Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

12 Best Florida Weekend Getaways with the Kids

Soaked in sunshine throughout the year, Florida offers an array of family-friendly vacation destinations you can enjoy no matter the season. When kids are back in school, however, weekend jaunts are the best way to get out and have a little fun in the sun before getting back to reality on Monday. From island escapes to big city adventures, here are some of the best weekend getaways to take with the kids in Florida.

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Sanibel Island, Florida
Credit: Sanibel Island, Florida by bigstock.com

Sanibel & Captiva Islands

Perfect for a laid-back weekend away, Sanibel and nearby Captiva Island are Gulf Coast gems. Seashells and wildlife are the star attractions, where you can spend your days collecting colorful treasures along the shore and take a bike ride through the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. A paradise for eco-adventurers, you can also soak in the idyllic landscapes at nearby Lovers Key State Park.

St. Petersburg St. Petersburg
Credit: St. Petersburg by bigstock.com

St. Petersburg

A short drive from Tampa, St. Pete has a lot to offer for families with both indoor and outdoor activities. Stretch your legs in the wide shoreline of St. Pete Beach, head to the Dali Museum for a dose of culture or soak in the lush foliage at the Florida Botanical Gardens. Head to Clearwater Beach for a sunset celebration at Pier 60, or if the weather isn’t ideal you can spend an afternoon observing underwater marine life at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

St. George Island  St. George Island State Park
Credit: St. George Island State Park by Rachel Kramer

St. George Island

Perfect for a quiet getaway, St. George Island is home to St. George Island State Park, where you’ll find some of Florida’s most unspoiled natural landscapes without all the crowds. Nestled in the Gulf of Mexico in Northwest Florida, you and the kids can spend an afternoon riding a bike along the 17 miles of paved trails, spotting more than 300 types of birds and relaxing on the soft sugary sands. Take a guided boat tour to spot dolphins or hop in a kayak for a sunset cruise of the area.

Destin

Destin

An excellent weekend destination on Florida’s Emerald Coast, Destin has a lot to offer for water loving families. Fishing is the most popular activity here, while plenty of surf and sunshine can be found along its pristine shoreline. Take the kids to explore the fun-filled Destin Harbor Boardwalk or take a boat out to Crab Island Water Park to spend an afternoon jumping on inflatable slides, obstacle courses, and a rock-climb wall.

Miami Lincoln Road, Miami
Credit: Lincoln Road, Miami by bigstock.com

Miami

Miami isn’t just for the adults, as there are plenty of attractions that cater to families with kids. Sizzling with big city excitement, Miami has an abundance of water-based activities where you can swim, boogie board and surf to your heart’s content. Take a dip in the famous freshwater Venetian Pool with its cascading waterfalls and cave-like grottos, take the kids to the Everglades National Park to see some of Florida’s fiercest wildlife up close and personal, or go snorkeling in Biscayne National Park.

Sarasota Sarasota, fl
Credit: Sarasota, fl by bigstock.com

Sarasota

One of Florida’s most underrated vacation destinations, take the weekend off in Sarasota to find an array of family-friendly activities. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast then you’ll want to head to Siesta Key Beach to scout for sand dollars, take a kayak tour of South Lido Nature Park or marvel at the aquatic life at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. The kids also will delight at the famous circus memorabilia at John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art and colorful displays at Marie Selby Botanical Garden.

Tampa Tampa

Tampa

A thrill seekers paradise, Tampa is home to the famous hair-raising roller coasters at Busch Gardens. Explore the city’s downtown Riverwalk on foot or hop in a canoe and observe the wildlife found along the Hillsborough River, while animal enthusiasts will find exciting encounters at the Lowry Park Zoo. Sports fans can head to a home game and cheer on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while simply relaxing in the sunshine on Clearwater Beach is an activity in and of itself.

St. Augustine  St Augustine
Credit: St Augustine by Mickey Luigi Løgitmark

St. Augustine

The oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is a great destination for history enthusiasts. Founded in 1565, take a walk along the historic cobblestone streets in the National Historic Landmark District and make a stop to explore the 17th-century Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. You’ll be mesmerized by the views atop the St. Augustine Lighthouse, while the kids might enjoy the re-enactments at the Colonial Quarter and the collection of animal exhibits at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park.

New Smyrna Beach New Smyrna Beach
Credit: New Smyrna Beach by Gary J Wood via Flickr

New Smyrna Beach

A short drive from Orlando, New Smyrna Beach is a great alternative to some of Florida’s more lively areas, offering a combination of soft sand beaches and easy-going vibes. A family-friendly beach town with sidewalk cafes and charming bed and breakfast accommodations, you can easily spend a weekend sunbathing, fishing and sailing. Great for first timers, you also can try your hand at catching a wave or kitesurfing.

Fort Walton Beach Fort Walton Beach
Credit: Fort Walton Beach by bigstock.com

Fort Walton Beach

A short drive from Pensacola, Fort Walton Beach is located on Florida’s Emerald Coast. With 24 miles of picturesque coastline, the city is not only a family-friendly destination but offers a lot of value for your money. Take the kids to see the marine life at Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park or explore hands-on exhibits at the Emerald Coast Science Center. Perfect for beach hopping, you can also visit the quiet landscapes of nearby Navarre Beach and Miramar Beach.

Anna Maria Island Anna Maria
Credit: Anna Maria by Benjamin Thompson

Anna Maria Island

A place where time slows down, Anna Maria Island offers an Old Florida ambiance with its lack of high-rises, big-chain hotels and fast food joints. With speeds that never exceed 35 mph, this tiny island offers a tranquil escape from everyday life. Take a bike and cruise the 7-mile barrier island, spend an afternoon fishing or hop on a kayak and see if you can spot the dolphins and bird rookeries.

Orange City  Blue Springs State Park, Orange City
Credit: Blue Springs State Park, Orange City by kellyv via Flickr

Orange City

A great weekend escape for families, Orange City is home to places like Family Fun Town that boasts an arcade, go-karts, mini golf and laser tag. Perfect for those on a budget, here you can spend an afternoon swimming, boating or fishing in St. John River’s biggest spring at Blue Springs State Park or simply soak in the views of the forested banks and pale blue waters. Visit endangered animals in the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, or grab a floatie and go tubing in Wekiwa Springs State Park.

Travel Deals

Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole | 17% Discount

$150+

Sandals Royal Barbados | Up to 65% Off

$373+ pp/pn

$1500 Air Credit at BRAND NEW Sandals Saint Vincent

$489+ pp/pn

Riggs Washington DC w/ Picnic Basket Lunch

$200+

Hilton Rose Hall All-Inclusive Resort | Jamaica

$167+ pp/pn

Up to 20% Off | Air & 14-Day Ireland Wild Atlantic Way Tour

$2239+

Twin Fin Hotel, Honolulu | Save Up To 30%

$225+

6-Day Iceland Guided Tour w/ Whale Watching Cruise

$3369+

Select Europe Train Tours w/ Flights | Up to $200 Off

$999+

Jewel Grande Montego Bay All-Inclusive Resort & Spa

$190+ pp/pn

9-Day Highlights of Spain and Portugal Escorted Tour

$2499+

Non-Stop Business Class Fare Sale | Up To 70% Off

$2125+

Discover Ireland | 7-Day Guided Tour w/ Airfare

$1699+

14-Day Custom Castles & Coastlines Ireland Self-Drive Tour

$5486+

7-Day Ireland by Rail Tour w/ Belfast & Titanic Experience

$2328+