When it comes to family-friendly holiday destinations, Florida is hard to beat. You’ll find just about anything you could want, from beaches to nature reserves, theme parks to museums, and everything in between. With so much to choose from, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, so to help you kick start your planning, here are five things you can do with your kids once you arrive:
1. Return to nature on Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is paradise for kids who like the outdoors. You can expect incredible beaches, thriving marine life in the surrounding waters, and all kinds of wildlife throughout the island. The opportunities for exploration are endless!
While you’re there, pay a visit to the JN ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge. All the exhibits in the Visitor Centre having an interesting, educational focus that the kids will enjoy, and maybe you’ll learn something too.
2.Take a trip to Hogwarts
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter promises a magical day out. If your kids are fans of the franchise, you can’t go to Florida without visiting this Universal Studios Park. Wander along Diagon Alley, go shopping in Hogsmeade, or step aboard Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey for a ride through Hogwarts Castle.
3. Lose yourself in Disney World
If there’s one Orlando theme park you have to visit, this is it. The Walt Disney Resort will transport you to a whole new world. Your kids will
get to meet their favorite characters, and spend hours roaming through the different parks on offer. Little ones can enjoy gentle rides, there are roller
coasters for the thrill-seekers, and the whole family will love wandering around the World Showcase at EPCOT.
Image by Dauv used under Creative Commons license CC BY 2.0
4. Go for a beach break in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is home to some of the best beaches in the United States, so if your kids like the sand and the sea, this is the place to go. Clearwater Beach, with its picture-perfect shore, is a firm favorite. You can lounge in the sun while the kids play in the sand or splash in the shallows, and when you get peckish you’ll find plenty of restaurants just a stone’s throw away.
5. Get active on the Florida Keys
This cluster of islands off Florida’s coast is a prime watersports destination, making it the perfect place to go for an active family break. Take to the water in whatever way you want – from glass-bottomed boat to kayak – or see how what you can catch on a fishing trip.
The Florida Keys are also home to both shipwrecks and a vibrant coral reef, making some superb dive sites. With experienced diving instructors to help you out, the whole family will be embarking on an underwater adventure in no time.
Image by amanderson2, used under Creative Commons license CC BY 2.0
This is just a tiny slice of what’s on offer for families in Florida, so you definitely won’t run out of things to do. Whether your kids are toddlers or teenagers, Florida offers something to satisfy every member of the family on an exciting and action-packed trip.
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