Your Guide to Family Fun: Kid-Friendly Attractions You Don’t Want to Miss
Planning family travel has never been particularly easy, but after waiting out travel-restrictions many parents are making up for lost time in 2021 with revenge travel, and going into 2022 is no different. Take the heat off reinventing the wheel, so to speak, and use our guide on fun-filled family getaways for easy, memorable trips your loved ones wont’ soon forget! Whether you’re looking for thrills, the awe of Mother Nature, a little learning-on-the-go, or the ultimate hands-off vacay, Florida’s got you covered!
THRILLS TO CHILL
The entire world is keen to head to Orlando for Walt Disney World or Universal Studios and their many attractions. And while you can’t forget about these tried-and-true resorts, Florida has so much more to offer than these staples.
Busch Gardens
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. In addition to exhibits and rides, there are many live performances that run throughout the day. Throughout the park are fantastic shops and delightful eateries.
buschgardens.com/tampa
Old Town
Kissimmee
Kissimmee’s beloved family fun destination has reopened after two years of renovation and expansion. For over 30 years, Old Town has charmed visitors with its unique walkable collection of shops, themed restaurants, rides, attractions and car cruises that harken back to an easier, simpler time. With the multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion, Old Town is bigger and better, while offering a more authentic, all-American feel than ever before. “This refurbishment has solidified Old Town’s reputation as one of central Florida’s most popular ‘must-visit’ attractions,” said Thearon Scurlock, vice president and general manager of Old Town. "We are excited that Old Town has embarked on a new era in its history and welcome both locals and tourists to rediscover its simple pleasures and classic American fun.”
myoldtownusa.com
LEGOLAND
Winter Haven
Embark on a multi-day adventure with a trip to LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, just a short drive from Orlando. Spanning 150 acres, the interactive theme park features over 50 rides, shows and attractions, a world-famous botanical garden, plus the five acre LEGOLAND Water Park. Opened in Spring of 2019, THE LEGO MOVIE WORLD, created in partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products, features three family-friendly marquee attractions, inspired by the characters and themes of the worldwide blockbuster THE LEGO MOVIE and THE LEGO MOVIE 2: The Second Part. The new attractions are THE LEGO MOVIE Masters of Flight, Unikitty’s Disco Drop, and Battle of Bricksburg.
legoland.com/florida
Gatorland
Orlando
Gatorland is not for the faint of heart! Visit this 110-acre theme park that is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, panthers, bobcats, and birds. Get super close to gators with a special Adventure Hour experience. Clip in and zip on with the Screamin’ Gator Zipline, 1,200 feet of high-flying fun that runs between towers over seven stories tall, where you’ll soar over crocs and gators in their swamp homes below! Enjoy shows, nighttime excursions, become a trainer for a day, and so much more.
gatorland.com
HANDS-ON LEARNING
Everyone knows that a family vacation isn’t truly complete until parents infuse a little learning into the mix. Whether you want your famly to soak up the history of your destination, or you’re looking for a reprieve from the sun, be sure to check out these cultural landmarks.
Ringling Museum
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. 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. Summer is the best time to visit Mable’s rose garden, when the fragrant flowers are in full bloom.
ringling.org
Pirate & Treasure Museum
St. Augustine
Explore the exciting world of swashbucklers and swindlers at St. Augustine’s Pirate & Treasure Museum. This museum offers the experience of being transported back in time 300 years to colonial Jamaica, at the height of the Golden Age of Piracy. Pirates such as Sir Francis Drake and Robert Searles who frequented the nation’s oldest city and the Spanish fort, the Castillo de San Marcos, played a major role in the history of pirates and Colonial America. In addition to costumed interpreters and fun recreated environments like Port Royal and a shipwreck, there is also a thrilling scavenger hunt to embark on while you’re exploring the museum! Get your own treasure at the museum’s specialty shop.
thepiratemuseum.com
Kennedy Space Center
Merritt Island
Get your family vacation to really “take off” with a trip to one of the most out-of-this-world attractions: Arguably the crown jewel of the Space Coast, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers a full day, rich with inspiration, education, and fun.
See the mighty rocket that won the race to the moon, stand nose-to-nose with a real space shuttle, come face-to-face with veteran astronauts and discover what it means to be a hero through the stories of NASA’s space pioneers at its newest attraction, Heroes & Legends, featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Become an honorary space explorer as you view the $100 million Atlantis shuttle exhibit, train in spaceflight simulators, walk through new rotating exhibits, live the experience with a five-story 3D presentation in the IMAX theater, journey through the magical Rocket Garden, and more. Of course, the most popular activity here is observing a rocket launch!
kennedyspacecenter.com
Discovery Cove
Orlando
If you’re into a more immersive vibe with your animal encounter, check out Orlando’s Discovery Cove. This all-inclusive day resort where you and your family can enjoy a one-of-a-kind opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel with thousands of tropical fish and rays, hand-feed exotic birds and unwind on pristine beaches. With no lines throughout the park, you can plan your adventure at your own pace. Unlimited food and beverage, along with towels, snorkel gear and more is all included in the price of admission. Don’t miss SeaVenture, The Grand Reef’s innovative experience is an underwater walking tour where, while wearing a dive helmet, you’ll feel right at home under the sea. Some say it’s like walking on the moon but, surrounded by fish. During the journey, you’ll experience one-on-one encounters with unique animals, schools of fish and velvety rays. You’ll even get to touch unique sea life found along the way. The adventure ends with schools of fish feeding around you with the massive open reef as your backdrop.
discoverycove.com
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Florida is no exception to America’s diverse landscape. Boasting three National Parks and countless beautiful beaches and state parks, there’s plenty of space to get wild in Florida wildnerness.
Dry Tortugas National Park
Florida Keys
Perhaps one of the most unique eco-attractions and open-air museums in the world is the Dry Tortugas National Park, located 70 miles off the Florida Keys. Comprised of seven small islands spanning 100 square miles, the park’s crown jewel is the historic Fort Jefferson, which was once used as a prison during the Civil War. Explore the fort and learn the story of the outlaws and soldiers stationed here with an in-depth tour from a guide (and be on the lookout for ghosts!). The clear, shallow, and undisturbed waters surrounding the islands are perfect for snorkeling, diving, and paddlesports — the coral reefs here are a particular joy to see. You can truly get away from it all with a stay in the campground here, which offers some of the best stargazing you could imagine.
The only way to get to the park is by boat or seaplane, and fortunately there are comfortable rides available aboard the park’s official ferry: The Yankee Freedom III. The ferry departs from Key West, and makes its way to the park for a little over a two-hour trip. Stay out on the sundeck to catch some rays, or head inside to the comfortable seating in the air-conditioned cabin. Included with your ferry tickets are entrance to the park, breakfast and lunch, Fort Jefferson tours, and complimentary snorkeling equipment.
nps.gov/drytortugas
St George Island
Florida Panhandle
St. George’s Island is a 22-mile barrier island with beautiful beaches and gentle surf, perfect for family fun. Well-behaved (and leashed) dogs are welcome on most beaches and in many of the island’s vacation rentals and restaurants. Beach camping lovers will love that the St. George Island State Park Beach is ranked among the top beaches in the country, featuring miles of undeveloped shoreline.
floridasforgottencoast.com
Everglades National Park
If you’re in the southern part of Florida, you can’t miss Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Spanning 1.5 million acres of unparalleled landscapes, the park protects several endangered species such as the American crocodile, manatee and elusive Florida panther who call South Florida home. Entrance to the park can be accessed in three places—Miami, Everglades City, and Homestead — with Royal Palm marking its Main Entrance. Accessing the park through Homestead will offer the easiest access to campgrounds and the visitor’s center, where you can learn the history of the park, and about the Natives who once inhabited the land.
Once inside, there are many ways to enjoy the Everglades! Biking, bird watching, boating, camping, paddle sports (canoe and kayak rentals are available), fishing, geocaching, hiking are all popular activities in the park.
If you’re serious about staying dry and seeing the most wildlife, plan your trip between November and March, during the park’s dry season. You’re more likely to see the migratory birds that made their way south, and the predators that are after them.
nps.gov/everglades
EASY LIVING RESORTS
Take the pressure off of planning the perfect famlily by booking a trip to one of these award winning resorts. With plenty to do on-site, everyone will stay busy enough and you can lounge by the pool and get that R&R you’re always dreamin’ about.
SanDestin Golf and Beach Resort
Miramar Beach
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort is the ultimate destination. The award-winning Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort® has been a favorite for generations of families and coastal adventurers who come back year after year. SanDestin is a great choice for every family member thanks to its variety of accommodations — eight different properties! — that make plenty of room for everyone, including your four-legged friends, as well as lots of activities for everyone to enjoy and family vacation packages that work with your budget. The kids could be spending time at the beach, dad could be golfing, and mom could be at the spa! Be sure to check out Baytowne Wharf for a variety of dining options, shopping and recreation to really put the cherry on the trip!
sandestin.com
Checca Lodge & Spa
Islamorada
Named “purple isle” by its first inhabitants, Islamorada is undeniably captivating. A narrow spit of land surrounded by turquoise waters teeming with marine life, this key embraces the harmony between man & nature. Against this backdrop, Cheeca Lodge is a top choice in Florida Keys family resorts, offering a tropical retreat for those looking to escape The 27-acre, 214-room oceanfront resort boasts a 1,100 foot palm-lined private beach, a spacaious dock with rods for guest use, three ehated pools and countless other comforts to enjoy.. Here, everything you need is at your fingertips. From bicycles to sea kayaks to golf clubs this luxury hotel’s amenities will be sure to make your experience unforgettable.
cheeca.com
South Seas Island Resort
Captiva Island
Head to the gulf side of the Sunshine state to take advantage of gorgeous Captiva Island and its unparalleled accommodations. South Seas Island Resort is a favorite here, and is sure to please everyone in your party.. Between the gentle Gulf waters, nature preserve, numerous pools, and family activities available, this resort is like one big playground for you all to enjoy together. Whether you stay in an inn suite, condo, or vacation home, all of this resort’s accommodations are meant to suit a family vacation with spacious layouts, equipped kitchens, and amenities. Have a meal at one of their onsite restaurants, visit the activity center, or even play a round of golf together on their unique family-friendly course. You can’t miss the nostalgic on-site ice cream parlor, and be sure to book your family photo sessions with this stunning backdrop!
southseas.com
