Six recommendations "in the World", from luxury to budget. Animal Kingdom Lodge; Grand Floridian; Caribbean Beach; Port Orleans -Riverside; All-Star Sports Fort Wilderness Camping Resort.
Though Orlando is the center of the family-holiday universe, there are several distinct regions in Florida with resorts that specialize in fun.
Family-friendly beach resort, on historic Amelia Island in the north of Florida.
Half a mile of beach, Boca Babies, Camp Boca, family activities-- read more at in the Family Travel Forum archives. (A modest subscription fee is required for some pages.)
Fun includes snorkeling over a coral reef, and "snuba": a way to dive 20 feet down without scuba gear, for ages 8 and up. Also: kayaking, windsurfing, kiddie pool, saltwater lagoon stocked with colorful fish; golf, scuba, spa, fishing. For kids 6-12, Camp Cheeca is "an award-winning marine education/environmental awareness program". Read kudos at
Child.com.
An all - inclusive in Florida! With amazing kids programs, and even a Baby Club (-extra charge). Watersports, golf, great ambiance.
Two hours SE of Disney World, this property with inn and villas is in the style of a grand old beach hotel. Fun includes: pool with 163-foot water slide; Pirate Ship wet-deck; miniature golf; kayaks, hobie cats, other watersports; biking; and maybe the chance to see sea turtles.
Now a Loews hotel, the Don Cesar has presided over St. Pete Beach (west coast) since 1928 as the legendary "Pink Palace". For kids-- or should we say, "young guests" -- there's Camp Cesar, for ages 5 to 10; activities might include an etiquette lesson.
The place to stay, if you're visiting the Everglades, down at the bottom of Florida: the only resort in this wonderful National Park is unpretentious but comfortable, with screened-in pool and barbeque, and nearby family-friendly restaurants. Close to many activities.
As at Portofino Bay Hotel, guests get a free shuttle boat to the Universal theme parks, and Front of the Line Access on popular rides. Also: giant freeform pool with beach, and other family-friendly features.
Family-friendly resort in the Florida Keys; one of the few areas in Florida for good snorkeling; not the place for great beaches, though.
Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn sets a new level for on-property fun, with two terrific waterplay complexes, Nickelodeon theming and characters, and pool games and entertainment designed by "Nick". KidSuites have a room for kids, with bunk bed; the resort has free shuttles to theme parks.
On Amelia Island in the northeast of Florida, a short drive from Jacksonville: this luxury brand "puts on the Ritz" for kids and teens. Also: fine dining, golf, big celebrations on July 4th, Thanksgiving, etc.
This giant 2400-acre resort has a beach side on the Emerald Coast and a bay side: kids' sailing, kayaking, putting course; kids programs for ages 4-6 and 7-12; body-surfing and Boogie boards (complimentary); Junior Golf Academy, with excellent instructors. A picture-perfect Village attracts visitors by land and sea.
Off the west coast lies beautiful, laid-back Sanibel Island, where no multi-story buildings are allowed.
On the gulf coast near Ft. Myer, overlooking Sanibel Island; kids club, shelling on the island, dolphins in the harbor.
Family-friendly resort near fun and trendy Coconut Grove; right near a park and marina too.
Would a place with medieval tapestries in the lobby welcome kids? I guess so, if it's just built a 6000 sq. ft. Family Entertainment Center. Another surprise about this landmark hotel that offers 4 oceanside pools, 30 holes of golf, 140 acres, and 1/2 mile of private beach: prices are reasonable.
This island getaway on Longboat Key is just off the coast of Sarasota (central west coast), south of Tampa Bay. (You can drive right to the resort.) Complimentary kids camps, for ages 3-6 and 7-12; teen programs; tennis; watersports.
On St. Pete Beach on Florida's Gulf Coast, with kids club, five pools, white-sand beach, and giant inflatable slide on the beach.
About's Guide for Florida for Visitors profiles five family-friendly spots.
