When it comes to quality fun under the sun, the Sunshine State welcomes all visitors to their family-friendly beaches in Florida. With a coastline of over 1,200 miles, the East Coast is one of the most well-known travel destinations, and can even be put on one’s bucket list. Let us take a look at some of these awesome destinations and why you and your family will have a fun time together.
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1. Sand Key Park
Want to find a beautiful, serene getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life? Visit the Sand Key Park so that you and your family may unwind to your heart’s content on one of the best family-friendly beaches in Florida today.
It has two bathhouses, each with its changing stalls and restrooms. There are also kayak and bicycle rentals available within Sand Key Park. It has two shelters, each with its grill, allowing you to simply put the food on it to cook.
Not only is it a beautiful beach that almost resembles a peaceful paradise, but it is also a great dog park where you can bring your furry friends along for the ride. Collect seashells on the shell-covered beach and enjoy soaking in the rays or windsurfing at Clearwater Beach while the kids play in the kid-friendly park.
For some additional fun, head over to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and learn about the local ocean life. Their main attraction is Winter the Dolphin, who is the star of the “Dolphin Tale” movies.
If you need a place to stay while visiting Sand Key Park, you may choose to hang out at the Sandpearl Resort with the family.
2. Siesta Key
If you want to go to one of the best family-friendly beaches in Florida, look no further than Siesta Key. It is known as one of the best-known beaches today thanks to a wide variety of activities.
Let you and your kids explore and witness the local wildlife at the Sarasota Jungle Gardens and learn about the animal kingdom. Watch animal shows and exhibits as the trainers entertain and educate you about the local wildlife. Have fun at the petting zoo and let your kids get familiar with all sorts of adorable creatures.
Not much of a beach-goer? Try the local mini-golf scene. Siesta Key is home to the Mini-Golf at Smugglers Cove, where every putt takes you closer to that sweet hole-in-one treasure.
There are other activities in Siesta Key for everyone to enjoy such as taking a trip to the ice cream shops, having a few rounds at the volleyball courts, taking the kids to multiple playgrounds, and even dolphin tours.
Much like all other beaches, it is better to visit Siesta Key from April to May since the weather is just right for hanging out at a beach where it is warm but not scalding hot. During these months, there are also fewer people and prices are more affordable.
3. Amelia Island
One of the most popular beaches on this list, Amelia Island is a beautiful and serene location, making it one of the best family-friendly beaches in Florida. With its variety of sports and recreational facilities, there is so much to do here that the entire family can enjoy together.
Take the kids to have a tasty, creamy treat at Fernandina’s Fantastic Fudge and indulge your sweet tooth. Their wide assortment of chocolates, pralines, fudges and more will simply make your mouth water in your beach vacation.
Want to go on a horse ride adventure while at the beach? You sure can when you visit Amelia Island State Park. They will make your dreams of riding under a Florida sunset on the beach a reality. As of now, it is the only beach that allows horseback riding on the beach, making this trip a very memorable one for sure.
Other than that, it also offers more than 200 acres of bicycle cruising. Ride the Timucuan Trail on your favorite bicycle and take in the sights and sounds of the beach while getting some fresh air.
If you want to learn more about the rich history of Amelia Island, head over to the Amelia Island Museum of History and become knowledgeable about the island. Whether you decide to take a trip down the historic pubs of the town, go on a leisurely walking tour at the Silk-Stocking District and see the hustle and bustle of the 1880s, or go on a spooktacular ghost tour with the family, friends, or loved ones, you will gain valuable insight as you venture within Amelia Island.
4. Dubois Park in Jupiter
If you would like to have a fun time with the family and do lots of water activities, head to one of the best beaches for families in Florida, namely Dubois Park in Jupiter. This Florida beach is host to a multitude of playgrounds and recreation centers to keep everyone entertained for hours.
The swimming area is always being guarded by the lifeguard tower, so going swimming in the water will always be a fun and safe activity for you and the kids. Want to rent a canoe or kayak? You can rent one and do some boating.
Although fishing is not permitted in the guarded swimming area, you can go fishing in the saltwater area. You can even take your freshly caught fish and have a grill in the picnic areas and show off your cooking skills.
One fun feature of this location is the existence of the equestrian center where you can ride a horse and be guided through the equestrian trails. Let the family have the chance to ride on a majestic steed and make lasting memories.
Want the kids to get physically active? Let them play in the outdoor playgrounds of the West Jupiter Recreation Center. Watch or join them in a few rounds of soccer, basketball, and other sports, and stay active and fit on your vacation trip.
5. Daytona Beach
Known for the world-famous, high-octane racing speedway, Daytona is also home to one of the world’s best family-friendly beaches. Daytona beach has world-cultural amenities that millions of travelers go to every year, and with the many sights and sounds surrounding it, it is no surprise that this is one of the world’s tourist hotspots.
Thanks to 23 miles of pure white-sand beach, you can savor the fresh air while hiking and exploring the nearby parks while also appreciating the view of the ocean. With lots of variety of food eateries and waterfront dining to choose from, you and the family can always eat in style.
Daytona Beach stands out thanks also to its claim to being the Festival Capital of Florida, with the multitude of festivals that take place year-round like BikeWeek, Turkey Run, the Halifax Art Festival, or even the Daytona Speedweeks.
Want a fun time under the sun at an awesome waterpark? The Daytona Lagoon Waterpark is just the place to take the family out for a swim if you aren’t a fan of beaches. It has everything for the family. Not only is it a water park, but it is also a family entertainment center. There are multiple slides, wave pools and kids play areas to keep everybody busy. There is even a Laser Tag arena and Rock Climbing Wall for those who are interested in learning rock climbing with lots of safety precautions.
You cannot mention Daytona Beach without mentioning, of course, the Daytona International Speedway. Enjoy a day at the world-famous racetrack and watch various NASCAR shows and programs live with the family.
6. Cocoa Beach
Located an hour’s drive from the Orlando Theme Park attraction is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Florida, Cocoa Beach. This beach is known for its calm and consistent waves and shallow waters perfect for families with younger kids. Another thing to love about Cocoa beach is that vehicles are not allowed on the beach premises, which makes it safer for the little tikes.
The calm and consistent waves on Cocoa Beach are a great place to learn how to surf, which in fact is one of the top things to do here. Families can explore the Cocoa Beach Pier which is full of shops and restaurants and where Ron Jon Surf Shop is located. This is the largest surf shop in the world, encompassing 52,000 square feet! It is open 24 hours a day and offers all the beach necessities that families need from surfboards to bikinis and water sportswear.
Another attraction to look forward to at Cocoa beach is the Kennedy Space Center. Your kids will surely love the activities here. Your family can visit the U.S Astronaut hall of fame, or visit the rocket garden and be amazed at the giant space rockets, or explore the moon and many others. You and your kids will also love the shuttle launch experience where you and your kids will hear the actual sounds of a rocket shuttle blast off!
If you and your family are looking for a place to stay for the week-long vacation, the nearest to all the attractions is The Resort on Cocoa Beach. You can also have a luxurious stay at the Hilton and the Royal Towers.
7. Deerfield Beach
If you and your family are looking for a great beach but do not want to encounter a large crowd, you and your family can check Deerfield Beach, one of the most family-friendly beaches in Florida. This beach boasts excellent water quality, earning them an award which is the “Blue wave” Beach award.
Families can go visit the Quiet Water Park, 400 acres of natural oasis which is a favorite among fishing enthusiasts and boaters. Kids can explore the Splash Adventure Water parks while mom and dad can enjoy a more quiet time with nature.
Deerfield Beach is also home to the longest cable ski in the nation, the Ski Rixen USA which is a whopping 2,700-foot oval course. Adventurous families can take advantage of its hybrid surfing, and boatless water skiing. The resort offers beginners lessons as well so there’s something for everybody.
After having fun on the waters, you and your family can explore the land attractions of Deerfield Beach. Your family will surely enjoy the Mind Museum, which is jam-packed with engaging activities for the kids. They can also visit the Florida National Panther Wild Life Refuge. Active kids will also enjoy Planet Air Sports, while mom and dad can enjoy a romantic walk along Deerfield Boardwalk and see the sunset.
8. Fort de Soto Park
For a mix of fun at the sand and land exploration we recommend visiting Fort de Soto Park. Located on the West Coast of Florida, St. Petersburg, this 1,100-acre park is one of the most family-friendly beaches in Florida. It guards Tampa bay and is regarded as America’s best Beach 2009 by trip advisor, the beautiful allure of the beach is of course what lures families here.
Fort de Soto Park is the best playground for the outdoor loving family. One of the reasons why the family loves Fort de Soto Park is its 7-mile paved trail that connects the north and east beaches, camping area, and boat ramp. Families can enjoy biking or just walk and see the beauty of nature. After a fun activity at the trails families can go and get something to eat at the park’s food concessions or better yet have a picnic at one of the 15 shelters at the park. Families with dogs will also love the pet park made especially for them.
Another not-to-be-missed activity here at Fort de Soto is Waterfront camping. Fort de Soto’s waterfront camping is easily the best and most beautiful camping spot in the state which the whole family will surely love. The campsites boast beautiful and stunning views of the blue-green water mangrove trails and stunning scenic bridges. All 238 of the campsites are complete with the necessary camping amenities that the family needs like water, electricity, a picnic table, and charcoal grills. One thing to note is that it is better to reserve in advance when the whole family decides to go camping because these campsites are snapped easily, most especially the waterfront ones.
9. Panama Beach
For the family-friendly beaches in Florida that offer endless fun activities on the beach and on the shore, you can never go wrong with Panama Beach. This beach offers a lot of activities for all ages. With its 27 miles of pristine beaches with sugary white sands, the family will be sure to enjoy fun on the waters. Families can go play beach volleyball or bike along the beach, while younger kids can frolic with the calm waves.
When the family decides to explore the off-shore activity there is plenty to choose from. Kids will surely love the Shipwreck Island water park which offers another form of water fun. They have the tadpole hole for the smaller kids and the lazy river for the adults who want to relax. Families can also enjoy swimming with the dolphins at Gulf World Marine Park. Enjoy family fun with the stingrays, dolphins, and sea lions, they even have penguins!
If the kids want to enjoy a theme park adventure along Panama Beach, they can go to Wander works, a 35,000 square foot “edutainment” amusement park, kids can explore different zones like extreme weather zone, lights and sound zone, and many more. Young adults can enjoy the laser tag zone, space fury, and indoor rope course. This is just one of the many amusement parks that are along the shores of Panama beach.
When the whole family gets hungry there are lots of seafood restaurants at the pier park, while moms can go on a shopping spree. There is unlimited fun to experience in Panama Beach!
10. Fort Myers Beach
Another fun-packed beach to recommend for families who are looking for a family-friendly beach in Florida is Fort Myers Beach, this beach is known to have beautiful emerald water and fine grain white sand, but the beach is not the only attraction that this place has to offer, there is a lot of fun and exciting things near the beach as well.
At the heart of Fort Myers Beach is the iconic Times Square which is located downtown. Here families can do their shopping for beach essentials, shop for souvenirs, and eat good food with the many restaurants around. There are street performers too to keep your family entertained while you go exploring.
Families can also go on a pirate adventure cruise at Fort Myers Beach by booking one of the crowd favorites, the Salty Sam’s Pirate Cruise. They offer different types of cruises perfect for everybody like the all-ages pirate’s adventure, which is a fun interactive comedy cruise for all ages.
Another attraction which kids will surely love is the Sky Zone at Fort Myers beach. They offer different programs for everyone, like the warped wall, challenge zones, foam zones, and for the more active teens the free-style jump zones. Fort Myers Beach also has mini-golf attractions such as Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park which offers mini-golf, go-karts, paintballs, and arcades; they also have an on-site restaurant whenever the whole family gets hungry with the activities.
Conclusion
Planning a vacation at one of these family-friendly beaches in Florida will be truly worth it for your family as they offer unlimited fun and excitement. Beaches in Florida truly offer more fun under the sun which truly lives up to its name as the Sunshine State. From the fun water activities to the buzzing activities off-shore, it will be a vacation to remember for the whole family.
