Children’s Museum or head to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. It encompasses a science center, aquarium, and planetarium.
5. Tampa Bay
A Florida Sampler
The Tampa Bay Area of Florida’s Gulf Coast is popular with families seeking diversity in a vacation destination. Three cities surround Tampa Bay including Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater. Additionally, smaller towns add to the appeal of this area.
Madeira is fabulous for its kid-friendly vibe, soft sand beaches, and John’s Pass Village & Boardwalk near St. Petersburg. Meanwhile, Tampa’s Busch Gardens draws visitors with a combination of amusement park rides, animal attractions, and Broadway-style shows. Also, several major league baseball teams host their spring training games in Tampa Bay.
Nicole Wiltrout of Arrows Sent Forth says, “We love the Tampa Bay Area of Florida for one simple reason: variety. With three cities within about 45 minutes of each other, we enjoy a wide range of activities, from farmers markets to zoos to aquariums. Plus, the beaches are incredibly beautiful with gentle waves that are perfect for kids to play. You can often find direct, inexpensive flights in and out of Tampa, making getting there easy, too.”
6. Florida Keys
Colorful Island Destination
The Florida Keys are an archipelago of more than 400 islands that stretch for 150 miles off the southern coast of the U.S. Key West, the most popular island in the Keys, marks the southernmost part of the continental U.S. Water enthusiasts enjoy the Keys’ fishing, diving, and water sports galore.
Of course, while in the Florida Keys you must sample Key lime pie. This tangy dessert was created in Key West. It is so-named for the Key limes that grow here in abundance.
Charu Suri, a travel journalist, recommends the Florida Keys for families who enjoy water play. “The John Pennekamp Coral Reef Park has a glass-bottom boat ride perfect for kids, as well as snorkeling trips. There are scenic drives that are fun for the entire family, as well as kid-friendly beaches like Anne’s Beach off Mile Marker 71. Plus, Hawk’s Cay Resort in Marathon is a one-stop shop for families with several pools and lagoons.”
Widely regarded as one of the best hotels in the Florida Keys, take a look at 21 fun things to do at Hawks Cay Resort on Duck Key.
7. Northwest Florida
Affordable Florida Vacation
Northwest Florida, sometimes referred to as the Panhandle, is known for beach towns, turquoise waters, and family attractions. This area of Florida remains less crowded than other parts of the state and is typically easier on the budget, too.
Gulf Islands National Seashore provides 52 miles of stunning white sand beaches where families can spread out to picnic and play. Also, the area’s popular communities of Pensacola, Destin, and Panama City offer museums, aquariums, and historic attractions for families.
Terri Weeks from Travel 50 States with Kids recommends the National Naval Aviation Museum, where kids of all ages can learn about the history of naval aviation in the U.S. She said, “With Pensacola just a 45-minute drive away, the National Naval Aviation Museum makes the perfect outing. This free museum is home to over 150 restored aircraft as well as the Blue Angels, the Navy’s aerobatic flying squadron. The museum is roughly organized by the history of aviation. One wing displays early aircraft and exhibits. Meanwhile, another focuses on the World War II era and Hangar Bay One includes post-WWII era.”
8. Palm Beach County
Florida Vacation Spot for Animal Lovers
Palm Beach County offers beaches, fine dining, and entertainment. Palm Beach and West Palm Beach are renowned for their upscale resorts and socialites. But family fun abounds here as well.
If your kids enjoy gardens, then take them to Mounts Botanical Garden or Morikami Japanese Gardens.
Love water play? Zip down waterslides at Rapids Water Park or go wakeboarding through a watery obstacle course at Shark Wake Park 561.
Animal lovers are in for a treat in Palm Beach County with McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary, the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservatory, and the drive-through Lion Country Safari. You can also view sea turtles and learn about conservation efforts at Loggerhead Marine Life Center. At Manatee Lagoon, see these graceful sea giants up-close. Meanwhile, South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is home to a 10,000-gallon aquarium filled with Florida’s native fish like queen angels, moray eels, stingrays, and seahorses.
9. Florida Everglades
Subtropical Wilderness for Outdoorsy Families
Families who love exploring the outdoors must visit Florida Everglades National Park. The park covers 1.5 million acres of southern Florida. In fact, it is the largest subtropical wilderness area in the U.S.
The Everglades is actually a slow-moving river, not the swamp that many believe it to be. Be sure to sign up for an airboat tour for a memorable view of Florida’s alligators in the wild.
Michelle Brennan with family travel site, Trekaroo, took her family to the Florida Everglades. They hiked, bicycled, and rode an airboat through the national park in search of the rare Florida panther that her animal-loving daughter was hoping to see. Michelle says, “Although we never saw the panther, we did spot deer, gators, squirrels, beautiful plants, and birds on the small one-way 11-mile road full of adventure!”
Explore More of Florida with Kids
Adventurous families will love swimming with manatees in Clearwater.
Take a look at the best sunset cruises in the Florida Keys.
For additional water play and amusement parks, read about things to do in Destin.
Traveling with tweens and teens? Don’t miss these tips for visiting Disney World with teenagers.
There is more to Orlando than Disney. Check out the best Orlando attractions for families.
Save These Florida Family Vacations
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Do you have a favorite memory of your Florida family vacations? Or do you have any suggestions for additional vacation spots for kids in Florida? Let us know in the comments below!
RE: Water Park in Palm Beach County: Good article, just a Quick correction….The name of the water park is “Rapids Water Park”, NOT “Riptides Water Park”.
Thanks so much for the heads-up! Have updated the name of the water park in Palm Beach County to Rapids Water Park.
This is a great post! Our favorite spot is Anna Maria Island. Florida is a great spot for such a versatile family vacation! There are so many options.
Keri – Agreed! My family is considering heading back to Florida this summer and it’s overwhelming narrowing down where to go. Good problem to have! 🙂
we are always in Orlando (great for kids obviously) or SWFL – the Naples/Marco area is great for kids = between Sanibel and Everglades which you mentioned. I gotta get back to the Keys and take my kids. I have not been down that way in so long. I want to do that Miami – Key West drive!
Awesome blog post, my family ended up staying in Destin! We rented a vacation rental from Exclusive 30A, which although was not the most budget friendly was an absolute blast. We also visited the Gulf Islands National Seashore and the National Naval Aviation Museum, both very much enjoyed by the kids.
I have a good experience of Florida Keys because I have been there couple of the times in my whole life to enjoy my holidays and always spent lovely time with my family and Friends. In my point of view it is a perfect destination to enjoy family vacations in Florida.
Thanks for the Florida Keys tip, Lawson!