Florida is full of activities that are family friendly and geared toward children. Central Florida and the western coast of the state have theme parks, zoos and endless beach activities. Those visiting the eastern coast of Florida who wish to include some fun for the young ones can find several quality options for kids that will help them enjoy the trip to the Sunshine State’s Atlantic shore.
From March until August, the Kennedy Space Center offers week long summer day camps for kids ages 8 to 14. These camps introduce kids to the actual place where the space shuttle launches its missions and gives them the opportunity to learn about the U.S. space program and its history.
Kids who enroll in the five-day sessions will have the chance to experience simulated space flight and perform a shuttle launch simulated mission. Kids will meet and talk with an astronaut and will work in teams to investigate the future of space flight and even design vehicles suited for future space exploration.
Kennedy Space Center
SR 405
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899
866-737-5235
kennedyspacecenter.com
A few miles north of Jacksonville, Amelia Island is home to the Amelia Island Plantation, a AAA Four-Diamond resort located on 1,350 acres wedged between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The resort offers a weekend children’s camp from Friday until Monday that gathers the children together for good times on the beach while the parents spend some alone time in the area. The Kids Camp Amelia offers nonstop activities for kids throughout the morning and afternoon that include nature clinics, games, arts and crafts, swimming and sports clinics. The camp also includes lunch each day.
Amelia Island Plantation?
1501 Lewis St.
Amelia Island, FL 32034
904-261-6161
aipfl.com
The ultimate in children's vacation activities can be found on board the ships of Disney Cruise Lines. As a stand-alone trip, or as part of a combination cruise and Walt Disney World Resort package, Disney Cruise Lines focus much of their energy on making sure kids have lots to do. The cruises depart from Port Canaveral on Florida's Space Coast en route to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The Disney ships were the first fleet to include a dedicated space for teens only. These boats also have nearly an entire deck devoted to children's activities. Kids get to greet characters from their favorite Disney movies, see first-run movies in Disney Digital 3D, swim in the character theme pools, slide down water slides and see musical stage versions of their favorite Disney movies.
Disney Cruise Vacations
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
800-951-3532
disneycruise.disney.go.com
