Last Updated on April 9, 2025 by JJ
Splash, Explore, and Snack Your Way Through These Sunshine State Favorites
Florida isn’t just a paradise for beachgoers—it’s a wonderland for kids. From gentle waves perfect for boogie boards to pirate cruises, sea turtle walks, and beachfront pancake houses, the Sunshine State is full of quirky, delightful, and safe adventures that make every family trip unforgettable. Here are some of Florida’s best beaches where kid-friendly fun is front and center.
Siesta Key Beach – Sarasota
Why kids love it: Soft, white quartz sand that stays cool underfoot, calm shallow waters, and a colorful playground right at the beach entrance.
Kid-Friendly Adventures:
- Beach Playground & Drum Circles: Let the kids burn off energy on the shaded playground, then catch the Sunday evening drum circle—a dancing, swirling ritual that’s a local favorite.
- Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: Just a short drive away, this hands-on marine science center lets kids touch rays, horseshoe crabs, and even peer into shark tanks. mote.org
Where to Stay:
- Tropical Breeze Resort – A family-friendly resort with kitchenettes, pools, and free beach gear, just steps from the sand.
Where to Eat:
- Sun Garden Café – Pancakes, fruit platters, and shaded outdoor seating perfect for families.
- Big Olaf Creamery – A must-visit for homemade ice cream and waffle cones.
Clearwater Beach – Clearwater
Why kids love it: Gentle waves, sugar-soft sand, and nightly street performers on the pier.
Kid-Friendly Adventures:
- Captain Memo’s Pirate Cruise: A two-hour adventure aboard a pirate ship complete with treasure hunts, water gun battles, and face painting. captainmemo.com
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Meet rescued dolphins, sea turtles, and Winter the dolphin from Dolphin Tale. cmaquarium.org
Where to Stay:
- Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort – Spacious suites with kitchenettes, kids’ activities, and beachfront access.
Where to Eat:
- Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill – Beachfront with a casual vibe, perfect for sandy feet and kid-approved grouper nuggets.
- Cooters Restaurant & Bar – Not just for grown-ups: they’ve got a kid menu, crab races on select nights, and lots of nautical flair.
Cocoa Beach – Space Coast
Why kids love it: Surfing lessons, nearby rocket launches, and endless boardwalk action.
Kid-Friendly Adventures:
- Ron Jon Surf School: Even first-timers will get up on a board at this legendary school. ronjonsurfshop.com
- Kennedy Space Center: A must-see. Kids can train in astronaut simulators and walk under the Saturn V rocket. kennedyspacecenter.com
Where to Stay:
- Beachside Hotel and Suites – Lazy river, free breakfast, and beach toys galore.
- La Quinta Inn Cocoa Beach – Family-friendly and close to everything, including the beach and space center.
Where to Eat:
- Simply Delicious Café & Bakery – Scrumptious breakfast and lunch with tons of kid-friendly options.
- Fat Kahuna’s – Funky surf décor, great tacos, and plenty of aloha spirit.
Fort Walton Beach – Emerald Coast
Why kids love it: Calm waters, nearby science museums, and quirky local attractions.
Kid-Friendly Adventures:
- Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park: See dolphins leap, pet stingrays, and enjoy daily animal encounters. gulfarium.com
- Emerald Coast Science Center: Perfect for rainy days—hands-on exhibits, robots, and interactive demos. ecscience.org
Where to Stay:
- Waterscape Condominiums – Massive pool complex, lazy river, beach access, and space to stretch out.
Where to Eat:
- Floyd’s Shrimp House – All-you-can-eat popcorn shrimp with Gulf views and a kids’ menu.
- The Boardwalk – A beachfront hub with ice cream, games, and casual restaurants.
Hobe Sound Beach – Martin County
Why kids love it: Quiet, unspoiled, and full of sea turtle magic.
Kid-Friendly Adventures:
- Jonathan Dickinson State Park: Kayak, hike, or join a ranger-led eco-tour through cypress forests and mangroves. floridastateparks.org
- Loggerhead Marinelife Center: Visit rescued sea turtles and learn about ocean conservation. marinelife.org
Where to Stay:
- Pirate’s Cove Resort and Marina – Nautical theme, family-friendly vibe, and on-site dining right on the water.
Where to Eat:
- Harry and the Natives – A true Florida original with kitschy décor and a menu made for little appetites.
- Taste Casual Dining – A relaxed yet flavorful stop with plenty of family favorites.
Bonus Tips:
Pack a beach scavenger hunt, rent a beach wagon, and bring a small waterproof camera for the kids to document their adventures. Many of these beaches also offer evening events like movie nights, turtle walks, or glow-in-the-dark paddle tours—check local calendars.
Final Word:
Florida’s kid-friendly beaches are more than beautiful—they’re the starting point for unforgettable adventures. Whether your family is into surf lessons, space launches, pirate ships, or sea turtles, these destinations offer the perfect mix of excitement and ease.
Want daily ideas for Florida family adventures? Follow The Sunshine Republic for blog posts, podcasts, and quirky guides to the state’s best finds.
