Family Fun in the Florida Sun

By Kellie Walton 

Is there anywhere in the world where the sun shines brighter than the sunshine state? If so, we’ve yet to find it. From January through June and back, Florida is the perfect destination for a family getaway. From exciting amusement parks to family-friendly beaches, there are plenty of destinations perfect for entertaining yourself and your family of all ages from the panhandle all the way south.  

Load up the car and head out for an adventure at one of these family-centered spots this year.  

Spend Your Days on Daytona Beach 

One of the most famous beaches in the world, Daytona Beach has snubbed its party animal reputation in favor of a family-friendly escape. Only an hour drive from hotspots like Orlando, St. Augustine, and the Kennedy Space Center, visit one of Daytona’s 15 beach parks each offering their own fun attractions. An iconic spot is the Daytona Beach Pier, a 1,000-foot-long boardwalk where guests can stroll or cast a line paired with a stunning view. Or, visit the Sunglow Pier, a nostalgic hotspot for sightseers and anglers. Hungry? Pay a visit to nostalgia-inducing spots like Joe’s Crab Shack on Main Street or the similarly-named Crabby Joe’s Deck & Grill on South Atlantic Avenue – both are family-friendly and offer stunning views.  

In addition to the beaches and piers, check the lineup at the Daytona Beach Bandshell before you visit, an amphitheater first built in 1937 that welcomes concerts and activities year-round. Or, visit the Sun Splash Park (open March through November), an enormous splash pad overlooking the ocean with 42 jets and kiddos galore. On a rainy day, visit the Volusia County Marine Science Center in Lighthouse Point park, which welcomes visitors to tour its center, filled with aquaria and interactive exhibits, sea turtle and shore bird rehabilitation areas, and a bird boardwalk.  
www.daytonabeach.com/  

Visit the Fish at the Florida Aquarium 

Get a deeper appreciation for Florida’s marine life at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, which showcases critters like sharks, otters, and sea turtles, inside its walls. As one of the state’s top family-friendly attractions, the facility houses more than 14,000 animals spanning 1,000 species, with exciting educational programs, interactive experiences, animal encounters, and even dedicated summer camps for kids.  

The aquarium’s wetlands trail houses native animals like alligators and local birds, while the “coral reef” is home to a variety of fish, sharks, and even a 500-pound sea turtle that may be found ocean-wide. Guests can also enjoy areas dedicated to penguins (African penguins, to be exact) and an interactive stingray exhibit. On nice days, kids can enjoy an outdoor splash pad and water play area, or stay indoors with a visit to the aquarium’s 4D theater.  
www.flaquarium.org/  

Zoom Through Everglades National Park 

The Everglades National Park is a one-stop shop for family-friendly entertainment, with something for everyone across its whopping 1.5 million acres. The park is home to a variety of native plants and animals – which in Florida includes alligators, crocodiles, manatees, and plenty of birds, which can be viewed on hiking and biking trails or through ranger-led guided walks throughout the park.  

Guests can also opt to take an airboat tour, one of the most popular ways to explore the park, that winds groups through mangroves and sawgrass prairies on a quest to see wildlife and get up-close-and-personal with Florida’s terrain. Or, set out on a solo mission by launching your own or renting a kayak or canoe to explore.  
www.nps.gov/ever/index.htm  

Dance with Dolphins at Discovery Cove 

Can we call Florida the theme park capital of the world? I vote yes, and one of the best is hidden gem Discovery Cove. Located in Orlando alongside its bigger name competitors, Discovery Cove is a truly immersive experience that the whole family will enjoy, fostering a laid back setting to interact with marine life. The park’s most popular attraction is the Dolphin Swim Experience, where guests can hop in for a swim with adorable bottlenose dolphins – which are very kissable and huggable. Snorkeling is also offered in the park’s coral reef aquarium, which, in addition to reefs, houses tropical fish, stingrays, and other marine life in its tank. Turn your eyes toward the sky in the aviary, a dedicated area for guests to walk among (and even feed) tropical birds.  

Did we mention a visit to Discovery Cove is all-inclusive? This means that everything from the dolphin experience and snorkeling to food, drinks, sunscreen, and towels is included in your price of admission. The resort is noteworthy all its own, with beautiful pools, a lazy river, and a few waterfalls on property. The park often offers savings for Florida residents, so be sure to check for specials if you’re a Floridian considering a visit.  
discoverycove.com/orlando/  

Soak Up the Sun on Sanibel Island 

Part of a collection of barrier islands off Florida’s gulf coast, Sanibel Island is best known for its stunning beaches and laissez-faire atmosphere. The whole family will enjoy a getaway as simple as basking on Sanibel Island’s beaches, like Bowman’s Beach, Blind Pass Beach, and Lighthouse Beach, thanks to its soft white sand and stunning turquoise water. Let your worries float away as you bask in the sun, and send the kids off in search of shells to bring home as souvenirs.  

Be sure to visit the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge during your visit, which is home to more than 270 bird species and Florida’s resident reptiles.  
sanibel-captiva.org/  

Have a Maritime Adventure on Marco Island 

Another noteworthy island is located on the southwest coast, also marked by stunning beaches and wildlife galore (it’s close to the Everglades and the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands). One of the primary draws to Marco Island is its luxury resorts, which range from a JW Marriott to a Ritz-Carlton and smaller boutique properties. Families who enjoy boating should certainly add Marco Island to the list, as it's a top activity around the area. Guests can book a day trip to surrounding sand bars and neighboring islands, or launch their own boat for a self-guided adventure.  

Golf is another popular activity on Marco Island, home to multiple world-class golf courses like Rookery at Marco and Hammock Bay Golf and Country Club – both onsite at the JW Marriott.
www.paradisecoast.com/marco-island  

Play in Panama City  

Enjoy the small town, downtown vibe that Panama City has to offer thanks to its waterfront historic district, coastal culture, and “Old Florida” feel. If the kids enjoy shopping, head out for a day browsing galleries and goods at hotspots like the Panama City Center for the Arts or the earthy Baywitch located downtown. For an even more immersive experience in the arts, book a workshop at the Panama City Hot Glass Studio to make your own glass keepsake.  

If adventure is calling, Panama City has the answer. The town is one of Northwest Florida’s best spots for fishing, with plenty of captains and guides to assist anglers from expert to beginner. If sightseeing or lounging is of more interest, there are charter boat companies like Reef Runner Sailing, which offers sailing classes and charter cruises, or Panama City Beach Dolphin Tours & More, which whisks adventurers around the ocean in search of marine life.  

Come from a family of foodies? Panama City is also for you – it has a dedicated Oyster Trail experience guiding visitors to the city’s best spots for the beloved dish. Stops include Gene’s Oyster Bar, Millie’s Cafe, and Hunt’s Oyster Bar.  
destinationpanamacity.com/