Florida trip advice needed.

July 16, 2012 | Self

[enduserindy]

I am taking the family to Florida soon and need help. I have 3 kids from 9-13 going. I know we have 2 days at Disney but what to do with the rest of my time? About 3 days down there. Thanks for any help.

[Ace's Dad]

I agree w/those who say KSC & TPA bay area; include Sanibel if you go West.

[The_Sword_of_Groo]

if you take 3 kids ages 9-13 to the Keys i hope you are ready to do a lot of explaining.

[irishtenor]

For history: St. Augustine - oldest city in the US
For entertainment: Universal Studios, SeaWorld, the Space Center (check online for a launch!)
For Excitement: check out an airboat ride, a gator park, or a multitude of other adventure things.
Question... Why only two day at Disney? We spend a week there and still don’t see it all.

[smokingfrog]

LEGOLAND® Florida

[BipolarBob]

#1 Buy a good “Insiders guide to WDW” type book. Check the reviews because I don’t know of a good one now. It will pay for itself in time saved. On a vacation, time = money. Look through the book and prioritize what each person wants to do. Get one which describes every ride. WDW will overwhelm you otherwise.
2. Go to Trip Advisor and check out what else you want to do in the area.
3. Draw up a budget and track it each day.
4. Make an itinerary to help remind you what you had planned on doing and see how close you stick to it.
5. Only you and your family knows what they want to do.

[Wpin]

Check out the Holyland Experience...great experience for you and family!

http://www.holylandexperience.com/

[yldstrk]

beach!!!!!!Sanibel, Captiva, even Jacksonville............beach it baby!

[Ron C.]

Rio is right (see post 14)

The Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral aren't far away - save the travel distance, you won't be disappointed.

Another thing - I hate bugs, and the further south you go in Florida the bigger the swarms of gnats and other pesky flying critters you will encounter. LOL

At least, that was what I experienced - and forget the 'keys' - it just isn't worth it. I spent three months down there and it was awful!

[EEGator]

It’s a bit of a hike, but St. Augustine has the Alligator Farm and lots of history, shops, and restaurants.(oldest city in America)

[Kirkwood]

Is this a driving vacation?

There are many aviation museums to choose from: http://www.aero-web.org/museums/fl.htm

If you do happen to head up toward the panhandle, stop off in Pensacola to visit the National Museum of Naval Aviation. Head a little further to Mobile, Al and visit the USS Alabama: http://www.ussalabama.com/

From Mobile, you drive back north along I-65 and stop off in Huntsville, AL to see the US Space & Rocket Center there. http://rocketcenter.com/

[Teflonic]

I live in Florida and people here have been raving about how much fun their kids have at Legoland http://florida.legoland.com/en/Park-Map/Park-Map/

[Chode]

thirty years ago i'd say goto Sarasota but i don't know now...

[Mrs.FuzzyG]

Try New Smyrna Beach instead of Daytona. 27th Ave. Park has free parking and is the beginning of the no-drive portion of the beach. More family oriented than Daytona IMHO.

[IMR 4350]

Shark fishing.

You got three days of bait.

[nodumbblonde]

There are plenty of sights to see besides Key West.

However, maybe because during the summer there are lots fewer people, I didn’t see any outrageous or offensive behaviour. I had my teen daughter with me and we had a fantastic time.

[nomodem]

I agree that the Keys are very nice, but it’s really hot south of Miami right now; plus, from Orlando that’s a lot of driving - a good 5 hours one way from Orlando with kids. KSC would be a nice and near trip down memory lane for the adults, and may provide a bit of fun & inspiration for the kids... (BTW, I live in the Orlando area B^)

[Eye of Unk]

Universal Studios, Seaworld and Cape Canaveral, my kids absolutely loved the Saturn V.

And Universal has the Harry Potter land now.

[randita]

Myakka State Park near Sarasota is a great place for an airboat ride to see alligators. You can also rent canoes and go out on the lake - but keep your distance from the gators. I believe you can also rent bikes and ride the roads in the park if you aren’t bringing your own.

Actually, Sarasota is a nice family place (only been there in winter, so don’t know situation in summer). Beautiful beaches and picnic parks.

[jennings2004]

Swimming with the dolphins was such a great experience that we sent the whole family (19) for a day which includes that and other close encounters with many varied and wonderful creatures. Just don’t know how to find a better experience for your youngsters and YOU. Just wait until you feel the powerful bodies they have....Wow!

[Bronzy]

This area was relaxing when we opted out of the Bahamas for Florida:
http://www.longboatkey.org/