Florida is the center of the universe for many families. And, primarily this is due to Disney World. But if you want to make the most of Florida as a family without heading to the land of Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck, where else can you go?
Fort Lauderdale
The great thing about Fort Lauderdale is that it’s an absolute haven if you love the sensation of sun, sand, and plenty of palm trees! It’s a very peaceful place, with miles of beautiful beach, meaning that if you are looking for swimming adventures, you’ve got plenty! There are plenty of things for the kids to do, but that’s not to say the adults are left out! If you are a parent looking for a party in Fort Lauderdale, you can hit the Ale Trail of Greater Fort Lauderdale or indulge in the nightlife, and even if you’re a gambling sort of person, there are casinos galore!
Sanibel Island
Florida can be full of crowds, so if you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing, this beautiful barrier island offers 15 miles of beautiful beaches. If you are looking for something a little bit more than relaxing, you could head to Bowman’s Beach and do some shelling or hit the boardwalk that traverses through the wetlands.
Daytona Beach
Full of family-friendly delights, including the Daytona Lagoon. If you are looking for something a little bit more high-octane, NASCAR racing at the Daytona International Speedway is bound to be a hit with your older kids! If you’re looking for something a little bit more tranquil, you can simply hang out at the beach, or venture over to the Marine Science Center.
Tampa
If you want to stay away from Orlando, Tampa has earned a reputation for being one of the best places for family getaways. And it’s easy to see why as soon as you get there, from the roller coasters at Busch Gardens, to the Dinosaur World Museum, and the favorite of any child under 5, Legoland, there is plenty for everybody to enjoy. You should also hit the Florida Aquarium while you are there, and check out the alligators and sharks! If you’re looking for something to do, without the kids, you may want to try one of the live sporting events, such as football, or hockey, where the Tampa Bay Lightning team always put on a good show!
Space Coast
Arguably, the best mix of adventure and relaxation, the Space Coast is a fantastic place for the older kids looking to get close to all things out of space! The Kennedy Space Center is the best place to get your fill of everything NASA related, but it’s not just about space; you can go to the Indialantic Boardwalk or go to Brevard zoo. There are also plenty of other things for you to do. If you’re a family that likes to embrace adventure together go surfing, and hiking.
Florida is not just about Orlando if you’re looking for things to do as a family; you have plenty of choice!
