There’s something undeniably special about a family trip to Florida. Whether it’s your first time visiting or your tenth, the Sunshine State has a way of making each vacation feel fresh and unforgettable. From its sparkling beaches to spring-fed rivers, quaint small towns, and action-packed attractions, Florida has a little bit of everything — and that’s exactly why it’s one of our favorite places to explore as a family.
Over the years, we’ve put together a kind of “greatest hits” list of family-friendly things to do in Florida. These aren’t just generic tourist stops — they’re places and experiences we’ve genuinely loved, and ones we’d go back to again in a heartbeat. If you’re planning a trip or just daydreaming about your next warm-weather getaway, here’s what we recommend for a family-friendly adventure, Florida-style.
Spend a Magical Day at the Beach
No Florida trip is complete without a beach day. With hundreds of miles of coastline, there’s a sandy stretch for every kind of family — whether you’re into building sandcastles, hunting for shells, or just stretching out under an umbrella with a cold drink and a good book.
Some of our favorite family-friendly beaches include Siesta Key Beach, famous for its powdery white sand and calm waters, and Clearwater Beach, which has a playful boardwalk atmosphere and great spots for snacks and ice cream nearby. For something a little quieter, try Fort De Soto Park near St. Petersburg — it has a gorgeous beach, a historic fort, and a gentle lagoon perfect for little swimmers.
Don’t forget to pack your no-bake treats and easy beach snacks. A few frozen grapes, cut-up fruit, and a batch of chocolate chip cookies we love always make beach time extra sweet. If you're lucky, you might even catch sight of a pod of dolphins just offshore. They’re especially active in the early morning and right before sunset — so keep those eyes peeled!
Discover Natural Florida at Springs and State Parks
Florida isn’t just about beaches — it’s also home to over 700 natural springs and dozens of stunning state parks that give families the chance to explore a completely different side of the state. Cool, crystal-clear water, shady canopies of Spanish moss, and wildlife sightings make these spots feel like real-life nature documentaries — and the best part is, you don’t need to go far to find them.
One of our go-tos is Blue Spring State Park in Orange City. During the winter months, it becomes a haven for manatees, and you can spot dozens of them floating serenely in the spring run. In warmer months, the spring is open for swimming, snorkeling, and tubing.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park is another favorite — especially if your family enjoys a gentle tubing trip down a lazy river. Pack a waterproof bag with drinks, sunscreen, and snacks, and just float your way through the forest.
We love these parks for their slower pace. No lines, no tickets, no fuss. Just clean water, fresh air, and the kind of family connection that comes naturally when you unplug for a little while.
Plan a Dolphin Tour in Key West
If there’s one experience that completely enchanted us as a family, it was our dolphin tour in Key West. Nestled at the southernmost tip of the state, Key West already has a tropical-island-meets-old-town charm. But getting out on the water and seeing wild dolphins swimming and playing alongside the boat? That’s pure Florida magic.
These tours are incredibly family-friendly and typically last a few hours, making them a perfect morning or afternoon activity. Boats are stable and shaded, and guides are knowledgeable and great with kids — pointing out not just dolphins, but also sea turtles, flying fish, and even rays gliding beneath the surface.
One moment we’ll never forget was seeing a dolphin leap out of the water just a few feet from the boat. The kids were squealing, we had our cameras out (but still couldn’t capture the moment right), and all of us were grinning from ear to ear.
Pro tip: If you’re planning a dolphin tour, book in advance — especially during spring break or summer weekends. Don’t forget sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen, and a lightweight towel or cover-up. Some tours even include a bit of snorkeling, so check in advance and bring suits just in case.
It’s not every day that you get to watch dolphins in their natural habitat, and this experience easily became one of our all-time favorite Florida memories.
Get Playful at Iconic Attractions
Of course, Florida is home to some of the most famous family attractions in the country — and even though they may be more crowded than a quiet beach or spring, they’re still worth a visit, especially if you have little ones with big imaginations.
We’ve done our fair share of park hopping, and each time we pick something new. Walt Disney World is a classic, and there’s just something heartwarming about watching your child meet their favorite character or light up during a fireworks show. LEGOLAND Florida is another great choice, especially for younger kids or LEGO-loving tweens. It’s smaller, manageable in a day or two, and full of quirky fun.
For a more educational option, Kennedy Space Center on the east coast gives kids (and adults!) a chance to touch a real moon rock, walk through a space shuttle, and even meet an astronaut. It’s fun, inspiring, and air-conditioned — which is a huge bonus during Florida’s warmer months.
What we’ve found works best is mixing a day or two of theme parks with slower days at the beach or on the water. That balance lets everyone enjoy the magic without getting overtired or overstimulated.
Explore Coastal Towns & Local Eats
Beyond the beaches and big-ticket attractions, Florida is dotted with charming coastal towns that are perfect for exploring as a family. These spots often have walkable downtowns, cute shops, local art galleries, and great food that appeals to all ages.
St. Augustine is a favorite, especially if your crew is into history. As the oldest city in the U.S., it’s full of cobblestone streets, old forts, and stories waiting to be discovered. Take a ghost tour at night if your kids are older — they’re spooky but fun!
Anna Maria Island feels like old-school Florida in the best way. Quiet beaches, bike rentals, and mom-and-pop shops make it ideal for a slower-paced trip. Grab ice cream at Two Scoops, browse the local shops, and watch the sunset from the pier.
Naples is another gem, especially if you’re looking for a slightly more upscale coastal town with fantastic dining and beautiful gardens like the Naples Botanical Garden. Whether it’s fish tacos by the water or an unexpected sunset stroll, these local adventures can be just as memorable as any theme park or big activity.
Make It Your Own Florida Adventure
The beauty of Florida is that you don’t have to follow a set itinerary. You can build your family vacation around your own rhythm — fast or slow, active or relaxed, planned or spontaneous.
Some days will be full of thrills, like racing from ride to ride at a theme park or squealing with joy as dolphins swim beside your boat in Key West. Other days might be simpler — lounging on the sand, floating in a spring, or sharing a giant slice of key lime pie under a swaying palm tree.
What matters most is the time you spend together, the laughter, the surprises, and those little quiet moments that somehow become the ones you remember the most.
So whether you’re headed to Florida for the first time or planning your annual family escape, we hope this list gives you a few ideas to make your own sunshine-filled memories. Don’t forget to pack your camera, your favorite snacks, and your sense of adventure. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
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