Florida · United States · Things to do
5 things to do in Florida with kids
The five best family things to do in Florida are the theme parks around Orlando, a beach day on Miami Beach, the Overseas Highway drive to the Florida Keys, an airboat ride in the Everglades, and a sunset on the calm Gulf Coast. You will need a car, and the best months are late autumn to spring, outside the summer heat and hurricane season.
What to do, in order
- 1
Hit the Orlando parks
Orlando is the biggest theme park destination in the world, with several large resorts for different ages, including Disney World, Universal and SeaWorld, plus smaller water parks. For young children, the Magic Kingdom or similar parks are the most gentle, while older children may prefer thrill rides. Buy tickets in advance and download the park apps, which show queue times. Arrive at opening, take a pool break in the middle of the day, and return for the evening. Plan at least three park days, and avoid school holidays if you can.
- 2
Play on Miami Beach
Miami Beach has wide white sand, warm water and a strip of pastel art deco buildings along Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue. The beach is free, with lifeguards at many stations, and south of the main tourist area it can be calmer. Quieter areas to the north, such as Mid-Beach, are better for young children. Go in the morning, before the sun is high, and bring sun protection, since the UV index is strong all year. Take a walk through the art deco district for the buildings, and eat lunch away from the busiest strip.
- 3
Drive the Florida Keys
The Overseas Highway is a road of about 180 kilometres that links the islands of the Florida Keys to Key West, crossing dozens of bridges, including the Seven Mile Bridge. Allow at least four hours without stops, and break the drive at a state park, a snorkel stop or a roadside cafe. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, at Key Largo, offers family snorkel and glass-bottom boat trips. Traffic is heavy on weekends and holidays, so leave early. Stay a night or two in the middle Keys, rather than doing Key West as a day trip.
- 4
Explore the Everglades
The Everglades is a huge wetland of sawgrass, mangroves and slow rivers, home to alligators, manatees and many wading birds. Airboat tours, which skim across the shallow water on a fan-driven boat, are the most popular way to see it and are loud, so ear protection is usually provided. For a quieter option, walk the boardwalk trails in Everglades National Park, such as Anhinga Trail, where wildlife is easy to see. The dry season, from about December to April, is best for animals. In summer, bring strong insect repellent.
- 5
Catch a Gulf Coast sunset
Florida's Gulf Coast faces west, so sunsets happen over the water, and the sea here is typically calmer and shallower than on the Atlantic side. Clearwater Beach, Siesta Key and the islands near Fort Myers are popular family choices, with soft sand and gentle waves. Many beaches hold a nightly gathering at sunset, with street performers and food stalls. Arrive an hour early to find a spot, and check for red tide or seaweed advisories, which can affect swimming at certain times of year.
Plan it
- Best time
- November to April is dry, warm and comfortable, and the busiest period. May and October are shoulder months. June to September is hot, humid and stormy, with hurricane season running from June to the end of November.
- How long
- Ten days to two weeks covers all five. A week works if you choose Orlando plus one coast, or Miami plus the Keys.
- Getting around
- A rental car is almost essential. Distances between regions are long, so plan each area as its own base, and consider flying in and out of different airports to avoid backtracking. Public transport is limited outside Miami.
Good to know
- Pack a rain jacket and plan for afternoon thunderstorms in summer, which usually pass in an hour.
- Use plenty of sunscreen and hats. The sun is strong even on cloudy days.
- Book theme park tickets and accommodation near the parks early for school holiday weeks.
Frequently asked
Is Florida good for kids of all ages? +
Yes. It has theme parks for every age, calm beaches, wildlife and short drives between attractions. Pick a base for each region, and avoid packing too much into one day, especially in hot months.
What is the best month to visit Florida with children? +
November to April has the best weather, with lower humidity and little rain. March and April are very popular, so book early. Summer is hotter and wetter but good for a pool-focused trip.
How long does it take to drive from Miami to Key West? +
About three and a half to four hours without stops. Traffic on weekends can add time, so leave early and break the drive with a snorkel stop or a state park.
Are airboat tours in the Everglades safe for children? +
Reputable operators run them regularly, but they are loud and fast. Check age limits, ask for ear protection, and keep hands inside the boat. Smaller children may prefer a quiet boardwalk walk.
