It’s not difficult to find family fun in a tropical setting—in fact, you don’t even need to leave the country. Florida There are plenty of things to do for children (and adults) at all ages. Delray Beach, Naples and other coastal towns are perfect for families to unwind and relax while the kids play and search for seashells. Choose a vibrant metropolis, such as Miami This allows you to alternate between relaxing on the beach and exploring culture. While summer is hot, there are fewer people at restaurants and beaches.
There are also educational opportunities in many of these towns, whether it’s seeing turtles lay their eggs on the beach, or winding through a 17th-century castle. There’s plenty to discover in Florida—read on for seven family-friendly destinations in the Sunshine State.
Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast is made up of three charming cities—Anna Maria, Holmes Beach, and Bradenton Beach—each offering great dining, shopping, and laid-back coastal vibes. Families will enjoy the sunrise at Bridge Street Pier and meandering through the mangroves along Coquina Baywalk. Or, they can just relax on the beaches. Bali Hai Beach Resort The suites have full kitchens, and there is a spa available for parents. The boutique is located in Holmes Beach. Anna Maria Beach Resort The hotel has only 31 rooms. It also offers golf cart rentals and poolside cabanas. Do you have a dog with you? Waterline Villas & Marina welcomes your dog to stay in condo-style accommodations with easy beach access and bay views. Highlights of dining include: The Ugly Grouper Salt Bar, which is open to children, offers an artistic twist on the coastal food in a relaxed, outdoor setting. The Donut Experiment is a great place to stop for sweets in the morning.
Palm Beach
It’s difficult not to fall in adore with its glitz. Palm BeachThe palm-lined streets of’s historic architecture and places like the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. Even the glamorous Breakers Hotel invites children to enjoy the arcade and playground in its family entertainment centre. The resort offers a golf course and oceanfront pool for everyone. To be within walking distance of shopping and restaurants, you can hop over to the bridge. the BenThe pool on the roof of offers stunning views over Palm Beach Bay. Ann Norton Sculpture Garden, with its lush landscaping, is a great place for kids to play. Restaurants like Lynora’s Kitchen, known for pizza, and Hive Bakery & Cafe with scrumptious breakfast and pastries, can feed the crew.
Delray Beach
You can also find out more about the following: Delray BeachA town that is a mix of West Palm Beach and Ft. LauderdaleThe majority of the activity is centered around Atlantic Avenue, making it easier for families to navigate. Elisabetta’s is a popular restaurant with a menu of house-made pasta. Deck 84, which is located on the Intracoastal, are also found along this stretch. Dada’s outdoor seating, with its tree-filled canopy, is located just off the main street and offers a lively atmosphere for people of all ages. The area is home to a number of notable hotels. The SeagateOpal Grand Resort, which has a prime location on the oceanfront, offers a tranquil pool, shuttle service to its private beach club and a peaceful atmosphere. Morikami Museum, Japanese Gardens and other boutiques are located a few minutes away from Atlantic Avenue. They offer a variety of activities for both adults and children. A quick drive south in Boca RatonGumbo Limbo Nature Center is home to a butterfly exhibit and other animal displays.
Tallahassee
Find it in the Panhandle Tallahassee It’s not the Florida town that most people picture. Here, you’ll find a southern-meets-tropical vibe where oak trees draped in Spanish moss and magnolias mingle with sable palms. There’s a lot to do and see for families, including outdoor activities and dining at quirky restaurants. Florida State University, located at the heart the town, is worth visiting on a guided self-guided walk to see its Gothic buildings and iconic Westcott Fountain. The Florida Capitol, Cascades Park (24 acres), and Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park are also worth a visit. They have a brick walkway and’secret’ garden. St. Mark’s Lighthouse, about an hour’s drive away, offers a view of the St. Mark’s River and the coast. While you’re out sightseeing, stop by restaurants such as Bella Bella Italian and Bada Bean for some delicious pancakes. Get some Zzz’s at Hotel Duval The following are some examples of how to get started: Aloft (which has an outdoor pool), are both located in downtown.
Miami
Visit Miami The metropolis is not the same for kids. But it’s still a great way to explore. If you want to stay at the beach in the center of the action, then the Loews Miami Beach The kids club offers daily activities as well as supervised care, even at night. The further north you go, the Four Seasons at the Surf Club Surfside is a charming, quiet beach town that’s just a short drive away from Miami. The hotel also offers a children’s club and a coconut-cracking demonstration that you cannot miss on the lawn. Miami, however, is beckoning. Kayakers can enjoy paddling in the mangroves of Oleta River State Park near North Miami Beach. Dolphins will sometimes join in the fun. Near downtown Miami are the Wynwood Walls and Frost Museum of Science. Kids can cool off at the historic Venetian Pool, which is located in Coral Gables. The pools are fed by springs. Miami’s vibrant culinary scene invites children to enjoy the excitement. Macchialina Blue Collar is a casual favorite known for its comfort food. Treats like Cuban-inspired ice cream from Azucar Ice Cream and pastries by Zak The Baker are also available.
Naples
Naples is a city in southwest Florida that’s known for its relaxed, yet luxurious vibe. It sits along the Gulf coast. Naples’ 5th Avenue South is a great place to stroll and enjoy the boutiques and restaurants. However, families will be happier at one of its beach resorts, where they can spread out. The Ritz-Carlton NaplesThe spacious rooms of the, which reopened after a major refurbishment in July 2023, are ideal for families. Beyond updated guest rooms, there’s kid-centered educational programming, a sparkling pool—and the poolside cabanas are pretty sweet. Sofra is the standout dining option at the resort with its Mediterranean food and open-air atmosphere. Gumbo Limbo also has a relaxed vibe with its views of the beach. Off property, Grouper & Chips is a no frills restaurant that excels at all things fried, while Coconut JacksIn Bonita Springs a few miles away,, a seafood restaurant with a serene estuary view, serves delicious seafood dishes. For a boutique option, the newly opened Perry Hotel is located in north Naples along the Cocohatchee River. There are two pools in the hotel (one for adults and one for children) as well as a boat shuttle that takes you to the beach. Naples Botanical Garden with its 170-acres of tropical plants, and nature preserve is worth exploring while you are in town.
Ponte Vedra Beach
Ponte Vedra Beach, home to TPC Sawgrass and the Players Championship, is not just for golfers. It is worth noting that golfers may prefer to stay at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa The hotel offers access to several courses including the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course, Dye’s Valley Course, and Dye’s Valley Course. The hotel has four pools and shuttles to the beach. If you’d like to stay at the beach, Ponte Vedra Inn & ClubHistoric property is the perfect setting for sun-soaked fun. Palm Valley Fish Camp is located not far from both hotels and serves seafood dishes, southern favorites, in a relaxed setting. St. Augustine, about an hour south of the city, is a great place to become a history enthusiast. Places like Castillo de San Marcos are 17th century fortresses. Stop at the Hyppo in St. Augustine for a bougie-popsicle. Consider stopping on your way back at Guana tolomato Matanzas for a stroll along the boardwalk and a glimpse into a Florida swamp.
