12 Best Places to Visit in Florida with Kids

The best part of your life to enjoy with your kids within the reachable places in USA when planning a fun filled family trip. I am the one who explores many places for my travel blog, today Florida will be my top choice.

Years after years of going through the sun kissed beaches and thrill rides theme parks and all other hidden gems with kids as target audiences from building sandcastles in Clearwater Beach soft white sand, spotting dolphins on the Emerald Coast in Destin, and kayaking in mangroves on Captiva Island, this sunshine state does everything for everyone.

Best Things to do in Florida With Your Kids in 2025

One thing I do love about Florida is the selection it offers you. You may have an education filled day out at Kennedy Space Center, cruise around looking for pirates in Key West, or just let your kids splash into the soft water of Fort Myers Beach.

Of course, whether you’re laid back or into adventure, making a family plan is never tricky. Based on my experiences, I’ve rounded up the best places in Florida for a family getaway, ensuring unforgettable moments for all ages. Have a look at the top beaches and islands for your outing with kids:

1. Clearwater

Clearwater is a top choice for families thanks to its soft white sands and calm, shallow waters. Clearwater Beach is consistently ranked as one of the best in the U.S., making it ideal for young swimmers.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium houses rescued dolphins and sea turtles, while an exciting experience awaits aboard the pirate cruise. The Sunset Festival occurs daily at Pier 60, with live music and street performers. Outdoor entertainment for kids is included in the festivities.

2. Key West Beach & Fort Zachary Taylor State Park

Key West is a place that combines history, adventure, and tropical charm for families. Kids will love walking among hundreds of colorful butterflies at the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.

Take a glass bottom boat tour to see the coral reefs without getting wet. Kids can swim, snorkel, and explore a historic Civil War fort at Fort Zachary Taylor State Park.

3. Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is a paradise for the shell hunter. This means that it’s an interesting beach destination for kids, as it features calm and shallow waters for the little ones to collect seashells and interactive exhibits at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.

Wildlife lovers can go through J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge with alligators, birds, and manatees. There is also a family-friendly opportunity of renting bikes and going around the island’s scenic trails.

4. Captiva Island

Captiva Island, north of Sanibel, is a low-key retreat with beautiful beaches and clear waters. It’s ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and dolphin-watching tours.

The island has a very small-town feeling, with its colorful shops and family-friendly restaurants. South Seas Island Resort is a favorite of families, as it offers so many activities designed for kids: a water park, nature programs, and even sailing lessons.

5. Destin Beach

Destin is an excellent family destination for those who enjoy water games. The beaches have sugar-white sand and emerald-green waters, ideal for swimming and sandcastle construction.

Kids will have a ball on a day out to Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park – a water slide complex with lazy rivers. Take a dolphin-watching tour or head over to Crab Island, a shallow sandbar, for crabbing, a popular activity for families.

6. Delray Beach

Delray Beach offers a mix of laid-back charm and fun family attractions. The beach itself has calm waters, and nearby Atlantic Avenue is filled with shops, restaurants, and ice cream parlors.

Families can visit Sandoway Discovery Center, where kids can see shark feedings and touch marine life. Another must-see is the Wakodahatchee Wetlands, a great spot for an easy nature walk where kids can spot birds, turtles, and alligators.

7. Naples Park Beach

Naples is suitable for family purposes, bringing relaxation and some adventure outdoors. Lowdermilk Park Beach features gentle waves and playgrounds that are best suited for children.

For an adventure with the wild, families should visit Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, with lions, giraffes, and monkeys as residents. More fun can be derived from exploring Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary by means of boardwalk trails over wetlands; maybe otters and alligators are seen roaming about.

8. Fort Myers Beach

Fort Myers Beach has very shallow water with calm waves. Therefore, this place is simply amazing for very young children. It is also here where the Lover’s Key State Park, with which parents can rent kayaks to watch for dolphins.

There are street performers, fun shops, and seafood restaurants in the lively area near the pier at Times Square. Another great spot for nature walks and beach picnics is Bowditch Point Park.

9. Panama City Beach

Panama City Beach is a kid-friendly paradise with endless activities. The beach has warm Gulf waters and soft sand, making it ideal for families who love to swim and play in the sun.

Kids will enjoy interacting with dolphins and sea lions at Gulf World Marine Park. Families can also spend time at Shipwreck Island Waterpark, which has wave pools and wild slides. There is also the opportunity to snorkel and observe wildlife at St. Andrews State Park.

10. Miami Crandon Park Beach

Miami isn’t just for nightlife it’s also a fantastic destination for families. South Beach may be famous, but Crandon Park Beach is better suited for kids with its shallow, calm waters and playgrounds.

For an educational adventure, visit the Miami Children’s Museum or explore the exotic animals at Zoo Miami. The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables is a historic swimming pool with waterfalls and caves, perfect for cooling off.

11. St. Petersburg Beach & Children’s Museum

St. Petersburg, or “St. Pete,” provides an ideal blend of art, beaches, and nature. Families can appreciate the calm waters of St. Pete Beach, which is ideal for young swimmers.

The Great Explorations Children’s Museum houses various interactive exhibits for curious minds. For some nature escapade, go to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, which has turtles, butterflies, and birds. The famous Sunken Gardens also offers a peaceful, family friendly experience.

12. Amelia Island

Amelia Island is a hidden gem in Northeast Florida, offering a mix of history, outdoor fun, and stunning beaches. It is less crowded than other Florida beach destinations, making it ideal for a family vacation that is relaxing.

Families can explore a historic fort called Fort Clinch State Park that has trails and picnic areas. Another unforgettable experience that kids will enjoy is riding horseback along the beach. They can also spot manatees and dolphins through kayaking tours around the island.

Final Thoughts

Florida is full of kid-friendly destinations that offer sun, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. Whether your family loves relaxing on white-sand beaches, exploring wildlife, or visiting fun attractions, there’s something for everyone. Each of these destinations provides the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, making them must-visit spots for your next family getaway.