No amount of adventure is too much on the Florida coastline with kids for the East Coast Cruise. Florida is dotted with a wide range of attractions, impressive natural beauty, and family-friendly spots that make it the ideal place to stop during a cruise. Be it Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Port Canaveral, there is never a dull moment to keep the tiny tots entertained. Here’s a guide on how to make the most of your day in Florida with kids during a cruise layover.
Little Havana is a bustlin’ musical Cuban neighborhood you absolutely cannot miss if your cruise stops in Miami. Calle Ocho is the heart of this lively, multicolored neighborhood, and it’s alive with beautiful murals, live traditional Cuban music, and eats that dish out delicious pastries and Cuban sandwiches. Step into Domino Park to watch locals compete at their favourite pastime: dominoes or take the kids next door to an ice cream shop for a cool treat.
There’s still more artsy fun at Wynwood Walls, Miami’s quirky outdoor street art museum. Bright murals will catch the eyes of little kids and adults alike. Let your kids have a blast standing in front of those life-size paintings while you take family pictures. A few cafes and shops surround the area where you can grab a treat or buy some souvenirs.
Related reading: Tourist Attractions in the United States
Right out the back door of Fort Lauderdale is the Everglades National Park – an adventure for families to be seen nowhere else. An airboat tour through the sawgrass marshes brings visitors within arm’s reach of alligators, turtles, and birds of all kinds. The thrill of the airboat tour will be a huge hit with the kids, and there is no better way of introducing them to Florida’s unusual ecosystem.
But what really makes it special for kids near Fort Lauderdale is Butterfly World, in Coconut Creek. A real magic place holding thousands of butterflies from all over the world; take some time walking around the beautiful tropical gardens and butterfly aviaries, in which, up close, your kids will be able to see these marvelous delicate creatures. It also comes with a Lorikeet Encounter in which children get a chance to feed colorful lorikeets- something that certainly brings it to a whole new level of fun.
If your cruise ship is going to come into Port Canaveral, spend a day or an afternoon at the Kennedy Space Center. This is one of those life experiences that you must attempt because it is educational and fun for the whole family. Kids like the Rocket Garden, standing close to actual spacecraft and seeing a real astronaut. Interactive exhibits and IMAX movies bring history to life, and the whole family leaves with spirits inspired by the grandeur of space.
For a laid-back experience, head to Jetty Park, a few minutes away from the cruise ship terminal. It’s a pretty beach and there’s a playground and picnic areas to hang out in this one, which makes it rather family-friendly. It’s a great place to get relaxed, let the kids frolic on the sand or even watch cruise ships and local fishermen from the pier. On lucky days, you might catch some dolphins playing by the shore.
Tampa is another popular cruise port with plenty to offer for families. If you have a full day, take the kids to Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This theme park combines thrilling rides with a world-class zoo, providing entertainment for all ages. The little ones will love Sesame Street Safari of Fun, while your older kids and adults will enjoy riding the roller coasters. Along the way, wander through exhibits full of animals, complete with giraffes, elephants, and much more.
Another amazing alternative in Tampa is the Florida Aquarium in the Channel District, just minutes from the cruise ship terminal. Here is an aquarium filled with interactive displays perfect for families: Here your children will enjoy touching stingrays, passing through a mock-up model of a coral reef, and even watch a 4D movie. Little ones will love splashing around in the outdoor splash pad when burning off excess energy before returning to the ship.
No visit to Florida is complete unless you spend some time at its stunning beaches. If you are having a stopover, you have numerous utterly beautiful beaches to choose from, all of which friendly to all types of families. For those wondering where to go, the best Florida beaches for families include options like Clearwater Beach, with its soft white sands and calm waters, or Cocoa Beach, which is close to Port Canaveral and offers a laid-back vibe with plenty of amenities.
On a warm day, let the kids build sandcastles, play in the shallow waves, or pick up seashells along the shoreline. If you can squeeze them in, look to rent paddleboards or kayaks for a little extra water adventure. Beaches in Florida are a natural playground for enjoyment as a family, just the thing to unwind before heading back to your cruise ship.
Take the kids to the oldest city in the United States if a stop in St. Augustine is available in the port of call options during your cruise. Start your day by walking out to the historic 17th-century Spanish fort, Castillo de San Marcos. There are observation decks over the top of the complex for some great views of the city and the Matanzas River. In addition to the children’s interests, the daily cannon fire can also prove to be enjoyed by the kids, and the history of the fort can be something they may learn through these numerous exhibits and reenactments.
Enjoy your space of swashbuckling fun with an eye on the real pirate artifacts at the St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum. Have the kids go on a treasure hunt while exploring the exhibits and get up close to a hands-on experience touching real pirate artifacts. With all its pretty displays and hands-on activities, this will surely capture the imaginations of kids and adults alike.
Drive any farther south to the Florida Keys to use your layover time exploring the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo. This state park is great fun for kids with many family activities such as snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and kayaking. So fascinating is the underwater world of the coral reef home to colorful fish, sea turtles and so much more.
Take a drive south to the Florida Keys to utilize your layover day exploring the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Key Largo. This state park is super fun for children with numerous family activities such as snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and kayaking. So fascinating is the underwater world of the coral reef home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and so much more.
From beach parties to adventures in cities and natural wonders, Florida’s coast has much to offer in family-friendly activities scheduled for a memorable cruise layover. Whether to check some of the most exciting cities in the world, relax on some of the world’s pristinest beaches, or simply explore the beauties of the natural wonder, Florida has it all lined up for you. With good planning and proper activities by the family, an otherwise dull layover could turn out to be a fun-filled day of adventure and lifetime memories.
Related reading: Best Places To Visit In Florida With Your Kids In Summer Vacation
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