Family Friendly Spring Break Florida: Top Destinations for All Ages

Florida has long been recognized as a prime destination for spring break, historically catering to college students eager for sun-soaked parties and vibrant nightlife. Iconic locations such as Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Key West, and South Beach Miami drew crowds looking for a lively escape. Over the past three decades, however, the state has shifted its focus, evolving into a welcoming environment ideal for families seeking enjoyable vacation experiences.

Today, Florida offers a diverse range of family-friendly spring break options. With its stunning beaches along the Gulf of Mexico and a multitude of wildlife activities, families can enjoy a more leisurely and engaging holiday. Destinations such as Daytona Beach and others provide opportunities for relaxation and exploration, ensuring that visitors of all ages can create lasting memories while enjoying Florida’s unique attractions.

Orlando Area Theme Parks & Attractions

Orlando is renowned for its exceptional theme parks and attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year. The city’s variety of options ensures a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

The Walt Disney World Resort

The Walt Disney World Resort has been a cornerstone of entertainment in Central Florida since its opening in 1971. This expansive resort features four prominent theme parks, two water parks, and a multitude of shopping and dining choices. With over 30,000 hotel accommodations, visitors can easily spend several days exploring the many offerings.

Disney World is particularly appealing to younger guests due to its character meet-and-greets and immersive experiences. Yet, older children and teenagers can also find plenty of excitement with thrilling rides found throughout the parks.

• Magic Kingdom: Known for Cinderella’s Castle and classic attractions.
• Epcot: Features a unique blend of technology and world cultures.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Home to movie-themed rides and attractions.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Combines theme park elements with a zoo experience.

The Universal Orlando Resort

The Universal Orlando Resort is known for its high-energy attractions, ideal for thrill-seekers. While it features two main theme parks and a water park, it remains smaller than Disney World and is more suitable for older children, teenagers, and adults seeking adrenaline-pumping experiences.

Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure offer a mix of rides and shows that cater to a variety of interests. For families eager to explore everything in a few days, attractions like the Universal Express make it feasible to cover the essentials.

• Mardi Gras Celebration: Runs from early February to April, featuring themed parades and live concerts.

SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando offers a blend of theme park entertainment and marine attractions. The park includes the main SeaWorld theme park, Aquatica water park, and Discovery Cove, which provides a more intimate marine experience.

SeaWorld can typically be enjoyed in a single day, allowing guests to experience most rides, attractions, and shows. Families will find activities suitable for all ages, particularly in Sesame Street Land, which entertains younger audiences. Aquatica boasts a range of water attractions, making it an excellent choice for those looking to cool off during their visit.

Clearwater / St. Pete Beach

Clearwater and St. Pete Beach are prime destinations for a family vacation in Florida. Clearwater Beach has earned accolades as one of the best beaches in the United States and ranks among the top in the world. The area boasts beautiful, soft white sand along the Gulf of Mexico, making it especially appealing for families.

At Clearwater Beach, Pier 60 serves as a central attraction. This expansive fishing pier spans over 1,000 feet and features a rock climbing wall, inflatable water slides, and lively street performers in the evenings. Families seeking accommodation will find the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa to be an excellent choice, offering 418 rooms within a sprawling 10-acre beachfront property just steps away from the pier.

The Palm Beaches

Beaches, Waterways, and the Iconic Lighthouse of Jupiter

Jupiter boasts over three miles of stunning beaches, featuring warm waters that average around 78 degrees. Carlin Park serves as a hub, offering about 3,000 feet of lifeguarded beach alongside ample amenities such as picnic spots, barbecue areas, playgrounds, restrooms, and an on-site café. Located to the north is DuBois Park, positioned right on Jupiter Inlet. This area provides a seasonal lifeguarded beach, a tidal lagoon for swimming, canoeing and kayaking access, a fishing jetty, restrooms, and a playground for children.

The waterways in Jupiter are among the finest on the East Coast of Florida. Families can enjoy activities such as paddleboarding, as well as taking advantage of Jupiter Water Tours. There are also several waterfront dining options, including popular establishments like Guanabanas Restaurant, The Square Grouper, and U Tiki. At the heart of Jupiter is the Jupiter Lighthouse, an iconic red structure completed in 1860. Standing at 105 feet tall, the lighthouse also features a park that includes a museum, a visitors center, a swimming area along the intracoastal waterway, and more than 100 acres of natural space with sports fields and a playground.

Lion Country Safari

Lion Country Safari spans over 600 acres and provides a unique drive-through experience along with a walk-through amusement park. Since its establishment in 1967, it has become a notable attraction, recognized as one of the top zoos nationwide. Visitors can see more than 1,000 animals, including lions, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and chimpanzees. This venue offers a variety of activities, such as paddle boat rides, animal presentations, a petting zoo, fish feeding, and plenty of play areas for children. Additionally, for those looking to extend their visit, a KOA Campground is conveniently located on-site.

Rapids Water Park

As one of South Florida’s premier water parks, Rapids Water Park has entertained guests since its opening in 1979. Over the years, it has expanded significantly to encompass 30 acres filled with 42 slides and attractions. The park features various options, including body slides, tube slides, and raft slides, complemented by a vast 25,000-square-foot wave pool, a lazy river, and multiple interactive children’s play areas. Guests can expect daily ticket prices ranging from approximately $45 to $50, with special sunset rates available from the low to mid $20 range.

Boomers

Located in Boca Raton, Boomers is an ideal destination for a fun-filled family day. This entertainment center is packed with activities, including arcade games, two go-kart tracks, bumper boats, bumper cars, miniature golf, batting cages, laser tag, and a challenging rock wall. Families can enjoy a variety of entertainment options to create memories together in a vibrant atmosphere.

Cocoa Beach / Cape Canaveral

Cocoa Beach and the Cocoa Beach Pier

Cocoa Beach is renowned for its exceptional surf conditions, making it a top destination for both novice and experienced surfers. Numerous local surf schools offer lessons, ensuring everyone can enjoy the waves. In addition to surfing, visitors have access to a range of water activities, including Jet Ski rentals, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

The Cocoa Beach Pier, a prominent feature of the area, extends 800 feet into the Atlantic Ocean. This lively spot includes various restaurants, bars, and gift shops. Activities on the pier encompass beach volleyball and fishing, and visitors can also find rental equipment for their beach outings. Freshwater showers are available to enhance the beach experience.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Located in Cape Canaveral along the Atlantic coast, the Kennedy Space Center is the heart of America’s space exploration efforts, hosting NASA’s operations. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers an unparalleled experience for guests interested in spaceflight. The complex features engaging exhibits, two IMAX theaters, and attractions that showcase the Space Shuttle Atlantis and its historical significance.

Astronaut training experiences and the Apollo/Saturn V Center are key highlights, providing insights into human space exploration. This destination allows visitors to connect with the legacy of space travel and the work of NASA.

Destin / Fort Walton Beach

Beaches of Destin and Fort Walton

The Destin and Fort Walton Beach area boasts some of the most beautiful shorelines along the Florida panhandle. Visitors can enjoy soft, white sand and crystal-clear waters. Notable local beaches include:

• Henderson Beach State Park
• Crystal Sands Beach
• Jetty East Beach
• The Shores at Crystal Beach Park
• Okaloosa Island Beach

Each of these spots offers unique views and a chance for relaxation or recreation.

Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park

Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park is a popular destination featuring over 40 attractions for thrill-seekers and families alike. The park includes various water attractions such as a lazy river, the exhilarating “Flowrider”, and a wave pool. For additional fun away from the water, guests can explore a 54-hole miniature golf course, the winding “Cyclone Twister”, and the adrenaline-inducing 100-foot “Sky Coaster.” The park typically opens for the spring season in March, with expanded operations starting in April.

HarbourWalk Village

HarbourWalk Village serves as a vibrant hub in Destin, located near the Emerald Grand vacation rental property. Visitors will find a variety of charter boats, exciting water activities, and dining options. The area also features a comedy club, Laser Maze, zipline, and free fall attraction, making it an excellent spot for diverse entertainment and leisure activities.

St. Augustine

Beaches in the St. Augustine Area

St. Augustine boasts 42 miles of beautiful beaches suitable for sunbathing, fishing, and surfing. Some notable beaches include:

• Vilano Beach (accessible for driving)
• Anastasia State Park
• St. Augustine Beach

Historical Landmarks

Founded in the 1500s, St. Augustine is rich in history and features several significant sites, such as:

• Castillo de San Marcos
• Flagler College
• Lightner Museum
• Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse
• Fort Matanzas
• Fountain of Youth

Marineland

Marineland offers an engaging marine experience where visitors can interact with Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Established in 1938, it became part of the Georgia Aquarium in 2011. The park also provides eco-tours by kayak and boat for those looking to explore the area’s natural beauty.

Key Largo & the Upper Keys

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park spans 70 nautical square miles, extending roughly three miles into the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions both above and below the water’s surface. Popular activities include glass bottom boat tours, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving. A highlight for many is the Christ of the Abyss statue, located about six miles east of Key Largo, an iconic spot worth the visit.

Dolphin Plus Bayside

Dolphin Plus Bayside offers an unforgettable experience where individuals can swim alongside bottlenose dolphins in a specially designed private lagoon. This opportunity allows guests to engage closely with these intelligent marine mammals in a safe environment, making it a memorable highlight for families visiting the Florida Keys.