Within Florida's borders, there plenty of Florida vacation spots that don’t involve cartoon characters. Look beyond the Mouse House and consider spending time on shore, in the Keys or exploring the rich cultural opportunities that often go overlooked in Orlando. If you’re willing to a little research, you’re bound to discover a family vacation destination that may find you returning to Florida again and again.

Tampa and St. Petersburg
The Tampa-St. Petersburg area has experienced a huge amount of growth and urban renewal over the past ten years, and now boasts a variety of museums along with new athletic parks and other sports arenas making it a great destination for sports fans. Time your vacation right and see the Tampa Bay Lightning maneuver the puck at the Ice Palace or the Buccaneers score a touchdown at Raymond James Stadium. Baseball fans needn’t worry about left out: Tampa is home to the Devil Rays, the New York Yankees spring training camp and has minor league team of its own—the Tampa Yankees.

Museum buffs and nature lovers will enjoy the Florida Aquarium, the Museum of Science and Industry or Lowry Park Zoo. Be sure to make a special trip to Dinosaur World where you’ll find over a 100 life-sized dinosaur models, a museum with hands-on activities like fossil digs and subterranean picnic area to have your lunch. If you’re worried about getting around, don’t be: Tampa’s public transportation system has been upgraded in recent years making taking in the sights easier than ever before.

Outdoor adventurist families will find plenty of hiking trails, canoes and even suspension bridges to traverse at any number of area state parks, including the 3,833 acres in Hillsborough River State Park.

Miami
Miami offers travelers the opportunity to expose children to other cultures through food, music and architecture as well as take experience one of the most infamous beaches in the country—Miami Beach. Stay in town to take advantage of shopping, art galleries, museums and sporting events and see the influence of the Art Deco movement.

When you’re ready for something different, you’ll find family friendly attractions just a short distance away, including the hundreds of parrots at Parrot Island and the Manu Encounter which allows children to interact with parrots and spider monkeys. There’s also the Miami Children’s Museum and the Deering Estate to consider. This 444-acre former plantation is now park where visitors can see fine art exhibits and installations, take pontoon boat rides and follow the boardwalk trail through a mangrove swamp. And don’t forget that Everglades National Park is only about 35 miles from Miami where you’ve got excellent chances of spotting various forms of wildlife, including alligators.

Florida Keys
If you’re interested a slower-paced vacation, you’ll find it in the Florida Keys where you can capture the spirit of Caribbean without leaving the United States. Relax at the beach, charter a fishing boat or spend the afternoon snorkeling, diving or water-skiing. Marathon Key is particularly well-situated and serves as good home base for vacationing families. From here, you’ll have easy access to the Natural History Museum, Children’s Museum, the Adderly Village Historical Site and, close by in Grassy Key, the Dolphin Research Center.

Orlando
Yes, Orlando. The Presence of Walt Disney World often overshadows everything else this metro area has to offer. Whether you choose to add a little Disney into your trip or not, there’s no shortage of attractions including the Orlando Ballet, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Repertory Theatre which often brings theatrical versions of popular children’s to its stage. The other advantage in visiting Orlando is the wealth of family friendly resorts, some with their water parks.