Orlando Orlando offers sparkling lakes, lush gardens and an exciting nightlife for adults and kids. Visit Lake Eola where you can rent swan-shaped paddle boats or the Leu Gardens which boasts the largest camellia collection of the south as well as a formal rose garden and a tropical stream garden.
But, a trip to Florida isn't complete without visiting the world famous Disney World. Meet Mickey and the Gang at the Magic Kingdom or learn about Walt Disney's ideal world at Epcot. You can also visit the MGM and Universal studios, the Animal kingdom and Seaworld. Ride the thrilling Space Mountain roller coaster and take photos with your favourite Disney characters who wander around Disney World during the day.
Daytona A trip to Daytona offers family-style recreation and attractions. You can laze around in the sun or go shopping along the waterfront. There is plenty of entertainment for the family, with historical, cultural and environmental attractions and car racing. And don't forget to visit the Chocolate Factory, sure to be a hit with the kids, where there are daily tours and free samples.
Tampa and St Petersburg Quaint historic villages are a prominent feature of Tampa and you'll enjoy strolling down its streets among the antique splendours. You can also watch movies at the IMAX Theatre, or you can watch the local football and hockey teams play.
Just a short ride away from Orlando is the Busch Gardens, a family park based on encounters with Africa. Ride Gwazi, the roller coaster or be carried away in the Congo River Rapids. There are exotic animals from Africa, from birds to rhinos, as well as various shows that surely keep you and your young ones entertained.
Naples and the Everglades A simple and charming place with beaches and beautiful views of the sparkling Gulf of Mexico. The kids will love shell collecting along the water as well as the Caribbean Garden's facility at Naples, which serves as the city's zoo.
A definite must see is the Everglades. The children will be fascinated by the "river of grass" which is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals found nowhere else in the country, including the Florida tiger and the American Alligator. You can tour by airboat, canoe, plane, van, bicycle or on foot. There are education programs and regular events to keep everyone satisfied.
Florida Keys With calm seas and crystal clear waters, the Florida Keys is a great place to swim, relax and spend quality family time. There are eco-tours available as well as snorkelling activities and fishing trips for the whole family. The kids will especially enjoy re-enactments of pirate invasions and sea battles at the Pirates in Paradise Festival in November.
Tallahassee The capital of city of Florida is sprinkled with rolling hills, plantations and magnolia trees. It was the only Southern capital spared in the Civil War and had retained a Southern Charm that is quite different to other cities in the state. It houses Florida State University, the second largest university in the state.
Tallahassee is definitely not just a place for politicians and university students, there is plenty of shopping and attractions for the family to see. Visit the Mary Brogan Museum, which has workshops programs suitable for families every Saturday or the John G Riley Museum, where you can learn about African American contribution to Florida. Or, you can visit the Challenger Learning Centre and IMAX where you can take a peak at the night sky in the Planetarium or participate in the Space Mission Simulator.
Panama City Beach If you have ever fantasised about an old-fashioned beach holiday with amusements on the piers and white sand beaches, then you wont be disappointed with Panama City Beach. There are plenty of attractions for all ages with the Miracle Strip housing amusement parks and gaming centres, Zoo World Zoological and Botanical Park and the Shipwreck Island water park. With affordable accommodation, white sand shores and emerald green waters, Panama City Beach is a year-round vacation paradise which you would never want to leave.
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