Getting Around Florida Without a Car: Public Transport Tips
Florida’s massive. Like, you look at it on a map and think, “oh yeah, that’s drivable.” But then you’re actually there, and everything’s way mor...
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If you’re planning your first family trip to Florida, get ready — it’s one of those places where almost everything is geared towards keeping kids happy. You’ve got theme parks on one side, white-sand beaches on the other, and enough wildlife and weird roadside attractions to keep everyone entertained. With so many options though, narrowing things down can feel a bit overwhelming.
Here’s a list of things kids (and let’s be honest, grown-ups too) actually love — from big-name parks to low-key, memory-making moments.
Let’s start with the obvious. Walt Disney World is still the ultimate family favourite. In 2025, all the big hitters are going strong — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom — plus plenty of newer attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Tron Lightcycle Run.
You don’t need to do all four parks (though you can). Even one or two days of Disney magic is enough to create core memories — fireworks, parades, and all.
Top tip: get there early. The mornings are cooler, the queues shorter, and the kids (usually) more cooperative.
If your kids are a bit older — or just Harry Potter obsessed — Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure are absolutely worth it. They’re home to some of the most exciting rides in Florida, and now, in 2025, there’s even more to explore.
Universal’s Epic Universe, which opened in May, is the brand-new, next-level theme park that’s taken things up a gear. It’s packed with five themed lands including Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and a brand-new Wizarding World – Ministry of Magic. The park’s full of immersive attractions, thrill rides, and interactive zones that kids (and gamers, and film fans) will lose their minds over.
Epic Universe is quickly becoming a must-visit — so if you’re heading to Universal, make sure to leave a day in your schedule to explore it.
Once you’ve tackled the parks and spent a few days on your feet, the idea of just sitting by the sea becomes very appealing. Clearwater Beach is a great pick for families — the water’s usually calm, the sand feels like powder, and there are plenty of spots nearby where you can grab food without needing to pack the whole day’s supplies. If your kids still have energy to burn, you could hop on a pirate-style boat cruise that runs along the coast. It’s fun, silly, and gives grown-ups a chance to sit down for a bit.
Other family favourites include Cocoa Beach (if you’re near Orlando) and Siesta Key for a slower pace and stunning sand.
Nothing says “Florida” quite like spotting a gator in the wild. A safe way to do it? Try an airboat ride through the Everglades or a local wetland like Boggy Creek. It’s a proper adventure — fast boats, big skies, and a real chance to see alligators in their natural habitat.
Or, for something a bit more low-key (and fenced-in), Gatorland near Orlando is a quirky but brilliant stop. It’s not flashy, but kids love it, and there’s space to roam and stretch your legs.
If you’ve got any little space fans in the group, Kennedy Space Center will blow their minds. It’s all real rockets, space shuttles, astronaut stories, and interactive exhibits — not dusty museum stuff. Some days you can even watch a rocket launch (check the calendar), which is just as amazing as it sounds.
It’s about an hour from Orlando, so an easy day trip if you want something completely different from the usual park circuit.
Want a break from the crowds but still want the kids to see some wildlife? ZooTampa is one of the best zoos in the US — walkable, well laid-out, and home to manatees, big cats, and all sorts of rescued animals.
Alternatively, Clearwater Marine Aquarium focuses on marine rescue and rehab. It’s smaller than SeaWorld but a bit more gentle — and often more meaningful.
Water parks are a brilliant way to have fun and chill out — especially when the Florida heat cranks up. Some favourites:
Pack water shoes if you’ve got them. The ground gets hot and slippery fast.
There’s no shortage of ways to fill your days in Florida with kids — and truthfully, some of the best moments come in between the “big” stuff. Late-night swims, pancakes the size of your head, impromptu beach stops… they all count.
Pick your must-dos, leave space for surprises, and don’t worry too much about squeezing it all in. You’ll be back.
