Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Children's Museums
Glazer Children's Museum
Tampa; charming interactive extravaganza.
Museum of Science & Industry
Tampa; huge hands-on science fun, with an IMAX and plan-
etarium.
Miami Children's Museum
Extensive role-playing environments.
Golisano Children's Museum of Naples
Modern facility geared towards kids under eight.
Planning
If you're a parent, you already know that luck favors the prepared. But in Florida's crazy-
crowded, overbooked high-season tourist spots, a little bit of planning can make all the dif-
ference. Sort out where to go, where to stay, and a few pillars of plans to hang the trip on
in advance - book that manatee cruise, schedule a day at the Kennedy Space Center, re-
serve a character-meal at Disney, but always check about cancellation policies. Once there,
it may turn out that all anyone wants to do is play in the sun and sand.
Accommodations
Resorts & Hotels
The vast majority of Florida hotels stand ready to aid families. They have cribs, roll-away
beds and sleeper-sofas, suites and adjoining rooms, refrigerators and microwaves, and
most do not charge extra for kids under 18. Most full-service resorts offer children's pro-
grams, including beach-walks, art activities and educational workshops exploring Florida
sea life, and at theme-park hotels in Orlando you'll find poolside screenings of family-
friendly movies.
Properties catering specifically to families are marked by a family-friendly icon.
Renting a House or Condo
Though staying in a hotel may feel like more of a vacation for harried parents, and it's aw-
fully nice to have room service, on-site children's activities and daily housekeeping ser-
vices, renting a private house or condo can save thousands of dollars. And it can, in fact,
