Best Places to Visit in Florida with Kids

Here at Florida Travel with Kids, it’s pretty obvious that we, well, travel Florida with kids. So, if you’re looking for the best places to visit in Florida with kids, you’re in the right spot!

A Florida family vacation is almost a must! From theme parks like Disney and Universal to incredible white-sand beaches, what’s not to love? Plus, don’t forget that the Sunshine State is warm and sunny most of the year! So, where are the best places to travel with kids in Florida?

Flying into Florida? Get a cheap rental car!

If you decide to rent a car during your Florida vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental.

Whenever I need to rent a car, I use Discount USA Car Rental; you can use it at all major Florida airports (and even most of the smaller ones!) and rent from large companies such as Hertz, Enterprise, Alamo, etc., at discounted prices.

Best Places to Visit in Florida with Kids

Here are the best places to visit in Florida with kids, in no particular order (but one of our favorites is first!)

Clearwater

Clearwater is one of the most family-friendly Florida destinations. Located on the Gulf Coast, you’ll find Clearwater in the Tampa/St. Pete area. 

Clearwater has one of the best beaches in Florida. You can spend your days on the beach, but there are plenty of other things to do in Clearwater. You can also check out 30 Things to do in Clearwater with Kids.

There are plenty of parks and restaurants near the beach. One of our favorite attractions in Clearwater is the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Other kid-friendly activities include a pirate cruise, dolphin-watching tours, and mini-golf. 

 Clearwater is also home to some of the best shelling beaches in Florida.

Hotel Recommendation: Hyatt Regency Clearwater

Key West

You might think of Key West as more of an adult location, which it can be. However, there are plenty of family-friendly things to do in Key West. 

Duval Street is exciting during the day although it gets a little too lively at night for kids! 

Your daytime hours in Key West can be spent on a catamaran dolphin tour. You can also visit Ernest Hemingway Home. Animal-loving kids will love visiting all the cats! The Conch Train and Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory are two more ideas to add to your list. 

Don’t forget to check out 30 things to do from Miami to Key West, 35 Things to Do in Key West with Kids, and the 40 best places to eat in Key West Florida too!

If spending time just in Key West isn’t enough for your family vacation, you can always make a road trip of the Florida Keys. There are 42 bridges connecting all the islands. The most popular bridge is the 7 Mile Bridge. 

Driving from Key Largo to Key West is an adventure You can enjoy activities like feeding tarpons in Islamorada, riding a glass-bottom boat at the John Pennekamp State Park, and visiting the Turtle Hospital. 

Hotel Recommendation: The Marker Key West Harbor Resort

Orlando

Okay, so I might as well get Orlando onto this list of the best places to visit in Florida with kids. We all know that Orlando is one of the most family-friendly Florida destinations. It’s one of our family’s favorite places in Florida; in fact, we’re even annual pass-holders at Universal Orlando. 

The main reasons Orlando is so popular with families are the theme parks, mainly Disney World and Universal Orlando. 

If you want theme park tips, check out 25 Free Things at Disney World, Star Wars Land vs. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, First Timer Tips for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and more park tips.

Even without theme parks, there are lots of family-friendly things to do in Orlando. You can take a hot air balloon ride or walk on a walking trail. Mini golf, kayaking, escape rooms, and visiting nearby State Parks are even more options.

You can also get a City Pass and visit places like Gatorland, Madame Tussauds, and more. By the way, not everything in Orlando is expensive! 50 free things to do in Orlando will give you some ideas on how to visit Orlando on budget.

Hotel Recommendation: Four Seasons at Walt Disney World Resort or Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando.

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is one of the best family vacation spots in Florida. Sanibel gets extra points from us, because it’s not too far from where we live!

This is a barrier island so you’ll enjoy the beautiful Southwest Florida beaches. The best activities on Sanibel Island include swimming and shelling on Bowman’s Beach.

Fishing is best at the pier. And long walks along the boardwalk will take you through the wetlands. Don’t forget to take a little time to visit the lighthouse on Lighthouse Beach during your vacation in Sanibel. 

Check out the best things to do in Sanibel and Captiva.

Hotel Recommendation: Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

Captiva Island

Captiva Island is right next to Sanibel Island so it’s easy to visit both in one trip. Families can spend time sailing, snorkeling, and participating in other water sports. If everyone is old enough, it can be fun to rent bikes and ride around the islands. 

One of the best places to see birds and other native wildlife is the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. This Florida nature preserve is back on the previously mentioned Sanibel Island. 

The Wildlife Drive is four miles long. If you do not want to drive this on your own, you can sign up for one of the tram tours. There are also three walking trails and two canoe launches. 

Hotel Recommendation: ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa

Tampa

Tampa is growing in popularity for family vacations in Florida. When you choose this family-friendly Florida destination, you can visit Busch Gardens and Dinosaur World. Legoland is also less than an hour away. Although the “big” theme parks are in Orlando, Tampa is closer to the beach! 

We love Seaside Seabird Santuary, which is located in Indian Shores. They had some terrible damage from Hurricane Helene, but are well into recovery efforts and open to visitors!

Tampa is also one of the best places to visit for sporting events. I recommend planning your visit so that you can watch a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game, a Tampa Bay Rays baseball game, or a Tampa Bay Buccaneers football game. 

Make sure to check out 50 free things to do in Tampa with kids and Seaside Seabird Sanctuary review.

Hotel Recommendation: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay

Daytona Beach

One of the best things to do at Daytona Beach is to spend the day at the beach! You can walk along the Daytona Beach Boardwalk to see what’s around and enjoy the games or rides. If you can’t get enough water activities, Daytona Lagoon’s waterpark should fill that void. 

Teenagers, or any child who loves cars, will want to visit the Daytona International Speedway. 

There is a lighthouse nearby, which is worthy of a visit. The Marine Science Center will teach your family all you need to know about the local marine life. 

Hotel Recommendation: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach

Destin

Keep in mind that Florida is a LARGE state, and Destin is a popular destination for families who live in the Midwest or the south since it’s possible to drive there. Northwest Florida is more laidback and a great choice for those who don’t want to deal with cities and traffic.

The entire family will love spending time at Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park.

Other family-friendly activities include go-karting, pirate cruises and dolphin tours. We even have a blog post with 32 things to do in Destin with kids, so check it out!

When you need to relax at the beach, you have plenty of options.  Henderson Beach State Park is a great choice.

We also love nearby Navarre, so check out The 20 best things to do in Navarre with kids.

Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Effie Sandestin

Delray Beach

Delray Beach is one of Florida’s best places to visit with older kids. This beach town is located within Palm Beach County. There are numerous beaches in town and all are perfect for those lazy beach days.

Another outdoor must-see is the Wakodahatchee Wetlands. Many wildlife live within the wetlands, so it is the best place to wander around and see native animals. Other animals can be seen at the Sandoway Discovery Center. 

 

If you need something indoors, try a few games at the Silverball Museum. There are more than one hundred pinball machines and video games to choose from.

Hotel Recommendation: The Seagate Hotel & Spa

Naples

The palm tree-lined streets of Naples are full of beautiful homes, and sometimes it’s nice to just drive around and see them! Residents of Naples tend to love golf, so this is a dream destination for a  golfer. 

Long walks on the beach are a must while visiting Naples. You may be lucky enough to spot some dolphins from the shore. If you love to shop, there are so many cute boutiques. 

The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is one of the must-see attractions in Naples for animal lovers. 

Check out Unique things to do in Naples Florida for even more family-friendly Naples activities.

Hotel Recommendation: La Playa Beach & Golf Resort

Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach offers seven miles of sandy shoreline and sparkling water, perfect for swimming. This is one of the best places to visit in Florida with kids because there are many family-friendly activities. 

Swimming, pirate cruises, and dolphin tours can all be done at the beach. And when you need a little time out of the sun, there are a few shops at the beach where you can purchase some souvenirs. 

Of course, you can always head into Fort Myers. That is where you will find attractions like the IMAG History and Science Center, GameTime Arcade, and HeadPinz. 

We love the wall murals at Manatee Park!

However, one of the more exciting attractions in Ft. Myers is Manatee Park. We love to visit Manatee Park in the winter where you’ll find dozens of manatees enjoying the warmers waters. 

Baseball lovers will want to visit when the Mighty Mussels play in JetBlue Park. 

Hotel Recommendation: Diamond Head Beach Resort

Another great place to see manatees is north of Tampa in Crystal River. Check out 16 things to do in Crystal River with kids to learn more.

Panama City Beach

A traditional beach vacation is what you will find when you choose Panama City Beach as your destination in Florida. This is one of the best places to visit in Florida with kids if you want to spend days and nights near the water. 

You may want to venture out on a dolphin tour or pirate cruise when you are not swimming. Or you can change your scenery and do a few water activities at Shipwreck Island. 

Hiking through St. Andrews State Park is a must, as is shelling on Shell Island. If it rains during your Florida vacation, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and WonderWorks are good indoor options. 

Hotel Recommendation: Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach

Miami

Miami often gets a bad rap because the nightclubs and spring break parties get talked about the most. Still, there are plenty of family-friendly activities in Miami! I would skip it around Spring Break, but otherwise it’s a very family-friendly destination. 

When visiting the Museum of Illusions, your entire family will get a few laughs. Marine life is everywhere at the Miami Seaquarium. And you won’t want to forget to grab a few souvenirs when shopping near Biscayne Bay. 

However, the highlight of any trip to Miami is a side trip to the Everglades. Jumping into an airboat to see the gators is as exciting as anything in the city. 

Grab a City Pass for the best value.

Hotel Recommendation: Loews Miami Beach Hotel

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is in the Tampa area. It has its own airport, so you may even fly into PIE if you’ll be staying in St. Pete. St. Pete Beach is one of the best beaches in the area. 

Of course, if you still need to see the sights, the Sunken Gardens and Boyd Nature Preserve are nearby, as are the Salvador Dali Museum and Great Explorations Children’s Museum. 

Hotel Recommendation: The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club

Amelia Island

There aren’t as many people vacationing on Amelia Island which is perfect if you want to get away from crowds. 

You can spend days enjoying the sun, sand, and surf on the thirteen miles of beaches. You can also wander through the historic district and visit the local museums. There are also plenty of boutiques for shopping. 

 There are even walking history tours if your family wants to learn more about the island. 

Hotel Recommendation: The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island

Anna Maria Island

This island is only seven miles long and only a few blocks across. If a quieter beach vacation is what you have in mind, you won’t want to miss it!

Ziplining is always a good option if you want to get off the beach for a while. The dragon boat excursion is also a hit, but be prepared to book that adventure early. It’s popular with the locals too. 

Hotel Recommendation: Cedar Cove Resort and Cottages

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a larger city on the east coast of Florida. While it doesn’t have the theme parks like Orlando and Tampa, there are still plenty of things to do for the younger crowd. You’ll find lots of animals at Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. 

There are twenty-two miles of beaches in Jacksonville and the beaches are great for shelling, swimming, and fishing. 

You will find multiple parks in this city. Little Talbot State Park is great for hiking. You can also sign kids up to be a Junior Ranger for the day. 

Hotel Recommendation: Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront

Sarasota

Sarasota is a beautiful city on the Southwest Coast of Florida. You’ll find trolley, electric bike, and kayaking tours here. 

Siesta Beach is the best beach for families. In fact, it’s regularly listed as one of the best beaches in the United States!

The John & Mable Ringling Museum is a place to learn about a few of Sarasota’s famous residents. Don’t miss the local Farmer’s Markets for the best fresh produce! 

Hotel Recommendation: The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is another destination where you think “Crazy spring break,” but it doesn’t have to be! This can be a family-friendly destination too. 

Water activities are abundant, and you can swim, snorkel, or jetski. If you want to stay dry, you can always board the paddlewheel boat for a sightseeing cruise. 

The largest outlet mall in the country is located in Fort Lauderdale so check out Sawgrass Mills for some shopping. 

Hotel Recommendation: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

Space Coast

Okay this isn’t a city, but the Space Coast is a great place for a Florida family vacation! If you stay in the area, the Kennedy Space Center is a must!

You can head to Cocoa Beach for fun in the sun as soon as you have had your science lesson. Surf lessons are an option,  and a stop at Ron Jon Surf Shop is a must.

Another beach experience is available during long walks on the Indialantic Boardwalk. 

Don’t miss 33 fantastic things to do in Cape Canaveral for more ideas.

Hotel Recommendation: International Palms Oceanfront Resort Cocoa Beach

St. Augustine

St. Augustine is one of the oldest cities in the US. History is everywhere, so this is a must for the history buffs. Don’t miss St. Augustine Lighthouse and Castle of St. Mark.

We have an entire post with things to do in St. Augustine with Kids if you need more ideas!

The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is a must-see for everyone. An abundance of pirate-themed activities, dinners, and cruises are just a few of the best things to do in St. Augustine. Christmastime in St. Augustine is truly magical. 

No vacation in Florida is complete without visiting the dolphins and manatees. I recommend a cruise on the Intercoastal Waterway to see these creatures and many different sea birds while in St. Augustine. 

The history of this city also means there are ghosts around every corner, Secrets of St. Augustine Ghost Tour will tell you all about it. 

Hotel Recommendation: Hilton St. Augustine Historic Bayfront

Kid-friendly Florida Destinations

These are the best places to visit in Florida with kids and each area offers unique experiences. I hope this list of the best places to stay in Florida with kids helps you plan your next vacation.

If you’re planning to visit any Orlando theme parks, I highly recommend buying your tickets through Undercover Tourist. There are a lot of really scammy sites out there, so make sure you’re booking through an approved partner (like Undercover Tourist.)

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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