5 Best Family Vacation Spots In Florida For Your Cruise Getaway

From coast to coast, the best family vacation spots in Florida deliver nearly everything you could want in a vacation, from sun-soaked beaches to legendary theme parks and countless opportunities for outdoor adventure. And with cruise ports in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral and Tampa, it’s also the perfect state to extend a cruise into a land-based family getaway.

I grew up in Florida and still find new places to explore each time I return with my kids. What is there to do in Florida for families? It would be easier to answer what there is not to do! The beauty of the Sunshine State is that every region offers something different, whether you’re looking for calm Gulf waters, exciting wildlife encounters or small coastal towns that feel worlds away from theme-park crowds.

These five family vacation ideas highlight the best ways to turn a Florida trip, including a pre- or post-cruise stay, into an unforgettable family adventure.

1. Visit Family-Friendly Beaches

There’s nothing like a beach day in Florida, and families can find ideal stretches of sand near every major cruise port. (Plus, for family vacation in Florida on a budget, you can’t beat a day on the sand!) Fort Lauderdale Beach, where I grew up, stands out for its wide sidewalks, calm surf and easy access to beachfront dining. For something more laid-back, nearby Hollywood Beach offers a scenic boardwalk perfect for biking or rollerblading, with playgrounds and snack stands that make it easy to spend a full day there.

On the Gulf Coast, Clearwater Beach consistently ranks among the nation’s best beaches for families, thanks to soft white sand and gentle waves. Parents appreciate how walkable it is, with restaurants, playgrounds and the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, home of “Dolphin Tale” fame, just minutes away.

If you’re sailing from Port Canaveral, Cocoa Beach is an easy option nearby. Families can spend the morning building sandcastles before visiting the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier or the nearby Kennedy Space Center. Even South Beach in Miami, best known for its nightlife, has family-friendly spots like South Pointe Park, where kids can play while cruise ships sail past.

2. Have A Ball At The World’s Best Theme Parks

No list of family vacations in Florida would be complete without mentioning its world-famous theme parks. Just about an hour from Port Canaveral, Orlando remains the ultimate playground for families, home to a mix of cutting-edge attractions, creative rides and immersive worlds that bring kids’ imaginations to life.

Universal Orlando Resort is a standout, offering movie-inspired thrills that transport families from the streets of New York to the jungles of Jurassic Park. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter connects two separate parks, and teens love the big coasters while younger kids can enjoy gentler rides.

Smaller attractions like ICON Park on International Drive or Fun Spot America in Orlando and Kissimmee offer classic thrills like go-karts, observation wheels and arcade-style fun, without the long lines.

Just up the road in Winter Haven, LEGOLAND Florida is a creative park designed specifically for ages 2 to 12. Everything from its themed hotels to its miniature replica cities inspires kids to build and create.

If your cruise sails from Tampa, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay makes a perfect pre- or post-cruise trip. The park combines heart-pounding rollercoasters with animal encounters that blend education and adventure.

3. Get Adventurous In The Great Outdoors

What many visitors don’t realize is how wild Florida can be. Beyond its beaches and cities, you’ll find wetlands, springs and tropical forests where families can experience nature up close.

Near Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Everglades National Park offers an easy day trip where you can hop on an airboat to see alligators, manatees and rare birds. If your family loves wildlife, Crystal River on the Gulf Coast is one of the few places in the U.S. where you can swim with manatees. It’s a gentle, unforgettable experience, and the water stays clear year-round. Blue Springs State Park, north of Orlando, is another peaceful place for kayaking or paddleboarding among manatees.

Along Florida’s coasts, several sea turtle sanctuaries give families a chance to witness one of nature’s most remarkable events: sea turtle nesting and hatching season. Between March and October, places like the Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach and the Sea Turtle Preservation Society in Melbourne Beach offer guided walks and educational programs where kids can learn about conservation and even see hatchlings make their way to the ocean.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium brings the experience full circle. After spending a day in the water, families can visit this working rescue center to see how injured dolphins, sea turtles and otters are rehabilitated before being released.

Florida also offers unique hands-on experiences through exotic animal sanctuaries and petting zoos that go far beyond the usual farmland visit. Families can meet lemurs, sloths, kangaroos and zebras at accredited facilities like Jungle Adventures near Orlando or Wildlife World Zoo outside Tampa.

For families craving a true adventure, a ferry or seaplane ride to Dry Tortugas National Park is worth the effort. This remote island fortress offers snorkeling, beach time and history all in one unforgettable day trip – there are so many ways to enjoy a family vacation in Florida that isn’t Disney!

4. Explore Charming Coastal Towns

Florida’s coastal towns are where you’ll find history, charm and a slower pace that gives families room to breathe.

St. Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S., is a place where history feels alive. The Castillo de San Marcos, built in the 1600s, is a favorite for kids who can climb the ramparts and pretend they’re guarding the coast. Cobblestone streets, old forts and pirate tales make it a destination that blends learning and fun.

Closer to Port Canaveral, Cocoa Village offers a peaceful riverside park, boutique shops and cafes that feel a world away from the bustle of Orlando. Just a short drive away, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex lets families see real rockets, meet astronauts and learn about NASA’s missions.

Across the state on the Gulf Coast, St. Pete and nearby Pass-a-Grille are bright, art-filled cities. The Dalí Museum is surprisingly family-friendly and the calm Gulf waters are perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. 

Farther south, Key West is a fun pick for families with older kids. You can bike past pastel houses, visit the Butterfly and Nature Conservatory or watch performers at Mallory Square as the sun sets, an experience that captures Florida’s free-spirited energy.

5. Dive Into Aquatic Adventures

Beyond the beaches, Florida is made for families who love being on or under the water. In the Florida Keys, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo is the first underwater park in the U.S. Families can take glass-bottom boat tours or snorkel over coral reefs teeming with colorful fish and sea turtles.

For a mix of whimsy, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is famous for its live “mermaid” shows and clear spring water perfect for tubing and kayaking. Near Miami, Biscayne National Park offers ranger-led snorkeling trips to coral reefs and shipwrecks, while Crystal River is ideal for calm paddling.

Other can’t-miss spots include Silver Springs State Park near Ocala, where families can glide across the glassy water in a historic glass-bottom boat, or book a bioluminescent kayak tour on the Indian River Lagoon near Titusville of Merritt Island, where glowing plankton light up the water on summer nights.

How To Plan A Florida Family Vacation

From quiet beach towns to theme park thrills, Florida offers something for every type of family traveler. If you’re sailing with Royal Caribbean, it’s easy to plan a short family trip before or after your cruise because most of Florida’s best destinations are within two to three hours of major ports like:

● Miami.

● Fort Lauderdale.

● Orlando.

● Tampa.

Of course, when you’re traveling with kids, timing and logistics can make or break the trip. Fortunately, Florida makes it easy. Here are a few tips for planning a family vacation to Florida:

● Arrive early or stay a little longer. If your cruise departs from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa or Port Canaveral, consider arriving a few days before or after to explore more of what Florida offers. A day or two in places like Hollywood Beach or Cocoa Beach can ease you into vacation mode before boarding the ship.

● Pair a cruise with a short break. If your cruise departs from Port Canaveral, add a few days in Orlando for the ultimate family vacation combo. Visit the many thrilling theme parks and attractions that can easily be vacations on their own.

● Choose the right destination. Focus on what fits your family’s interests. Younger kids might enjoy LEGOLAND and calmer beaches, while teens may prefer adventure activities. Most of Florida’s family destinations are within a two- to three-hour drive from major cruise ports, making travel days short and sweet.

Your Florida Family Vacation Starts Here

From calm Gulf beaches to thrilling theme parks and wild natural parks, Florida offers families the freedom to choose their own version of fun. If your family is already planning a cruise, adding a few extra days in Florida can turn a great trip into an unforgettable one.

Ready to start planning your Florida getaway?