You cannot mention Florida without thinking about all the family fun that accompanies it. But honestly, is there a better place for your loved ones? What are the best family-friendly cities in Florida you could explore? Take a look at our list and check which city suits you most. Who knows, maybe you like it so much that you decide to hire licensed movers Florida and move to Sunshine State.
Here is our summary of top family-friendly cities in Florida to explore
Orlando
Yes, this may be an obvious choice, but when it comes to visiting Florida with children, Orlando is the dream home for many families. All major attractions are right here: SeaWorld, Walt Disney World Resort and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. That means endless fun for you and your kids!
Sanibel Island
This stunning island barrier offers plenty of fun for the whole family in the great outdoors – cycling, swimming, snorkeling. Here you can enjoy the beach of 15 miles and rest away from the noise and crowds of some large places. Spend some time relaxing on Bowman’s Beach for world-class shelling. Or try Lighthouse Beach with its historic lighthouse, winding promenade through wetlands and a fishing harbor. Head to Sanibel Fish House to enjoy a casual and tasty family cuisine.
Tampa
There is no shortage of cooling facilities in a friendly Tampa, with water rides, water escapes, fountains and many more fun activities for the young – and the young at heart. Visit the Glaser Children’s Museum, Bush Gardens, and Tampa Promenade with its game fountains. Older children will enjoy the arcade Laser Ops Extreme Gaming. Take your children with you to see sharks, alligators, and otters in the Florida Aquarium. This city has so many activities that even moving to Tampa might seem like a good idea.
Clearwater
Clearwater Beach is one of America’s most favorite sandy beaches. So if you haven’t done so, then make this Florida gem your family vacation list. You can go on a guided tour of watching bottlenose dolphins on a two-story catamaran. Or skip the lines in the Marine Aquarium with advance tickets and see everything from sea turtles to stingrays. The modernized city center has many shops, restaurants, and year-round entertainment.
St. Augustine
The oldest European settlement in the USA is another one of the top family-friendly cities in Florida to explore. Here you will find all the exciting adventures at the Pirates and Treasures Museum of St. Augustine. As well as fascinating city tours thanks to Ripley’s Red Trains. If you love nature, book a cruise on the Waterway to see dolphins, manatees and all kinds of seabirds. Families with older children can enjoy the eerie ghostly tour “Secrets of St. Augustine”.
Kissimmee
South of Orlando, Kissimmee is another popular destination for thrill-seekers visiting local amusement parks. Universal Studios, Walt Disney World Resort, and Fun Spot America are all within easy reach. Just grab your passes in advance to make the most of your visit. Children 8 years and older can ride on their own and make new furry friends on this little horse trek in Twin Oaks Nature Reserve. And when the day is over, there are many family restaurants to enjoy fresh food. No wonder Kissimmee is one of the best places to raise a family in Florida.
Destin
Destin, located on the Panhandle coast, is known for its magnificent white sand beaches bordered by emerald waves. This is a fantastic place to entertain children. Head to the Big Kahuna Water and Adventure Park, where you will find incredible fun ranging from fast-moving to soothing and go-kart abundance at the Track. You can also see stingrays and dolphins on this Gulf of Mexico cruise or amaze your family with magic shows.
Space Coast
Florida’s Space Coast is a place where beach life meets space adventures. At the disposal of the whole family, there is a coastline, as well as the famous Kennedy Space Center. This shuttle simulator will surely make young minds think of a wider universe. Before heading out to the sand and surfing, consider booking private surfing lessons to prepare the whole family. Worth seeing is the Treetop Trek at Brevard Zoo, as well as family eateries along the charming Cocoa Beach Pier. Doesn’t that sound like one of the most family-friendly cities in Florida?
Key Largo
Welcome to the dive capital of the world! John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park – the underwater park with the cleanest waters in the state – is a great place to start. A snorkeling tour in the Florida Keys National Marine Reserve or a kayaking tour of the mangrove bays of Tavernier Creek are great ways to get to know the land and create memories for the whole family. It would not be a real break at Key Largo if you did not try the local fruits. The Pilot House & Marina restaurant is a great option for a family vacation.
Sarasota
Sarasota offers several ways to explore the surroundings at your own pace – this kayaking tour, electric bike and trolley bus, and many others. Discover the playground for children on Siesta Beach, one of the best beaches in South Florida, relax in the calm waters of South Lido Park and meet all sorts of creatures in the jungle gardens. For something a little different, you can book your places in the Circus City Tour, a fascinating introduction to the history of the Sarasota Circus.
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach offers a beautiful seven-mile stretch of sand, dotted with many places for families. This sea life and shelling cruise is a good activity to start your visit. From Fort Myers Beach, it’s just a short jump across the water to one of our early choices, Sanibel. If you want to enjoy the stunning sunset in Florida and collect some souvenir shells, then Dolphin and Shelling Sunset Cruise is a great way to end your day.
Jacksonville
This is one of the best family-friendly cities in Florida, especially for families who are always on the go. There are so many activities to try, plus tons of low-cost restaurants that are ideal for raising a family on a budget. If you enjoy solving puzzles together, then you can check out a series of quest games or see wildlife at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Alternatively, grab a few bicycles and see street art, parks or the beach.
