Summer is in full swing, and kids out of school need something to do. It’s also a great opportunity for family bonding moments. Florida is one of the most popular destinations for a fun family vacation.
As a peninsula with 8,436 miles of coastline, there is plenty to explore with a family. There are also beautiful natural springs spread throughout its state parks. Of course, Florida also boasts some of the most famous theme parks in the country.
To learn more about all Florida has to offer, check out the list below.
In this article
Florida’s Theme Parks
Any family could easily spend their entire vacation in Florida, hopping its numerous theme parks and water parks. There are about 10 major theme parks and 13 water parks throughout the state.
The most famous theme parks are all conveniently located in the same area — central Florida. The city of Orlando holds four Disney World parks, two Universal parks, SeaWorld, and Legoland. Busch Gardens in Tampa is not too far away either.
Choosing between these theme parks depends on the age of the children in the family. The Disney World theme parks are perfect for young children, and baby equipment can be rented from sites like this one. Busch Gardens is known for its thrilling rollercoasters, but its unique zoo attractions also make it a good option.
Orlando is also home to many of Florida’s best water parks, including Blizzard Beach, Aquatica, Typhoon Lagoon, and Volcano Bay. If traveling to Tampa for Busch Gardens, families can also stop by Adventure Island.
Florida’s Best Beaches
With so much coastline, it’s hard to decide which beach town to stay in. Florida’s Gulf Coast is the way to go if you’re looking for calm, clear waters and pristine white sand.
Sarasota County is home to several famous Gulf Coast beaches, many of them being keys. A key is an island made of built-up coral. It is literally a coral reef, which is the source of that beautiful, white sand.
Sarasota’s beaches include Siesta Key, Casey Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, Manasota Key, and Venice Beach.
Florida’s Natural Springs
For a unique family getaway, consider exploring Florida’s unique natural springs. They’re much colder than the Gulf, making them perfectly refreshing for oppressively hot Florida summers. They also offer fun family activities like paddleboarding, canoeing, tubing, hiking, and manatee watching.
Many of the most prized Florida springs are just a stone’s throw from Tampa, including Devil’s Den, Crystal River, Rainbow River, Ginnie Springs, Wekiwa Springs, Juniper Springs, Silver Springs, and Weeki Wachee.
Planning a Family Vacation in Florida
A family vacation requires a bit more planning than a solo trip. First, make sure the whole family is involved in deciding where to go. Then, plan out the budget for the trip before booking anything. Once you know the budget, you can shop around for the best deals.
For more useful travel guides like this one, make sure to check out our page.
