Florida isn’t nicknamed the Sunshine State for nothing! With more than 230 solid days of sunshine each year, this state is the perfect backdrop for exploring with the kids. So grab your sunscreen and let’s start exploring the best family vacation destinations in Florida!
In this top ten list, we’ll be drawing on our 40+ years of tourism experience at Real Florida Adventures to offer you some destination inspiration for the perfect family getaway. From safaris and aquariums to beach days and outer space, Florida has plenty to keep everyone entertained!
If you’re looking for something special for your family vacation, check out our wide range of Florida tours. We take care of all the planning, so the only thing you need to worry about is having a good time! Get in touch if you’d like to start planning your Florida trip today.
But, for now, keep scrolling to discover the top 10 family destinations in Florida.
1. Explore Orlando’s Epic Theme Parks with the Kids
Orlando is known for its action-packed theme parks and vibrant entertainment centers. From the iconic Walt Disney World to LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Orlando is great to explore with kids of all ages!
Walt Disney World needs no introduction, so grab your mouse ears and enjoy the two water parks, plus four vast theme parks, including EPCOT and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Budding film stars and directors will enjoy Universal Studios, especially if they’re wizarding fans. Get ready to ride the Hogwarts Express to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
2. Blast Off at the #1 Kennedy Space Center Tour as a Family
In this interactive visitor center, prepare to explore the past, present, and future of space travel! During this unforgettable experience, the whole family can enjoy hands-on exhibits, which include movies, presentations, and meeting an astronaut!
Hop on the KSC Shuttle Launch to step into the moon boots of an astronaut and experience a simulation of blasting off into space. You can also visit the IMAX Theater and the Rocket Garden to enjoy space in many mediums.
With so many awe-inspiring things to see and do, our Kennedy Space Center tours in Florida are one of the best family activities to do here.
3. Meet the Wildlife at Homosassa Springs with the Family
Homosassa is a beautiful wildlife capital located west of Orlando. Known as Nature’s Fishbowl, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park is home to dolphins, manatees, nine-banded armadillos, and more!
Hop aboard a river safari to float down the eight-mile river into the Gulf and meet the inhabitants with your family. The park also cares for endangered animals in its rehabilitation program, making it an educational and exciting day trip.
4. Make a Splash with Your Family at Crystal River
If you want to meet some new friends this family vacation, Crystal River is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, alligators and crocodiles, and river otters.
As well as all these guys, Crystal River is also known as the manatee capital of the world! In addition to learning about wildlife conservation, visitors can enjoy the clear waters first-hand and snorkel with these rare and friendly sea cows.
Check out our Real Florida Manatee Adventure to meet the manatees with the whole family for an unforgettable experience, located 20 minutes north of Homosassa.
5. Enjoy the Golden Sands of Clearwater Beach with the Kids
Located in Florida’s Tampa Bay area, Clearwater’s white-sand beaches are popular with all types of visitors, from humans to dolphins and turtles! Whether you want to relax and make sandcastles or enjoy the bustling boardwalk.
Head to world-famous fishing spot Pier 60, where you can explore the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which is also a working animal hospital. Kids will love riding on Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise for a swashbuckling adventure and storytime aboard.
6. Discover Florida Everglades with Your Family
The Florida Everglades is another great spot for wildlife lovers. This coastal mangrove and marshland is home to alligators, crocodiles, turtles, snakes, and lizards!
While you can’t swim in the Everglades, unlike Crystal River, you can explore this diverse ecosystem by airboat. How many creatures will you spot amongst the rich greenery?
7. Take the Family on Safari at Wild Florida
If you and your family would prefer to meet the wildlife on dry land, then go on a safari at Wild Florida! This family-owned, ethical park has 300 acres for its inhabitants to explore near the Everglades region.
Enjoy the 14-acre Gator Park, spy the cheeky lemurs, and feed the friendly giraffes with fresh fruit and vegetables. You’ll meet more than 100 other animals on this trip!
Don’t forget your camera! Your little explorers will love seeing these different creatures up close and personal.
8. Get Sporty as a Family and See Florida’s Ball Games
If your family loves team sports, Orlando has plenty of opportunities to enjoy major league games.
Basketball fans look no further than our NBA Orlando Magic Game trip that includes transport and tickets. Soak up the atmosphere as you all sit on the edge of your seats watching Orlando Magic take on the biggest teams in the NBA!
If your family is more into football, take a trip to see the Jacksonville Jaguars and experience the rush of a genuine NFL game at the TIAA Bank Field.
9. Visit Key West with the Family, Florida’s Southernmost Point
While Key West is known for its high number of bars and quality nightlife, it’s also a great destination to visit with the kids.
The iconic Duval Street is home to Ripleys Believe It or Not! and the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, among many other attractions on this 1.25-mile-long central street.
Families can also enjoy the wildlife at one of Florida’s oldest aquariums. Enjoy the Key West Aquarium and its adorable rescued sea turtles.
Clownfish at Key West Aquarium (Source | License)
10. Soak up the Culture of St. Petersburg as a Family
Want to check out some iconic art with the kids? Then St. Petersburg is a must-visit destination in Florida! There are tons of awesome museums, including the Salvador Dali museum, the Imagine Museum of fine glass, and the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art.
And that brings us to the end of our 10 best family vacation destinations in Florida! Have you already picked a few favorites you’d like to visit? Let us know!
If you’d like to tour any of the destinations we’ve explored above on your trip to the Sunshine State, get in touch! Our friendly, local team is ready and waiting to help you plan a dream vacation for your family.
