5 Top Things to Do In Florida With Kids + What To Wear When Traveling In The Sunshine State
July 14, 2023
Florida is best-known for its gorgeous beaches and humid subtropical to tropical climate that is perfect for fun outdoor activities.
Florida is best known for its gorgeous beaches and humid subtropical to tropical climate that is perfect for fun outdoor activities. Located in the southeastern section of the United States, Florida enjoys bright weather almost all year round, thus earning the moniker of the Sunshine State.
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| Photo courtesy of pexels.com |
5 Top Things to Do In Florida With Kids + What To Wear When Traveling In The Sunshine State
About Florida
Florida today is one of the most populous states in the USA. Much of the state is bordered by waters – the Gulf of Mexico on the West, the Straits of Florida on the South, and the Atlantic Ocean on the East. Florida’s northernmost section is bound by two states; Alabama in the northwest and Georgia directly up north.
Due to Florida being mostly a coastal state, its day-to-day life and culture are influenced by the ocean. The state is also home to people of diverse backgrounds, such as Europeans, Asians, Latinos, and Africans, to name a few. All of these factors have shaped the colorful heritage, delicious cuisine, and unique identity of the state of Florida.
Top things to do in Florida
Florida’s tourism industry is booming, attracting millions of both local and international tourists annually. Florida is home to amazing beaches, beautiful wildlife, and breathtaking outdoors that cater to adventure and solo travelers, and even family travelers.
If you are thinking of activities to do in the Sunshine State but do not know where to begin, here are the top things that you can do in Florida:
1. Check out Florida’s beaches
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Florida is most famous for its breathtaking beaches so it is an easy choice to include a day at the seaside in your travel plans. Aside from the usual water activities, Florida’s beaches also offer other awesome things to do like gastronomic experiences in local beachside restaurants, snorkeling and fishing activities, enjoying the nightlife, or just quietly walking along the sand while feeling the sea breeze.
Some of the most notable beaches in Florida are Pensacola Beach, Daytona Beach, Siesta Key, and Miami Beach.
2. Visit Florida’s natural springs
If you are looking for water adventures other than the usual beach trips, you may also want to consider going to any of Florida’s natural springs.
Five of the most well-known natural springs in the state are Wakulla Springs State Park, Ichetucknee Springs State Park, Fanning Springs State Park, Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Three Sisters Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs State Park.
Each of these springs has its own set of characteristics that endear them to various types of travelers. Wakulla Springs is the deepest freshwater spring in the world, while Ichetucknee Springs is perfect for the whole family especially if you are bringing small kids with you.
Furthermore, Fanning Springs is the destination to go to if you are planning to spend the day swimming, having a nice picnic, and kayaking. Homosassa Springs, on the other hand, features wildlife activities and attractions. Lastly, Weeki Wachee Springs is for you if you want to see a mermaid show.
Furthermore, Fanning Springs is the destination to go to if you are planning to spend the day swimming, having a nice picnic, and kayaking. Homosassa Springs, on the other hand, features wildlife activities and attractions. Lastly, Weeki Wachee Springs is for you if you want to see a mermaid show.
3. Have an adventure in Florida’s National Parks
If communing with nature and visiting the great outdoors is a must in your Florida travel itinerary, then you would be happy to know that the state is home to three national parks.
These are the Dry Tortugas National Park, well-loved by travelers who want to include a kayaking adventure in their trip; Biscayne National Park, recommended for adventurers who would like to go snorkeling.; and the Everglades National Park, which is perfect for those who consider seeing wildlife and the wilderness as their idea of a good adventure).
4. Go on a heritage tour
Florida’s diverse and multicultural background makes it a good spot for a rich cultural and heritage tour. You may either go on a Hispanic heritage tour that includes events, sites, music, culture, and art shows, or go on a Black heritage tour that covers music, cuisine, architecture, and the arts.
5. Enjoy a family-friendly vacation
Nothing is as priceless as creating wonderful travel memories with your family, especially if you have little children to bring with you. Florida is home to a number of family-friendly destinations such as Disney World in Orlando, the white sand beaches of Destin and Fort Walton, pools and indoor kid zones of Miami, beach camping in the Florida Keys, and theme parks in Tampa Bay, just to name a few.
What to wear when traveling in Florida
In general, there is no dress code when traveling in Florida. However, because of its climate, you may want to wear something light and comfortable especially if you will be walking around most of the time.
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Also, most people from Florida would recommend that tourists should try their best to blend in with the locals. Well, there are good reasons why you don’t want to look like a tourist.
First, it’s for security reasons. If you look out of place, you’re highlighting that you may be an easy target for a pickpocket, especially if you seem disorientated, distracted, and definitely carrying money. Second, the street hawkers or vendors of cheap touristy trinkets, will bug you until you give in and buy that souvenir or merchandise that they are selling.
Florida is almost always abuzz with tourists. Its streets are jammed with cars during peak season and the sidewalks are even more hectic. So, do be careful because the risk of both injuries and of being ripped off or mugged is heightened. In case of an accident, know that you can always contact a personal injury lawyer to help you out with your situation.
Here’s what you can wear if you want to blend in with the crowd and remain inconspicuous:
1. Wear shorts
Anyone not in shorts in Florida is either immune to the blistering heat of the sun or is on their way to the store to buy shorts. In general, look to blend in with feminine denim shorts or masculine chino shorts (yes, chino shorts with a belt and a polo and wayfarers, it’s a preppy look but it actually works quite well here, so fill your boots).
The winter, of course, is a different story. Jeans are fine, but you’ll usually see rolled-up hems for that cooler feel because winters are rarely anything more than mild.
Yoga pants are another Floridian wardrobe staple that could mean pickpockets and hawkers decide to leave you alone on account of you looking like a local and, therefore, unlikely to be carrying anything more expensive with you than a few bucks and a mobile phone.
2. Printed graphic t-shirts
There’s something about a washed-out printed graphic t-shirt that never goes out of fashion in Florida. It’s not necessarily the trendiest thing to wear but a band logo t-shirt or something with a slogan will always mean you’ll fit right in.
Traveling during the COVID-19 pandemic
Traveling in times of the COVID-19 pandemic? Here are some important points that you should keep in mind:
1. Always practice social distancing.
2. Wear a facemask and personal protective gear at all times.
3. Wash your hands regularly.
4. Use alcohol or hand sanitizer especially when you touch things when you are traveling.
5. Disinfect your footwear and clothes after going outside.
6. Take a bath when you get home.
Florida is generally safe and traveler-friendly. Even so, just like in any other place around the world, it’s always good to be careful and take extra precautions when walking around.
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We love visiting Florida. There's lots to see and do there. And yes, shorts are a must because it's so dang hot.
ReplyDeleteSince I live in Florida, you did a great post. There is so much more to do in Florida than visit the House of the Mouse. The beach is the #1 thing in my book.
ReplyDeleteMy uncle recently retired to Florida and has been trying to get us to fly down since. This is good information for when we finally decide to take our trip!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding to be cautious and great guide, nice article.
ReplyDeleteThe beaches there are so great, I'll explore the National parks next time.
ReplyDeleteVisiting Florida is my dream! I would like visit it one day with my family. I am sure it will leave a lot of beautiful memories!
ReplyDeleteI love Florida!! It's gorgeous there. I've only been once but really want to go again. I agree, they have loads of family friendly places to visit which is great.
ReplyDeleteI have only been to Florida once, and I didn't stay long. I would love to go again. My husband and I were thinking of going to Florida for our next vacation too.
ReplyDeleteFlorida is one of the beautiful places that I would love to visit and explore, and I really wish to end this pandemic so that I can go back traveling again. Thanks for the tips and reminders.
ReplyDeletei was born in Jacksonville, Fla. this list hits so many points spot on!
ReplyDeleteI went to Florida in my teens many years ago and I would love to go back and see it from my more adult eyes there seems like so much to do there.
ReplyDeleteHaven't been in this place yet but looking at those images make me wish to visit it soon!
ReplyDeleteI love visiting Florida. The beaches and the people are all so great.
ReplyDeleteMy Mom is based in Bradenton, Florida. I'd like to keep all these in mind when I go visit her! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI will visit Florida one day after the pandemic gets back to normal I hope soon
ReplyDeleteYup, such a beautiful place. Definitely a must-visit.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. Hope you get to visit her soon.
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