When it comes to the ideal family destination, Florida takes the cake.
It’s ground zero for fun – a magical, beach-lined, palm-sprinkled fantasyland seemingly made for kids. Where else can they visit lands of make-believe, laugh at Goofy, embrace Cinderella, gasp at alligators, marvel at space launches, collect prehistoric shark teeth and admire authentic pirate treasures – all on a single trip? It’s no wonder wide-eyed kids and their adult counterparts consider Florida the most whimsical place on Earth.
And nowhere rolls out the red carpet for kids as spectacularly as the Sunshine State, where they set the gold standard for family hospitality. Here’s what you need to know about traveling in Florida as a family.
Is Florida Good for Kids?
In two words: “Heck, yeah!”
Kids won’t whine, “I’m bored,” in Florida. Look in any direction and there’s something to do: Gator mini-golf, driving army tanks, airboating through sawgrass and mangrove swamps, monster truck rides through citrus groves, glass-bottom boat rides, deep-sea fishing… the possibilities for fun are virtually endless.
If kids designed their perfect world, it’d probably look a lot like Florida. Kids love it here, and, with an endless bounty of family-focused amenities, so do their parents. Baby-changing stations are everywhere, as are stroller and locker rentals. You’ll also find plenty of travel apps and QR codes designed to make life easier, or perhaps more difficult… depending on how tech-savvy you (or your kids) are.
1. Hit the Exciting Theme Parks in Orlando
Crowned the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” Orlando is a bullseye for most vacationing families – and with countless activity add-ons within a two-hour drive, it’s the ideal hub. Even the airport monorail teases kids’ imaginations, eliciting priceless sighs, giggles, and squeals of joy before they reach the baggage carousel.
For younger kids, target Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, SeaWorld, and Legoland, all featuring boundless eye candy they’ll enjoy. To attract tweens and teens away from their smartphones, head to Universal Studios, Gatorland, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios for slightly more grown-up fun, while still offering thrills for all ages.
Busch Gardens in nearby Tampa (a two-hour drive from Orlando) is also a blast, often offering great discounts.
2. Feed the Kids’ Need for Speed with Racing and Classic Cars
If your kids thirst for speed, treat them to an “All Access Ticket” at Daytona International Speedway, about an hour’s drive from Orlando. They’ll enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the famous racetrack, along with some amazing photo opportunities.
Car buffs can spend hours at Dezerland Auto Museum in Orlando, getting up close with over 2000 custom and classic roadsters – including many famous movie cars.
Planning Tip: Pay a few extra dollars for the “VIP” tour and score the chance to sit in select cars (including Batmobiles) for exciting photo opportunities!
3. Explore the Space Coast
Just an hour from Orlando, Kennedy Space Center offers kids an awe-inspiring glimpse into galaxies beyond. Tour the grounds to see launch pads, spacecraft, and rockets, and climb aboard a space shuttle simulator to get a taste of what it’s like to be an astronaut. If you’re really lucky, you might even witness a launch or meet a real astronaut!
4. Get Back to Nature with Wildlife Tours
Hop aboard a 35-ft pontoon boat for a real-life two-hour Jungle Cruise adventure. Alligators, turtles, armadillos, owls, and otters are just some of the many creatures you might encounter along the way.
The glass-bottom boats that have been cruising the Silver River at Silver Springs State Park since the 1870s revealed a wealth of underwater life, deep caverns, and mysterious Greek statues. Kids will adore big, cuddly-looking manatees, and at Blue Spring State Park, there are so many they literally roll over themselves as though performing acrobatics.
Consider stopping at nearby De Leon Springs State Park where families can cook up kooky, all-you-can-eat pancake creations on tabletop grills – but remember to get there early (and bring a change of clothes!).
5. Search for Buried Treasure
What kid wouldn’t enjoy scavenging for silver, gold, and pirate loot along Florida’s famed Treasure Coast? Check out the bounties at Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum in Sebastian, then rent a metal detector and sifter from the gift shop to scour nearby beaches for your own riches. Don’t forget to ask for advice on finding prehistoric shark teeth – another common find. Exciting treasures from ancient Spanish galleons are also displayed at McLarty Treasure Museum, just a few minutes away.
Planning Tips
Sticking to timetables can be challenging, so try to keep itineraries flexible. Set reasonable goals – you can’t do everything in one trip! Schedule rest days to relax by the hotel pool and recharge. Rest days will be appreciated by the kids as well!
Check online deals for advance tickets and search for multi-park discounts. Children under 3 are often free at most theme parks, and those aged 3 to 9 usually pay reduced rates. Express passes may cost more but can save you time and sanity.
Wear comfy shoes and pack hats, sunblock, plenty of water, and ponchos for sudden downpours and water rides – handling Florida’s climate is essential. Save money by bringing your own water and snacks, as most theme parks allow food items that don’t require heating. While stroller rentals are available, consider bringing a lightweight, collapsible version for ease.
If your trip centers around Orlando’s theme parks, consider a hotel with free shuttle services to avoid rental costs. Setting a daily budget beforehand is also advisable, as kids will likely want to enjoy everything!
This article was first published on May 10, 2021, and updated on September 24, 2023.
