Florida has a wonderfully diverse range of family accommodation from immersive theme park hotels to camping in the national parks, there’s something for every type of family.
Being family-friendly usually goes without saying in Florida whether it’s a family of four, single parent family or multi-generational getaways. Most hotel rooms and suites come with well-equipped mini kitchens, even in quirky little retro hangouts like the Lemon Tree Inn in downtown Naples.
Many larger resorts have kids clubs and activities that take children outside of the resort and into nature and local culture. The Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island immerses guests aged five to 12 in natural wonders of the island from coral reefs to bugs and the importance of recycling through a variety of hands on adventures incorporating storytelling, art and food.
Self-catering or serviced villas are another big attraction in Florida for families looking for a more laidback, independent kind of stay. Many offer private pools, a major draw for UK families.
The camping and glamping revolution has reached Florida with many campsites up and running for families to stay inside the state’s beautiful national parks – the Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park. If glamping is your style, Westgate River Ranch offers luxe tepees with a personal concierge.
1/6 The Legacy Hotel, Bradenton
For families with a love of sports, IMG Academy in Bradenton on Florida’s Gulf Coast should be high on their agenda for its world-renowned sports camps from tennis to golf. The opening of The Legacy Hotel in October 2018, just steps away from the IMG Academy Campus means that families will have a wonderful boutique lifestyle hotel as their base. Highlights include a heated outdoor pool, 24-hour fitness centre and spa, Grab and Go café and 150 stylish guest rooms.
How much: from £216 per night.
Find out more about staying at The Legacy Hotel
2/6 Hard Rock Hotel, Daytona Beach
The all-new beachfront Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach immerses families in music. Even the kid’s pool is guitar-shaped. Families have a complimentary Sound of Your Stay® programme where you’re asked “What kind of music would you like in your room?” at check-in. Optional extras include a record player and even an electric guitar and amp (with headphones) for your room.
How much: from £179 per night
Find out more about staying at the Hard Rock Hotel, Daytona Beach
3/6 Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa, Martin County
The handsome new Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa is the first resort in nearly 20 years to open on the undiscovered haven of Jensen Beach.
Interior décor reflects the calming blues, greens and pearls of the ocean outside. Parents can head to the spa whilst kids take part in some of the many summer camps available in Martin County at the Florida Oceanographic Society, US Sailing Center and Cowabunga Surf Camp.
How much: from £128 per night.
Find out more about staying at Hutchinson Shores Resort & Spa
4/6 Zota Beach Resort, Longboat Key
The chic new Zota Beach Resort sits right on the beachfront at Longboat Key, Sarasota. Families will love the spacious boutique-style guest rooms and gorgeous cabanas beside the pool just steps away from the white sand beach. Watch out for family packages with extras like resort credit and free kids breakfasts. There is also free Saturday morning turtle watch for kids along the beach.
How much: from £154 per night
Find out more about staying at the Zota Beach Resort
5/6 Walt Disney World, Orlando
Walt Disney World in Orlando has a mind boggling 30,000 hotel rooms across 25 hotels. Art of Animation is the most recent resort to open, based on Pixar films, whilst a new upscale Disney Riviera Resort is in the pipeline. The most highly anticipated hotel opening however, is the Star Wars themed resort which hasn’t yet been officially named. Expected to be the most immersive hotel yet, it’s due to open in time for the 50th anniversary in 2021.
How much: 14-night packages from £809
Find out more about staying at Walt Disney World
6/6 Aventura Hotel, Universal Studio Florida
Universal Studios Florida unveils its new 600-room Aventura Hotel this August. Its free-flowing and calming, contemporary interiors will be the perfect antidote to the high excitement of the parks, though your kids will have views of all three parks to keep the vibe going.
How much: from £87 per night