Catch a Floridian festival

How much fun does the Weeki Wachi Swamp Fest sound? Celebrating Florida’s swamp culture (March 1-3), kids can enter the ‘swamp monster contest’, or simply sit back and gaze at the elaborate costumes whilst munching on fried alligator and black-eyed peas. This is just one example of a plethora of year-round state festivals celebrating Florida’s often quirky culture. You only have to attend The Key Lime Festival (June 30-July 4) in Key West to appreciate the passion that goes into these local events.

If you’re coming during October half term, get in the spooky spirit at Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World (late August to 1 November). For older kids head to Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights with themed scare zones and haunted houses. Note well, this is not for the faint of heart (mid-Sept to 4 November). During the February half-term don’t miss the Florida State Fair at Tampa Bay (February 7 to 18, 2019). Get ready for a carnival in the sunshine with rides, games, exhibits, music, shopping, and amazing food.

At Virginia Key GrassRoots Festival in Key Biscayne (last weekend in February) there’s an impressive line up of musical performances as well as instrumental workshops, cooking classes, yoga, camping, and an array of activities especially for kids.

And why not finish off the school summer holidays with a visit to the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, a three-day celebration of sun, fun and country music at Panama City Beach (31 August  to 2 September).