If you are planning on taking the family for a trip to the Sunshine State, then you are probably imagining the lot of you lying on one of Florida’s many amazing beaches for the whole fortnight. And yeah, that is definitely a possibility, and a damned enjoyable one at that, but you and your kids will be missing out if you stick to the sand and sea!
Because Florida is such a popular destination for families from all over the world (perhaps due to that little thing we call “Disney World”), there are tonnes and tonnes of different activities, catering to the needs of you and the little ones.
Sail Away, Sail Away, Sail Away
Florida has both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean surrounding it, so you know there’s going to be a veritable bounty of water sports options available to you. Kayak Amelia down in Jacksonville offers you the opportunity to try your hand at kayaking (obviously), but with a twist – you’ll be able to see all sorts of marine life while you’re at it, such as otters, dolphins and even manatees!
If you fancy something different, the trained pros at Saint Augustine will teach you how to sail, or you can take a canoe down the rapids of Loxahatchee River.
Dance the Day Away
The North East Florida Dance Academy on the famous Palm Coast gives your kids the chance to get their pulses racing whilst doing something really fun and exciting. No matter what type of dance your little ones want to learn, the Academy has it all – tap, jazz, ballet, and hip hop, as well as acrobatics and musical theatre.
They cater to children of all ages, from pre-schoolers to teenagers, and specialise in combining exercise with balance, coordination and – most importantly of all – fun. The Say It With Dance show is put on once in a while, and all children are invited to take part.
Get Wet and Wild
Down by the well-known Fort Lauderdale you can find endless miles of golden sands, but nestled in there is also the Fort Lauderdale Aquatics club. Starting at the tender age of just six months, children can get their water wings early and join the ever popular Angelfish club, accompanied by you of course!
Sure, your flights to Florida might be pretty boring and lengthy, but your kids will forget all about that when they’re splashing about in the pool or the warm sea! The Aquatics club also offers a summer swim camp, which can be great if you’re in the Panhandle State for a decent amount of time.
For the more confident child swimmers out there, the Palm Bay Aquatic Centre is where to go. Not only do they offer a wide amount of swim play sessions, but it also acts as the practice pool of choice for the East Coast Swim Club. So if your child fancies his- or herself as a legend of the waters, get them down there!
