Help - 10 day Florida itinerary

Question

I know this has probably been asked before but I would be grateful for some advice!

I am hoping to travel to Florida next year with my two sons (6 & 2 years old).

I wasn’t planning on doing any of the theme parks this time around due to their ages, would this be a mistake?

My eldest isn’t quite into Disney yet and my two year old is just that, two!

I was thinking more of a nature/animals/beach esque holiday, a bit of shopping and some decent hotels and restaurants. We’re not a fan of all inclusives.

Could you all kindly propose an itinerary? We’re pretty much up for anything.

Travelling next year July.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

It sounds like you're planning a wonderful family trip to Florida, focusing on nature, animals, and beaches rather than the big theme parks. Given the ages of your children, a more relaxed, nature-based itinerary is definitely a great choice, and you’ll still find plenty of exciting activities that everyone will enjoy!

While it’s true that some theme parks may be overwhelming for younger kids (especially your 2-year-old), Florida offers a wide range of family-friendly activities beyond Disney, including beautiful beaches, wildlife encounters, and unique attractions. Below is a suggested 10-day itinerary that focuses on nature, animals, beaches, and family fun, while also incorporating some shopping and dining options:

Day 1–2: Miami
Start your trip in Miami, where you can enjoy a mix of beach time, nature, and culture.
- Miami Beach: Spend some time at the beach, either on South Beach or quieter spots like Crandon Park Beach. The kids can enjoy playing in the sand and wading in the shallow waters.
- Miami Seaquarium: A great family-friendly spot to see marine life, including dolphins and manatees. The shows are entertaining for kids of all ages.
- Vizcaya Museum & Gardens: A beautiful historical estate with lush gardens. It’s a peaceful and educational stop, and your kids will love running around the gardens.
Day 3–4: The Florida Keys (Key Largo & Islamorada)
Head south to the Florida Keys, where you’ll find stunning beaches and plenty of wildlife activities.
- John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park: A family-friendly spot for a boat tour to see the coral reefs. Glass-bottom boat tours are great for kids to view the underwater world without getting wet.
- Dolphin Research Center (Grassy Key): A fun, interactive experience where you can learn about dolphins and even swim with them (if your kids are old enough). It’s a magical experience for animal lovers!
- Robbie’s of Islamorada: This is a fun stop where you can feed wild tarpon fish, and your kids can enjoy the hands-on experience with wildlife.
Day 5–6: Everglades National Park
Next, head to the Everglades for some wildlife adventures.
- Everglades Airboat Tour: Take an airboat tour to explore the Everglades, where you might spot alligators, manatees, and various bird species. Many tour operators cater to families and offer kid-friendly experiences.
- Shark Valley: A part of the Everglades that offers an easy bike ride or tram tour to see wildlife in a more relaxed setting. There are plenty of opportunities to see alligators up close!
Day 7–8: Naples and Sanibel Island
Head west to Naples for beautiful beaches and more nature-based activities.
- Naples Zoo: A small, family-friendly zoo that’s perfect for young kids. You can enjoy seeing a variety of animals, including big cats, primates, and reptiles.
- Sanibel Island Beaches: Spend a day on the stunning beaches of Sanibel, which are famous for their shell collecting. The shallow waters are perfect for little ones to splash around in.
Day 9–10: Tampa Bay (Clearwater Beach & Busch Gardens)
Finish your trip in the Tampa Bay area, with a blend of beach time and animal adventures.
- Clearwater Beach: A great place to relax with your family. It’s perfect for kids, with calm waters, soft sand, and a variety of family-friendly restaurants.
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay: While this is technically a theme park, Busch Gardens offers an excellent balance of animal exhibits and fun rides for younger children. There’s a Sesame Street area designed specifically for little ones, so it’s a great option for your 2-year-old!
- The Florida Aquarium (Tampa): If you want to skip the theme park, visit the Florida Aquarium for an interactive experience where your kids can touch and see sea creatures up close.

Throughout your trip, you can also explore shopping districts like Lincoln Road in Miami Beach and St. Armands Circle in Sarasota for some light shopping and dining. Florida has plenty of family-friendly restaurants with great kid menus, so you won’t have trouble finding places to eat that the whole family will enjoy.

In terms of accommodations, look for family-friendly hotels or resorts that offer amenities like pools, kid-friendly activities, and easy beach access. Many of the larger hotels also provide babysitting services, which could be handy if you want a night out after the kids go to bed.

Overall, this itinerary gives you a mix of beach, wildlife, and nature-based activities, along with opportunities to relax and enjoy some shopping and dining. Since your kids are still young, this slower-paced trip should allow you to see a lot of what Florida has to offer without overwhelming them with long days at theme parks. Enjoy your trip!

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