Florida is a great place for families...and it goes way beyond the big thrill attractions at that mouse capital in Orlando.  There's alligators, beaches, snorkeling, astronauts and much more. Miami's art deco world is sure to excite the kids...funky colorful buildings, dancing in streets filled with fun and culture and just beyond the city limits, a vast national park filled with brids and alligators. Kids love the Keys and Key West is a favorite with us.  Although still prominent, its once party hey-day has given way to a whole new breed of tourists families...ride a bike around to museums about pirates and treasure hunters.  Orlando...well there's not much to do to sell this place to kids...it's a no brainer!  Big thrill rides, fantasy islands with kick-backs to childhood stories, huge marine parks and just down the road the Kennedy Space Center where kids can come face to helmet with real astronauts.

Miami & the Everglades:

Miami is known for its hot mix of cultures and art deco buildings. We get a feel for it while drinking guarapo in Little Havana and chewing some sugar cane and tapas on Espanola Way.  Most people don't think about nature when they think of Miami, but its lurking nearby. So we head to Jungle Island to meet some local alien residents...spider monkeys, orangutans and ligers then on to Everglades National Park to get nose to snout with Florida's most famous resident...alligators. 

 

Palm Beach:

Although Miami Beach is an international lure for the fashionistas of the world, just north of Miami is Palm Beach which has been attracting the rich and famous for centuries and what better place to experience it than at The Breakers, a resort first opened in 1896 and still visited by stars from all over the world. Here, the kids learn to boogie board, learn to golf at one of the best golf schools in the nation and learn about  local wildlife and the environment.  At night we make an excursion north to Loggerhead Marinelife Center watch one of the area's most famous animals, sea turtles, come ashore to lay their eggs.

 

The Florida Keys:

After Miami, we head south on the Over the Ocean Highway to the Florida Keys.  While Key Largo has some interesting attractions, likeTheatre of the Sea where the kids are thrilled to swim with sea lions, we want to get further off the path, so we head as far south as we can go and arrive in Key West.  The atmosphere in Key West in quirky to say the least but it makes for some great museums about pirates, treasure hunters and writers and the nearby reef offers great snorkeling!

 

Orlando and the Space Coast:

No trip to Florida with kids would be complete without a visit to the city that holds the most theme parks per capita than anywhere in the world, Orlando.  With so much amusement it's hard to choose but we manage to visit a couple of Disney parks, SeaWorld and Universal Studios before heading out to Cape Canaveral to visit Kennedy Space Center and see an actual shuttle launch.  And there's much more to do along the Space Coast as we find out learning to surf and kayaking with manatees with Space Coast Kayaking.

Florida makes a great family vacation.  From astronauts to alligators, and amusement parks to animal encounters, there's something for everyone.

 

Getting There:

With lots of daily flights into Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Airlines has great rates and great service. 

 

Getting Around:

The best way to get around Florida is by car. All major car rental companies have a presence at the Florida airports, but for better rates you may try a local company.  Another great way to see Florida is by water.  Key West Express runs ferry service from Ft. Myers and Miami to Key West. Amtrak also has train service as far south as Miami.

 

Places to Stay:

Florida has great options for families from small boutique hotels, to condo hotels to luxurious resorts. Here's where we stayed.

- Crest Hotel Suites, Miami - Built in 1939, this hotel retains the charm of the art deco movement and is only 1/2 a block from Miami Beach and lots of South Beach's pedestrian areas

- The Banyan Resort, Key West - Nestled in six 19th century homes, their spacious suites with full kitchen are great for families

- Coconut Palm Inn, Key Largo - Spacious suites and beautiful white sand beaches make this a perfect choice for families with kids

- The Breakers, Palm Beach - A storied history, tons of kids activities incuding a world famous golf school, kids club, upscale restaurants with play areas in view or restaurants that have tidepools built right into the bars, makes this an ideal resort for families.

- Nick Hotel, Orlando - OK Sponge Bob and Slime...need we say more?  With a huge water playground complete with daily slimings and poolside contests and Nickelodeon characters making appearances throughout the hotel, why even go to a theme park?

- Ron Jon Cape Caribe Resort, Space Coast - With Orlando just 45 minutes away and Kennedy Space Center practically next door, this resort boasts an ideal beachfront location!  Add in spacious suites, playgrouonds, mini-golf and water slides and you've got one great family resort!

 

What to Do: