Five Attractions in Florida the Whole Family Will Enjoy

With 300 days of sunny skies and plenty of family-oriented attractions in Florida, a vacation is sure to please everyone. In addition to all the sunshine, Florida has nearly 1,200 miles of sandy beaches and is home to the Everglades National Park and The Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney World. The best months to visit Florida are between November and April, when the weather is cooler and hurricanes are not a threat.

Crystal River Swim & Snorkel With the Manatees
What better way to get acquainted with Florida's marine life than to swim with it? Manatees are gentle but strange-looking sea mammals that are an endangered species. These gentle giants migrate north from the Caribbean to live in the warm, spring-fed waters of the Crystal River during the months of November to March. Several organizations in or near the town of Crystal River (on the west coast of Florida) offer tours in which visitors are encouraged to jump overboard and swim or snorkel with the groups of manatees that congregate there. Snorkel tours are recommended for children eight years of age or older. The cost per tour runs about $30 and reservations are required.

Flamingo Visitor Center, Everglades National Park
With a landscape dominated by sawgrass, Everglades National Park isn't much to look at as you drive through. Instead, the real gems are at individual visitor centers, where visitors can walk along trails and boardwalks and view educational exhibits illustrating the history and biology of the Everglades. Your best bet is to head to the Flamingo Visitor Center, about 40 miles south of the park entrance in Florida City. At the visitor center you will find short walking trails suitable for children, a restaurant, café and gift store. There are also boat tours of the estuary and mangrove swamps. The Flamingo Visitor Center is open during regular business hours between the months of November and April. Entrance fees for the park are $10 per car.

Kennedy Space Center
Located in Cape Canaveral, just 45 minutes east of Orlando, is the Kennedy Space Center. At the visitor complex you and your family can meet an astronaut, tour the rocket launch areas, see rockets and experience an in-flight space simulator. If you time your visit right, you can even see a live rocket launch. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is open every day except December 25. It may be closed on certain launch days, so it's best to call ahead. The standard admission price is $30 per adult and $20 per child ages 3 to 11.

Parrot Jungle Island
Parrot Jungle Island is the perfect place to visit with monkeys, orangutans, parrots, macaws, peacocks, and flamingos, alligators, tortoises, iguanas and other reptiles, all of which are living in jungle habitat minutes from downtown Miami. A petting zoo, bird and animal shows and educational exhibits contribute to the interactive atmosphere. Visitors can also walk along the jungle trails. Parrot Island Jungle is open every day of the year. Tickets cost $25 plus tax for adults and $20 plus tax for children ages 3 to 10.

Walt Disney World
Last but not least, everyone should visit Walt Disney World at least once, even if it's just for a day. Located in Orlando, Walt Disney World covers 47 square miles. There are four different theme parks within Walt Disney World along with two water parks and numerous other attractions from rides to exhibits. The base ticket price valid for one day at a single theme park is $60 plus tax for adults and $48 plus tax for children ages 3 to 9. Be sure to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat. You might want to consider bringing your own drinks and snacks as well.