13-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Florida

  • Day 1: Walt Disney World
    30 minutes (25 miles) from Orlando International Airport

    Walt Disney World is the most famous amusement park in the world located in Orlando. It offers multiple attractions, rides, and shows for all ages.

  • Day 2: Daytona Beach
    1 hour (63 miles) from Walt Disney World

    Daytona Beach is a popular family-friendly beach destination. It offers a vast selection of water sports, such as surfing, kayaking, and boating.

  • Day 3: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
    1 hour (59 miles) from Daytona Beach

    Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must-see attraction located in Brevard County. Visitors can view exhibits, interactive displays and experience various space simulators.

  • Day 4: Universal Orlando Resort
    50 minutes (17 miles) from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

    Universal Orlando Resort is a theme park and entertainment resort located in Orlando. It offers various attractions and rides designed for children and families, along with restaurants and shops.

  • Day 5: Legoland Florida Resort
    40 minutes (29 miles) from Universal Orlando Resort

    Legoland Florida Resort is a theme park designed specifically for kids between the ages of 2 to 12. It offers interactive rides, shows, and attractions for families to enjoy.

  • Day 6: Sarasota Jungle Gardens
    1 hour 45 minutes (112 miles) from Legoland Florida Resort

    Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a historically preserved botanical garden located in Sarasota. It features exotic animals, including parrots, alligators, and flamingos, among many others.

  • Day 7: The Ringling - Museum of Art
    15 minutes (5 miles) from Sarasota Jungle Gardens

    The Ringling is a museum that houses numerous American and European paintings located in Sarasota. Visitors can also tour the Ca’ d’Zan, John and Mable Ringling's historic mansion.

  • Day 8: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
    1 hour 45 minutes (80 miles) from The Ringling - Museum of Art

    Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is a family-friendly African-themed amusement park located in Tampa. It offers various attractions, including rollercoasters, shows, and animal exhibits.

  • Day 9: Clearwater Marine Aquarium
    45 minutes (27 miles) from Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

    Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a marine life rescue center located in Clearwater. Visitors can view and learn about a variety of marine animals, including turtles, dolphins, and pelicans.

  • Day 10: St. Augustine
    2 hours 45 minutes (170 miles) from Clearwater Marine Aquarium

    St. Augustine is a historic town and popular tourist attraction located in St. Johns County. Visitors can tour the town's historic sites, take trolley rides, and participate in various events.

  • Day 11: Naval Aviation Museum
    4 hours (320 miles) from St. Augustine

    Naval Aviation Museum is a fascinating facility located in Pensacola which features restored aircraft, educational exhibits, and interactive displays related to Naval Aviation's history.

  • Day 12: Gulf Island National Seashore
    30 minutes (16 miles) from Naval Aviation Museum

    Gulf Island National Seashore is a gorgeous stretch of beaches located in Pensacola. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, kayak, or take a guided tour in the Gulf of Mexico.

  • Day 13: Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
    4 hours (288 miles) from Gulf Island National Seashore

    Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park is a water park located in Orlando. Visitors can enjoy water rollercoasters, thrilling slides, and several other water attractions.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Walt Disney World (1 day, $200)
  • Daytona Beach (1 day, $50)
  • Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (1 day, $60)
  • Universal Orlando Resort (1-2 days, $200)
  • Legoland Florida Resort (1 day, $100)
  • Sarasota Jungle Gardens (1 day, $35)
  • The Ringling - Museum of Art (1 day, $25)
  • Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (1-2 days, $150)
  • Clearwater Marine Aquarium (1 day, $30)
  • St. Augustine (1 day, $50)
  • Naval Aviation Museum (1 day, free)
  • Gulf Island National Seashore (1 day, free)
  • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park (1 day, $70)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $1,015-$1,350

Transportation

Florida is a vast state, and some of the attractions listed above are a few hours' drive from each other. It's best to rent a vehicle and consider the travel time and costs based on the itinerary planned. Some parks offer shuttle services for visitors, which can make it easier to get around.

Useful Tips

For those with more time, visit Florida Keys, Miami Beach, or Everglades National Park to have a memorable experience. For those with lesser time, consider reducing the stays at Universal Orlando Resort or Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.

Airports

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the primary airport in the Orlando area, about 20-30 minutes from Walt Disney World. Miami International Airport (MIA) is the nearest to Key West, while Everglades National Park is served best by Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). Pensacola International Airport (PNS) is the airport nearest to the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola.

0