Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Florida for Kids
Kids love Florida. And what's not to like? Sandcastles and waves, dolphins and alligators,
Cinderella and Harry Potter. There are the classics and the don't misses, the obvious and
the cliché, but just as memorable, and often far less stressful and less expensive, are the
distinctly Floridian under-the-radar discoveries. Roadside attractions, mom-and-pop anim-
al rescues, intimate wildlife expeditions, street festivals and more…and when you've had
enough, there's plenty of opportunities to do a whole lot of nothing in the sun.
Theme Parks
The self-contained resort complexes of Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort
offer multiple theme and water parks, on-site hotels and transportation systems, and just
beyond their gates you'll find SeaWorld, Discovery Cove and Legoland; the only big-hitter
theme park beyond Orlando is Busch Gardens.
'To do theme parks justice, they have their own chapter (see
Click here
)
. This chapter
focuses on all the other things families can do in Florida.'
Beaches
While the prototypical Florida family beach is fronted by crowded commercial centers,
you'll find loads of beaches that echo that quintessential Old Florida feel. Many are protec-
ted in state parks, wildlife preserves and island sanctuaries, and there are pockets of road-
trip-perfect coastline, with mile upon mile of beautiful emptiness dotted with flip-flop
friendly low-rise towns. Remember that there's a distinct difference between Gulf and At-
lantic beaches - many find the shallows and gentle surf of the Gulf perfect for little ones,
but Atlantic ones often lie on barrier islands that are flanked by calm water rivers and in-
lets to the west. Currents can be dangerously strong along both coasts; always pay atten-
tion to rip-tide warnings.
Zoos & Museums
Up-close animal encounters have long been a Florida tourist staple, and the state has some
of the best zoos and aquariums in the country as well as all kinds of small-scale jewels and
Old Florida favorites that offer hands-on interactions and quirky shows. Florida's cities
