Who hasn’t looked at going to Florida at one point or another? One of the biggest draws of visiting Florida with children is the theme parks and the beautiful beaches. Disney World, Legoland and Universal Studios are enough reasons to visit, but what else is there to see and do? Have a peek below, but before you do, I think if we were to visit, I think I would book a villa. Villa holidays in Orlando would give us our own space, and Lucas has more area to run around and play. I also don’t need to worry about people in the next hotel room being noisy when Lucas is sleeping or Lucas disturbing them early in the morning.
Kennedy Space Centre
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is organised into Mission Zones, where attractions and tours are grouped by chronological era. From the dawn of space exploration to current and ongoing missions, you can get an up-close, hands-on feel for the story of humans in space.
Celebrate the pioneers of NASA’s early space programs, which inspired a nation to reach for the stars. Go behind the gates and get access to historic launch sites and working spaceflight facilities on Kennedy Space Center Bus Tours.
What began as a space race between two world superpowers fostered inspiration about perseverance, ingenuity and destiny. Now, witness the size and scale of the Saturn V moon rocket, and feel the emotion of the Apollo era with a captivating collection of experiences.
Stand in awe of an American icon at the permanent home of the actual space shuttle Atlantis. Then, strap yourself in for liftoff at the Shuttle Launch Experience®. Thirty years of NASA’s Space Shuttle Program come to life in this Mission Zone.
Learn about NASA missions, from where they are now to where they’re going next!
Biscayne National Park
Within sight of downtown Miami, yet worlds away, Biscayne National Park protects a rare combination of aquamarine waters, emerald islands, and fish-bejewelled coral reefs. Here is evidence of 10,000 years of human history, from pirates and shipwrecks to pineapple farmers and presidents. Outdoor enthusiasts can boat, snorkel, camp, watch wildlife…or simply relax in a rocking chair gazing out over the bay.
Barrier Island Sanctuary
Located inside the Archie Carr National Refuge, Barrier Island Sanctuary is a 34-acre sanctuary that offers nature enthusiasts and visitors a place to explore the barrier island’s diverse habitats through interactive exhibits with access to the ocean, lagoon and everything in between. It is free to visit, and during June and July, there are a limited number of places for the public to go on a guided sea turtle walk. Florida’s beaches, especially along the east-central coast in the Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, provide nesting habitat for more nesting loggerhead turtles than any place in the Western Hemisphere and more endangered green turtles than any place in North America. In addition, endangered leatherback sea turtles nest in the Carr Refuge.
Mini Golf
When visiting Florida with children, mini golf is a great idea for time away from the bigger attractions.
Orlando offers many options for mini golf near the theme parks, and most of these options are highly affordable. There is something for everyone, whether you prefer a safari-themed adventure or a glow-in-the-dark course.
Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park protects an unparalleled landscape that provides important habitat for numerous rare and endangered species like the manatee, American crocodile, and the elusive Florida panther.
An international treasure as well – a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area under the Cartagena Treaty.
National Naval Aviation Museum
The National Naval Aviation Museum is the world’s largest Naval Aviation museum and one of the most-visited museums in the state of Florida. Share the excitement of Naval Aviation’s rich history and see over 150 beautifully restored aircraft representing Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Aviation. These historic and one-of-a-kind aircraft are displayed inside the Museum’s nearly 350,000 square feet of exhibit space and outside on its 37-acre grounds.
The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory
There are plenty of things to do in Key West. Feel your stress fade away as you enter The Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Relax and be amazed as you stroll through their tropical paradise. Walk through a magical and inviting environment filled with hundreds of nature’s most beautiful winged creatures. During your breathtaking journey, you will experience an impressive collection of flowering plants, colourful birds, cascading waterfalls and trees that set the stage for the “flowers of the sky.” Witness a variety of 50 to 60 butterfly species from around the world, along with over 20 exotic bird species, all under a controlled, glass-enclosed habitat.
In The Learning Centre, explore the butterfly anatomy, physiology, life cycle, feeding and the migratory world of the Monarch. Also, get a rare close-up view of various live caterpillars feeding and developing on their host plants.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay theme park has child-friendly rides, water activities, play areas, games, and shows that will provide your children with hours of fun designed just for them. Child-friendly services and assistance are located throughout the park to make it easy for you and your family.
Little ones can enjoy child-friendly rides, cool water fun and plenty of memorable shows and adventures with Sesame Street friends!
With tree-top climbing nets, a multi-level maze for bigger children, and water fun for younger children, this 3-story climbing play area is perfect for the whole family.
Celebrate Busch Gardens Tampa Bay showtime with fabulous live entertainment from world-class performers. It’s all part of the family-friendly combination of attractions that will make your vacation unforgettable and leave your children with incredible memories!
Experience up-close, personal encounters with some of nature’s most amazing animals in natural habitats, such as the expansive Serengeti Plain or their award-winning Jungala area animal habitats!
Caverns State Park
Cool air, the sound of dripping water, a visual array of mystifying stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones and draperies. This is what greets visitors when they explore the otherworldly depths of Florida Caverns.
Florida Caverns extends visitors a rarity in the state, a chance to explore stunning caves. Moving between the large underground rooms, one can observe the many chisel marks made by 1930s-era Civilian Conservation Corps workers. These hard-working men enlarged the cave passageways by hand so visitors could stand upright during the guided tours. They also built the park’s spacious visitor’s centre and a unique nine-hole golf course in beautiful rolling terrain.
Located next to the Chipola River and Blue Hole Spring, a park visitor can take in boating, fishing or a hike after emerging from the limestone caverns. These attractions and more await visitors at Florida Caverns State Park.
There are many incredible things to do and see when visiting Florida with children, from spending the day at the beach to exploring the theme parks. Kids love the excitement of meeting their favourite characters at Disney World or Universal Studios, while parents can relax and soak up the sunshine. Plus, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants and activities to keep everyone entertained. It’s no wonder Florida is such a popular destination for families!
Angela Milnes says
Florida is on our bucket list and it’s one place I am looking forward to one day. I have a good friend in the area so would love to sight see with her and her kids. The space centre sounds interesting.
Elizabeth Williams says
My mum took me to Florida when I was a child and I have so many wonderful memories of our time there. Would love to take my kids there one day, I know my eldest would love the space centre as he is obsessed with all things space related.
Playdays and Runways says
I’ve been to Florida twice now and haven’t visited any of these places. Will make sure we check them out if we get to go again
Kaz | Ickle Pickles Life and Travels says
I so want to go back – I have been lucky enough to go three times. I haven’t visited these places though. Kaz
Leigh Travers says
I went to Florida when I was a kid and absolutely loved it! I’d love to go back and visit the National Park now though!
Anosa says
I love Florida, there is so much to do with the family.
Elizabeth says
I’ve only been to Florida once, overnight, catching a cruise of the Caribbean the next day. I’d love to go back though and to take my kids, for a longer holiday. Thanks for the fab tips!
Kara says
We have just booked to go next month and cannot wait. Busch Gardens and Kennedy Space Centre are top of the list
Rebecca Smith says
Florida is definitely on our travel bucket list before the kids grow up. Sounds like there are a lot of fun places.
Lois says
Florida is my all time favourite location