Discover the best Florida beaches for families and kids
Fort Walton Beach pier Aerial view of the Gulf of Mexico.
Hosting over 100 million visitors every year, Florida is so much more than a state—it’s a sun-soaked paradise famous for beautiful coastlines and family-friendly vacation spots. With over 1,350 miles of diverse shoreline, the Sunshine State offers some of the best beaches to enjoy while waiting for your family cruise.
The gentle waves of the Gulf Coast and the top-notch amenities make Florida beaches a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re building sandcastles or exploring underwater wonders, there are countless opportunities to create lasting family memories.
The best Florida beaches for families offer soft sands, shallow waters, essential amenities; and a variety of activities that cater to both the young and the young at heart.
Top Florida beaches for families
Clearwater Beach
Clearwater Beach is a haven for families that boasts some of the finest sands on the Gulf Coast. Its soft white sand and gentle waves create a safe playground for children, while the nearby Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers educational encounters with marine life.
The beach is also home to family-friendly attractions, including beach volleyball courts and dolphin-watching cruises. If your family wants a little more adventure, parasailing over the Gulf offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable experience.
Siesta Key Beach
Located near Sarasota, Siesta Key Beach is known for its powdery white sand and shallow calm waters—which make it ideal for younger children. Just a short walk away, Siesta Key Village offers charming shops and eateries to enjoy with the whole family.
The beach itself is equipped with picnic areas and playgrounds, providing plenty of options for family fun. Popular for the breathtaking sunsets and family-friendly amenities (including well-maintained restrooms), Siesta Key Beach is a great place to enjoy some stress-free activities with the kids.
Fort Walton Beach
Fort Walton Beach, found on the Florida Panhandle, features a boardwalk complex with family-friendly attractions like the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, where the kids can enjoy dolphin shows and other marine presentations.
The area is also rich in nightlife and dining options, making it perfect for families with diverse tastes and preferences. You can find everything from nightclubs and restaurants to playgrounds and a science center with interactive exhibits at Fort Walton Beach. Here, every evening ends with a view of the sunset of the Gulf, making it an ideal spot for family photos and lasting memories.
Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach, located just east of Orlando, is an ideal spot for family beach days, blending the allure of easy access to the city's famed theme parks with the charm of its historic pier and gentle surf.
Here, families can engage in a variety of activities—from surfing lessons and beach volleyball to exploring the nearby Kennedy Space Center. Cocoa Beach is also popular among families for its annual Easter Surfing Festival, an event that draws surfing enthusiasts of all ages and adds a festive vibe to the seaside experience.
Amelia Island
On the Northeast coast, Amelia Island is the best place for wide, quiet beaches in Florida. If you’re specifically looking for the best family beach in Florida, ll want to check out the options at Fort Clinch State Park.
But the appeal of Amelia Island goes beyond the tranquil beaches. It’s also home to the historic town of Fernandina Beach, which adds a touch of charm with its shops and restaurants. Families can enjoy activities like kayaking, horseback riding along the beach, and exploring local history. The island’s calm atmosphere is perfect for families looking to disconnect from digital distractions and reconnect with each other in a serene setting.
Unique family activities at Florida beaches
Interactive attractions and educational experiences
Summer vacation doesn’t have to mean a break from learning. Instead, Florida’s beaches offer a wealth of educational opportunities that make learning fun for kids. Marine centers and aquariums provide interactive experiences that bring the underwater world to life. Many of these attractions even offer hands-on activities like touch tanks, where children can touch starfish and sea urchins under careful supervision.
Proximity to the renowned Kennedy Space Center also adds a unique educational twist to your beach vacation. Located near Cocoa Beach, the famous space center and launch site allows families to delve into the history and future of space exploration. Here, interactive exhibits and astronaut encounters inspire the next generation of explorers.
Water sports and beach games
The calm waters of the Gulf Coast and the more lively Atlantic side provide diverse environments for popular water sports. Families can try paddleboarding in the waters of Siesta Key or take surfing lessons in the slightly more challenging waves of Cocoa Beach.
You'll also likely see people playing beach games like volleyball, frisbee, and sandcastle competitions. You won't have to travel to Florida with an arsenal of toys, either. Many beaches offer equipment rentals for things like snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding so that you can enjoy these water sports without needing to bring your own gear.
Plus, if you want to learn more about the beauty around you, you can enjoy guided tours at many of the beaches. This is a great way for your family to experience the flora and fauna of Florida.
Family-friendly dining and shopping
After a day at the beach, you’ll likely need somewhere to cool down and enjoy some food. Families can explore local dining and shopping options that cater to visitors of all ages. From beachside grills serving fresh seafood to ice cream parlors with an array of flavors, there’s something for everyone.
Shopping districts near beaches like those on Amelia Island and Fort Walton Beach offer unique souvenirs, beach gear, and more. This is a great way to find a memento that captures the memories of a wonderful family vacation.
Tips for planning a family beach vacation
Planning a beach vacation with your family can be as stress-free as the trip itself if you know what to consider ahead of time. For example, knowing the best times to visit for fewer crowds can help make your beach vacation as enjoyable as possible.
To avoid the peak crowds and have a more laid-back experience, you will want to visit during the shoulder seasons—late spring or early fall. This is also when you’ll likely get more pleasant weather and lower accommodation rates. Many family-friendly festivals and events also occur during these periods, providing some additional entertainment options for your getaway.
Packing essentials
Another way to minimize the stress of planning a family vacation at the beach is to know what to pack. Some of the essentials that you should throw into your bag include:
- Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Nothing sours a beach vacation quite like a sunburn, so be sure to take preventive measures and save yourself the pain.
- Beach towels: Bring along a few extras as they always come in handy.
- Snacks and water bottles: Keep hydrated and energized with quality snacks and plenty of water. This is extra important for kids as they expend energy while playing in the sand.
- First aid kit: It’s always better to be prepared for unexpected bumps and bruises. Include items like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and jellyfish sting relief spray.
- Beach toys: Don’t forget to bring the buckets and spades for sandcastle building. Some frisbees and inflatable balls can also help the whole family enjoy some fun at the beach.
Safety tips
As with any other family vacation, taking a few safety precautions can make all the difference. When enjoying the beach, be sure to always swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present. Stay hydrated and take regular breaks in the shade to avoid heat exhaustion. Apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially after swimming.
It’s also important to keep an eye on children. Even if a lifeguard is around, active supervision can make the difference between a delay or immediate reaction to any unexpected situations. Consider establishing a buddy system and make sure everyone knows where the designated meeting point is in case anyone gets separated from the group.
The ideal family vacation in Florida
The best beach for kids in Florida is that place that offers a playground of possibilities and feels uniquely right for you and your family. With a blend of natural beauty and engaging activities, Florida’s beaches are the perfect setting for a family vacation that combines fun with educational experiences. These destinations cater to the adventure and relaxation needs of all ages, whether it’s exploring marine life up close at an aquarium, indulging in water sport, or simply chilling in the sand and surf.
But these unforgettable beaches are just the beginning of an epic family vacation. For the ultimate family vacation experience, cruise with Princess Cruises from Florida and discover countless other amazing beaches across the Caribbean while only unpacking once. Plus, the 3rd and 4th guests sail free. Book your adventure today or explore our cruise deals to ensure you get the best offers available.
Looking for more activities while waiting for your ship's departure? Explore Zoos in Florida for the whole family and the best Aquariums in Florida for a continued family adventure.
