The 18 Best Family Vacation Spots in Florida: Here are the Best Places to Go in Florida for Families
There are some incredible vacation spots in Florida - no surprises there. Here’s a run-through of some of Florida’s top attractions to visit on your next Florida vacation. Simply put, It’s all about the best places to go in Florida for families.
When I was a kid, I was all about those Florida family vacations, so it seemed like a natural conclusion that eventually I’d have to write about the best family vacation spots in Florida.
Growing up, I was incredibly lucky, as I had a family who went on trips together to all sorts of places. Looking back on it now, it’s amazes me to think about how clearly our trips were planned to make sure my brother and I got the most out of it .
I’m actually almost positive that my parents were so selfless that their vacation was just watching my brother and I in a state of sheer enjoyment. I can only hope I’ll get that place as well!
For us, Walt Disney World was the crowd favourite and, believe it or not, my first trip to Disney World was as a baby, so technically my first Florida family vacation was before I could even form memories. Impressive, right? Talk about having authority to write a post!
Now, as you’ll know if you follow along with me on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, I’m a married man who is closer to having kids than being a kid, and that’s really where this post comes into play. I have all of these precious memories from my times as a kid in Florida, and I want to help others figure out some fun places in Florida to relish as a family unit.
Though, as far as the best family vacation spots in Florida are concerned, there’s a lot more than just Disney World at play, and the following list should prove that to you in spades.
Here Are 18 Florida Family Vacation Spots Worth Checking Out!
Florida’s warmth and sun are enough of a draw for almost anybody to vacation there, but the state has effectively positioned themselves family fun tourist beacon. In particular, they’ve done a brilliant job of becoming the place that everyone thinks of first in America when they’re coming up with family holiday ideas.
In truth, it has a lot to do with the amount of world class amusement and theme parks that are strewn across the state.
However, in the following list, I will also be covering some of the natural phenomena in Florida because kids can certainly appreciate a beach, especially if it’s on the tail end of a trip to Disney World where they’re totally exhausted. I’ll also include some sights that are more geared towards history lovers, as well as some places for families who are science enthusiasts to the core.
NOTE: This post may contain some affiliate links. That means, simply, that I may get a commission at no cost to you. That being said, my opinions are fully my own.
Walt Disney World - (Orlando, Florida)
Let’s not pretend that I wasn’t going to put Walt Disney World at the top of the list, despite the list not even being ranked or chronological order. This place will be magical to me for as long as I live which means, in all likelihood, it’ll be magical for your family as well.
As a kid, I was such a huge fan of Tigger, largely because I finally had a cartoon character that reflected my “bounce off the walls” sort of attitude. I can still remember the first time I met Tigger and I got his autograph and the overwhelming happiness that I felt.
At the same time, I can remember going on Space Mountain as well on another visit and how much I appreciated that experience, so there’s really something for everyone, regardless of age here.
Between the dining experiences, meeting the characters, and the innumerable attractions for kids of all ages, you’ve got to consider Walt Disney World when taking a family trip to Florida.
If you can’t make it to Florida, don’t forget about Disney Cruise Lines as well!
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
At Ichetucknee Springs State Park you’ll find over 2,500 acres containing all sorts of wildlife, but the main tourist draw is the park's eight crystal clear springs that join to create the six-mile-long Ichetucknee River.
Spend a day floating through the park on a rented tube, or get more active, snorkelling or kayaking under the lush canopy.
The park also offers campground facilities - you can bring a tent, RV or rent a cabin on site. Nestled within 20 acres of woods, each campsite is uniquely situated and surrounded by greenery. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table, and includes access to all the park’s amenities.
The Kennedy Space Center - (Merritt Island, Florida)
If I learned anything from my years of teaching it’s that each child is incredibly unique and, ultimately, one child’s Kennedy Space Center could be another kid’s Walt Disney World, and vice versa. For families that are truly passionate about space and science, it’d be hard to imagine a better place to visit in America, let alone the planet.
Many people spend several days exploring the Kennedy Space Center, but, if you plan carefully, you can knock out the highlights in just one very full day.
If you’ve only got one day, make sure you arrive at 9am, which is when it opens everyday. Closing times can vary though, so be sure to check so you can get the most out of one of the top attractions in Florida.
What’s neat about the Kennedy Space Center is that this complex really is made with the family in mind, despite the inherent complexity of the content they’re dealing with. There are many opportunities for kids to engage with exhibits, including a lot of live action gaming in relation to real NASA missions.
In short, this could easily be the top family vacation spot in Florida for some families, and possibly quite a few families.
If you’re in vacation mode, you might also appreciate my article on the Most Beautiful Caribbean Islands!
Biscayne National Park
Along the eastern coast of Florida, just outside of Miami, the reefs and islands of Biscayne National Park are only accessible by boat.
Visit to explore among the coral reefs, islands and shoreline mangrove forest in the northern Florida Keys. Dolphins, turtles, pelicans and other wildlife all live in Biscayne Bay Lagoon.
With park programs that range from a few hours to a day in length, you can explore the diverse wildlife, rich history, and awe-inspiring marine ecosystems.
The underwater Maritime Heritage Trail links dive sites, most of them shipwrecks. Join an educational eco experience, with a guided tour that can include sailing, snorkeling, paddling, wildlife watching, and exploring the islands.
Clearwater Beach - (Clearwater, Florida)
When a place is named something as lovely as “Clearwater Beach,” there are really only two scenarios.
One, it’s a fairly dreadful place that is trying to lure people in with their name (that didn’t work too well for “Greenland,” did it?) Or, conversely, it’s a lovely place that is trying to accurately reflect what they have.
You’ll be relieved to know that it’s very much the latter. Clearwater Beach is a beach lover’s beach. What makes it good for families is the fact that there’s a lot to do in the area. There are plenty of beautiful hotels, family friendly restaurants, and no shortage of activities that range from paddle-boarding to more extreme activities like parasailing and jet-skiing.
You can also cycle and rollerblade up and down the boardwalk, and every night at sunset the whole area is transformed into a place for performers and unique vendors.
All that makes Clearwater Beach one of the best family vacation spots in Florida.
Busch Gardens (Tampa Bay)
Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay is a 335-acre animal theme park that’s home to some of Florida’s best roller coasters and thrill rides. In addition to up-close visits with the animals, the park provides a wide selection of family entertainment and kid-friendly activities.
The park’s Serengeti Express is the first stop for a lot of families. The train tour has several stations throughout the park and the tour guide provides details of the creatures as you pass. If you love animals you may also enjoy Serengeti Safari tour in an open-air vehicle.
Led by an espert guide, the 30-minute off-road tour provides a unique and up-close look at exotic animals including zebras, giraffes, ostriches, and rhinoceroses.
Universal Studios - (Orlando, Florida)
As a kid, I always knew this place simply as Universal Studios, which is why I’ve written it that way, but all the research I’ve done suggests that they’ve rebranded as “Universal Orlando Resort.”
The big draw here when thinking about Florida family vacations is really, at least in my opinion, what they’ve been able to create around the Harry Potter franchise. Forget about kids for a second, I’d love to take a ride on the Hogwarts Express or check out Diagon Alley! I’m personally also a massive Dr. Seuss fan, so I think it’d be a special experience to check out some of the super family friendly rides around those stories that I hold so dear.
In terms of Florida tourist attractions, it doesn’t get a whole lot bigger than Universal Studios. You want to make sure you do this spot, and learning about some tips for Universal Studios definitely helps.
Clearwater Marine Aquarium (clearwater, Florida)
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s mission is to rescue and rehabilitate ocean animals (as opposed to some other notable marine parks in the area).
Visitors to the aquarium can observe and interact with the rescued sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, dolphins, otters and more.
Although the facility is on the small side, the intimate setting allows more one-on-one time with the passionate and informative staff and provides for close-up experiences with the animals.
Naval Aviation Museum - (Pensacola, Florida)
Whether this is one of the Florida family vacation spots that makes sense for your family depends a lot on your family. If you’ve got a military history, or you’ve got a child who is fascinated with naval aviation, military, or machinery then this is really going to be a dream come true. If not, you may want to stick with some of the other suggestions here that are more centred around fun and so forth. As I mentioned before, I want to ensure this post reflects some variety because, frankly, not every family wants to spend the day at the theme park.
The other thing, of course, is that this isn’t just any museum - this is the largest naval aviation museum in the entire world, so you’re really going to see it all. If you move quickly, you can probably see a lot of the National Naval Aviation Museum in a half-day, but you’ll be wise to plan for the day, then see how it all unfolds. Kids love the 4D Blue Angels Experience and the flight simulators, but a main draw is the chance to see Blue Angels Practices . I mean, honestly, how could not be impressed with that regardless of age?
Rainbow Springs State Park (Dunnellon, Florida)
Although it’s off the beaten path, it’s worth the visit to Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, if only for the beautiful views. About two hours north of Tampa or an hour and a half from Orlando, it’s an easy off-trip to get away from the theme parks.
The park offers rentals of stand-up paddleboards (SUP), kayaks and canoes. A nice paddle followed by a swim in the park’s cool, clear, non-sulphuric spring waters is very refreshing.
You can also take a hike to explore the moss hammocks, sloping hills and ornamental gardens. Keep in mind that you may wish to visit early in the day or during the week as the park experiences peak visitation on weekends and closes to new visitors when it reaches capacity.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort - (Winter Haven, Florida)
The whole complex is enormous as it encompasses some 145 acres, which makes it the second largest LEGOLAND on the planet (after the UK location).
This location has a theme park, water park, gardens, and on-site accommodation for convenience. The one thing to note here is, unlike some other vacation spots on the list, I do really feel like LEGOLAND Florida Resort is geared towards younger children.
If you’ve got a very young child, this might be the perfect fit because you can be sure they’ll be able to ride on more of the rides than perhaps some other theme parks in Florida. On their site they list the range as 2-12, which is a touch lower than some other Florida theme parks I’ve included on this list.
Overall, It’s one of the spots that people think of when they’re thinking of fun places to go in Florida, and a lot of that has to do with the creativity and originality that you can find around almost every corner.
Everglades National Park
Now, I know a picture of alligators doesn’t necessarily scream, “best family vacation spot in Florida,” but hear me out.
I would actually argue it’s even more important to introduce children to places like this so that they develop a respect for nature and the wilderness. They also need to understand that alligators aren’t just villains in childhood cartoons - they’re incredible animals that deserve our respect.
In terms of location, Everglades National Park is located in the southern portion of the state, about an hour south of Miami.
This is the largest piece of tropical wilderness in all the United States, and the largest wilderness area anywhere east of the Mississippi. The ecosystem down here, to put it bluntly, is fragile and needs to be protected, so visit with care. That being said, Everglades National Park does a good job of helping you ensure you’re visiting responsibly.
There’s plenty that you can do there including spotting wildlife, climbing to the top of observation tours (some as high as 65 feet), going on boat and kayak tours, biking, hiking and so much more. The Everglades National Park website is helpful in planning out a visit for families.
Anyway, for me, it’s on the list of the 18 best family vacation spots in Florida!
Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory (Key West, Florida)
Most North Americans are familiar with the long, multi-generational migration of the monarch butterfly. What could be better than visiting them at the end of their long trip?
At the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory, you can walk among free-flying butterflies and exotic birds inside a tropical glass-domed butterfly habitat. You can also interact with a variety of live caterpillars and (if you’re lucky) witness their escape from the chrysalis.
The Conservatory’s adjacent learning center explores not only the incredible Monarch migration, but all aspects of the butterfly world. Learn how to identify butterflies by their country of origin, as well as understand their anatomy and physiology.
WonderWorks Orlando - (Orlando, Florida)
WonderWorks Orlando pan.JPG - © Jaroslaw Binczarowski
This “upside down pavilion” gives a bit of an idea of what is all about. The focus here is on learning and education, and WonderWorks likes to cheekily call this style of florida family fun “edu-tainment.”
They’ve got over one hundred hands-on exhibits that are all about teaching kids, but also, in a way, not even really letting them know they’re learning because it’s all so engaging.
In general, WonderWorks Orlando broaches topics like the environment, light and sound, space, imagination, art, and even some physical challenges as well.
As with LEGOLAND, it’s more or less explicitly geared towards kids, and I think that means you’ve got to add it to the list of family things to do in Orlando.
This style of amusement park serves an important function in serving kids who find a thrill in education as opposed to fast-paced rides, so I appreciate that it exists as one of the foremost Florida tourist attractions for families.
John Pennekapp Coral Reef State Park (Key Largo, Florida)
Named after John D. Pennekamp, the former editor for the Miami Herald, a noted Everglades conservationist, the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the first undersea park in the United States.
Including land and sea, the park encompasses approximately 70 nautical square miles.
The shallow-water crystal clear coral reefs are filled with marine life ideal for snorkelling or scuba diving. Join a tour, or rent a kayak and canoe to explore the serene underwater playground.
The Dry Tortugas - (Monroe County, Florida)
The Dry Tortugas are a small group of islands off the very south coast of Florida (essentially at the end of the Florida Keys).
What this area is known for, geographically, is how abruptly these islands seem to sprout from the water. These islands are continually changing, and some are as big as 65 acres, while others can barely keep their heads above the water. Some have disappeared entirely.
A popular visit is to Garden Key, which has Fort Jefferson (pictured above) on it, as well as a picturesque inactive lighthouse. In general, it’s worth noting that between Loggerhead Key, Bush Key and Garden Key, that makes up a majority of the landmass, and thus what people are visiting.
This is one of those fun places to go in Florida for families that appreciate a mixture of history and nature. Most visitors come by catamaran, seaplane, or just plain old ferry from Key West. If the name “Dry Tortugas” sounds familiar, it’s because you might recognize is from the novel Treasure Island, where Billy Bones mentions during many of his lofty tales.
The Dry Tortugas are a Florida family vacation spot that’s really something different, and, as such, I wanted to ensure I got this on the list!
Kelly Park/Rock Springs (Apopka, Florida)
Known best as a tubing destination, head out to Kelly Park to enjoy a string of swimming holes with crystal-clear water.
The Rock Springs bubble up from underground rivers at the breathtaking rate of 26,000 gallons a minute, keeping the water at a constant temperature of 68 degrees.
As the Rock Springs Run deepens, you can kayak or canoe a scenic 8.5 mile paddle down to the river’s merger with Wekiwa Springs Run. With a full-service concession, picnic pavilions and a children’s playground, the park also offers Tent and RV camping onsite.
The Florida Aquarium - (Tampa, Florida)
What I personally appreciate about the Florida Aquarium is the fact that they’re a not-for-profit, and they’re all about conservation and education. Kids in the area can even take part in summer camps and other educational opportunities, which I can only hope will train our next generation of marine biologists!
The Florida Aquarium itself is one of the best family vacation spots in Florida because it’s large (over 250,000 square feet), and they’ve got over seven thousand aquatic plants and animals from Florida, and also around the world.
The whole premise of the aquarium is centred around following a drop of water from a fresh water spring in Florida all the way out into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, so you can see their clear focus on education, specifically for Floridians.
At the very least, It’s a place to consider when you’re in the midst of planning your Florida family vacations!
Where Should You Stay During Your Florida Family Vacations?
Accommodation is all about preference, really, and that also changes with age. As a kid, I relished the opportunity to stay in places like the Disney Vacation Club, whereas, just last year, I was in love with the idea of staying in an Art Deco style hotel in Miami.
Putting together this article, in this strange way, kind of has me excited to think about about the future for my wife and I. What sorts of things would I want to include from the list? (hint: the answer is all). What place would I find the most enjoyment? Most importantly, what would my future family want to see?
There’s no catch all answer, so my hope is that you use this list to plan a trip to Florida that suits your needs. Feel free to link up with my on social media (@travelingmitch on almost all platforms) and let me know how it went, and thanks for tuning in.
Wherever you are, I hope the sun is shining a little bright. Florida, as it turns out, is sounding rather lovely right now (and usually is!).
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