Florida family trip: 5 must-dos with the kids

A trip to Florida is perfect for a family adventure.

Here are 5 activities to do with the kids that will ensure you leave the Sunshine State with memories that last a lifetime!

#1. Walt Disney World Resort

You're not surprised, right? Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is one of the most magical destinations in the world, perfect for a family vacation. This iconic complex consists of four main theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom), as well as two water parks (Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon), luxury hotels, golf courses, and the Disney Springs entertainment district. With its rides, shows, and Disney character encounters, it’s a place where both young and old can have fun together.

Magic Kingdom is often regarded as the families' favorite park, especially with young children. This is where you'll find the Cinderella Castle, Disney's emblem. Rides like “It's a Small World,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Peter Pan’s Flight” are classics for the little ones, while more intense roller coasters like “Space Mountain” and “Big Thunder Mountain Railroad” offer a thrilling experience for the older ones.

Epcot is an excellent choice for families curious about exploring the world and innovations. This park is divided into two sections: Future World, which explores science and technology, and World Showcase, an exhibition of pavilions representing eleven countries. Epcot is ideal for interactive activities like the space pavilion and tasting international flavors. Children can participate in the Kidcot Fun Stop, where they create crafts inspired by different countries.

Disney's Hollywood Studios will especially appeal to fans of Star Wars and Toy Story. The Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge experience allows visitors to pilot the Millennium Falcon and explore the Star Wars universe. Toy Story Land is also very popular with colorful and interactive rides inspired by Pixar characters.

Finally, Disney's Animal Kingdom is perfect for nature lovers. This park combines the wonder of Disney attractions with the beauty of wildlife. The “Avatar Flight of Passage” attraction offers a unique sensory experience, while the safari allows you to observe African animals in a realistic setting.

For a successful visit, it's recommended to plan ahead and book FastPass+ for the most popular attractions. Staying at a Disney hotel can also offer advantages, such as extended opening hours and shuttles for easy transportation between parks.

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#2. The Everglades

The Everglades, located in southern Florida, are a vast expanse of subtropical wetlands, offering a unique experience to encounter wild nature and biodiversity. The Everglades are home to an exceptional wildlife, including alligators, manatees, tropical birds, and lush vegetation. This national park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and represents an ecological treasure for nature lovers, and a fascinating destination to explore as a family.

For a family adventure, airboat tours are one of the most popular and exciting ways to discover the Everglades. These flat-bottomed boats swiftly glide over the marshes, offering a unique perspective to closely observe alligators in their natural habitat, while enjoying the sensation of speed. Many companies offer guided tours, with experienced guides explaining the unique ecosystem of the Everglades and sharing captivating anecdotes about local wildlife and flora. Some tours include stops to meet animals and discover interactive exhibits, ideal for children.

For a calmer approach, canoeing and kayaking allow for exploring the less frequented areas of the Everglades and observing exotic vegetation and birds more closely. This can be a great option for families with older children, as it allows for navigating at a leisurely pace while enjoying the serenity of nature.

The Everglades National Park also offers hiking trails and boardwalks, such as the Anhinga Trail. This well-maintained and accessible trail is ideal for a walk with young children, as it allows for easy observation of alligators, turtles, and various birds without requiring too much walking. The Shark Valley Observation Tower is another popular viewpoint offering a panoramic view of the park and the possibility of spotting animals from a distance.

For a complete visit, the Royal Palm Visitor Center offers educational exhibits and information about the species you might encounter, making it an excellent introduction to the Everglades ecosystem.

#3. Universal Studios Orlando

Universal Studios Florida is a spectacular theme park located in Orlando, known for its attractions inspired by films, TV series, and iconic characters. This park attracts visitors of all ages and offers an immersive experience, where families can dive into the world of cinema and pop culture. Universal Studios, with its realistic decor, high-quality shows, and thrilling rides, is a perfect choice for a family vacation.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Universal Studios is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where families can explore the village of Hogsmeade, shop at Ollivander's, and taste the famous Butterbeer. The attraction “Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts” is a must for fans of the series, blending 3D technology and special effects for an unforgettable adventure. A train attraction connects Universal Studios Florida to the neighboring park Universal’s Islands of Adventure, allowing visitors to explore both sections of the Harry Potter universe.

For young children, attractions like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and Shrek 4-D are ideal. They combine fun animations, 4D special effects, and character meet-and-greets. Woody Woodpecker's KidZone is a section dedicated to the little ones, where they can enjoy gentler rides, interactive play areas, and a trained animal show that will amaze the whole family.

Thrill seekers will be thrilled with rides like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, a roller coaster with an impressive vertical climb, or Revenge of the Mummy, a captivating adventure that mixes roller coaster and spectacular visual effects. These attractions are suitable for teenagers and adults seeking adrenaline.

To optimize the family visit, it is advisable to purchase an Universal Express Pass, which reduces wait times for the most popular attractions. This allows you to enjoy the park more, especially in high season. Extended opening hours at some park hotels also facilitate early access to certain areas, like the world of Harry Potter, for a more peaceful experience.

#4. Kennedy Space Center

The Kennedy Space Center, located on the east coast of Florida near Cape Canaveral, is one of the most captivating destinations for families seeking adventure and learning about space. This iconic NASA center offers an immersive and educational experience, where visitors can explore the history of space exploration, discover NASA's advanced technologies, and even meet astronauts.

The Rocket Garden is often the first stop for families, as it features an impressive collection of historic rockets. You can walk among these gigantic rockets and imagine the grandeur of space missions. Informative panels help to understand the major milestones of space exploration, and guided tours provide fascinating details for space enthusiasts.

Another highlight of the Kennedy Space Center is the Atlantis Space Shuttle Exhibit. This pavilion houses the Atlantis shuttle, suspended as if in flight, offering a spectacular view of this incredible spacecraft. Families can learn about the shuttle's missions, try simulators that replicate the sensation of takeoff, and even participate in interactive activities that explain the challenges of life in space. Children, in particular, love trying to pilot a docking simulator at the International Space Station.

The Heroes & Legends is another exciting exhibit where visitors discover the first astronauts and their role in space conquest. The immersive 3D experience and holograms immerse visitors in the heroic adventures of these pioneers, which particularly inspires young visitors.

An unmissable activity for families is the Astronaut Encounter, where they can meet real NASA astronauts. This meeting is an opportunity to hear inspiring stories, ask questions, and better understand the experiences lived in space. This makes the experience even more personal and inspiring for children.

To make the most of the family visit, it is recommended to plan the day according to the schedule of shows and demonstrations. The Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour is another must-do for families, as it allows you to visit restricted access areas and see historic launch sites up close.

#5. Siesta Key Beach

If the image that comes to mind when you think of a Florida tour is relaxation, you will love Siesta Key Beach, located on the west coast of Florida near Sarasota. It is an idyllic destination for families seeking relaxation and fun by the sea. Renowned for its white and fine sand, composed of 99% quartz, Siesta Key offers a unique and pleasant setting, even under Florida's intense sun, as the sand stays cool. This natural paradise attracts both adults and children thanks to its clear and shallow waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

One of the best reasons to visit Siesta Key with family is the safety and tranquility of its waters. The beach is well monitored, with lifeguards present all day, allowing parents to relax while children play in the water. The waves are generally gentle, making it perfect for the youngest who can safely have fun at the water's edge.

For active families, Siesta Key offers many water activities. Young ones will enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters, where they can observe colorful fish and shells. Parents can also rent kayaks or paddleboards to explore the beach surroundings. These activities offer a unique perspective on the coastline and allow discovering marine life in a peaceful environment.

The facilities at Siesta Key are also family-friendly. There are shaded picnic areas, tables, barbecue areas, and toilets, making the beach day comfortable and convenient. It's easy to spend the whole day at Siesta Key without lacking in amenities. A playground is also available, perfect for entertaining children after swimming.

Don't miss the magnificent sunsets, which mark a magical moment to share with the family. Many visitors gather in the late afternoon to admire the sun setting over the Gulf of Mexico, offering a memorable end to the day and the opportunity to take stunning photos.

To avoid the crowd, it is recommended to visit Siesta Key early in the day or during the week, especially during vacation periods. At the end of the day, after swimming, a walk in Siesta Key Village is a must, where families can enjoy local restaurants, shops, and a bit of entertainment.

There you go! You are now ready to plan a dream family vacation. Do you have any other suggestions for this list? Let us know in the comments section below!