21 Greatest Locations To Go to In Florida For Households With Children

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With world-class theme parks, balmy seashores with calm waters, area launches, and quirky roadside points of interest, Florida is likely one of the finest states for households for a purpose. However with so many cities and cities to select from, it may be onerous to choose the very best locations to go to in Florida with youngsters.

Don’t fear although, as we’ve travelled the state extensively with our two daughters, and have visited the well-known cities similar to Orlando, and the lesser identified areas like Manasota Key, so we really feel we’re nicely positioned to share our two cents on the very best household locations in FL.

We’re the type of household that loves out of doors journey and cultural enjoyable, quite than theme parks (though we do take pleasure in a Disney journey on occasion), so our checklist of locations replicate that.

If that is the model of trip your loved ones are in search of, then hold studying for our recommendations on the place to go in South Florida, The Florida Keys, Central Florida, the Panhandle, and Northern Florida areas.

Panhandle & Northern Florida

The Florida Panhandle is positioned within the northwestern a part of Florida.

It borders Alabama, Georgia, and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. It’s vastly well-liked for its white sandy, tropical model seashores.

However don’t low cost inland both – we’ve got discovered many hidden secrets and techniques and wonderful adventures within the Pure North Florida space.

Monticello

For a distinct Florida trip expertise, head inland and go to the charming historic city of Monticello in Pure North Florida.

Monticello is positioned 24-miles east of the state capitol, Tallahassee, was based in 1827 and is the seat of Jefferson County.

Jefferson is named the Keystone County for its unspoiled magnificence and delicate local weather providing the ‘keys to high quality residing.’

We cherished our few days exploring this area. We found a place stuffed with journey, distinctive and pristine magnificence, historic and academic experiences, and a cute downtown group targeted on supporting native companies and a vibrant life-style.

We adored our encounters with the lemurs on the North Florida Wildlife Heart and our airboat experience and kayak journey down the pristine Wacissa River is certainly one of our favourite experiences within the USA.

St Andrews State Park | Shell Island, Panama Metropolis

Good white sand, emerald inexperienced waters, and dolphins swimming near shore, St Andrews State Park was our dream come true.

Situated on the southern finish of Panama Metropolis Seaside, it’s away from the hustle and bustle of this panhandle metropolis and the right place for households to spend a day.

You’ll see loads of chicken life, ocean life and maybe butterflies. You’ll be able to even camp right here, which is on our child’s bucket checklist.

The true spotlight lies throughout the St. Andrew Bay Channel on Shell Island. It’s one of many largest undeveloped barrier islands within the Florida Panhandle (seven-miles lengthy).

That is the place Craig and I spent the day and fell in love! You’ll be able to take the shuttle throughout to Shell Island like we did, or on my checklist to do after I return with the ladies is to paddle over the channel to the island!

Gulf Islands Nationwide Sea Shore + Fort Pickens, Pensacola

One of many highlights of the Florida Panhandle is the 150 mile stretch of undeveloped, protected sugar sand shoreline of the Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore.

The seashore is just not steady, however unfold out over one Florida island, components of different islands and Mississippi. 

Round Pensacola it protects 5,842 acres of public land and 18,953 acres of water alongside 52 miles of Gulf and bay shoreline round Pensacola. Be taught extra right here.

Fort Pickens is the star attraction of the Gulf Islands Nationwide Seashore on Pensacola Seaside. The fort is strategically positioned on the tip of Santa Rosa Island, guarding the bay entrance into Pensacola.

You’ll be able to stroll among the many ruins for a novel look into American historical past and the army significance of Pensacola courting again to the American Revolution. 

Pensacola is the westernmost metropolis within the Florida Panhandle, bordering the favored Orange Seaside and Gulf Shores, Alabama.

For a novel USA cultural expertise head to the Flora-Bama Seaside bar on the border for a Bushwhacker cocktail.

Destin, Florida

Destin is named an image good household trip vacation spot.

You’ll get entry to beautiful white sand seashores and that good crystal-clear water that offers this Emerald Coast panhandle area its identify.

Its tremendous comfortable, snow white sand comes from the extremely high quality quartz that originated within the Appalachian Mountains.

Yep. Paradise.

You’ll find any method of water sports activities to fit your household’s pursuits: jet skis, banana boats, paddle boarding, parasailing, canoe and kayak leases, cruises, and snorkeling.

Sunsets listed here are one thing particular – like all Florida Gulf Coast seashores.

Might – September are the very best months to go to for seashore lovers. Outdoors of that may deliver cooler climate and fewer crowds.

Anglers shall be glad to know Destin is named the world’s luckiest ending village!

It’s additionally a spot you’ll find world-class resorts, purchasing, eating and brewery trails.

We selected to skip Destin for Florida winter trip as we wished heat climate. Martin County was the significantly better selection (see beneath).

Craig and I had a quick keep right here on our Florida highway journey, but it surely was tremendous busy with development. We a lot most popular the quieter St Andrews State Park and Grayton Seaside State Park.

We do ultimately wish to deliver again the ladies to expertise this vacation spot as it will be enjoyable for the entire household.

St. Augustine, Florida

Welcome to St Augustine, the nation’s oldest metropolis. Craig and I visited years in the past and fell in love with the brick-lined streets, town’s European taste, Spanish model centuries-old buildings, horse-drawn carriages and hidden courtyards.

We are able to’t wait to take the ladies to allow them to really feel the 450 years of historical past within the streets.

There may be a lot historical past to discover in St Augustine. Listed below are a number of points of interest to not miss:

The Fountain Of Youth

We all know evil Stepmothers all over the world, will cease at nothing to get their palms on the elixir for youth.

You now know the straightforward method: drink from the magical waters in St Augustine.

The Fountain of Youth in St. Augustine is famous, referred to as the place the place Ponce De Leon found the therapeutic waters that magically keep your youthful look.

Drink from the magical spring’s waters, plus discover many reveals and historic points of interest on the 15-acre Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park.

And don’t miss visiting the Native Timucua Village of Seloy, the place you possibly can find out about how these Native People lived and hunted for over 3,000 years.

Fort Castillo De San Marcos

To not be missed is the Castillo De San Marcos, this seventeenth Century fort is the oldest masonry fort within the continental U.S. and a Nationwide Monument.

This Spanish stone fortress constructed to guard and defend Spain’s claims within the New World.

Common day by day packages and ranger-led excursions are free with admission, as are cannon firings and weaponry demonstrations.

Previous Trolley Tour

A good way to achieve extra perception into the historical past of St Augustine is with a kid-friendly Previous Trolley Tour.

It’s a hop-on-hop-off expertise taking you to 23 stops with entry to over 100 factors of curiosity. In a historic metropolis like St Augustine, it’s value it.

Florida Freshwater Springs

Its not simply the seashores to like in Florida with your loved ones, but additionally the beautiful freshwater springs you’ll discover all through the state.

Florida has the largest assortment of springs on earth – greater than 700!

They’re completely suited to the new Florida local weather and, with temperatures 72 levels 12 months spherical, it will likely be the refreshing dip you want on these humid days.

Many of the springs are positioned within the central and northern components of the state and throughout the state or nationwide parks. They’re nice for swimming, kayaking, tubing and even snorkeling with manatees and turtles.

Sadly, we didn’t get to expertise many on our final Florida highway journey resulting from flooding and murky waters.

We did get to swim in Madison Blue Springs State Park, which has been dubbed by USA Immediately, “the very best swimming gap within the US.”

We additionally cherished the ethereal fantastic thing about Wakulla Springs, which has been the backdrop for movies similar to Tarzan and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

With its giant grassy space by the seashore with diving platform, it’s an exquisite place to spend the day with the children having fun with picnic, swimming and stress-free.

These are a number of the finest Florida freshwater springs from our analysis:

• Ichetucknee Springs State Park – well-liked for tubing runs and kayaking.
• Manatee Springs – firs magnitude spring providing snorkeling, summing and up-close views of manatees.
• Fanning Springs – blue-green spring waters underneath historic reside oaks dripping with Spanish Moss.
• Crystal River – the one place you possibly can legally swim with Manatees

Central Florida

Though boundaries for Central Florida appear to be unclear, you may be positive the identify just about tells you the situation.

On Central East Florida, you’ve gotten Daytona Seaside and Cape Canaveral, and on the West Tampa Bay are the magnificent Gulf coast seashores.

Vastly well-liked for teenagers is the Kennedy Area Heart and a firsthand encounter with the NASA area program, perception into the lifetime of an astronaut and the way our lives have modified due to it.

Within the center, you’ve gotten Orlando, Kissimmee, and the world-famous theme parks of Common, Walt Disney World Resort, Seaworld, and Busch Gardens.

This space additionally has lots of lakes and comes you possibly can take pleasure in! At all times verify with the locals earlier than swimming as a result of presence of alligators!

Clearwater Seaside

Clearwater Seaside is certainly one of our favourite seashores in Florida. It’s not too removed from Tampa, which makes it straightforward to get to, and its solely a brief drive from Orlando, providing you with that a lot wanted serenity seashore break after an excessive amount of enjoyable on the theme parks.

You’ll be able to stroll to loads of eating places and native retailers. Sundown is a enjoyable occasion right here, not only for its magnificence, however for the assorted road performers out close to the pier.

Considered one of our favourite issues to do in Clearwater Seaside was studying methods to construct sandcastles. It has the right sand fortress constructing situations.

A lot so that every 12 months, world-renown sand artists come right here for the Sugar Sand Pageant and its sand sculpture competitors.

One other well-liked points of interest right here is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is devoted to rescuing and rehabilitating sick and injured marine animals.

We stayed at and cherished the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Seaside, a fantastic family-friendly lodge. It was absolute beachfront, with a pool space as beautiful because the seashore. Nice meals, location and sundown views.

Orlando

Orlando is a metropolis that’s buzzing with glad trip spirit. We visited a number of occasions pre-kids for conferences and cherished the social gathering like vibe.

It’s a little bit totally different now with youngsters and we’re but to discover Orlando past the theme parks with them.

It’s most likely excessive in your checklist for its entry to theme parks.

Plan nicely. We rented a trip villa close to Disneyland for per week in Kissimmee and had a blast simply staying on the villa. We additionally skilled a neighborhood Trick or Deal with Halloween, which was superior.

Common Orlando Resort

We LOVE Common Orlando Resort and have been with the children a number of occasions now.

Common Orlando Resort consists of three parks:

• Common Studios – lots of exhibits, theme lands and a few rides
• Common’s Islands of Journey – the very best for thrill rides
• Common’s Volcano Bay – wonderful enjoyable water park

After which there may be The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is positioned in each Common Studios (Diagon Alley) and Islands of Journey (Hogsmeade).

I may spend all day in there alone ingesting butter beer.

Walt Disney World Resort

It’s a reasonably intense expertise visiting Disney World Resort in Orlando and entails cautious planning and time administration.

Disney World has 4 separate parks so select which of them finest fit your households wants. I believe Magic Kingdom is a given.

Our women actually wish to go to Animal Kingdom, however since we backpacked Africa for six months in earlier than youngsters, I’m not too positive I’m up for a zoo like expertise.

You’ll be able to’t beat seeing rhino, crocodiles, zebras and lions within the wild.

I wasn’t too thrilled with Epcot once we visited. As I’ve been a worldwide traveler for therefore lengthy the world part didn’t excite me an excessive amount of. However, it might be enjoyable for you and your youngsters.

Legoland

Situated in Winter Haven, only a 45-minute drive from Orlando, Legoland Florida Resort is the most important Legoland theme park on this planet.

In the event you’re aware of the outdated Cypress Gardens theme park, Florida’s first theme park, that’s the situation of Legoland.

The 150-acre property now gives a novel mixture of greater than 50 rides, exhibits and points of interest. Plus eating places, retailers and a stupendous botanical backyard (sadly this was closed throughout our go to resulting from injury from hurricane Irma).

The Legoland theme park is geared in the direction of kids ages 2 to 12, who clearly love lego!

Our children are aged 10 and 6 and many of the points of interest and rides had been appropriate to their age, in order that appears to be the candy spot.

Highland Hammock State Park

We had been delighted to find Highland Hammocks State Park in Sebring, Fl regardless that it was solely a brief go to.

I wish to return to cycle the three.1 loop highway and hike a number of the many nature trails that lead off it.

Properly, I ought to say stroll. The longest path in Highlands Hammock is barely simply over half a mile, and this space of the Sunshine State is pancake flat.

It’s a chance so that you can get misplaced in nature for some time, surrounded by 1000-year-old oak timber and strolling underneath shaded canopies previous cypress, hardwood swamps, evergreen flatwoods, ferns, and different habitats.

We did slot in one path with Ranger Laura – the park’s most well-known, Cypress Swamp Path. We additionally did an incredible 90 minute tram tour of park.

Put the great thing about Highland Hammock, Florida’s first state park, in your south central Florida highway journey.

South Florida

We now head right down to South Florida which incorporates Little Havana, the Everglades, and the Keys.

You would spend months simply in southern Florida with the whole lot there may be to do right here.

Don’t miss these wow experiences we had on our South Florida Highway Journey.

Martin County and the Treasure Coast

Martin County on the Treasure Coast rapidly grew to become certainly one of our favourite locations in Florida due to its buzzing, glad ambiance with loads of out of doors points of interest.

In Martin County, you’ll discover sophistication and Previous Florida attraction in addition to the all-embracing kick off your flip flops and slip in your Key West persona.

Nature is the focus in Martin County, with the St Lucie River and Intra-coastal Waterway and the 22 miles of undiscovered and untouched seashores on the Florida Atlantic Coast.

You’ll be able to steadiness your nature actions with native artwork festivals, reside music, and exquisite murals.

You’ll discover unbelievable eating experiences from scrumptious breakfast smoothie bowls and excellent espresso to native gap within the wall taco locations and classier seafood eating places with water views.

Stump Cross Seaside State Park, Manasota Key

For a a lot quieter, lessor identified Florida Gulf Seaside, head to the 11-mile Barrier Island, Manasota Key. You’re more likely to discover your personal non-public stretch of seashore.

Right here is the place you’ll discover certainly one of Florida’s prettiest state parks, Stump Cross Seaside State Park.

It consists of 245 acres of the Southern tip of Manasota Key and has entry to pristine seashores on Lemon Bay and the Gulf Coast.

A 1.3-mile sandy nature path takes you thru the low-lying forest with pockets within the timber providing you with glimpses of the wild Gulf Coast on one aspect and the calmer luminescent aqua waters on the opposite.

The path ends at Stump Cross, the top of the island the place the Gulf meets the bay. You can be wowed by the view.

As quickly as we acquired to the place the white sand met that stunning water, two dolphins rose out of the water, proper close to the sting of the shore.

Miami

With its eclectic mixture of cultures and personalities, Miami is likely one of the most original and vibrant cities within the USA. It’s positively not a spot in Florida to go to with the children of all ages – it’s most likely higher for older youngsters.

So many experiences and leisure in Florida are centered round coastal adventures, historic cities, and theme parks.

Miami is the place for households to take in some metropolis tradition.

Plus, it’s surrounded by pristine and guarded areas of pure magnificence, so you’ll by no means be bored and your Miami trip shall be balanced.

Miami Seaside is likely one of the most stunning metropolis seashores I’ve ever seen. It’s onerous for metropolis seashores to maintain a pristine standing, however this seashore does it!

Discover the Miami Neighborhoods

Miami isn’t just social gathering central, South Seaside – and doubtless not the very best place so that you can go to with youthful youngsters, however older youngsters could take pleasure in it.

Make South Seaside an early morning stroll by. Its neighborhoods are value exploring.

We cherished our 24 hours spent in Coconut Grove earlier than our Western Caribbean cruise. It was a stupendous neighborhood with Spanish dripping reside oaks, nice meals and a gentler tempo.

Wynwood is legendary for graffiti artwork on th partitions of the outdated warehouse buildings, showcasing that Miami inventive aptitude.

Most likely essentially the most well-known Miami neighborhood to discover is Little Havana with its alternatives to bounce to Cuban music, eat Cuban meals, and play dominoes in Domino Park.

Everglades Nationwide Park

Excessive on everybody’s Florida bucket checklist is the Everglades Nationwide Park, residence to quite a few uncommon and endangered species just like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther.

At 1.5 million-acre wetlands is the is the most important subtropical wilderness in the US. It’s a World Heritage Web site, Worldwide Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of Worldwide Significance.

It’s a should see Florida vacation spot and may be simply accessed from Miami or if you’re on a South Florida highway journey heading right down to the Keys.

We’ll supply our most vital piece of recommendation: DO NOT go to Everglades Nationwide Park within the SUMMER!

Craig and I discovered this harsh lesson and puzzled why we nearly had all the park to ourselves once we arrived. Till we acquired out of the automotive and had been swarmed by mosquitoes. BAD IDEA to camp!

Plus, it was so humid and uncomfortable. We nonetheless cherished it however we advocate the cooler months!

Some highlights of the Everglades embody:

• The favored Everglades airboat tour by the marshy grasslands and the mangrove waterways within the park. Though, we most popular the airboat tour in Sebring, and the Wacissa River.
• Biking the 15 mile loop paved The Shark Valley path. An remark tower gives panoramic views of Everglades Nationwide Park.
• Climbing. There are many mountain climbing trails you are able to do with youngsters’ in Everglades Nationwide Park. The Ahinga Path is a simple .8 mile-long boardwalk path. Pineland Path is a half-mile stroll by Florida pine forest. Mahogany Hammock Path is an Everglades boardwalk path by dense jungle to the most important residing mahogany tree in the US.

You’re more likely to encounter alligators in all places, and presumably sunning on the aspect of the highway. Maintain your wits about you and keep in mind they’re WILD and DANGEROUS.

Do you know there is just one one other Everglades on this planet? It’s in Noosa, Australia and we’ve got kayaked by it! No alligators although. You’ll be able to see extra of our Noosa Everglade and Hinterland adventures right here.

Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are a string of tropical islands stretching about 120 miles off the southern tip of the U.S. state of Florida, between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

The Keys are famend for his or her pristine waters, stunning reefs, and world-class fishing.

For a lot of, it’s on the prime of their checklist of locations to go to in Florida, particularly through the ultimate heat temperatures of winter.

The islands are made up of 5 distinctive locations: Key West, the Decrease Keys, Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo. So select which of them go well with your loved ones extra.

On the Florida Keys you’ll discover days stuffed with rest on the seashores, or, for those who’re as much as it, many out of doors adventures like snorkeling, fishing and kayaking. It’s on our checklist of spring break locations for households.

Listed below are a number of concepts on issues to do within the Florida Keys.

John Pennekamp State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park was the primary undersea park within the U.S. Its largest draw card for guests are the coral reefs and marine lands. It’s identified for its snorkeling and scuba diving.

Craig and I went snorkeling years in the past on a tour boat fairly a method from shore. Nevertheless, you possibly can snorkel off the seashore.

For many who don’t wish to snorkel, glass backside tour boats can be found.

There are additionally mangrove swamps and tropical hammocks to discover. Kayaking by the mangroves is an exercise the children are positive to like.

Drive the Seven Mile Bridge

For a lot of, a spotlight of a go to to Florida Keys is driving the well-known Seven Mile Bridge positioned on the west finish of the Metropolis of Marathon.

It connects Knight’s Key (a part of town of Marathon, Florida) within the Center Keys to Little Duck Key within the Decrease Keys. It could possibly really feel a little bit unnerving driving over all that open water, however the views all spherical are beautiful!

Simply don’t crane your neck too far to take a look at the outdated Seven Mile Bridge beside it.

The primary bridge was constructed underneath the course of Henry Flagler and Clarence S. Coe as part of the Florida East Coast Railway’s Key West Extension, also called the Abroad Railroad.

After it was destroyed by a hurricane, in 1935, the brand new bridge was constructed just for car entry.

Immediately, the Previous Seven Mile Bridge to Pigeon Secret is listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations.

Individuals nonetheless wish to stroll or cycle alongside what stays of the outdated bridge, and fishing is well-liked.

In the course of the Previous Seven Mile Bridge is the historic, Pigeon Key. You’ll be able to tour the island to be taught extra concerning the historic buildings that housed the employees who constructed the Seven Mile Bridge from 1908 to 1912.

The whole Abroad Freeway carries US. Route 1 by the Florida Keys to Key West.

It’s a complete of 113 miles of roadway and 42 abroad bridges that leap from key to key and is a Florida attraction unto itself. It’s an All American Highway and one of many finest scenic drives in America.

Florida Key Seashores

You’re within the tropics with countless islands at your fingertips, in fact you wish to hang around on the seashore.

As a result of the Florida Keys are constructed on coral rock and are protected by offshore reefs, (ultimate for snorkeling and diving) the shoreline is usually rocky or mucky because the reef prevents sand from constructing as much as create seashores.

There are a number of notable seashores within the Florida Keys although:

• Sombrero Seaside in Marathon has the white sand your dreaming of
• Bahia Honda State Park in Huge Pine Key has three pure seashores to select from
• Fort Zachary Taylor State Park and Seaside in Key West is the place the Gulf waters meet the Atlantic. IT’s a preferred place for snorkeling.

Key West

Kick off your flip flops and let your self cling lose. Key West has that social gathering island vibe.

It’s the southernmost metropolis of the Florida Keys. It’s well-known for Duval Road’s many bars, Mallory Sq.’s nightly Sundown Celebration, and the Ernest Hemingway Residence and Museum.

I cherished the upbeat, colourful vibe of Key West. It’s a enjoyable place. Duval Road might be not the place you wish to take the children within the night hours.

Craig and I haven’t visited Key West with youngsters but, however we did a improbable sundown catamaran tour that I’m positive they’ll love! Maintain your eyes peeled for dolphins.

Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park

In search of an undiscovered, lessor visited Florida attraction?

Then take your self to the Dry Tortugas Nationwide Park, positioned 70-miles from Key West by boat or aircraft.

This 100-square mile park is usually open water with seven small islands. It’s dominated by the coastal Fort Jefferson, the most important brick constructing within the western hemisphere that was used as a jail through the Civil Conflict.

You’ll be able to tour the fort, benefit from the seashores and snorkel the crystal clear waters.

Solely about 60,000 individuals go to annually, in comparison with 11 million on the Nice Smoky Mountains Nationwide Park, the USA’s hottest.

Take this household expertise up a stage by tenting close to Fort Jefferson on Backyard Key.

Excursions of Florida

We hope this information helped you intend the place to go in Florida along with your youngsters. Tell us what you suppose within the feedback

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