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Florida family holidays
Can there be a place on Earth more designed for families than Florida? With its entertaining mixture of theme parks, safe sandy beaches, nature reserves and open-armed attitude to children, what more could you want? Obviously, the main reason many families head to the Sunshine State is to experience the theme and water parks, and for good reasons. Children and adults alike will be truly amazed by the immersive experiences on offer and thrills can be had by all ages on the myriad rides. But there are also natural wonders to be explored in zoos, aquariums and nature reserves - Florida holidays are not short of educational experiences. From learning all about the race to space to discovering the works of Salvador Dali, Florida has numerous, world class museums and historical regions that both entertain and educate at the same time.
Family holidays Florida
Best activities in Florida for families
If you've got a family and want to make sure they enjoy the sun and the fun, Florida must be at the top of your wish list. Treat them to immersive fantasy worlds where their favourite cartoon and screen characters come to life at World Disney Resort and Universal Studios Orlando. Join the space race at Kennedy Space Center or enter an environment dedicated entirely to the celebration of plastic building blocks at LEGOLAND. Whichever you choose, the whole family will be delighted and amazed by the exhilarating rides, shows and interactive experiences, many of which have an educational dimension. But Florida is more than just an illusion, and one of its attractions is the diversity of flora and fauna, both on land and in the sea. Visit Biscayne National Park to discover brightly coloured bush and spectacular coral reefs; get up close to hundreds of seductive manatees resting from their migrations at Blue Springs State Park or marvel at the spectacular colours of the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Of course, no visit would be complete without a trip to the Everglades, where encounters with alligators and other 'prehistoric beasts' are inevitable. If all the hustle and bustle becomes too much, take time to discover the tranquil pace of old town Kissimmee, where you can step back into the world of amusement rides and arcades of yesteryear; discover the work of the inspirational Salvador Dali in St Petersburg or the origins of the circus at the Ringling Museum in Sarasota.
Best destinations in Florida for families
So you've chosen Florida as your next family holiday destination, but where do you go to make sure your expectations and dreams come true? The most popular city for families is Orlando and, more particularly, the area to the south, Kissimmee. Both offer easy access to everything the area has to offer, especially International Drive, a bustling thoroughfare of hotels, restaurants and shops. The area's main attractions are, of course, Disney and Universal Studios and their associated water parks, but take time to marvel at the marine life on display at Sea World. If you prefer a more relaxed Florida experience, but still want the thrills and fun, we recommend Tampa. Situated on the west coast by the sea, Tampa is home to Busch Gardens, an exhilarating mix of amusement rides and zoo, where the family can marvel at amazing wildlife and frolic on superb rollercoasters. The Florida Aquarium is not to be missed, nor is the amazing Dinosaur Park. And when it's time to get wet and cool off, head for the waterslides at Adventure Island. If you want to leave the theme parks behind, look to Miami and the Florida Keys for something a little different. Miami, its beaches and vibrant lifestyle will surprise you, while a stay in the iconic Key West or Key Largo won't disappoint, as they're ideal bases for exploring the whole Keys region, with its water sports and recreation. Oh, and did we mention that this region is the gateway to the Everglades, where encounters with alligators are guaranteed.
Best hotels in Florida for families
For an unforgettable holiday, a stay at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort in Orlando is a must. This resort is the epitome of fun and has everything you could wish for to keep the whole family entertained. Enjoy the many spectacular restaurants on offer, specialising in a wide range of cuisines from Asia to the South Pacific, and treat your children's taste buds to dishes they've never tasted before.
At Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, you and your children can spend quality time together watching Disney movies under the stars, roasting marshmallows around a campfire or even going fishing. If that's not enough, Disney World is just a short drive away.