6 Florida Destinations for Family Vacations

Travel Tips for Your Florida Family Trip

It’s no secret that Canadians love a vacation to Florida. Many of us share fond memories of growing up and escaping our harsh winters in the Sunshine State. Where else can you find all-day sunny weather, gorgeous scenery and adventure at every corner?

Discover our picks of the best vacation spots in Florida for a family getaway!

Fort Lauderdale 

First stop: Fort Lauderdale! Think activity-filled beach days with the kids or a shopping spree on Las Olas Boulevard. Take your family from the streets to the city’s canals with a fun amphibious tour or travel even further… all the way back to prehistoric Florida at the Museum of Discovery and Science. Seeking something completely unforgettable? Opt for a day-trip to the Everglades! Spot gators, turtles, and fish on an airboat tour that zips through Florida’s famous wetlands.

Cocoa Beach

Dreamt of being an astronaut when you grew up? Who didn’t! Big and small head to Cocoa Beach to visit the nearby NASA Kennedy Space Center and learn all about the past and present of space exploration. Who knows, maybe your kids will even be the next ones to journey to Mars! From space to sea, make your way to the Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surf shop. Once you’ve stocked up on gear, enjoy the calm, consistent waves of the city’s beach, ideal for learning how to surf.

St. Pete/Clearwater

Sandy shores and sparkling waters; sometimes, that’s all we need! Opt for very best around St. Pete Beach or Clearwater Beach, voted respectively seventh and first among Trip Advisor’s best beaches in the United States. At the southern tip of the area, the Fort De Soto Park welcomes families with sheltered picnic spots, playgrounds, nature trails and a historic fort. Save your sunsets for Pier 60 at Clearwater Beach where painters, magicians and street performers keep your kids entertained, while you settle in for glorious views.

Tampa

Favour urban exploration over beach vacation? Try Tampa! This major city on the west coast of Florida offers something for all ages and tastes. Stroll along the Tampa Riverwalk, linking countless attractions, from the Florida Aquarium to the best waterfront restaurants. Art lovers will want to pop in to the Tampa Museum of Art and its neighbouring Glazer Children’s Museum. Follow up art with athletics any day of the week, because it’s always game day in Tampa where the MLB, NFL and NHL each have a team.

Miami 

Family time might not immediately come to mind when Miami is mentioned. Nightlife and glamour, maybe, but family? Let Miami surprise you! Tropical temperatures and laidback vibes make it an ideal destination for everyone. Let your kids go wild at Zoo Miami, home to the planet’s most impressive animals, including elephants, lions and gorillas. For up-close encounters with Miami’s mammals, let your little ones swim with dolphins at the city’s Seaquarium!

Orlando

We can’t delay the inevitable: addressing the Mickey Mouse-shaped elephant in the room. After all, Orlando is home to the most magical place on Earth, the Walt Disney World Resort, which includes 4 fantastic Disney Theme Parks, including Disney’s Hollywood Studios where the Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge are located. Make sure the fun never stops and amp up the thrills at the nearby Universal Orlando Resort^™. Take a timeout from the theme parks to tee off at one of the city’s golf courses or dine at first-rate restaurants.

What’s next

Re-live your childhood, while making new memories for your kids! Create your dream family trip to Florida with our selection of vacation rentals, hotels and so much more. Plan your Florida vacation!