5 great Florida family vacation ideas – that aren't Disney

Florida family vacation means mouse ears in Orlando, right? Not necessarily. If you’re craving sun and fun without the hefty theme park ticket prices, then consider taking your brood to one of these alternative Sunshine State destinations.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Source: Walter/Flickr Creative Commons.

Clearwater Beach

This bustling beach town is perfect for families. Embark on Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise, visit Winterthe Dolphin of Dolphin Tale fame at Clearwater Marine Aquarium or just spend a lazy afternoon lounging in the sugary white sand. After dark, head to Sunsets at Pier 60, a nightly festival with street performers, artisans and occasional movies under the stars. Clearwater Beach is also less than an hour’s drive from downtown St. Petersburg, where families can visit Great Explorations Children’s Museum, browse the Saturday Morning Market or take in a Tampa Bay Rays game inside the mercifully air-conditioned dome stadium.

Ride bikes around Anna Maria Island | Flickr CC: Nick Ledford

Anna Maria Island

For something more laid-back, head to this Gulf Coast island that’s a favorite among Floridians. Ride the free trolley,kayak with dolphins or nurse an ice cream cone as you browse the boutiques along Historic Bridge Street. And the area’s clear waters make it one of the best spots to go hunting for shells, a.k.a. free souvenirs. Bonus: Adventure-packed Bradenton and artsy Sarasota are less than an hour’s drive from the island.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Source: Reinhard Link/Flickr Creative Commons.

Melbourne

This somewhat-under-the-radar town is a convenient home base from which to explore Florida’s Atlantic coast. Learn to hang 10 on Cocoa Beach, home of the original Ron Jon Surf Shop. Sneak in some education at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where you can experience a simulated shuttle launch, gaze up-close at the actual space shuttle Atlantis or even have lunch with an astronaut. Or spend a day at the Brevard Zoo, where visitors can paddle a kayak beside the animals.

Visit the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens | Flickr CC: Rob Bixby

Jacksonville

Jax is another centralized vacation spot. Spend a day at Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, cool off at Adventure Landing Shipwreck Island Waterpark or find eclectic food and entertainment at the weekly Riverside Arts Market. The city is also less than an hour’s drive from historic St. Augustine, where the kids can drink from Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, catch a wildlife show at St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park or go for a moonlit climb to the top of a lighthouse. And laid-back Amelia Island makes a great day trip.

Be enthralled at the Wynwood Arts District | Flickr CC: T.Tseng

Miami

Miami may not scream “kid friendly,” but every big city is sure to offer something for the sippy cup set. Explore South Florida’s wild side when you ride a camel at ZooMiami, feed the parrots at Jungle Island or swim with the dolphins at Miami Seaquarium. Then stroll through the Wynwood Arts District, whose colorful murals are guaranteed to make your kids—and parents—look up from their smartphones. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, find indoor fun at the Miami Children’s Museum or HistoryMiami Museum.