Amusement and Theme Parks

Orlando is home to two large theme parks: Disney World (which includes Epcot and Disney-MGM Studios), and Universal Studios and Islands of Adventures. Both parks can easily take more than a day to explore and are great for kids of all ages. The prices of the daily passes are expensive, but a three-day pass can be a better deal. With younger children, it is often wise to spread your visit over a few days to avoid child and parent burnout.

Take breaks from the parks to rest and refuel. If you stay at the Disney campground Fort Wilderness, you will be able to get a shuttle back and forth from the parks.

Kennedy Space Center

This is a great place for families with school-age children to spend the day. If you have ever dreamed of being an astronaut, this is the place for you. There are various tours of the facilities, interactive exhibits, and movies to fill an entire day with dreams and education.

Daytona Beach

For the family that loves not only the beach but motor sports, this is a great destination. Florida Monthly magazine calls the public beach in Daytona the finest in Florida. It is a great place for family fun. Be advised that it is also a top destination for college-age spring break revelers. That might be a time to choose another destination.

Daytona is also home to the Daytona Raceway, and one of the biggest sporting events in the country, the Daytona 500, in early February. RV parks and campgrounds fill up months prior to “Speedweek.” There are numerous race-related activities for families during nonrace times that include tours and interactive exhibits at Daytona USA, an amusement park for racing enthusiasts.

Everglades National Park

Located in the southern part of Florida, Everglades National Park is the only subtropical preserve in North America. You'll encounter a wide variety of ecological communities, from sawgrass prairies to cypress swamps. The park is known for its rich bird life, particularly large wading birds, and it is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles live side by side. During the winter months, the park has ranger-led walks, talks, and bike hikes, along with special kids' programs.

Southern California

The Los Angeles area (Anaheim) is home to the original Disney theme park, Disneyland. The Magic Kingdom is a great place for young children and teenagers alike. Just up the road are Knott's Berry Farm, the original Universal Studios, and Six Flags Magic Mountain, which has some of the best roller coaster rides you will find anywhere. Down the road in San Diego is Sea World with its wonderful wildlife shows. You will also find some of the nicest beaches and great seafood. There are several very nice campgrounds in the area.

Monterey

Home of John Steinbeck and Cannery Row, Monterey boasts one of the finest aquariums in the world. Your children will be fascinated by displays of the wonders of the ocean, in many cases from an up-close and personal view. The aquarium will take a full day to enjoy completely. Just up the road in Santa Cruz is a boardwalk with carnival rides and games and some of the most entertaining sea lions you will ever see (or hear).

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

These parks share miles of boundary and are managed as one park. Sequoia was the second national park designated in this country. Home to the giant sequoias, and teeming with wildlife, these parks are spectacular. In summer, there are ranger-led field trips for the entire family that kids can enjoy. Be forewarned: there are bears, so you should be cautious in your adventures and watch that small children do not wander off.