One for All and All for One!
Best Family Destinations in Florida
Florida may offer some of the greatest beaches, attractions, and hotels on Earth — but finding the perfect balance of all three to create the ideal destination for your particular family can be quite tricky. After all, everyone in the clan has different likes and dislikes. Never fear — we have the perfect destinations that will satisfy one and all!
On the Atlantic Coast
In Daytona Beach, the beach itself is one of the most iconic and inspiring family destinations in the world. Gracing 23 miles of Atlantic Ocean coastline, the beach’s soft sands are so inviting for a day of sandcastle-building, laying out, or even just taking a stroll. Not only is the beach itself fantastic, but it’s the attractions both on and near to the beach that make it so family-friendly, providing the kind of variety that keeps everyone satisfied. Vendors on the beach are ready to provide everything from the basics like snacks and sunscreen to the more thrilling options like JetSki rentals, snorkeling gear, and more! Near to the beach you’ll find a theme park, waterpark, bandshell with performances through the summer, and plenty of shopping and restaurants.
daytonabeach.com
When it comes to art museums, the Daytona Beach area has a wide variety for a fuller perspective on the arts community here. The Cici and Hyatt Brown Museum of Art displays the largest collection of Florida-themed oil and watercolor paintings in the world, dating back to 1839. The Brown Museum is more than just a traditional art museum; it is a history museum, with the history of Florida told through works of art. It is part of Daytona Beach’s Museum of Arts and Sciences collection, which encompasses several museum campuses.
moas.org
In Daytona Beach, you’ve got your choice of beachfront accommodations that make it easy to transition from the room to the sand with the young ones. Oceanside Daytona offers 165 spacious rooms, including one-bedroom and Penthouse suites, as well as a freshwater pool that is a delight to swim in and overlooks the ocean. Here’s a hint to parents — you can sip on some delicious beverages while lounging poolside and watching the kids swim. Built in 1973, Oceanside Inn is one of the staples along this stretch of A1A in Daytona Beach Shores. As of July 2019, the hotel is under new management and is already undergoing improvements and renovations.
oceansidedaytona.com
In Central Florida
As a more affordable (and less crowded) alternative to Orlando’s theme parks, the Kissimmee area is a fast-growing family destination that offers all of the fun of the big parks, without costing a pretty penny.
Everyone can get their kicks at Fun Spot America Kissimmee, a family-friendly theme park with several locations throughout the U.S. — and we’ve chosen its Kissimmee location because of this area’s reputation as a family vacation destination. Combining theme park thrills with classic midway games and satisfying eateries, there is something for everyone at this park. Ride the only wooden roller coaster in Florida that goes upside-down, scream in suspense as what goes up must come down on the Screamer, swing into the sky on the Hot Seat, or take it easy with scenic views from the carousel or while playing games at the midway or arcade. There are also kiddie rides for smaller tikes, and lots of places to stop for snacks. Perhaps one of the best perks of this park? It offers all of the thrills and excitement of bigger theme parks at a fraction of the cost, so you can keep coming back for more fun!
fun-spot.com/kissimmee
There’s something special awaiting anyone who visits the Osceola County Historical Society’s Pioneer Village or the History Museum. Step back in time when you enter the Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, which replicates an 1800s pioneer village with a permanent collection of authentic structures which once stood in different areas of Osceola County, that have since been restored and moved here to create the village. See history up close when you see the general store and post office, schoolhouse, church, train depot, homesteads from Osceola settlers, Seminole settlement, a cow camp and working structures such as a blacksmith shop, citrus packing plant, cane grinder, and barn — and it’s so beautiful here that it’s even a popular site for weddings! A separate attraction, the Osceola County Welcome Center and History Museum provides visitors with a rich history of Osceola County and includes realistic exhibits of the county’s natural habitats like swamplands and pine flatwoods, as well as informational exhibits about how the county was founded. To engage young minds, each exhibit features an interactive display and scavenger hunts!
osceolahistory.org
Magic Moment Resort and Kids Club in Kissimmee is a boutique hotel with a big dream, promoting quality time for families in an era when this has become a rarity. Magic Moment is passionate in creating an environment of togetherness, making every moment count with all kinds of unique touches that make it fun for everyone. The luxurious lobby area is great for adults, while it’s contrasted by the special area for young ones: a kid’s club with bright colors, comfy couches, toys to share, video games, tabletop games, and more! The pool is another venue for adventure, and even has a snack bar to keep the little ones’ “hanger” at bay. When you want to spend some quiet time together, sit and tell stories in the beautiful garden area. If you can ever convince the kids to go back to the suite, you can enjoy the absolute beauty and finery of the contemporary-chic decor, special little touches like big bathtubs and fluffy bathrobes. Mornings are easier for kids to get through with breakfast at the resort’s eatery (pro-tip: make them smile with Mickey Mouse pancakes) and you’re close enough to all of Orlando’s big attractions without having to pay Orlando resort prices!
magicmomentresort.com
A port city with plenty of activity for a busy family, Fort Lauderdale has matured from a stop on Spring Break to a destination full of attractions from the beaches, to the rivers, to the shopping districts, and lots of local flavors to try out.
Located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale’s Arts and Science District, the Museum of Discovery and Science is an incredible experience for your family. The museum features 120,000 square feet packed with dynamic science exhibits, both permanent and rotating. Kids ages six and under will enjoy hands-on learning in the Discovery Center; older children can board the 20-person airboat ride simulator for an amazing journey into the Everglades; the bi-level Florida Ecoscapes exhibit allows students to discover one of the world’s most unique ecosystems; Prehistoric Florida explores ancient species that lived millions of years ago; and there’s so many more exhibits to delight the whole family! Head outdoors to the museum’s Science Park, which expands the museum’s hands-on learning with multiple, content-rich opportunities in which visitors can experiment with basic principles of the physical world and come to intuitive understandings about how they work.
mods.org
Relax at the only hotel on the trendy Las Olas Boulevard in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, surrounded by world-class restaurants, hopping nightclubs and enchanting courtyards. Unwind in a comfortable room in the Riverside Hotel adorned in Old-Florida design, or seclude yourself in a suite in the executive tower, where spectacular city and river views await. Classic guest rooms are located in the original tower of the hotel that was built in 1936; the special twelfth-floor suite is the grandest of them all, hosting a marble Jacuzzi, separate living area, wet bar and wraparound balcony. The hotel is minutes from the sandy white beaches of Fort Lauderdale. After a long day of fun in the sun, savor a decadent seafood meal at the hotel’s Wild Sea Oyster Bar & Grille – or visit the Indigo Restaurant for a variety of dishes prepared by their acclaimed chef while overlooking Las Olas Boulevard.
riversidehotel.com
On the Gulf Coast
Considering the abundant marine life found in Florida, it is no wonder that one of the best places to take the family is to the Florida Aquarium in Tampa — particularly since it is a top USA TODAY-ranked aquarium in North America; a TripAdvisor top 10 Aquarium in the country; and Parents Magazine top 5 "Kid-Friendly" aquarium! Located in downtown Tampa, The Florida Aquarium is specifically designed to take you on a journey that begins with a freshwater spring and continues to the open waters of the Florida Keys. Along the way you will see simulated wetlands, shallow bays and beaches, and a coral reef ecosystem encompassed in half a million gallons of natural seawater. Children and adults alike will delight in the curious critters that you meet along the way, from otters and lemurs to sea stars, sea dragons, and sharks! Visit the 4-D theater that combines 3-D films with a variety of sensory effects built into the seats and theater environment to bring to life bubbles, snow, scent, FX lighting, water mist, seat vibration and wind. During these warm months, you’ll also want to visit the Splash Pad outside, an outdoor water play zone with wet and dry elements, a zero-depth water area with dumping buckets, spray zones, and more.
flaquarium.org
Located in the heart of downtown Tampa, the in interactive and exciting learning experiences, as well as just plain fun playtime, the Glazer Children’s Museum is the perfect place to spend the day together learning and having lots of fun! Sculpt a masterpiece in the Art Smart room, learn waves to save money with simple math and physical activities at the Central Bank exhibit, climb aboard the Cruiseship docked at Gasparilla Island to become a pirate captain and dig for buried treasure, take on the thrilling job of a firefighter with a replica fire truck and firehouse, build your own fort, and so much more.
glazermuseum.org
Tampa's ZooTampa at Lowry Park is one of the most popular zoos in the southeastern U.S., with over a million visitors annually, and is a five-time winner of the TripAdvisor “Certificate of Excellence.” The zoo encompasses 56 acres of naturalistic animal exhibits in a lush, tropical garden setting that features endangered, threatened and vulnerable species from climates similar to that of the Tampa Bay region. Zoo areas are devoted to Asia, Africa, Australia and Florida, with extra consideration for animal comfort. Don’t miss a visit to the zoo school, or a fun ride on the carousel!
zootampa.org
One of the premier golf destinations in the U.S., as well as a luxurious Gulf Coast destination, Innisbrook, a Salamander Resort in Tampa Bay may not be the first place you think of when you think “family resort.” But, once you see all the kid-friendly activities they have to offer, you’ll see this resort in a whole new light! The fun begins at the six swimming pools, including the Loch-Ness Monster pool with crazy, twisty waterslides that’ll have you all screaming with joy. There’s also a zero-entry pool for toddlers who want to play in shallow waters, and even a sandy beach for building sandcastles. After water play is over, towel the kids off and watch them monkey around on the playground or zoom around on bikes. And the golfing here is not just for the grown-ups; they have a fantastic mini-golf course!Now, this is still a luxurious resort, so that means beautiful guest rooms or suite accommodations that make you all feel like resort royalty while you relax after a long day of play. (The adults may want to take the relaxation to the next level at the brand new full-service luxury spa, featuring 12 treatment rooms, personalized services and much more!)
innisbrookgolfresort.com
While it is a huge vacation destination and renowned art mecca, Sarasota also offers a small-town charm that will make it easy for your family to fall in love. This is a particularly great destination for the family that loves variety, thanks to the array of activities and attractions like local beaches, historic estates, playgrounds galore, and many hotels or vacation rentals.
Once the sprawling estate of John and Mable Ringling, of circus fame, The Ringling is now a multi-faceted family attraction that sits beside the waters of Sarasota Bay. Featuring several museums, a playground, cafes and restaurant, along with immaculate grounds and gardens, this is a great place for the family to spend the day. Adults and older children will appreciate the art museum, which houses a massive collection of rare works of art inside a castle-like building surrounding an open-air sculpture garden, and showcases traveling exhibits in addition to its permanent works. Children will especially love the circus museum, which tells the story of circus life with incredible exhibits including a stunning 44,000-piece Howard Bros. Circus Model, real artifacts from circus times past, and hands-on areas that let kids try a tightrope walk, balance on a trick horse, a mini cannon to shoot off, and a Tony clown car to climb into. You can even get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Ringlings traveled when you view their actual railroad car! Summer is the best time to visit Mable’s rose garden, when the fragrant flowers are in full bloom.
ringling.org
Anyone visiting the Sarasota area must make a trip to Siesta Key, one of the most iconic Gulf Coast island getaways. Its internationally known beach, Siesta Public Beach, is so stunningly beautiful that it has one numerous awards, including the nation’s best — more than once! Huge expanses of powdery white sand will squeak beneath your feet, and a slight gradient from beach to waves makes it perfect for wading and for small children. The kids will also enjoy the new playground located at one of the two recently-renovated beach facilities, which include concessions. This beach is surrounded by all kinds of accommodations, and is just a short walk or bicycle ride from Siesta Village. The Village is packed with shops, ice cream stores, grocery stores, gift shops, and of course, restaurants.
siestakeychamber.com
In the Florida Keys
One of the most desirable vacation destinations in the world, your whole family will feel lucky when you take them to the Florida Keys. A series of islands, each with something very different to offer, culminates in the southernmost location: Key West, a collection of iconic Florida attractions that you cannot miss.
It’s time to make like the Little Mermaid and go “Under the Sea” with a dive trip! Beneath Florida’s surface you will find a whole new world; one made of colorful seashells, bumpy coral, waving seagrass, and curious fish. Diving and snorkeling can take you to whole new levels of exploration and discovery. Even if you aren’t SCUBA certified, no worries — this is the place to get it done! Key West Dive Center offers everything from SCUBA certification classes to diving trips, snorkeling and sailing in custom built diving boats. They also offer the new, popular alternative to SCUBA diving: SNUBA, which allows you to dive with an oxygen tube attached to the boat above. This is an especially great activity for children or anyone who wants to dive without going through certification processes.
keywestdivecenter.com
So many historic and iconic figures have shapes Key West along with the loyal and caring residents who have helped build the Key West community throughout the years. One of the fascinating times of the island was the era of the wrecker, and you can learn all about them at the Key West Shipwreck Museum. A thrilling adventure of discovery for all ages, the Shipwreck Museum transports you to the Key West of the late 1800s, and combines actors, films and the actual artifacts from the 1985 rediscovery of the wrecked vessel Isaac Allerton, which sank in 1856 on the treacherous Florida Keys reef. Listed to costumed actors regale you with the stories of life on the sea, explore exhibits and artifacts, and maybe even climb the 65-foot lookout tower!
keywestshipwreck.com
Island Villa Properties can help you find the perfect home-away-from-home to house your whole family. Their rentals span from Key Largo, to Tavernier, to Islamorada andof course to Key West, and their staff is dedicated to finding you the ideal rental. Let them do the work for you of finding the ideal vacation rental that will tick all your boxes and tickle the fancies of your family.
islandvilla.com
