Family-Friendly Travel Spots in Florida

Florida is a dream holiday destination of family as the state has everything to offer to all ages; theme parks, space exploration, white-sand beaches, natural springs, and wildlife. Orlando blockbuster parks and the gulf coast emerald waters and the coral reefs of the Keys are just some of the places that parents can create an itinerary that balances the three: thrills, learning, and downtime. There are kid friendly places such as aquariums, zoos, hands-on museums and soft beaches that ensure one can always have a vacation on the table as well as year round sunshine keeps the outdoor fun in the calendar. Pick a home base close to your must-sees, include a day on the beach or springs to balance it out, and make sure that you have shorter drive times so that everyone is happy.

Orlando and Central Florida

• Walt Disney world and Universal provide the most immersive rides, meet with characters, and water parks; schedule breaks and order from the phone to avoid lines.
• LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven will accommodate younger children with imaginative rides, a water park and themed hotels; include a nature break with Bok Tower Gardens.
• Rockets, Atlantis and astronaut visits at the Kennedy space center (Cape Canaveral): are a good combination with Cocoa Beach and STEM curious kids.

Gulf Coast favorites

• At Clearwater Beach and St. Pete, the surf is mild, the beaches broad, the family piers numerous; seek sunset festivals, dolphin cruises.
• Siesta Key in Sarasota is a shallow entry with powdery sand; it is further enhanced by marine learning at Mote Marine Laboratory.
• Destin/30A have an emerald water and relaxed town and combine beach days with gulfarium or coastal dune lake picnics.

Atlantic Coast and the Keys

• Daytona and Cocoa Beach offer vintage boardwalk vibrations and surf schools; the Brevard Zoo provides zip lines and animal interactions.
• Florida Keys also provide snorkeling in the Key Reef State Park of John Pennekamp as well as children friendly marine hospitals; Key Largo or Marathon are easier to drive around in.
• Butterfly conservatoires, tiny aquariums and evening shows in Mallory square entertain in Key West without spending hours in the automobile.

North Florida nature

• Amelia Island and Fernandina beach are relatively undisturbed beaches with wildlife and history tours and cruises.
• Weeki Wachee, Silver Glen and Ichetucknee are all crystal-clear springs, float-able and all-perfect day outings that allow one to cool interior as well as picnic.

Smart planning tips

• Group activities to save on driving; the goal is morning park and late-afternoon beach cool-downs.
• Skip-the-line and timed records at headline parks; repackage sun protection, refillable bottles, and quick-dry layers.
• Take into consideration a condo with kitchen and laundry to make family routines and budgets easier.