Are you thinking about taking a family holiday to the Sunshine State this year? If so, you’ve made an excellent choice. Florida is about as family-friendly as it gets in the United States with endless theme parks, attractions and warm weather. Here are a few suggestions on how to have a fantastic family vacation with kids of all ages in Florida.
Remember to Bring Sunscreen
There’s a reason why people want to holiday in the sunshine state and the clue is the name. Florida’s climate has year-round sunshine and warm weather. Make sure you bring lots of sunscreen. When you’re outside for long hours enjoying yourself, it can be easy to forget that you’re burning. And nothing can be worse than finding yourself sunburned and uncomfortable on the very first day. Make a point of packing a bottle and keep reminding yourselves to put it on, especially the kids.
Rent a Car
If you fly into Florida, consider renting a car from the airport. The state is enormous, and many attractions are quite far apart. Have an idea of the places you want to visit beforehand and use the car to get around. Spend a little time finding out which theme parks the kids want to visit and come up with a rough itinerary. Making the most out of your time is essential for a great family holiday. Just imagine the stress of missing out on the must-visit attractions because you didn’t plan.
Get Up Early
You’re not the only ones who want to enjoy the attractions in Florida. The thousands of other tourists probably want to visit the same places as you. If you wake up late, go for breakfast and then head to the theme park, the chances are it’s going to be busy. Instead, set the alarm nice and early and depart for a day of sightseeing or fun at the theme park before the other tourists get out of bed. This way, you’re almost guaranteed to have shorter waiting times and a better experience.
Go to Bed Early
Anyone who wants to get up at 6:00 am should probably make sure they’re in bed themselves relatively early. Aim to be back at the hotel by a reasonable hour to allow the kids plenty of time to rest. If you combine late nights and early mornings, expect cranky children and a much more stressful experience.
Pack a Few Snacks
The whole family will start to feel hungry at some point in the day, and when you’re inside the theme parks waiting in line, it can be difficult to convince the kids to abandon their enjoyment and head to the restaurant. But if you prepare and buy a few snacks, whenever someone feels hungry they can have something to eat. Besides, the restaurants inside the theme parks or attractions tend to be vastly overpriced.
A Perfect Family Vacation
Follow these suggestions and you’re much more likely to have a great family vacation in the Sunshine State. Remember to pack sunscreen, get a car and wake up nice and early while having a bag full of snacks for when cranky kids get hungry.
