Florida With Kids: 20 Best Things to Do for Families
Florida is one of the best destinations in the United States for families. With its beautiful beaches, theme parks, wildlife, and outdoor adventures, the Sunshine State offers endless opportunities for kids and parents to create unforgettable memories.
Whether you are planning a family vacation in Orlando, exploring the beaches of Southwest Florida, or discovering the natural beauty of the Everglades, Florida has something for every age.
As a family living in Florida, we have had the chance to explore many of these places with our own kids, and these are some of our favorite experiences.
Here are 20 of the best things to do in Florida with kids.
1. Visit Walt Disney World in Orlando
No family trip to Florida would be complete without visiting Walt Disney World. With four incredible parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom — Disney offers magical experiences for children of all ages.
From meeting Disney characters to thrilling rides and spectacular shows, it is truly a dream destination for families.
2. Spend a Day at Universal Orlando
Universal Orlando is another must-visit destination for families. Kids especially love the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can walk through Hogwarts, ride the Hogwarts Express, and explore Diagon Alley.
The park also features exciting rides based on popular movies like Jurassic Park and Minions.
3. Explore LEGOLAND Florida
LEGOLAND Florida is one of the best theme parks in the state for younger children.
Located in Winter Haven, the park features more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions designed especially for families with kids between 2 and 12 years old.
It is also home to the LEGOLAND Water Park and a fun LEGO-themed hotel.
4. Relax on Florida’s Beautiful Beaches
Florida is famous for its white-sand beaches and calm waters, making them perfect for families with kids.
Some of the best family-friendly beaches include:
- Siesta Key Beach
- Naples Beach
- Clearwater Beach
- Barefoot Beach Preserve
- Sanibel Island
Kids will love swimming, building sandcastles, and searching for seashells.
5. Discover the Kennedy Space Center
Located on Florida’s Space Coast, the Kennedy Space Center is one of the most fascinating places to visit with kids.
Families can see real rockets, learn about space missions, and even meet astronauts. It is both educational and incredibly inspiring.
6. Go to the Everglades
The Everglades are a great family experience if your children enjoy nature and animals. Airboat rides, wildlife spotting, and the feeling of entering a different ecosystem make this one of Florida’s most memorable outdoor adventures.
7. See manatees and Florida wildlife
Places such as Crystal River, Blue Spring, and wildlife centers around the state can make a family trip much richer. Seeing manatees, dolphins, birds, and other animals is one of the reasons Florida feels so special for children.
8. Spend time at the beach parks of the Gulf Coast
State parks such as Honeymoon Island or Caladesi Island allow families to enjoy beaches in a more preserved natural setting. This is ideal if you want a quieter beach day than in the most built-up tourist zones.
9. Visit Tampa family attractions
Tampa is a very good city for families because it combines entertainment, neighborhoods, waterfront areas, and nearby attractions adapted to children.
10. Explore Naples and Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida works especially well with kids thanks to beaches, nature preserves, shelling, and calmer Gulf water. It is one of the most family-friendly coastal parts of the state.
Why Florida works so well for family travel
What makes Florida such a strong family destination is the range of experiences available in one single state. A trip can combine theme parks, beaches, wildlife, space exploration, and outdoor adventures without requiring huge changes of country or culture.
The state also works well because many destinations are already set up for families. This makes logistics easier, which is often a major factor when traveling with children.
A destination for every age
Another strength of Florida is that it can satisfy very different age groups within the same trip. Younger children may love Disney, LEGOLAND, and the beach. Older children may prefer Universal, space-themed visits, or wildlife adventures. Parents also benefit from the fact that many of these experiences remain enjoyable for adults.
That flexibility is one of the reasons so many families return to Florida several times. The state grows with the children.
Florida remains one of the best family destinations in the USA because it combines parks, beaches, wildlife, and adventure in a way that truly works for children and parents alike.
