Florida is a mecca for families year-round, due mainly to theme-park powerhouse Orlando; but the Sunshine State has many other great areas.
Orlando
Summer is high season (and hot season) in the theme parks, but crowds lessen near the end of August. As for the heat: take a break from the theme parks in the afternoon, maybe swim at your resort; then head back for the evening. Also: Disney-goers can cool off in two terrific waterparks included with Park Hopper Plus passes. Meanwhile, Universal Orlando-goers can cool down on the wet rides in Islands of Adventure.
Top Ten Things to Do in Orlando Nickelodeon Family Suites by Holiday Inn- waterparks, character breakfasts, entertainment Family Reunions- Disney has online planning tools Elsewhere in Florida
Amelia Island - northeast Florida Historic St Augustine- miles of beaches Space Coast: an hour from Orlando, beaches plus Kennedy Space Center Miami: Sonesta Key Biscayne Resort The Breakers, Palm Beach - a landmark; huge Family Ent'nment Center Everglades National Park -unique in the world St Petersburg/ Clearwater Beach- west coast Busch Gardens, Tampa Bay - coasters plus African animals; lots of wet rides Sanibel Island- unspoiled beaches Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort: big beach, big bay, picture-perfect village, in Northwest Florida
- continue to Southeast US *photo (c) Teresa Plowright
