MistyShults

We are a family of four with two children ages four (girl) and six (boy). We are planning a vacation for the end of February. Is this a big roll of the dice for nice warm weather in Florida at that time? We prefer a condo or beach house on a beautiful, quiet beach as opposed to a big hotel. We have vacationed many times in Mexico and Hawaii and really enjoyed it. We are thinking of trying Florida for a 10 day trip so we can include just a few days of excitement for the kids. I think my little boy would love Dinosaur World. We do not have to stay right next to entertainment for the kids. A day trip would be fine as we only want to go two or three places. Any ideas on locations to stay? Recommendations for theme parks that would be appropriate for their age? Or any other suggestions for destinations that our family might enjoy would be greatly appreciated.

Dukey1

I live in South Florida and I lived in Hawaii for several years.

You are not going to get the guaranteed 80-degrees day in and day out weather on places like Oahu even this far south; the high 70's would be more like it.

Ackislander

In general, the part of Florida with the kiddie attractions is not the part of Florida with the kind of weather and beaches you envision. If you want both, you are going to have to divide your time between two places.

For the beach, the Gulf Coast will suit you better than the East Coast. In general, the East Coast has nice wide sandy beaches, but the Atlantic is colder and usually rougher than the Gulf.

To be reliably warm, you will need to be well south of the Peace River. In your circumstances, I am going to recommend Marco Island. It is family friendly, and you can get a condo on the beach or a house on a canal a few blocks away with its own screened pool. They can sit on the screened deck and watch the porpoises in the canal.

Since a one week, Saturday to Saturday rental is standard, that gives you three days in a hotel near attractions and allows you to avoid flying on a weekend, though you will have to drive a fair distance.

Gretchen

I was also going to suggest Marco but be ready for sticker shock--that is IN season.

vincenzo32951

If you luck out at that time of year, you may hit weather suitable for sitting on and walking the beach. Swimming is a long shot. Considering that, beaches on either coast will be OK for your purposes. Your decision should be more influenced by proximity to attractions, etc. If Dinosaur World is a priority, then I guess the west coast would be preferable, in your case.

If I were you, I'd look for a place with a heated pool for the kids.

Dukey1

Just to be what I think is a bit more helpful, the Peace River referred to above translates to 180 miles north of Fort Lauderdale.

Ackislander

The Peace River of which I write separates Port Charlotte from Punta Gorda, directly across the state from Jupiter and much less than 180 miles north of Fort Lauderdale, if it matters.

fishee

We took our baby and toddler to Miami in February and my 2 yo son swam in the ocean and pool everyday (but we're from Chicago). We loved the cheap, non-stop flight into MIA and 30 min drive to Miami Beach.

However, it was totally unlike our vacations in Mexico or the Big Island -- what areas did you enjoy in MX and Hawaii?

MistyShults

Thank you so much for all of the great feedback. I am starting to think this is not the destination for our February vacation. I am a really nervous about the weather that time of year. I am so thankful you all clarified that I am not going to be getting the warm temps and nice beaches near the attractions for the kids at that time. I too was drawn to this area, like fishee, as it is a cost effective and easy flight from Washington state. We have gone the past two years for two weeks to Soliman Bay Mexico and absolutely loved it. Warm temps, beautiful turquoise water and very affordable. Our favorite Hawaiian island is Kauai for the beautiful beaches as well. Although we have been to all of the islands and very much enjoyed them. I am open to other suggestions if anyone has a recommendation for a warm, beach vacation destination for families with children. Our kids love the beach and don't need a theme park to entertain them. I just thought that would be a fun bonus. We don't care for crowds anyway. A little more laid back and less populated location might suit us better.

Dukey1

Well, obviously there is more than one "Peace River" in Florida; accuracy and specifics are always appreciated in recommendations.

Misty,

If you really want guaranteed warmer weather at that time of year down here you need to be looking at locations deeper in the Caribbean...the far southern Bahamas at a minimum.

jamie99

I'd go back to Mexico, Soliman Bay is beautiful, we usually stay just north of there in Akumal or a condo on Half Moon Bay, plus the dollar is strong against the peso right now at 18-1.