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All Articles for : family
There’s More to Malls than Shopping
Check out these Florida shopping areas that offer plenty of ways to keep the kids (and you) entertained.
Tags: shopping, family, Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, Lake_Buena_Vista, Clearwater, Melbourne, Destin,
Florida Family Reunion Values
Southwest Florida's smorgasbord of affordable family fun stretches from cosmopolitan cities to fabulous free activities.
Tags: family, shopping, Fort_Myers, Naples, Captiva_Island,
Countdown to Affordable Family Fun in Hollywood
Hollywood pulls out all the stops with Funtastic Fridays for Kids, a weekly event in Anniversary Park that includes a free bounce house, clowns, face painting, music, games and more.
Tags: family, Hollywood, beaches, theater, deals, parks, outdoors_and_nature, art_and_culture,
Paw Prints in the Sand
The real gift to our kids would be letting our dog tag along and put paw prints in the sand. Now, we can – thanks to TradeWinds Island Resorts. At TradeWinds Island Grand, one of two TradeWinds properties in St. Petersburg, canines and cats are as pampered as families.
Tags: family, St_Petersburg, Tampa,
Luxury Within Reach
The family-owned, boutique-style Lago Mar Resort and Club is a AAA Four-Diamond property that Zagat consistently rates one of Fort Lauderdale’s best resorts.
Tags: luxury, Fort_Lauderdale, resorts, family, deals,
Summer Fun at Jungle Island Miami
The Big Kahuna is a whole lot of fun-a! It lets kids climb up 17 feet, have a seat and then slide down the “‘waves” into a refreshing pool of water.
Tags: Miami, theme_parks, wildlife, parks, beaches, family,
Grand Island Getaway
Tags: St_Petersburg, beaches, resorts, romance, family,
A REAL. FUN. BEACH.
With its new Pier Park entertainment complex, long-popular family attractions, emerald-green waters and a brand-new airport on the horizon, Panama City Beach is the quintessential Florida beach that has spelled out “REAL. FUN.” through the ages, for all ages.
Tags: Panama_City_Beach, Panama_City, beaches, family, parks, theme_parks, piers,
The 'A' List: Family-Friendly Resorts
Everywhere, it seemed, we saw families playing in the sand, pedaling around the property and enjoying an old-fashioned good time – together.
Tags: resorts, hotels, family, Destin, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Marco_Island, Port_St_Lucie, Florida_Keys,
Going to Extremes in Orlando
All I heard was a gigantic whoosh. Then, a shoulder-high wall of water came barreling from behind me, and I was told to stand up. I popped up and began dropping down the wave.
Tags: sports, Orlando, family, water_parks, surfing,
Kooky, Spooky St. Augustine
Treasury Street is the narrowest in the country at only seven feet wide, leaving just enough room for two men to carry a chest of gold from docked ships to the Treasury.
Tags: St_Augustine, family, history, historical_sites, historic_districts, art_and_culture, culture,
Baby Yourselves
It’s called the babymoon - a last-ditch trip for parents-to-be (or a reprieve for newbies) in need of some adult time and relaxation.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Fernandina_Beach, resorts, romance, honeymoons, family,
Favorite Florida Beaches
Since the sheer number of stunning shores in Florida can be a bit overwhelming (unless, of course, you’re lucky enough to visit them all), we’ve made a list of some favorite Florida beaches according to interest.
Tags: beaches, family, surfing, romance, Hollywood, Panama_City_Beach, Siesta_Key, Venice, Key_West, Pensacola, Sebastian, Cocoa_Beach, Daytona_Beach, Ormond_Beach, Jacksonville_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, Beaches_of_South_Walton, Fort_Lauderdale, Miami_Beach, Caladesi_Island_State_Park,
Roadside Attractions Are a Special Perk
I still remember sitting in the bleachers as a child at Marineland "oohing" and "aahing" as dolphins leapt out of the water.
Tags: family, St_Petersburg, Panama_City_Beach, Fort_Walton_Beach, St_Augustine, Ocala, Ocala, Ormond_Beach, Clewiston, Homestead,
Volunteer Vacations
Volunteer vacations let you learn about an area and its causes while also giving back to the community you’re visiting.
Tags: family, Green_Travel,
The Boardwalk Beach Resort
As many things as there are to do in "town," the real action is on the beach. Early morning shell hunts and late night crabbing are rights of passage every child should experience at some point.
Tags: Panama_City_Beach, beaches, family,
Happy Kids, Happy Parents
From our own experience at TradeWinds, I can assure you that parents are on "Easy Street" while their kids play pirate, romp in the sand and find plenty of nonstop entertainment without leaving the 20-acre property.
Tags: resorts, family, St_Pete_Beach,
Dad and Daughter Getaway to Vero Beach
For dinner, we go to the Driftwood Inn and Restaurant, a 1937 hotel listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it’s made of both driftwood and old pieces of Florida buildings.
Tags: Vero_Beach, family,
Savvy Ways to Save
South Florida rates peak during winter months and drop in the summer. Conversely, Northwest Florida rates are highest during the summer and bargains abound from early September to early March.
Tags: family,
New for Families in 2009
A new museum, 4-D movie theater in Orlando and luau experience in Daytona Beach.
Tags: Orlando, Daytona_Beach, family,
Keys for Two, Three (or More)
Hang by the beach in the saltwater lagoon or rent bikes to explore Duck Key at its every-day-is-a-holiday pace.
Tags: family, Florida_Keys, sailing, resorts, snorkeling, diving, fishing, dining,
Green by Nature
Almost 60 percent of Emerald Coast beaches are preserved from development, meaning there's plenty of space for kicking back under an umbrella or building the best sandcastle on the beach
Tags: beaches, Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, fishing, family, Green_Travel,
An I-4 Family Adventure
You really feel like you’ve been transported into Jurassic Park as you wander the shady trails, admiring the flora and fauna, and then around every corner is a life-size dinosaur peeking out from the forest.
Tags: family,
Jungle Island: A Miami Must-See
One of the biggest thrills for me was the show "Winged Wonders." It began with Pinky the cockatoo riding a bike across the stage. Déjà vu! This was the same bird I saw as a kid!
Tags: Miami, family, outdoors_and_nature, sightseeing, wildlife,
Kidding Around at The Colony
It comes with exactly the kind of reputation you'd expect from an established private resort long visited by politicians and film stars looking for a quiet escape.
Tags: Longboat_Key, resorts, beaches, family, sightseeing, Sarasota, kayaking, sailing, biking,
Ready, Set, Get Wet
Meet the dolphins at Miami Seaquarium for a soaking good time.
Tags: Miami, family, Everglades_National_Park,
Outside Interests
Get outdoors in Hollywood, where beautiful beaches, green parks and the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk mean fun for your family.
Tags: Hollywood, family, Miami, Fort_Lauderdale,
Dreaming of a Florida Christmas
The holidays in Florida have never been cooler.
Tags: Kissimmee, resorts, hotels, events, family,
Cool Kissimmee
Fall in love with the family-friendly nature of one of Orlando's closest neighbors.
Tags: Kissimmee, Kennedy_Space_Center, history, family, outdoors_and_nature, theme_parks, dining, hotels, resorts,
Emerald Escape
Autumn along the Emerald Coast of Destin, Fort Walton Beach and Okaloosa Island is the quiet season and a perfect time to discover this slice of Northwest Florida.
Tags: Destin, Fort_Walton_Beach, beaches, sailing, fishing, parks, dolphins, family, dining,
Daytona Beach Break
Today, the three-mile section of beach around the pier has been designated for pedestrians only, and it's still where it's happening on Daytona Beach. The Bandshell and historic clock tower stand in contrast to the beach's hip new scene, a pretty city park has sprung up at the pier's end and monuments and plaques pay tribute to the beach's early racers.
Tags: beaches, Daytona_Beach, resorts, shopping, dining, luxury, spas, family,
Wild About Marathon
At the Grassy Key Dolphin Research Center, kids have a lot to get excited about, because who can resist a dolphin's smile, let alone a kiss from one of the lovable mammals? Or a chance to play – even paint – with one?
Tags: Key_West, Marathon, dolphins, family, museums, historical_sites, snorkeling, wildlife, outdoors_and_nature,
Family Travel FAQ
While every family has different needs, there are common threads. Read these frequently asked questions to find tips to make your upcoming travels easier.
Tags: family, theme_parks,
Green and Global
In addition to its eco-attractions, South Florida shines in the museum department. Its art and historical museums illuminate the area's rich, multicultural complexion.
Tags: Sunny_Isles_Beach, Miami, resorts, family, Fort_Lauderdale, Green_Travel,
Fountains of Fun
At nearly 1,200 square feet, with two bedrooms, two full baths, a fully equipped kitchen and a washer and dryer, our villa makes for a very comfortable weekend home away from home for the three of us
Tags: Orlando, resorts, family,
Family Vacations with Old-Fashioned Fun
The shrimp boats pulled right up to the back of the restaurant so we knew the food would be fresh. What we tasted was sweeter shrimp than any we had ever eaten.
Tags: Amelia_Island, family, resorts, outdoors_and_nature, equestrian, Fernandina_Beach,
Happy Campers: Florida Summer Kids' Camps
The kids may learn how to walk a tightrope, swim with dolphins or launch a space mission. But surely after a summer in Florida, they’ll impress their teachers with the fall assignment on “How I Spent My Summer Vacation.”
Tags: family, Kennedy_Space_Center, Titusville, Panama_City_Beach, outdoors_and_nature, Tampa, , St_Augustine, Miami, aquariums, resorts, Naples, Amelia_Island, sports, Orlando,
Zookeeper for a Day at Miami MetroZoo
Our experiences included checking the eye of a red river hog, hand-feeding sweet potatoes to a rhino, warding off the advances of an amorous parrot and accepting kisses from New Guinea Singing Dog puppies.
Tags: Miami, zoos, wildlife, family,
Family Vacation Essentials
The Shores is Daytona Beach's only AAA Four Diamond property, but in an all-the-amenities, none-of-the-attitude kind of way.
Tags: resorts, family, Daytona_Beach,
Fun Under Five Bucks
Whether you want to sightsee, brush up on some history or just relax on a white-sand beach, Florida offers a wide variety of activities from which to choose that are all under $5.
Tags: outdoors_and_nature, family, history, historical_sites, historic_districts, art, culture, tours, Scenic_Highway, sightseeing, value,
Five Family Stops in Marathon
You cannot end your Keys visit without one lazy day at the beach, soaking up the sun and the crystalline waters. While in Marathon, plop onto Sombrero Beach.
Tags: Marathon, Florida_Keys, family, sightseeing,
Run Away to the Circus in Sarasota
Whether you plan a visit around the Circus Sarasota schedule, try your own skills as a trapeze artist or visit the Circus Museums, you’ll be happy you didn’t just spend the day at the beach.
Tags: family, Sarasota, theater, museums,
Voluntourism Vacations in Florida
Sibling rivalry has its advantages, it turns out. My kids were very excited to compete to see who could get more trash in their bags. Our goal was to grab as much as we could before it was blown away and washed out to sea.
Tags: Naples, family, beaches,
Spring Break Tradition with a Twist
With world-famous shores and a wide range of attractions involving everything from high art to fast cars, the Daytona Beach area is bursting with exciting activities year-round.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, family, beaches,
There's No Place Like Home
It has always been a dream of mine to swim with dolphins, so we packed up and headed south to the Miami Seaquarium, which offers dolphin swim programs at its newly renovated, $5-million Dolphin Harbor.
Tags: family, aquariums, St_Petersburg, wildlife, sealife, outdoors_and_nature, Tampa, Clearwater, Miami,
In Search of the Circus
Memories come flooding back when I see famed Ringling clown Lou Jacobs’ tiny car, hobo clown Emmett Kelley’s props, Harold Ronk’s ringmaster costume, the Zacchini cannon and the Wallenda high-wire platform.
Tags: Sarasota, family, museums, Venice, history,
Quick Florida Family Road Trips
Families who board in Fort Myers will love traveling north and across the historic Caloosahatchee Trestle and Drawbridge.
Tags: Lake_Wales, citrus, family, museums, Miami, transportation,
Panama City Beach Retreat
Whether you're seeking sunshine and warmth, beach town fun or just an escape from the everyday, Panama City Beach makes for the perfect family retreat.
Tags: resorts, Panama_City_Beach, family,
Lions and Lessons: Teaching Kids About Wildlife Conservation
All in one place, we saw tigers, snow leopards, ocelots, Geoffrey cats, jungle cats, bobcats, cougars, lynx, servals, carcals and lions. Each cat has his or her own story.
Tags: wildlife, family, Tampa, outdoors_and_nature, zoos, tours,
Adventures in the Swamp
Billie Swamp Safari offers daily tours through 2,200 acres of the reservation's wildest land, home to a variety of native species, including the reclusive Florida panther, as well as an assortment of animals most folks consider exotic, including the legendary American bison.
Tags: outdoors_and_nature, wildlife, tours, Clewiston, camping, family, Fort_Lauderdale, destination,
Waterscape Brings Family Fun to Fort Walton Beach
And as we saw, almost every room has a view. Unlike most other properties, Waterscape is built in a U-shape, offering each unit a dramatic view of the split-level courtyard and ocean.
Tags: family, Fort_Walton_Beach, vacation_rentals,
River Time
This is the Florida that the rat race scampered by. This is the Florida where casting a line and drinking lemonade on a porch create the kind of family memories that you remember from your own childhood.
Tags: Steinhatchee, fishing, family, dining,
Fun Meets Inspiration in St. Petersburg/Clearwater
You've seen them on TV and in aquariums, but it doesn't compare to seeing dolphins surface beside your boat.
Tags: Clearwater, aquariums, family, sports, St_Petersburg, St_Pete_Beach, Clearwater_Beach,
Butterflies, Beaches and Fall Breezes
A number of the coast's newer resort towns were planned with the safety and entertainment of families in mind. Along with a deep sense of community, they offer diverse vacation accommodations, beachfront kids' programs, shops and restaurants.
Tags: Beaches_of_South_Walton, family, beaches, events, Santa_Rosa_Beach, Sandestin,
Kid-Friendly Fun in Orlando
Liki Tiki Village is practically overflowing with family appeal. Each of the one-, two- and three-bedroom villas features a spacious living room, fully equipped kitchen and a washer and dryer.
Tags: Orlando, family, resorts, theme_parks, Kissimmee,
Paradise on St. Pete Beach
With a mango daiquiri in one hand and my Explorer Value Pass in the other (the pass allows unlimited access to many resort activities), I kick back on one of the beachside hammocks and soak up the Florida sunshine.
Tags: St_Pete_Beach, family, beaches, resorts,
Fun-Filled Jacksonville
The miles of laidback beach, lined with small but picturesque sand dunes, are perfect for swimming, relaxing or wildlife watching (porpoise can be sighted year 'round and northern right whales can sometimes be seen off the coast in winter).
Tags: Jacksonville, Jacksonville_Beach, family, museums,
Frills for Families
At Trump International Beach Resort, you have everything you need to keep the little ones and their parents happy without having to leave the premises.
Tags: resorts, family, Sunny_Isles_Beach,
Get More for Your Family Trip
Plan far ahead before the least-expensive options are sold out, check with individual properties for special deals and share your trip (both the fun and the expenses) with family and friends.
Tags: family, theme_parks, hotels, resorts, reunions, vacation_rentals,
Destination Miami - With Kids
When we “checked out” the 1,200-square-foot indoor facility, we found the camp equipped with enough counselors, video games, craft supplies, fishing rods and basketballs to make any kid happy.
Tags: family, Miami, resorts, shopping, aquariums,
Getaway for Four
I settled into a soft, overstuffed chair, admiring the dark wooden mantle, elegant wainscoting, flowing drapes and antique furniture.
Tags: Steinhatchee, fishing, vacation_rentals, resorts, family,
Pier-Fection
My reel screams as the snook tries to run for the safety of the pilings. I lift hard on the rod tip, hoping to turn the fish, but I’m one second too slow.
Tags: fishing, piers, outdoors_and_nature, family, Clearwater_Beach,
Life After Golf
By the time your companion finishes getting loofahed, wrapped and spoiled within an inch of his or her life, you can easily fit in 18 holes.
Tags: golf, resorts, spas, family, St_Augustine, Fort_Myers, Orlando, fishing, Panama_City, Florida_Keys, Santa_Rosa_Beach, Key_Biscayne, Amelia_Island, Daytona_Beach,
Florida Resorts That Are Kid (and Parent) Friendly
This oceanfront luxury resort is known its service, fine dining and location near world-class shopping. Here, kids are VIKs (Very Important Kids) - and they even get their own check-in desk.
Tags: family, resorts, Amelia_Island, Naples, Islamorada, Longboat_Key, Destin, Captiva_Island, St_Pete_Beach,
A Family Affair
Reunions are not just about catching up, they're about making memories. For your next affair, these activities infuse fun into your family time.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Fort_Walton_Beach, Miami, New_Smyrna_Beach, Panama_City_Beach, Titusville, beaches, reunions, family, Kennedy_Space_Center, resorts, bed_and_breakfasts, Destin, fishing, hotels, Florida_Keys,
Nurturing Vacations
Almost in disbelief, we see scores, then hundreds, of birds in flight, heading for the rookery, straight over our boat. Snowy egrets; great blue herons; roseate spoonbills with their unmistakable pink plumes.
Tags: family, spas, resorts, Fort_Myers,
Generation M (for Museum Going)
Imagine leaving your home forever to travel halfway around the world and battle the enemy in a strange land of alligators and dark-skinned giants.
Tags: Boca_Raton, Boynton_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Fort_Myers, Homestead, Jacksonville, Lakeland, Marathon, Miami, Naples, Palm_Beach, Pensacola, Ponce_Inlet, Sanibel_Island, Sarasota, Stuart, Tallahassee, Tampa, West_Palm_Beach, Panama_City, museums, family, St_Augustine, aquariums,
Planning a Florida Family Reunion
From renting a picnic shelter to reserving a block of campsites, Florida's parks are sometimes overlooked as reunion hotspots.
Tags: Kissimmee, Palm_Coast, Pensacola, reunions, family, resorts, parks,
Florida's Smaller Marine Attractions
With a microscopic admission, you'll have plenty of spending money to rent a surrey for a family bike ride, grab a bite at one of the Pier's many restaurants or take something home from one of its souvenir shops.
Tags: Bradenton, Fort_Walton_Beach, Islamorada, Key_Largo, Miami, Orlando, Panama_City_Beach, Tallahassee, Tampa, sealife, aquariums, family, St_Petersburg,
A-Foot in Orlando-Kissimmee
The neighborhood buzzes with excitement nightlong. Attractions stay open late and a wealth of restaurants draw the theme-park crowd for relaxed casual to fine dining in a setting of bright lights and big city.
Tags: Kissimmee, Orlando, family, theme_parks, walking_tours,
You Can't Hide From the Best Guide
The time of day we head out has a major bearing on our success. As he quickly points out, fish will bite all day in the spring, but early mornings and late afternoon are the best bets in the summer heat.
Tags: Kissimmee, fishing, boating, outdoors_and_nature, family,
Pensacola's Family Attractions
How often, after all, do you run into a pair of turkeys on the sidewalk? These full-feathered creatures seem to get a kick out of "gobbling" for giggling children.
Tags: Pensacola, zoos, family, museums, historic_districts, flight, historical_sites, art, piers,
Water World
If you'll pardon the pun, there's something totally cool about a Florida water park that's designed to look like a ski resort.
Tags: Clearwater, Crystal_River, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, White_Springs, water_parks, family, zoos, aquariums, museums, Lake_Buena_Vista, High_Springs, outdoors_and_nature, Weeki_Wachee,
Insider Tips to Florida's Beaches
And lest we forget, it's beautiful! It continually makes several of America's Top 10 lists of best beaches based on sand, water quality and facilities.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Beaches_of_South_Walton, Grayton_Beach, Key_West, Naples, Palm_Beach, Sarasota, Sebastian, South_Beach, Venice, Vero_Beach, beaches, shelling, water_sports, snorkeling, romance, historical_sites, family, wildlife, surfing, sunsets, New_Smyrna_Beach, Daytona_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, birding, Ponte_Vedra_Beach, equestrian, Sanibel_Island, Hollywood,
Under the Boardwalk
"Downtown" Hollywood is undergoing a modern makeover, but at Hollywood Beach, the Broadwalk wears its history proudly. There's a timeless appeal to the visitors' strolling, shopping, playing and dining before the open sand and the Atlantic Ocean. It's a haven for people and people-watchers of all ages.
Tags: Clearwater, Daytona_Beach, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Hollywood, Key_West, Madeira_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, Venice, beaches, family, boating, fishing, dining, sightseeing,
Florida Zoofari
Because of this exhibit, Lowry Park Zoo was named the number one zoo in the United States for young children by Child Magazine.
Tags: Gulf_Breeze, Jacksonville, Merritt_Island, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Sarasota, Tampa, zoos, wildlife, family,
Family Must-Sees
Your kids will be kissed and hugged by dolphins and sea lions respectively at Theater of the Sea in Islamorada.
Tags: Clearwater, Crystal_River, Fort_Myers, Gainesville, Islamorada, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Marianna, New_Smyrna_Beach, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Pensacola, Tampa, Venice, West_Palm_Beach, Winter_Haven, Kennedy_Space_Center, museums, wildlife, sealife, family, Siesta_Key, Fort_Walton_Beach, theme_parks, zoos, water_parks, aquariums, Everglades_National_Park, Daytona_Beach,
Florida Vacations With Teens
Best of all, it was as close as you could get to the water and the rolling, booming waves looked awesome right off our balcony, teasing the teens into a frenzy when we arrived.
Tags: Jensen_Beach, Key_West, St_Pete_Beach, Stuart, family, tours, Florida_Keys, surfing, resorts,
Houseboating on Nature's Doorstep
The lower portion of the Suwannee is a nature preserve, so we saw very little development or housing. Just our drifting boat along the winding river, and not a billboard or electrical wire for miles.
Tags: Cocoa, DeLand, Fort_Lauderdale, Kissimmee, Naples, Panama_City_Beach, Sandestin, Suwannee, family, boating, outdoors_and_nature,
Yo-Ho-Ho and a Weekend Full of Fun
We soon learned that this beachfront resort offers a boatload of activities for kids. He was painted like a buccaneer, saw a movie at the "dive-in" theater and made shark tooth necklaces with Captain RedBeard himself.
Tags: Clearwater, St_Pete_Beach, Tampa, beaches, family, resorts,
The New Daytona Beach
Aaron, Jean-Michael and I finished our last visit to this place we call kid-heaven with a late lunch in Ocean Walk Shoppes, colorful and representing what's freshest in Daytona Beach's family-fetching image.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Ponce_Inlet, family, racing, , piers, resorts, shopping, museums,
Rockin' Around the Clock in Panama City Beach
Water pistol fights, an underwater treasure hunt, tugs of war, steering the pirate ship, and going below deck for pirate tattoos keep kids active and entertained for the two-hour sail.
Tags: Panama_City_Beach, family, beaches, diving, shopping, resorts, hotels, nightlife, fishing,
Sandy Feet Welcome
The air was crisp, the sky cloudless and it was time to put the luckiest fishing village in the world to the test.
Tags: beaches, Destin, vacation_rentals, shopping, family, fishing, boating, wildlife, sports,
The Keys for Kids
Head south to Islamorada, where you can swim with playful sea lions and graceful giant rays, or just enjoy the animal shows and educational displays at Theater of the Sea.
Tags: Islamorada, Key_Largo, Key_West, Marathon, Florida_Keys, family, hotels, parks, museums, dining,
Great Reunions in the Great Outdoors
Here your family can boat, hike nature trails, bird-watch or fish from two piers.
Tags: Amelia_Island, Tallahassee, Wakulla_Springs, outdoors_and_nature, reunions, beaches, parks, canoeing, kayaking, family,
Resort-Style Reunions
Florida's weather, amenities and activities make it a prime destination for family reunions. Here are some attractive resort options for your gathering.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sandestin, resorts, reunions, Florida_Keys, family,
Family-Friendly Fort Lauderdale
I had discovered paradise - the world's largest discount and entertainment mall housing designer outlets such as Saks Fifth Avenue, DKNY and Neiman Marcus.
Tags: Fort_Lauderdale, shopping, museums, art, history, culture, resorts, family, Dania_Beach,
A Beach for Each
Getting to Captiva Beach is a romantic adventure in itself; quaint restaurants shaded by tropical foliage, cozy bed & breakfasts and colorful boutiques dot the path to seductive seclusion, breathtaking sunsets and romance.
Tags: Estero, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sanibel_Island, beaches, family, parks, water_sports, museums, romance, shelling, destination,
Family Reunions 101
We dined on fresh grilled grouper, huge burgers, jerk chicken wings and arguably the best conch fritters in the United States.
Tags: Clearwater, Egmont_Key, St_Pete_Beach, Tampa, family, reunions, resorts, beaches,
Florida in Flight
Florida's 320 days of sunshine a year are perfect for tasting the sweet, delirious freedom that is human flight.
Tags: Kissimmee, Lakeland, Tampa, flight, Kennedy_Space_Center, family, museums,
The Attraction is Natural
From towered vistas to gardens, roller coasters to concerts, from the nostalgic plop-plop of a biplane's engine to the roar of a fighter jet's afterburners, central Florida offers families of all ages, sizes and shapes a place to dream and play.
Tags: Lake_Wales, Lakeland, Winter_Haven, family, flight, outdoors_and_nature,
Reunions Warm and Unfussy
Mix and match your family for a Lee County reunion vacation that runs smoothly, warmly and, best of all, without a lot of fuss.
Tags: Bonita_Springs, Captiva_Island, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sanibel_Island, reunions, family, resorts, hotels,
Treasure Hunt
The islands above Sanibel also hold treasure troves but are less accessible due to a lack of bridges. Good news: that makes their shell hoards less plundered.
Tags: Captiva_Island, Fort_Myers, Sanibel_Island, outdoors_and_nature, beaches, shelling, tours, birding, wildlife, family, lehigh_acres,
Natural Riches of the Treasure Coast
No cars cruise these beaches. There are no bars, no buildings taller than five stories casting shadows on the sand. Forget spring break. Martin beaches are family friendly.
Tags: Jensen_Beach, Jupiter, Stuart, beaches, family, kayaking,
Adventure For All Ages in St. Petersburg/Clearwater
Make sure you save some time to explore the Pier 60 area, with its giant inflatable slides, bungee-harness rides and huge playground.
Tags: Clearwater_Beach, Indian_Shores, Madeira_Beach, St_Pete_Beach, Tampa, beaches, family, aquariums, water_sports, St_Petersburg,
Kissimmee: Just For Fun
In one section, rides and games are tot-sized and throughout, snack stands and restaurants sell kid favorites: cotton candy, popcorn, giant pretzels and pizza.
Tags: Kissimmee, family,
Kid-Tested (and approved) Kids Programs
These counselors are not simply slightly older kids who are baby-sitting for a few bucks an hour. They have earned degrees in recreation. In other words: professionals.
Tags: Kissimmee, family, resorts,
Winged Imaginations
. . . there's that certain something about flight that puts our collective imagination in a tailspin and ends us up landing on Florida's Space Coast. Not only because it's home to Kennedy Space Center, but because of the depth of winged things one can experience in this one-of-a-kind environment of aeronautical and natural wonders - from butterflies and bald eagles to space shuttles and Flying Tigers.
Tags: Cocoa, Merritt_Island, Titusville, family, Kennedy_Space_Center, outdoors_and_nature, birding, Melbourne,
Unexpected Orlando
With Disney, Universal and SeaWorld around, the area's reputation for big-ticket fun goes without saying. But don't allow that to obscure the "unexpected Orlando."
Tags: Orlando, family, museums, outdoors_and_nature,
Weird Science
Most families first associate Tampa with Busch Gardens, particularly its screaming roller coasters. But Busch Gardens, like Tampa itself, has its nature side, its scientific rarities.
Tags: Tampa, family, theme_parks, aquariums, manatees, zoos, outdoors_and_nature, tours,
Take to the Skies in Kissimmee
Treat the kids to a multi-sensory tribute to flight as you move through significant moments in aviation history.
Tags: Kissimmee, flight, family,
Street Smart, Nature Wise
No matter how involved you and your children become, Lee County's wealth of family attractions strike the perfect balance between street smart and nature wise.
Tags: Estero, Fort_Myers, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sanibel_Island, family, outdoors_and_nature,
Space
Take your time wandering through the tributes to legends such as Alan Shepard, Scott Carpenter and John Glenn, who continued to make history as a senior space explorer.
Tags: Cocoa, Merritt_Island, Kennedy_Space_Center, family, outdoors_and_nature,
Making History Fun
At the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum, kids are encouraged to climb the 219 winding steps to the top for a spectacular view of St. Augustine and beaches.
Tags: St_Augustine, family, history, museums, tours,
Kid-Friendly Orlando
You can't come to Florida without seeing a live alligator. At Gatorland, we had plenty of chances to get up close and personal with hundreds, from critters you can hold in your hand to the 18-footers that call the park home.
Tags: Orlando, family,
Backyards and Attics
Here history fleshes out as costumed demonstrators involve kids in colonial cooking, candle making, blacksmithing, wool spinning and the likes.
Tags: St_Augustine, parks, lighthouses, historical_sites, museums, zoos, tours, fishing, family, historic_districts, water_sports,
Family Fare
This is also the place to rent bikes for pedaling around Sanibel's 23 miles of paved bike paths.
Tags: Bonita_Springs, Estero, Fort_Myers_Beach, Palm_Beach, Sanibel_Island, family, resorts,
Neighborhood Attractions in Orlando, Tampa and Fort Lauderdale
Fish from the pier. Whack volleyballs in the very capital of beach volleyball. Play on the covered playground. Rent water toys. Relax with a good book.
Tags: Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Dania_Beach, Fort_Lauderdale, Hollywood, Kissimmee, Orlando, Tampa, family, beaches, aquariums, museums, parks,
Guilt-free Golf
There's nothing better for the banishment of golf guilt than returning after a day on the links to find happy, healthy and slightly tired kids.
Tags: Lake_Buena_Vista, Panama_City_Beach, Palm_Harbor, golf, family, resorts,
Awesome Family Adventures
Take lots of pictures because no one's going to believe your kids didn't make up this magical river.
Tags: Clearwater, Clearwater_Beach, Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Crystal_River, Islamorada, Madeira_Beach, Milton, Orlando, Panama_City_Beach, Pensacola, Steinhatchee, family, theme_parks, kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, parks, water_sports, Everglades_National_Park, St_Petersburg, Port_St_Joe, fishing,
Houseboating on the Suwannee River
It was a brisk September evening - the first cool spell of the year - and we sat listening to the waves slapping against the bow. Even the girls fell into a quiet mood, snuggled up against the breeze in a blanket.
Tags: Cedar_Key, Steinhatchee, Suwannee, boating, family,
Small and Family-Friendly Lodgings
I loved the answer I received when I called the B&B owners and asked if they accepted children. "Why of course, they're people, too," came the answer in a friendly Southern drawl.
Tags: Cape_San_Blas, Fernandina_Beach, Fort_Myers_Beach, Sanibel_Island, Steinhatchee, Wakulla_Springs, bed_and_breakfasts, hotels, resorts, family, Englewood,
Kinder-Kind Resorts
Plays, beach walks, water balloon soccer, language-learning and scavenger hunts are among the activities incorporated into kid-appealing theme days such as Natural Wonders, Wet 'N' Wild, Messy Mania and Space Day.
Tags: Captiva_Island, Lake_Buena_Vista, Orlando, Sanibel_Island, Tampa, Tarpon_Springs, family, Florida_Keys, dolphins, hotels, resorts, Homosassa,
Family Discoveries in Daytona Beach
The look of triumph and thrill on his face as he stood his first ride all the way to the beach? You guessed it: priceless.
Tags: Daytona_Beach, Ponce_Inlet, family, beaches, resorts, racing,
Hands-On Fun
The ultimate hands-on sea experiences take place where special programs allow you to swim with dolphins and other marine creatures as you learn about their behaviors and habits.
Tags: Boca_Raton, Boynton_Beach, Clearwater, Daytona_Beach, Fort_Myers, Gainesville, Islamorada, Jacksonville, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Marathon, Miami, Naples, Orlando, Palm_Beach, Pensacola, Sanibel_Island, Sarasota, Stuart, Tallahassee, Tampa, West_Palm_Beach, museums, family, outdoors_and_nature,
Theme Park Tips
Do the most popular rides early in the morning, moving to the back of the park first. Use peak times in the early afternoon for eating, shopping and shows. Ride lines often slack off toward late afternoon, so save the big attractions you missed in the morning for later.
Tags: Orlando, theme_parks, family, Lake_Buena_Vista,
Florida's Water Parks
When your child's essay entitled "What I Did On Summer Vacation" includes swimming with sharks (albeit docile nurse sharks), his status may rise instantly with classmates.
Tags: Kissimmee, Lake_Buena_Vista, Ocala, Orlando, Tampa, water_parks, family, Weeki_Wachee,
Kennedy Space Center for the Family
Older kids and adults with an interest in space can immerse themselves in one-of-a-kind experiences including coming face-to-face with space heroes from past missions, who answer questions and tell personal tales of space exploration during daily Astronaut Encounter briefings.
Tags: Cape_Canaveral, Cocoa, Cocoa_Beach, Kennedy_Space_Center, family,
Adventures with 'Tweens and Teens
With an introduction like that to the world of scuba, Aaron sank right into the experience, losing any trace of apprehension he had tried to conceal.
Tags: Fort_Lauderdale, Key_Largo, Winter_Haven, family, sports, water_sports, diving, sightseeing,
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Tim McDonald
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Terry Tomalin
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Kevin Mims
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Terry Ward
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