When families think of vacations in Florida, Orlando is likely to come to mind. There are certainly an array family activities to enjoy in Orlando with its theme parks, in particular Walt Disney World, but these may be a little hard on the budget. Thankfully, there are many other family-friendly places to visit in the Sunshine State which are affordable as well as exciting for both kids as well as parents.
Located 45 minutes east of Orlando, Space Coast is a stretch of Florida's Atlantic Coast 72 miles long, the site where shuttle launches take place today. The Kennedy Space Center draws millions of people from around the globe, according to its website, and offers families a tour of the NASA facilities for launches and landings, interactive simulators, and the opportunity to meet a real astronaut. Cocoa Beach, Florida is located in the area, with beautiful beaches and affordable activities such as parasailing and eco-tours, which give families the opportunity to learn about the saltwater estuaries and 250 square miles of wildlife refuge on the Space Coast.
The Florida Keys may generally have a reputation for not being kid-friendly, but as of 2010 more and more parents are taking the kids with them for a fun, affordable family vacation. According to Harold Wheeler, director of the Florida Keys and Key West Tourist Development Council, 25 percent of the visitors to the Keys are comprised of families. Activities include hiking, nature walks, fishing, boating, recreational parks and camping, and beaches.
Located a few hours away from Miami, tucked away from urbanized Florida, the Everglades National Park is an ideal spot for an affordable family vacation. A World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve, the Everglades provides an educational and fun experience for children. Activities include boating, tours with rangers, fishing, hiking, camping, and kayaking. Call 305-242-7700 or visit http://www.nps.gov/ever for visitor information.
An hour and a half by car from Orlando and located on the West coast (Gulf side) of Florida, Tampa Bay has an array of affordable attractions sure to please parents and kids alike. Families can spend an entire day at Busch Gardens, a fun theme park with thrilling rides and views of African animals, the Lowry Park Zoo, or the Museum of Science and Industry. Tampa is also 40 minutes away from the beautiful, world-famous beaches of Clearwater Beach, which includes such fun family activities as a Pirate's Cruise, trolley ride, and dolphin-spotting.
