Open Travel Guide
Family travel in Florida

Florida Family Travel Guide 2026

What Florida offers families — sorted by age group, energy level, and patience required.

Florida is the Sunshine State, known for its warm climate, world-class theme parks, stunning beaches, and diverse ecosystems. From the Art Deco hotels of Miami Beach to the pristine Everglades and the magic of Orlando, Florida offers something for every traveler.

Family activities

Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.

All ages

Parks & playgrounds

Most neighbourhoods offer free green spaces where kids can stretch their legs.

All ages

Interactive museums

Hands-on science and history centres engage curious minds.

Family-friendly hotels

Accommodation designed with families in mind.

Luxury

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Disney's flagship resort on the monorail line offers the complete Disney luxury family experience with Victorian elegance, multiple pools, character dining, and the convenience of being moments from Magic Kingdom.

Family features: Character dining, Multiple themed pools, Monorail to Magic Kingdom, Kids' club, Beach club

Mid range

Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center

One of Florida's most impressive family resort hotels with a massive 4.5-acre glass-enclosed atrium recreating Florida environments indoors. The resort features an exceptional pool complex with slides and a lazy river, and the enclosed Florida environment is impressive for children regardless of weather outside.

Family features: Massive indoor atrium, Water park, Lazy river, Kids' programming, SoundWaves water park access

Mid range

Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana

The Nickelodeon-themed resort near Orlando's theme parks offers character experiences with Paw Patrol, SpongeBob, and other favorites alongside waterslides, pools, and age-appropriate programming that keeps children engaged.

Family features: Nickelodeon character experiences, Waterslides, Multiple pools, Character dining, Kids' programming

Mid range

Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort

Directly on Clearwater Beach, the Hyatt Regency offers exceptional beachfront family accommodations with spacious rooms (many with full kitchens), a rooftop pool and kids' pool, and direct beach access to America's top-rated beach.

Family features: Direct Clearwater Beach access, Rooftop pool, Family suites with kitchens, Beach chair service, Kids' pool

Luxury

Omni Amelia Island Resort

A secluded barrier island resort north of Jacksonville with miles of Atlantic beach, two golf courses, spa, and Camp Amelia kids' programs. The seclusion and natural setting make this an exceptional multi-generational choice away from the theme park crowds.

Family features: Miles of private beach, Camp Amelia kids' program, Multiple pools, Golf courses, Spa, Watersports

Family travel tips

Practical advice for stress-free family trips.

Tip

Book Disney World park reservations and dining at the 60-day mark — most in-demand experiences sell out immediately

Tip

Purchase multi-day theme park tickets — the daily cost drops dramatically with additional days

Tip

Stay on Disney or Universal property for early park entry — this advantage pays for accommodation premium

Tip

Florida theme parks in June-August are extremely crowded — January-February and September-October offer much shorter waits

Tip

Pack reef-safe sunscreen for everyone — stronger than needed for northern US latitudes

Tip

Children's swim shoes are valuable for rocky/shelly areas; Siesta Key and Clearwater have no need for them

Tip

Pack a rain jacket or poncho for every person in summer — daily afternoon storms are reliable

Tip

Most Florida museums offer free admission for children under 6; many have family discount bundles