First time to Florida with Kids
 

Where would you go if you had kids (4 and 12) that would just be a nice family beach area. Don't need any glitz. Condo would be great, family friendly restaurants, not too many hours drive from one of the major airports. I'm trying to see if we could go somewhere warm cheaper than Hawaii.

St. Pete Beach or Treasure Island.

What time of the year?

Our spring break possibly which is usually the last week in March, or perhaps October. Is the gulf side better or the atlantic side?

The gulf is more tranquil. The Atlantic is a little rougher but nothing like the surf of the Pacific. There are some higher dunes from Cape Kennedy south then it slopes to nothing in Miami, and fairly flat north of the Cape. And there are some rocky structures north of Flagler beach along the beach but those are rarities You can't snorkle at either side except in Miami area or the keys. There's just nothing to see but sand. It is very different from Hawaii. There are nice beaches close to the theme parks -- near Orlando I'd go to Cocoa. Stay clear of Daytona with young kids, you can do better than the biker crowd. And, as I said in previous post, Tampa/St. pete is terrific for families. Busch Gardens is there and Orlando is less than hour and half away.

Amelia Island would be great in October, the water may still be a little cool in March. 1/2 an hour to Jacksonville Airport. Everything you need on the Island & an hour or so from St. Aug. as well.

Amelia Island not your best choice for the kids. You are better off between St.Pete beaches down to the Naples beaches. The water will be nice and the Tampa Airport very close.

We liked Clearwater Beach. Treasure Island was great too - we stayed at the Sea Chest. Our unit had a kitchen and there is a wonderful gas grill by the pool.

I vote for St. Pete Beach or Treasure Island. We have the prettiest beaches around IMO. Close to Tampa International Airport, close to Busch Gardens, close to Lowry Park Zoo (I love the zoo) and close enough for Orlando (1 1/2 hour drive)....and a whole lot cheaper than Hawaii.

My vote goes to Sanibel Island. It's very family friendly, nice beaches, beautiful (although my SIL who is presently there says it took quite a beating from the hurricane), has a lot of restaurants, bike riding, shelling, and it's close to Ft. Myers airport.

Nearby you can take dolphin watching boat rides, play miniature golf, visit the Everglades, go souvenier shopping, or visit the Ford/Edison summer estates.

Have fun!

We took our two kids to St.Pete's and it was great.The beach is right there and the pool was at the condo.Lots of family friendy restraunts too.We actually flew into St. Pete's.Loved it

It won't be warm enough to go in the water in St. Pete-Clearwater in March. I'd head farther south!

Greetings,

We have been to St. Pete's Beach 3 times with our kids starting when they were 3 and 5. Always in March and always an incredible time. We drove to Orlando at least one day each trip to visit the theme parks. Water temp was fine and didn't here any complaints from the kids. There is so much to do in this area you will have a blast!!

We're going on the last wk of March w/ kids ages 4,6 & 9 - can anyone suggest the best themeparks in Orlando without paying too much? We also want to bring our kids to the beach, this is just a 4 day trip for us. Any suggestions? This is our 1st time.

I would say to forget Orlando if you want beach and theme parks in four days. Go to Tampa and visit Busch Gardens. There are nice beaches close by.