15 Best Spring Break Destinations in Florida for Families
Spring break in Florida doesn’t have to mean battling massive crowds. We’ve scouted out the best family-friendly spots where you can actually hear the waves crash and find space for your beach umbrella.
These spots bring the perfect mix of chill vibes and exciting activities, proving that family vacations can be both relaxing and incredibly cool.
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1. Destin
Destin’s emerald waters and powdery white beaches set the stage for an epic family spring break.
Kids go wild for the Buccaneer Pirate Cruise, where they can fire real cannons and join treasure hunts on a swashbuckling adventure.
The whole crew can spot dolphins on eco-cruises, try parasailing, or chill at Crab Island – a giant sandbar party spot where floating obstacle courses and clear waters await.
Where to Stay: The Henderson Beach Resort offers private beach access, multiple pools, and a dedicated kids’ club.
2. Pensacola
Pensacola brings history to life with the coolest aviation museum around – where kids can climb into fighter jets and watch the Blue Angels practice their mind-blowing stunts.
The area’s pristine beaches stay surprisingly calm during spring break, and the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk buzzes with street performers and local artisans at sunset.
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Resort Pensacola Beach Gulf Front rocks a 250-foot lazy river and colorful kids’ suites.
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3. Marco Island
Marco Island serves up family fun with a side of nature. Kids will love the Mackle Park water playground and daily manatee spotting tours where these gentle giants swim right up to your boat.
The island’s laid-back atmosphere keeps spring break mellow, perfect for families wanting to escape the usual tourist rush.
Where to Stay: JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort offers the Tiki Tribe Discovery Day Camp for kids 5-12, plus nightly fire-dancer shows.
4. Kissimmee
Kissimmee packs a punch with activities that won’t break the bank. The Old Town district brings retro Florida charm with its iconic Ferris wheel and classic car shows.
Families can zip-line through pine forests at Forever Florida or spot gators at Gatorland’s splash park.
Hit the Kissimmee Lakefront Park at sunset for free entertainment and amazing photo opportunities.
Where to Stay: Magic Moment Resort And Kids Club is a family paradise that combines a game area, library, and prime location near Disney.
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5. Tampa
Tampa brings the fun with ZooTampa’s prehistoric predator exhibits and the Florida Aquarium’s outdoor splash zones.
The nearby beaches provide perfect chill-out spots between urban adventures, and the Riverwalk serves up endless entertainment with street artists and waterfront restaurants.
Insider Tip: Visit the Tampa Riverwalk on Sunday mornings when local food trucks line up along the water.
Where to Stay: The Hilton Tampa Downtown puts you steps from the Riverwalk and offers special family packages with tickets to nearby attractions.
6. Marathon
Marathon brings the magic of the Florida Keys without the tourist crowds. Kids love the Turtle Hospital where they can meet rescued sea turtles and learn about marine conservation.
The whole crew can spot dolphins at the Dolphin Research Center, kayak through mangroves, or chill at Sombrero Beach’s crystal-clear waters.
Insider Tip: Book a fishing charter where the entire family can enjoy an action packed day catching grouper, snapper and maybe even a shark! You never know.
Where to Stay: Isla Bella Beach Resort offers 24 acres of oceanfront paradise with five pools and daily kids’ activities.
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7. Port St. Lucie
Port St. Lucie scores big with families during spring break. Catch a New York Mets spring training game at Clover Park, where kids can high-five mascots and snag autographs.
Nature lovers can paddle through Savannas Preserve State Park or try spotting manatees in the wild. Visit the Oxbow Eco-Center for hands-on nature programs and wildlife spotting.
Where to Stay: Sandpiper Bay offers all-inclusive fun with sports academies and dedicated kids’ programs.
8. Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island charms families with its laid-back vibe and world-class shelling beaches. Kids love hunting for treasures along Bowman’s Beach, where the “Sanibel Stoop” (bending to collect shells) is a local tradition.
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge offers amazing wildlife spotting opportunities, from pink spoonbills to playful otters.
Where to Stay: Sundial Beach Resort & Spa provides complimentary bikes, beach gear, and multiple pools for family fun.
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9. Tallahassee
Spring in Tallahassee bursts with outdoor fun and cultural experiences. The Tallahassee Museum’s treetop adventure course lets kids zip-line above native wildlife exhibits.
Families love exploring the trails at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, especially beautiful during spring blooms.
The city comes alive with the Springtime Tallahassee festival, featuring parades and family entertainment.
Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers family-friendly amenities and easy access to attractions.
10. South Walton/Sandestin
South Walton’s 16 beach neighborhoods offer a family-friendly spring break without the wild crowds.
The Village of Baytowne Wharf in Sandestin buzzes with family events, from adventure zones to carousel rides.
Kids can try stand-up paddleboarding or bike along scenic trails connecting charming coastal towns.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Sandestin Fireworks Cruise where you and your family can enjoy unobstructed views.
Where to Stay: The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort features multiple pools, kids’ activities, and easy access to all attractions.
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11. Sarasota
Sarasota brings the perfect mix of beach fun and cultural cool this spring. Kids go wild for the touch tanks and friendly guitarfish at Mote Marine Aquarium, while the whole crew can spot rescued birds at Save Our Seabirds sanctuary.
Head to Caspersen Beach (nicknamed Shark Tooth Beach) where finding prehistoric shark teeth is practically guaranteed – just bring sifting tools and get there early.
The Sarasota Children’s Garden lets little ones dress up in tutus and tiaras before conquering pirate ships.
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Sarasota offers exclusive beach club access and special kids’ programs.
12. Miami
Miami rocks for families with its perfect spring weather and endless activities. The Miami Children’s Museum lets kids design art and learn about marine life through interactive exhibits.
At Jungle Island, you’ll get up close with tigers, lemurs and tropical birds doing acrobatic shows.
Don’t miss the Miami Seaquarium where you can watch dolphin shows and even swim with these friendly creatures.
Where to Stay: The Fontainebleau Miami Beach offers 11 pools and an interactive children’s waterscape.
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13. Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach brings the perfect spring break vibe with its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Kids love the Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s rescued sea life, while the whole family can enjoy nightly sunset celebrations at the Pier.
Take a dolphin watching cruise, or get adventurous with parasailing and jet-skiing46. The beach’s calm waters make it perfect for little ones.
Where to Stay: Sandpearl Resort offers a zero-entry pool and special kids’ activities.
14. Cocoa Beach
Spring in Cocoa Beach means perfect weather for both beach fun and space exploration.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex lets kids meet real astronauts and try spacecraft simulators.
Lori Wilson Park offers free parking and playgrounds right by the beach, while Jetty Park gives you front-row seats to watch massive cruise ships sail by.
For extra thrills, head to Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures where kids can tackle 40 different treetop challenges.
Where to Stay: Discovery Beach Resort offers family-friendly amenities and direct beach access.
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15. Lakeland
Lakeland brings springtime fun without the tourist crowds. Kids love exploring the Florida Children’s Museum at Bonnet Springs Park, with two floors of hands-on exhibits.
Safari Wilderness offers up-close encounters with exotic animals, from lemur feeding to camelback riding.
Catch a Detroit Tigers spring training game at Tigertown for that classic baseball experience.
Insider Tip: Don’t miss the Circle B Bar Reserve for safe alligator viewing from the shoreline and pier.
Where to Stay: The Terrace Hotel Lakeland offers family-friendly amenities in a historic setting.
