Family vacations in Florida could begin and end with the dazzling Gulf Coast. This is where the state keeps beautiful beaches, clear waters, pretty resorts and great seaside cities like Sarasota and Bradenton, both of which should be on your must-do list and here’s why:
1/10 Mote Marine Aquarium, Sarasota
At interactive Mote Aquarium they start the day with Turtle Time and often end up moonlight kayaking round Sarasota Bay. Fun is high on the agenda here, but conservation and education are equally important – it’s hard to spot the difference, but good to know. Over 450 turtles have been treated in Mote’s Turtle Hospital in the past 20 years; the aquarium’s AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accredited, and Mote marine biologists are actively involved in research projects as part of the Protect our Reef initiative. Mote Aquarium can easily fill a day; leave at least two hours to see the aquarium alone.
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2/10 Treeumph Aerial Adventure Course, Bradenton
Head for heights? Head to Treeumph, South West Florida’s biggest aerial obstacle course spread out over 14 acres of forest in Bradenton. A mix of inventive challenges, ziplines, bridges, slides and pulleys, there’s more than enough here to challenge the boldest of teenagers and adults. Ape Up is designed just for seven and eight year olds, so no one is left out. And safety and thrills are well matched: all Treeumph harnesses use advanced Clic-It technology, and nobody climbs anywhere until they’ve been thoroughly briefed by the team at Base Camp.
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3/10 Kayak Tours, Anna Maria Island
Only 20 minutes from Bradenton, Anna Maria Island is quietly famous for laid back and beachy family vacations in Florida – think ice cream paint colours, soda parlours, cute stores, seafood shacks and acres of pure white sands. Kids love the sense of freedom here and it’s a wildlife paradise – if you need proof, take a guided kayak tour of Anna Maria Sound. Sailing through mysterious Mangroves, spotting pods of dolphin, gliding around rookeries and close to oyster shoals, is a close to perfect Gulf Coast adventure. And the local guides are good fun and know just about everything there is to know about Anna Maria Island’s wildest residents.
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4/10 Deep Sea Fishing, Bradenton Area
Deep sea fishing is almost a signature of family vacations in Florida and you don’t need to know the difference between a Sea Bass and a Trigger to have fun. Expertise, tuition, equipment and encouragement are all part of a day out with Cortez. They even clean your catch, so all you have to do is fish and cook. This experience is nothing like sitting on a dock: it’s high energy, all action and far out at sea. No worries about bored younger kids, teens will rise to the challenge, and nothing tastes quite like your own catch-of-the-day.
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5/10 Family Boat Tours, Sarasota
A boat tour that guarantees dolphin or manatee spotting has to be put to the test. Le Barge Tropical Cruises in Sarasota are so confident they promise to take you out sailing again for free if they don’t come good on sightings first time round. The company are also local experts on everything from stingray to wild birds, they offer discounts on group bookings too and their boats couldn’t be cuter.
