Families will find adventure-filled days and fun-filled nights for all generations throughout Florida.
When it comes to vacationing in Florida, planning the trip is half the fun. VISIT FLORIDA’s newly-launched website provides all the resources you need to plan your next family vacation, including a Deals section. Family members of all ages can pursue their favorite types of adventure, whether it’s hitting the beach or learning some new things about the Sunshine State. For those looking for the perfect family vacation packed with thrills for all ages, Florida has something fun for everyone!
STAY YOUNG AND WILD
Climb your way to the top in Pasco County
Whether your family likes to experience adventure in the air, on land, or sea, Pasco County has something for every member. Hop in a hot air balloon at sunrise and check out the beautiful views. And with the Gulf of Mexico a short ride away from our many boat ramps, your family can continue the adventure by enjoying water sports with friends. Explore open blue-green waters by jet ski, tube, ski, or knee board. If your family does not have access to a boat or equipment, SunWest Park has everyone covered. But it’s not over yet — TreeHoppers Aerial Adventure Park, the best Aerial Adventure Park in Central Florida, has 8 different trails that range from beginner to expert, making the park an obstacle course everyone can tackle at their own pace. Race you to the top!
Amuse your family with Orlando’s theme parks
Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort is an all-new water park boasting wild attractions and a revamped guest experience. A completely immersive environment is set to open on May 25, 2017, planned and inspired by postcard-perfect tropical islands. Not far from Universal, the LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is the largest LEGOLAND® Park in the world, and the 150-acre property offers a unique mix of more than 50 rides, shows and attractions. The new world of LEGO NINJAGO® offers guests the chance to experience ninja adventures — one of which is an interactive ride through the dark where guests can blast fire, lightning and ice with their hands. Stay cool and explore the water park and bring your LEGO® dreams to life.
Get your game on in Palm Beaches
Featuring more than 150 video games and pinball machines dating as far back as the 1930s, the Silverball Museum brings a bit of nostalgia to visitors and is sure to catch the eyes of the gamers in your group. The 9,000-square-foot museum hosts classic videogames such as Atari and Baby Pac-Man with two-floors of pinball machines, arcade games and more. This museum is sure to fill every player’s delight.
Explore the great outdoors with a “Camp-cation” in Martin County
Has your family ever experienced a “Camp-cation?” This new alternative to travel is a win-win for both children and adults. Get your hands dirty on a hike (once you pitch your tent, of course,) and participate in a variety of activities including nature crafts, games and wildlife presentations. The camp is designed to enlighten the little ones about the natural world. If you have the nature bug on your hands, the Hobe Sound Nature Center Summer Camp is a great choice for an alternative family-friendly vacation.
Saddle up for a wet ride in Bradenton
Combining surfing with horses, we are pleased to introduce Horse Surfing! Give it a whirl along the shores of Bradenton, Florida. There are few vacation areas in the United States where it is actually possible, and even fewer where you can dive into deeper waters. The Bradenton Area is the birthplace of horse surfing, and your family can try it out in the calm waters of Palma Sola Bay.
Learn through ED-VENTURE
Observe the wildlife in Clearwater
Go beyond a typical aquarium experience and immerse your family in the world of marine life rescue at Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA). CMA is a unique, non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine animals. Its most notable resident, Winter the dolphin, is the star and inspiration of the popular Dolphin Tale movies. CMA is an affordable experience where families will be inspired by fun, educational presentations and exhibits about marine life and environmental conservation. Become immersed in the lives of marine animals and witness their journey first-hand.
Experience life in the fast lane in New Smyrna
The adrenaline-pumping New Smyrna is the destination for those who have got a need for speed. The New Smyrna Speedway has been home to some of the finest stock car racing in the United States for more than 45 years. Not too much further north is the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, where individuals, families, or couples can take a behind-the scenes tour of the Speedway and learn all about the famous motorsport corporation of NASCAR.
Do some hands-on learning in Sarasota County
Sarasota County offers family fun for story-loving toddlers and their older siblings, parents and grandparents alike. The Mote Laboratory & Aquarium is home to more than 100 marine species and features touch pools, working labs and interactive exhibits. At the Children’s Garden & Art Center, children can dress up in fairy costumes, walk on a pirate ship and climb a course of painted truck tires on two acres.
Travel through time in St. Augustine
In St. Augustine, kids will enjoy learning about history, especially with hands-on experiences at the Colonial Quarter. The Historic Adventure Tour takes vision on a journey through three centuries of St. Augustine history. Kids will meet 18th century re-enactors at the Castillo de San Marcos. Watch canon firings and hear stories about what it was like to serve in the Spanish colonial military. Families will find plenty to discover at The Old Florida Museum, Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park and the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.
Escape to RELAX-NATION
Relax on America’s #1 beach as named by TripAdvisor
Siesta Beach in Sarasota County, voted America’s best beach on Trip Advisor’s 2017 Top 25 Beaches list, is the perfect place to relax with your family. Stroll through a charming village of colorful bungalows, shops and restaurants, or rent a bike, ride down the island and enjoy the Florida sun. Siesta Key is the ultimate getaway for anyone wanting sand, surf and fun.
Please each and every taste in Emerald Coast
HarborWalk Village and the Destin Harbor are the epicenter of family vacation. Restaurants, activities and entertainment will satisfy everyone on the next family vacation. At HarborWalk Village enjoy waterfront shopping, paddleboarding, kayaking, pontoon and jet ski rentals, parasailing, glass bottom boats, dolphin cruises, concerts and more. The Destin Harbor is home to the largest charter fishing fleet in the country. Here families can experience the World’s Luckiest Fishing Village aboard one of Destin’s finest charter boats or stroll along the docks and witness the catch of the day. Everyone will be hooked on Emerald Coast!
Have some fun in the sun in Santa Rosa County
Santa Rosa Beach is a true hidden gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast. With miles of undeveloped beaches and dunes, it’s among Florida’s most treasured barrier islands. In addition to its stunning beach, this area offers a variety of family-friendly activities for those looking to get out of their beach chairs. Enjoy fishing from the Navarre Beach Pier and the Gulf Breeze Zoo, with over 50 acres featuring hundreds of animals from around the world. More than a Florida beach vacation, this area is a destination for enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy while soaking up some sun.
Be one with nature at Amelia Island
Amelia Island is a special destination for families, and those who visit are sure to enjoy a variety of activities. Fort Clinch State Park is one of the most well-preserved 19th century forts in the United States, where sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing are popular activities. Anglers can fish from the pier or take advantage of excellent surf fishing. Hikers and bicyclists can enjoy a six-mile trail through the park and view some of the biggest sand dunes in the state of Florida. Enjoy nature as your worries slip away.
Florida destinations offer visitors a wide array of thrilling outdoor activities, interactive educational programs and peaceful and serine escapes for the entire family. Turn your dreams into a reality and build life-long memories for you and your family by visiting Florida.