Family Vacation Destinations
Sometimes it’s tough to plan family vacations that will make everyone happy - fortunately, Florida has the answer! The Sunshine State’s many destinations offer variety and fun for the whole family, with gorgeous sandy beaches perfect for playing on, museums that even kids can enjoy, resorts that have all kinds of attractions in one place, and more! Here are some destinations for your next family vacation!
Daytona Beach
One of the greatest family attractions of Florida is its array of beaches, offering incredible variety at each sandy location. 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.
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
Kissimmee
Everyone can get their kicks at Fun Spot America, 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
Magic Moment Resort and Kids Club 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
Tampa Bay
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 - 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
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. For instance, you can learn all about the stealth and speed of cheetahs as you watch them dart around their exhibit, and then hop aboard Cheetah Hunt, which is built with the same cheetah speed and even soars above the cheetahs themselves! 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. In addition to exhibits and rides, there are many live performances that run throughout the day, from animal demonstrations to musicals, dances, ice shows, and more! Throughout the park are fantastic shops and delightful eateries.
buschgardens.com/tampa
One of the premier golf destinations in the U.S., as well as a luxurious Gulf Coast destination, 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!)
innisbrookgolfresort.com
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.
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
Sarasota
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
Destin
Engaging the entire family in science and fun, the Emerald Coast Science Center in neighboring island community Fort Walton Beach offers a hands-on world of discovery. Learn the properties of color and light and make music with the light spectrum, learn the importance of natural gas and how it is delivered to homes and businesses, see how robots are built and operated, and more! Celebrating 30 years, the ECSC offers innovative experiences like the SMALLab, their brand-new exhibit that is an embodied learning environment where every person is up, moving, and collaborating. Movement is tracked by motion capture cameras, allowing you to walk around on a 15-foot by 15-foot playing field to complete activities. Your family can work together to solve puzzles, create stories and character plots, study the world, and paint digital masterpieces with this innovative programming.
ecscience.org
Since its inception in 1955, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park has entertained millions with interactive marine exhibits, discovery experiences, shows, and amazing experiences that encourage all ages to interact with marine life. Come snorkel with stingrays and sharks, feed penguins, and watch otters play. See dolphin and sea lion shows, become a trainer for a day, and don’t forget to get a kiss from a harbor seal!
gulfarium.com
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!
emeraldgrande.com
More Family-Friendly Destinations
Moonspinner — away from it all, but close to everything! Nature rules at our family-friendly condo community on the quiet east end of Panama City Beach, next to St. Andrews State Park. Choose a 2- or 3-bed-room beachfront condo to be your home away from home with fully equipped kitchens, dining, and living space. Packed with onsite amenities and close to activi-ties, conveniences, and beautiful wildlife. Fun for all, so bring the whole clan! Book now at moonspinner.com.
With vacation properties on Pensacola Beach and Navarre Beach, you’re sure to find the perfect place to relax, enjoy the slower pace, and appreciate the natural beauty of Northwest Florida’s Emerald Coast. Whether you choose a condo, townhome, beach cottage, or luxury gulf-front home, Paradise Beach Homes of-fers the perfect vacation option for every budget! Many properties even welcome guests of the four-legged variety and they are great for hosting events and weddings.
paradisebeachhomes.com
The largest natural and cultural history museum on the Gulf Coast of Florida, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (formerly South Florida Museum) shows you the scientific and cultural wonders that make up Florida, the world, and even the universe. See astronomical presentations in The Planetarium, visit manatees in the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Aquar-ium, bring your kids to explore the new Mosaic Backyard Universe, and enjoy spe-cial exhibitions and events that make each visit a unique experience!
BishopScience.org
Since its inception in 1955, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park has entertained millions with interactive marine exhibits, discovery experiences, shows, and amaz-ing experiences that encourage all ages to interact with animal life. The most popular of encounters are those involving the playful dolphins — including one-on-one time with a dolphin, a splash encounter, and even a chance to meet an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin and pet it yourself. Come snorkel with stingrays and sharks, feed penguins, and watch otters play. See sea lion shows, become a trainer for a day, and don’t forget to get a kiss from a har-bor seal! There is also a reptile safari for kids, where they can learn that reptiles are cute, not creepy, with hands on meetings with these little guys. If your little one is especially interested in being around ani-mals, consider making them a V.I.P. trainer for a day — which lets you work side by side with real trainers, have behind the scenes fun, and care for all the marine mammal residents (including penguins and dolphins).
gulfarium.com
