10 Fun Things to Do in Florida for Kids and Families | The Ultimate Family Guide

Plan your family vacation to Florida, which welcomes over 137 million visitors every year, and a big chunk of them are families with kids. Known for its sunshine, theme parks, beaches, wildlife, and outdoor adventures, the Sunshine State is truly a paradise for parents and children alike. 

Whether you’re looking for family fun in Florida on a budget, want theme park thrills, nature escapes, or educational attractions, you will find the best things to do in Florida for every kind of family trip.

Why Florida is a Top Family Destination

Florida offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and kid-friendly attractions, making it one of the best family vacation spots in the United States. Here’s why families love traveling to this Sunshine State:

1,350 miles of coastline: From calm Gulf Coast waters to Atlantic Ocean waves, Florida has endless sandy beaches perfect for swimming, shell collecting, sandcastle building, and family picnics.

Over 30 world-class theme parks: Home to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, LEGOLAND, and SeaWorld, Florida is truly a playground for kids of all ages.

175 beautiful state parks: Enjoy hiking, camping, kayaking, and wildlife watching in scenic natural landscapes like Blue Spring, Silver Springs, and Myakka River State Park.

Wildlife sanctuaries and aquariums: Meet dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and exotic animals at interactive places like Clearwater Marine Aquarium and ZooTampa.

Exciting cities and charming small towns: Whether it’s the magical energy of Orlando, the beaches of Sarasota, or the historic charm of St. Augustine, Florida offers something new to explore every day.

Best Things to Do in Florida with Kids and Families

1. Walt Disney World Resort (Orlando)

A family trip to Florida is incomplete without a visit to Walt Disney World Resort, the most magical place on Earth. Spread across 25,000 acres, it features four iconic theme parks, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios, along with water parks, themed resorts, and endless entertainment.

Kids can meet their favourite Disney characters, explore storybook lands, and enjoy classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, It’s a Small World, and Space Mountain. Parents will love the immersive experiences and amazing live shows, especially the Festival of Fantasy Parade and the Happily Ever After fireworks over Cinderella Castle.

Travel Tip: Book your tickets and Disney Genie+ passes in advance to reduce wait times and enjoy more rides in a day.

2. Universal Orlando (Orlando)

Universal Orlando is a top pick for families with teens and older kids who love movies, adventure, and adrenaline-filled rides. The resort features Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay Water Park. Experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, battle dinosaurs in Jurassic World, or enjoy thrill rides like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and The Incredible Hulk Coaster. With live shows, immersive lands, and exciting 3D experiences, Universal offers unforgettable family fun.

Tip: Get a Park-to-Park ticket if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express between both Harry Potter worlds.

3. Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral)

For curious kids and future astronauts, the Kennedy Space Center is an inspiring and educational experience. Families can explore real NASA launch sites, see historic rockets, and get close to the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Interactive exhibits make learning fun, and the Shuttle Launch Experience lets visitors feel what it’s like to blast into space. You can even meet a real NASA astronaut and hear incredible stories from space missions.

Tip: Check the schedule, and if you're lucky, you might witness a live rocket launch during your visit.

4. Clearwater Marine Aquarium (Clearwater)

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a heartwarming and educational attraction perfect for families with young children. Unlike traditional aquariums, this facility focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating injured marine animals. Kids can meet rescued dolphins, sea turtles, river otters, and stingrays while learning about marine conservation. Families can also enjoy boat tours, behind-the-scenes programs, and interactive exhibits that teach the importance of ocean protection

• Ideal for younger kids

• A budget-friendly and meaningful experience

Tip: Book a dolphin-watching boat tour for extra family fun on the water.

5. ZooTampa at Lowry Park (Tampa)

Consistently rated as one of the best family zoos in the United States, ZooTampa blends wildlife education with fun attractions kids love. Families can get up close with animals like giraffes, rhinos, hippos, and koalas, or learn about native Florida wildlife through its manatee rescue and rehabilitation center. The zoo also features splash zones to cool off, safari-style rides, and hands-on experiences that make learning about animals exciting and interactive.

Tip: Arrive early in the day to see animals when they’re most active and feeding.

6. LEGOLAND Florida (Winter Haven)

Designed especially for younger kids, LEGOLAND Florida Resort is a colorful world of creativity and adventure. With more than 50 kid-friendly rides, interactive LEGO-building zones, live shows, and themed areas like LEGO NINJAGO World and Miniland USA, it’s perfect for children in the age group of 2- 12. The resort also includes a fun water park where families can splash, slide, and build floating LEGO rafts together.

Tip: Stay at the LEGO-themed hotel next door for bonus activities, character meet-and-greets, and early park access.

7. Tampa Riverwalk (Tampa)

The Tampa Riverwalk is a scenic 2.6-mile waterfront walkway packed with family-friendly attractions. Stroll, bike, or rent a fun family scooter while enjoying beautiful views of the Hillsborough River. Along the way, you’ll find parks, splash pads, outdoor art, playgrounds, street food spots, and weekend markets. It’s a relaxing and budget-friendly family outing that offers plenty to see and do without spending much.

Tip: Visit in the evening to enjoy live music and sunset views along the river.

8. Everglades National Park (South Florida)

For a mix of adventure and nature, Everglades National Park is one of the best places for family fun in Florida on a budget. Families can explore America’s largest subtropical wilderness by taking an exciting airboat tour through mangrove tunnels and grassy wetlands. Kids will love spotting alligators, turtles, manatees, deer, and rare birds along the way. It’s a fun and educational outdoor experience that brings wildlife up close in a safe setting.

Tip: Join a ranger-led junior program where kids can earn a Junior Ranger badge during the visit.

9. Miami Children’s Museum (Miami)

The Miami Children’s Museum is a vibrant indoor playground designed to spark imagination and learning through play. With interactive exhibits, children can roleplay as firefighters, doctors, sailors, or even news anchors. Hands-on zones include music studios, art rooms, and a miniature supermarket, perfect for kids who love creative exploration. It’s a great option for both toddlers and school-age children, especially on rainy or hot days.

Tip: Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and more playtime for your kids.

10. Siesta Key Beach (Sarasota)

Famous for its powdery white quartz sand and calm turquoise waters, Siesta Key Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Florida. The shallow shoreline makes it perfect for swimming with kids, while the wide open beach is ideal for sandcastle building, frisbee games, and seashell hunting. With clean facilities, lifeguards on duty, and nearby playgrounds, it’s a stress-free beach day destination for families.

Tip: Stay for the breathtaking sunset. Siesta Key is known for some of the best sunsets on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Also  read 10 Best Places to Visit in Florida 

Best Cities in Florida for Families

When looking for the perfect base for your family vacations, these cities offer a mix of fun attractions, great food, and family-friendly activities:

Orlando:

Home to world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and LEGOLAND resorts, this is Florida’s ultimate family entertainment hub.

Tampa:

A great mix of outdoor fun and education, Tampa offers family attractions like ZooTampa, Busch Gardens, and the Florida Aquarium.

Miami:

Famous for its sunny beaches and cultural energy, Miami offers family fun with the Miami Children’s Museum, Jungle Island, and waterfront parks.

St. Augustine:

The oldest city in the U.S., perfect for families who enjoy history and adventure. Explore pirate museums, castles, and trolley tours.

Sarasota:

A quieter getaway with beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, dolphin cruises, and nature parks, ideal for relaxed family vacations.

Also read 10 Best Things to Do in Florida

Tips for Florida Family Travel

Make your family trip smooth, fun, and stress-free with these smart travel tips:

• Consider the best time: Visit between November and April for comfortable weather and fewer rain disruptions.

• Book early: Reserve theme park tickets and hotels in advance to save money and avoid long wait times.

• Choose family-friendly stays: Pick resorts with pools, kids’ play areas, and kitchenettes for easy meals.

• Prepare for the sun: Pack sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and light clothing to stay protected and cool.

• Plan slow days: Balance theme parks with rest days at the beach or pool so kids don’t feel exhausted.

FAQs about family fun in Florida

Q.1: What are the best places in Florida for families with kids?

• Top family destinations include Orlando for theme parks, Tampa for zoos and aquariums, Miami for beaches and museums, and Sarasota for relaxed coastal fun.

Q.2: What to do in Florida if we don’t like theme parks?

• You can try kayaking in the Everglades, visiting St. Augustine, relaxing at Siesta Key Beach, or exploring state parks.

Q.3: Are there fun things to do in Florida on a budget?

• Yes, beaches, nature springs, Tampa Riverwalk, and many state parks are affordable or free.

Q.4: Is Florida family-friendly?

• Absolutely, Florida is one of the top family travel destinations in the U.S., with safe cities and endless kid-friendly attractions.

Q.5: What is the best time to visit Florida for a family vacation?

• The best time is from November to April, when the weather is sunny and comfortable. Summer is popular too, but can be hot, humid, and crowded.

Q.6: Which Florida beach is best for families?

• Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key, and Fort Myers Beach are safe, clean, and family-friendly.

Q.7: How many days do I need for a family trip to Florida?

• For a balanced vacation, plan for at least 7–10 days to enjoy theme parks, beaches, and day trips without rushing.

Plan Your Florida Family Adventure Today

Florida is a dream destination for families. From magical theme parks to wildlife adventures and peaceful beaches, there are endless fun things to do in Florida with kids. Whether you want thrill rides or budget-friendly coastal escapes, there is something for every family here.

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