Best Family Vacations
Finding a destination where the whole family will have fun is often difficult - unless, of course, you’re looking at family friendly Florida! Wherever you go in the Sunshine State, there’s a perfect vacation for your family, be it a classic beach vaca, downtown experience, historical excursion, theme park outing, or waterfront stay.
These are our top five options for a family vacation!
1. The Classic Beach Vacation in Daytona
Perhaps the best beach to which you should bring the family is one of the most iconic American beaches: Daytona Beach. 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.
Away from the beach, there are numerous cultural attractions in this historic Florida city. 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.
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.
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2. The Delightful Downtown Experience in Fort Lauderdale
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.
The vibrant community centered around the New River is best seen from the unforgettable Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale. Not only is this a wonderful place for visitors, but also for the community. You can have fun and get fit with Riverwalk Recreation, which offers a variety of activities like kayak rentals, guided bike tours, yoga classes, and more. For something a bit more leisurely, you can relax in the Riverwalk Linear Park, visit a shop along the river, or dine at a waterfront restaurant.
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.
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3. The Peek Into the Past in Fort Myers
Encompassing 20 acres of tropical gardens, historic homes, a laboratory, and museum, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers are a wonderful place to spend a day filled with whimsy. The inventor Thomas Edison and the auto magnate Henry Ford where close friends and shared estate grounds for their winter vacation homes, which now make up the museum property. Walk beneath the tall oaks and swaying palms, or amongst the fragrant blooms of the botanical gardens, tour the historic buildings that include Edison’s Botanic Research Laboratory, and visit the Edison Ford Museum to view an impressive collection of inventions, artifacts and special exhibit galleries. If you work up an appetite from walking, visit the Banyan Café or an onsite food truck.
Live the barrier island life at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. Located on Sanibel Island, just across the water from Fort Myers, this resort has everything you could need right on site, so you have no need to leave the luxury! Boasting miles of shell-strewn beach, this resort boasts spacious, fully-equipped condominiums so that you can have all the comforts of home while enjoying a tropical paradise. The living spaces come in various sizes for your secluded getaway or family vacation, and all are complete with kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas. Shop and dine directly onsite at any of the resort’s locations and enjoy high-end amenities such as tennis facilities, multiple swimming pools, children’s activities, and the Kay Casperson Lifestyle Spa and Boutique.
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4. The Thrilling Experiences of Tampa Bay
Masterfully blending the animal experiences of a zoo with the heart-pounding thrills of a theme park, Bush Gardens Tampa Bay is a completely unique family attraction. Each section of the park is themed for a different region of the world and the animals found there, featuring animal exhibits that educate and provide up-close connection with the animals and rides that correlate to the animals. The park’s newest ride, Tigris, is Florida’s tallest launch coaster takes you along 1,800 feet of steel track at more than 60 miles per hour to mimic the awe inspiring agility of the world’s largest and most powerful cat: the tiger. 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.
A family favorite because it offers something for everyone, Innisbrook, a Salamander Resort 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!)
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5. The Waterfront Wonders of Destin
This is the epitome of a waterfront vacation spot for the family, featuring both the emerald waves of the Gulf of Mexico and the shimmering waters of the Destin Harbor. Boating, snorkeling, watersports and more are ready to keep every family member refreshed, and waterfront shops, dining, and entertainment keep you relaxed. Perhaps one of the most popular ways to spend your day on the water in Destin is to float in the warm Gulf waters while enjoying the sunshine. Crab Island is a popular spot for pontoon boats, due to its shallower and calm waters and beautiful backdrop of the city. There is even an inflatable waterpark that floats on water! Destin Vacation Rentals specializes in boat rentals; particularly, pontoon boats! This spacious style of boat is laid out perfectly for groups, and the pontoon boats offered by Destin Vacation Rentals are even available with slides - creating an instant waterpark that is especially popular with kids and teens. f you’re the type who likes to pack your vacation with as many once-in-a-lifetime experiences as possible, then Destin is your spot. Hop onto a Jet Ski and speed your way through the waves to see one of the most iconic and friendliest fish – dolphins! Xteme H2O can take you on all kinds of watersport adventures, but one of the most popular excursions is dolphin sightseeing tours via WaveRunners and Jet Skis.
Slip into your strappy summer sandals or easy-going loafers and prepare for the perfect summer day (and night!) on the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Enjoy being out in the warm sunshine and feel the pleasant Gulf breeze as you walk along the Boardwalk’s many attractions. The shopping here is fabulous, whether you’re looking for resort wear, jewelry, destination apparel, or artwork. Of course, the many restaurants and pubs offer not only great eats, but also entertainment! Shopaholics will find plenty of places to pick up some treasures to take home, particularly after spending a day at Destin Commons. The Commons is a local favorite and has been voted “Best Shopping Center,” thanks to its refreshing open-air design that feels more like a village than a mall. Peruse 95 specialty stores including Belk, Bass Pro Shops, AMC 14 Theaters, H&M, and other popular brands. Enjoy restaurants and entertainment options with a little something for everyone, like Buck's Fish Bowl & Grill bowling alley and restaurant, Chipotle, and others. Children love the mini train, interactive water fountain and Pirate's Cove soft playground.
A perfect option for family accommodations is the Silver Sands Beach Resort and Spa. Their 31-acre beach borders the park, and they offer spacious condos that perfectly combine resort luxury with essential amenities like kitchens, dining areas, balconies, and more. Enjoy beach chair service, or lounge by the 7,500 square foot Lagoon Pool - the centerpiece of the resort. Visit The Sandbar tiki hut on the beach to cool off with a frozen cocktail, or enjoy a massage at the full-service spa. Parasail trips, Waverunners, sailboats, and kayaks can all be rented right from the beach. Indulge in a fantastic dinner at the onsite Ruth’s Chris Steak House of Destin, or take a short drive (or perhaps even a stroll in the pleasant evening air) to nearby restaurants and cafes. Visitors to Destin and the Emerald Coast have long chosen the Emerald Grande at Harborwalk Village for its incredible location, scenic views, and luxurious feel. Their location on the Destin Harbor offers expansive scenery, and their resort pool is probably where your family will be spending a lot of time. You could probably hang out in your room for a lot of time as well, as the Emerald Grande has beautiful and spacious suites that make it easy to relax. When you want to venture out, you can go shopping in the adjacent Harborwalk Village, a destination in and of itself that offers retail, dining, and entertainment choices. The Village also offers many aquatic rentals, outfitters, and dolphin tours! The best part of staying here is how easy it is to enjoy so many things as a family here and all in one place!
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