5 top family adventures in Florida

When it comes to the perfect family getaway, Florida is the ultimate choice.

It’s the epicenter of fun – a magical, beachfront, palm-filled wonderland seemingly designed for children. Where else can they explore whimsical lands, laugh with Goofy, meet Cinderella, marvel at alligators, witness space launches, hunt for prehistoric shark teeth, and discover real pirate treasures – all in one trip? It’s no surprise that wide-eyed children and their adult companions view Florida as the most enchanting place on the planet.

No other place rolls out the welcome mat for kids quite like the Sunshine State, which sets the benchmark for family-friendly hospitality. Here’s what you should know about traveling in Florida with your family.

Is Florida a good destination for kids?

In two words: “Absolutely!”

Kids will never say, “I’m bored” in Florida. No matter where you look, there’s something exciting to do: Gator mini-golf, driving army tanks, airboating through the sawgrass and mangrove swamps of the Everglades, monster truck rides through citrus groves, glass-bottom boat rides, deep-sea fishing… the opportunities for adventure are nearly limitless.

If kids could create their ideal world, it would likely resemble Florida. Children adore it here, and with a wealth of family-friendly amenities, so do their parents and guardians. Baby-changing facilities are abundant, along with stroller and locker rentals. You’ll also discover numerous travel apps and QR codes aimed at simplifying your visit, or perhaps complicating it… depending on how tech-savvy you (or your kids) happen to be.

1. Explore the thrilling theme parks in Orlando

Dubbed the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” Orlando is the go-to destination for most vacationing families – and with a plethora of activities within a two-hour radius, it serves as the perfect base. Even the airport monorail sparks kids’ imaginations, provoking priceless gasps, giggles, and squeals of delight before they even reach the baggage claim.

For little ones, aim for Disney’s Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, SeaWorld, and Legoland, all brimming with visual wonders they'll love. To entice tweens and teens away from their screens, visit Universal Studios, Gatorland, Epcot, and Hollywood Studios for a bit more mature entertainment. (Universal is a blast for all ages.)

Located just a two-hour drive from Orlando, Busch Gardens in nearby Tampa is also a fantastic destination, frequently providing great discounts.

2. Satisfy the kids' craving for speed with thrilling races and classic cars

If your kids have a need for speed, treat them to an “All Access Ticket” at Daytona International Speedway, about an hour's drive from Orlando near Daytona Beach. They'll get an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse of the iconic racetrack, along with some fantastic photo opportunities.

Car enthusiasts can spend hours at Dezerland Auto Museum in Orlando, where they can get close to over 2000 custom and classic vehicles – including many iconic movie cars.

Planning tip: Spend a little extra on the “VIP” tour for a chance to sit in select vehicles (including Batmobiles) for memorable photo opportunities!

3. Enjoy a thrilling adventure on the Space Coast

Just an hour's drive from Orlando, Kennedy Space Center gives kids an exhilarating look into the wonders of the universe. Explore the grounds to see launch pads, rockets, and spacecraft, and take a spin in a space shuttle simulator to experience what being an astronaut feels like. If fortune smiles upon you, you might even catch a rocket launch or meet a real astronaut!

4. Connect with nature through exciting wildlife tours

Climb aboard a 35-ft pontoon boat at St John’s River Eco Tours for an unforgettable two-hour Jungle Cruise experience. Along the way, you might spot alligators, turtles, armadillos, owls, and otters among other wildlife.

The glass-bottom boats cruising the Silver River at Silver Springs State Park since the 1870s have been a sight for pioneers and cowboys alike. Kids will be enchanted by the vibrant underwater life, deep caverns, and even mysterious Greek statues. This location also served as a filming site for Tarzan and Sea Hunt. Keep an eye out for monkeys overhead, as they are a rare treat in Florida!

Children will be delighted by the adorable manatees at Blue Spring State Park, where these gentle giants roll and play like acrobats. Afterward, swing by De Leon Springs State Park to whip up some fun, all-you-can-eat pancakes on tabletop grills at Old Sugar Mill Pancake House—just make sure to arrive early and bring a change of clothes!

5. Hunt for hidden treasure

What child wouldn’t thrill at the prospect of digging for silver, gold, and pirate treasures along Florida’s legendary Treasure Coast? Visit Mel Fisher’s Treasure Museum in Sebastian to see the treasures, then rent a metal detector and sifter from the gift shop to hunt for your own on the nearby beaches. Don’t forget to ask for tips on finding prehistoric shark teeth, a common discovery. You can also check out cool artifacts from ancient Spanish galleons at McLarty Treasure Museum, just a short drive away.

Planning tips: reservations and packing essentials

Sticking to a strict schedule is often a fairy-tale fantasy, so aim for a more flexible itinerary. Set realistic goals; you can’t see everything in one trip! If you plan on spending several days at theme parks, make sure to include rest days to unwind by the hotel pool and recharge. The kids will definitely appreciate this!

Look for online discounts on advance tickets (Best of Orlando is an excellent resource) and seek out multi-park deals, like combinations for Disney parks or SeaWorld and Busch Gardens.

Most theme parks offer free admission for children under 3, while those aged 3 to 9 benefit from reduced rates (usually on an honor system, no age verification needed). Express passes for skipping lines cost a little extra, but the time and peace of mind they save are worth the investment.

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring hats, sunscreen, plenty of water, and ponchos (they're useful for water rides too!)—heat, sunshine, and sudden rain showers are all part of life in Florida. Save money by bringing your own water (use refillable bottles at water stations) and snacks (theme parks allow non-heatable food items). Most major attractions offer stroller rentals, but a lightweight, collapsible model is best if you bring your own, as the walk from the parking lot can be lengthy.

If your trip revolves around Orlando's theme parks, think about skipping a car rental. Opt for a hotel that provides free shuttle services, or use Uber instead. This will help you save significantly on parking fees.

It's wise to set a daily budget before you go, as the kids will likely want to buy and try everything. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!