7 Must-See Florida Destinations for Family Holidays
- Lisa & Alan Williams
- Nov 15
- 10 min read
More than 125 million visitors chose Florida for their holiday last year. From the magical thrills of Orlando’s theme parks to the soothing sand of Miami Beach, every corner promises adventure for families. Whether you crave high-speed rollercoasters, wild alligator encounters, or exploring centuries-old forts, Florida delivers unforgettable memories for every age group and interest.
Table of Contents
Quick Summary
Takeaway | Explanation |
1. Visit Orlando’s famous theme parks | Experience unique adventures at Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, ideal for all ages. |
2. Pack essentials for family beach trips | Bring sunscreen, snacks, and shade to enjoy Miami’s and Clearwater’s beaches comfortably. |
3. Explore the Everglades with guided tours | Discover diverse wildlife and ecosystems through organized airboat tours and nature trails. |
4. Discover history in St. Augustine | Engage with America’s oldest city through interactive museums and historical landmarks for all ages. |
5. Experience space exploration at Kennedy Space Center | Visit iconic exhibits and meet real astronauts to inspire future space enthusiasts. |
1. Explore Orlando’s World-Famous Theme Parks
Orlando stands as the ultimate playground for families seeking unforgettable holiday experiences, boasting some of the most incredible theme parks on the planet. With multiple world-renowned destinations packed into one incredible region, your family will discover endless excitement and magical memories.
The city offers an extraordinary array of theme parks that cater to every age group and interest. Walt Disney World dominates the landscape with four distinct parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Each park presents a unique adventure, from classic fairy tale experiences to immersive technology and wildlife encounters.
Just a short distance away, Universal Orlando Resort provides another spectacular destination with two phenomenal parks. Universal Studios offers movie-themed rides and attractions, while Universal’s Islands of Adventure brings beloved characters and thrilling experiences to life. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter represents a particular highlight, allowing families to walk through meticulously recreated scenes from the beloved franchise.
For families planning their trip, strategic preparation is key. Consider these practical tips:
Purchase multi-day park tickets for better value
Arrive early to maximise your park experience
Use mobile apps for ride wait times and park navigation
Pack comfortable walking shoes and plan rest breaks
When you’re ready to transform your Florida holiday into an extraordinary adventure, explore our tailored holiday packages to Orlando that make theme park dreams a reality for UK families.
2. Unwind on Miami’s Family-Friendly Beaches
Miami offers an extraordinary seaside playground where families can create lasting memories against a backdrop of stunning turquoise waters and pristine sandy shores. With numerous beaches catering specifically to family enjoyment, your holiday will be filled with sunshine, relaxation, and endless entertainment.
South Beach emerges as a premier destination for families seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. Despite its reputation for vibrant nightlife, the beach area provides numerous family-friendly zones with calm waters and ample space for children to play. Soft white sands and gentle waves make it an ideal spot for building sandcastles, swimming, and enjoying water activities.
Crandon Park Beach on Key Biscayne represents another spectacular option for families. This protected beach offers shallow waters perfect for young swimmers, picnic areas, and additional attractions like a carousel and playgrounds. The surrounding park provides natural shade and opportunities for wildlife viewing, making it more than just a standard beach experience.
Essential beach preparation tips for families include:
Pack plenty of sunscreen with high SPF
Bring beach umbrellas or portable shade structures
Carry plenty of water and snacks
Include beach toys and entertainment for children
Arrive early to secure the best spot
For families wanting to transform their beach holiday into an unforgettable adventure, explore our Miami holiday packages designed specifically for UK travellers seeking the perfect seaside getaway.
3. Experience Nature in the Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park represents a truly extraordinary wilderness adventure where families can immerse themselves in one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet. This remarkable landscape offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore a world teeming with extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty.
Ecosystem Diversity makes the Everglades a remarkable destination. According to the National Park Service, the park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides crucial habitat for numerous rare and endangered species. Visitors can encounter incredible creatures like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther in their natural environment.
Family adventures in the Everglades can take multiple forms. Guided airboat tours provide an exciting way to explore the vast wetlands, allowing children and adults to observe wildlife up close while learning about this intricate ecosystem. Walking trails and observation platforms offer additional opportunities to spot native wildlife and understand the delicate balance of this unique environment.
Essential tips for exploring the Everglades:
Book guided tours with experienced naturalist guides
Bring high SPF sunscreen and insect repellent
Wear lightweight, long sleeved clothing
Carry plenty of water and snacks
Use binoculars for wildlife viewing
For families seeking an unforgettable natural experience, explore our Florida wildlife holiday packages that can help you plan the perfect Everglades adventure.
4. Discover the Magic of the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys represent an extraordinary tropical paradise stretching across a spectacular string of islands that offer families an unparalleled vacation experience combining natural beauty, marine adventures, and unique cultural experiences. This remarkable destination provides something truly special for every member of the family.
Marine Exploration takes centre stage in the Florida Keys. According to Florida Keys Official Website, the region offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture with activities ranging from snorkeling and diving in spectacular coral reefs to exploring historic sites and enjoying incredible local seafood cuisine.
A standout destination within the Keys is Dry Tortugas National Park, which National Park Service highlights as an extraordinary location renowned for crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and the historic Fort Jefferson. Families can enjoy unforgettable experiences like snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs, bird watching, and exploring remarkable 19th-century architecture.
Essential tips for exploring the Florida Keys:
Book guided marine tours for safe and educational experiences
Bring underwater cameras to capture marine wildlife
Pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect delicate ecosystems
Consider multi-day island hopping adventures
Learn basic snorkeling skills before your trip
For families dreaming of an unforgettable tropical getaway, explore our luxury holidays to Florida and discover the magic of the Florida Keys.
5. Step Back in Time at St. Augustine
St. Augustine stands as America’s oldest continuously inhabited European settlement, offering families a fascinating journey through centuries of rich historical experiences. This extraordinary destination transforms history lessons into immersive adventures that captivate both children and adults alike.
Historical Landmarks provide the cornerstone of St. Augustine’s appeal. National Park Service highlights the Castillo de San Marcos as the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. This remarkable structure offers visitors panoramic views and deep insights into the city’s colonial history, allowing families to literally walk through living historical narratives.
Beyond the fort, St. Augustine presents a treasure trove of educational experiences. The city’s historic district features beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and interactive museums that bring history to life. Children can participate in living history demonstrations, watch historical reenactments, and explore exhibits that make learning about the past engaging and fun.
Essential tips for exploring St. Augustine:
Take guided walking tours with historical interpreters
Visit early to avoid peak tourist crowds
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Bring water and sun protection
Purchase combination tickets for multiple attractions
For families eager to transform their holiday into a memorable historical adventure, explore our tailored Florida holiday packages designed to bring history to life.
6. Enjoy Space Exploration at Kennedy Space Center
NASA’s Kennedy Space Center represents the ultimate destination for families fascinated by space exploration, offering an extraordinary journey through human achievements in science and technology. This remarkable venue transforms scientific discovery into an immersive and exciting experience that will captivate visitors of all ages.
Space Exploration History comes alive through incredible exhibits and interactive experiences. According to NASA, the Kennedy Space Center serves as the primary launch center for human spaceflight, providing visitors unprecedented opportunities to explore space exploration history, view actual launch facilities, and experience cutting edge simulators.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers an unparalleled educational adventure. Families can explore remarkable attractions including the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, the Apollo Saturn V Center, and engage in unique experiences like meeting real astronauts. Children can step inside spacecraft, understand rocket technology, and imagine themselves as future space explorers.
Essential tips for visiting Kennedy Space Center:
Book tickets online in advance to avoid queues
Plan for a full day of exploration
Attend live presentations and shows
Bring water and comfortable walking shoes
Check launch schedules for potential viewing opportunities
For families dreaming of an out of this world adventure, explore our luxury holidays to Florida that can include an unforgettable space exploration experience.
7. Relax at Clearwater’s Gulf Coast Beaches
Clearwater Beach represents the ultimate family beach destination along Florida’s stunning Gulf Coast, offering pristine white sands, crystal clear turquoise waters, and an array of activities that cater to every member of the family. This remarkable coastal paradise provides the perfect backdrop for creating lifelong memories and experiencing true relaxation.
Beach Activities form the heart of Clearwater’s appeal. Families can enjoy a wide range of experiences from building sandcastles and swimming in gentle waves to engaging in water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking. The beach’s gradual slope and calm waters make it particularly ideal for families with younger children, ensuring a safe and enjoyable seaside experience.
Pier 60 stands as a focal point of Clearwater Beach, hosting daily sunset celebrations that showcase local musicians, artisans, and street performers. Children will be captivated by the street entertainment, while parents can enjoy the stunning Gulf Coast sunset views. The pier also offers excellent fishing opportunities and stunning photographic moments that capture the essence of Florida’s coastal beauty.
Essential tips for enjoying Clearwater Beach:
Arrive early to secure the best beach spots
Bring plenty of sunscreen and beach umbrellas
Pack beach games and sports equipment
Consider renting beach chairs and equipment locally
Check local event calendars for pier activities
For families seeking the ultimate beach getaway, explore our useful information for Florida holidays and start planning your Clearwater Beach adventure.
The table below summarises the key attractions and tips for enjoying Florida’s diverse destinations covered in the article.
Destination | Main Attractions | Practical Tips |
Orlando Theme Parks | Walt Disney World’s four parks and Universal Orlando’s two parks, featuring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. | Purchase multi-day tickets, arrive early, use mobile apps, wear comfortable shoes. |
Miami Beaches | South Beach and Crandon Park Beach, with family-friendly zones and shallow waters. | Pack sunscreen, bring shade and water, include toys for kids, arrive early. |
Everglades National Park | Encounter manatees, crocodiles, and panthers via airboat tours and trails. | Book tours, use sunscreen and insect repellent, wear lightweight clothing. |
Florida Keys | Snorkelling, historical sites and local cuisine, with highlights like Dry Tortugas National Park. | Take guided tours, use reef-safe sunscreen, plan multi-day adventures. |
St. Augustine | Castillo de San Marcos and Spanish colonial architecture. | Take guided tours, visit early, wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection. |
Kennedy Space Center | Space Shuttle Atlantis, Apollo Saturn V Center and meeting astronauts. | Book tickets online, plan for a full day, check launch schedules. |
Clearwater Beach | Sandcastle building, water sports and Pier 60 entertainment. | Arrive early, bring sunscreen and umbrellas, rent beach equipment locally. |
Create Your Perfect Family Holiday in Florida Today
Planning a family trip to Florida can feel overwhelming with so many incredible destinations like Orlando’s theme parks, Miami’s beaches, the Everglades, and more. You want your holiday to be full of magical moments without the stress of juggling tickets, schedules, or hidden costs. Key challenges include finding the right balance between adventure and relaxation, maximising your time to avoid long queues, and ensuring the whole family enjoys an experience tailored to your budget and interests.
At Get Me To Florida, we understand these needs because we are a family passionate about Florida with over twenty years of trusted travel experience. We specialise in creating bespoke holiday packages that perfectly match your wishes. Whether it is exploring the theme parks of Orlando or relaxing on Clearwater’s stunning beaches, we provide personalised planning, local insights, and UK-based support every step of the way.
Don’t let the stress of planning keep you from enjoying an unforgettable family adventure. Start your journey by visiting our homepage to learn how we tailor holidays to your family’s dreams. Explore options like family holidays to Florida or specialised luxury holidays to Florida and get in touch to take the first step towards memories that will last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top family-friendly activities in Orlando’s theme parks?
Orlando’s theme parks offer a variety of family-friendly activities such as meeting beloved characters at Walt Disney World, experiencing thrilling rides at Universal Orlando Resort, and enjoying animal encounters at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Plan your visit by prioritizing the parks that appeal most to your family’s interests and consider purchasing multi-day tickets for more value.
How can we maximize our beach experience in Miami?
To maximize your family beach experience in Miami, choose family-friendly beaches like South Beach or Crandon Park Beach, where the shallow waters are safe for children. Arrive early to secure a good spot, pack essential items like sunscreen, and bring plenty of snacks to enjoy a stress-free day in the sun.
What should we know before visiting the Everglades National Park with kids?
Before visiting the Everglades National Park with kids, it’s important to book guided tours with experienced naturalists who can provide educational insights about the park’s diverse ecosystem. Dress in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and bring binoculars for wildlife viewing to enhance the experience.
Which historical sites should we visit in St. Augustine for a fun learning experience?
In St. Augustine, families should visit the Castillo de San Marcos to explore its historical significance and enjoy stunning views. Consider joining guided walking tours that feature interactive experiences to engage children and make history come alive during your visit.
How can we plan a memorable trip to the Kennedy Space Center?
To plan a memorable trip to the Kennedy Space Center, book your tickets online in advance and set aside a full day for exploration. Prioritize attending live presentations and experiencing attractions like the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit to enrich your understanding of space exploration.
What are essential items to pack for a family trip to Clearwater Beach?
For a family trip to Clearwater Beach, pack essentials like sunscreen, beach umbrellas, and outdoor games to ensure everyone stays protected and entertained. Arrive early to claim the best beach spot and consider renting beach chairs for added comfort while enjoying the day.
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