Whether your family craves white sandy beaches, the enchantment of Disney World or a culturally rich outing, you will find these and more in Florida.
From Boca to Orlando, we rounded up some memorable getaways that will please all ages:
Acqualina Resort and Residences on the Beach
Discover an exceptional choice for families at this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star beachfront getaway in Sunny Isles. It strikes the perfect balance: it’s a sanctuary removed from Miami’s chaos but conveniently close to everything the city offers.
Families will appreciate the spacious accommodations — even standard rooms have generous sizes and suites create a “home away from home” ambiance. Bask in the Miami sunshine at the resort’s three oceanfront swimming pools, including one for families.
For parents seeking some well-deserved relaxation, drop off the little ones at the unique marine-biology-themed AcquaMarine Children’s Program. This supervised program provides a diverse range of age-appropriate activities, from arts and crafts to games like oceanfront soccer and basketball.
If you want to venture off the property, bring your brood to the nearby SuperBlue. Peruse experiential art like a mesmerizing mirrored maze, interactive walls adorned with vibrant flowers and waterfalls, a captivating visual display of your heartbeat through thousands of lights and a room filled with billowing clouds.
Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach
A harmonious blend of Palm Beach’s signature pink and green palette and Old World elegance greets you at the Five-Star resort. It radiates a relaxed ambiance, perfect for unwinding with the family. Make the most of the oceanfront property with an array of activities, including beach volleyball, croquet, paddleboarding and kayaking. After enjoying quality time together at the family pool, parents can retreat to the adults-only pool while children ages 4 through 12 attend the complimentary Kids For All Seasons childcare program. There, little ones can partake in delightful activities like sandcastle building, seashell scavenger hunts, and arts and crafts. Additionally, there’s a playroom catering to toddlers and a vibrant game room where teens can hang out.
For unforgettable family moments, the resort can arrange exclusive experiences at nearby attractions, like Everglades airboat tours and premium seats at polo matches. When it comes to dining, the resort caters to every palate. Relish beachside coconuts, indulge in an extensive breakfast buffet and savor surprise poolside treats.
For animal enthusiasts, two must-visit destinations in the Palm Beach area are the Palm Beach Zoo and Lion Country Safari, where you can observe a variety of animals in a naturalistic setting from the comfort of your own air-conditioned vehicle.
This sprawling resort offers endless opportunities for families to connect. All ages can have fun in the sun at the Harborside Pool Club, featuring three pools, water slides, a splash pad, a lazy river and FlowRider, a wave simulator for surfing and boogie boarding. Little ones even have their own kiddie cabanas. The Banyan Bunch Kids Club organizes activities like salsa dancing, yoga and storytelling. Meanwhile, foodie parents can choose among The Boca Raton’s 14 dining establishments, including four by the esteemed Major Food Group (our favorite is Sadelle’s for brunch).
Families can take advantage of a number of nearby activities. Consider booking tickets to a show at the famed Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Enjoy an impressive lineup of acts like Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, John Legend, Derek Hough and Pentatonix. Or visit the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale to catch family-friendly shows like Annie, Mrs. Doubtfire and Funny Girl. For something exotic, head to Animal EDventures for a safari or an animal encounter where your child can pet a sloth, otter or kangaroo.
Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
The Four-Star resort is the ultimate choice for an opulent Disney experience. It provides a luxurious haven away from the theme park crowds while ensuring you have the necessary perks (extended “Magic Hours,” convenient shuttle transportation to all the parks and a Disney Planning Center right in the lobby) to make the most of your visit.
The property itself also is an attraction. It boasts a five-acre water park with a lazy river, a splash zone, thrilling water slides, fountains and more. The complimentary children’s club, Kids for All Seasons, provides plentiful activities for ages 4 to 12. Those under 4 can join in with adult supervision. Teens have their dedicated space equipped with video games and a comfortable lounge.
The resort shines with its Disney character dining experiences. Meet Goofy & His Pals at Ravello on Thursday and Saturday mornings while partaking in an indulgent breakfast buffet. For an extra-special Four Seasons touch, you can even arrange a private character dining experience for some one-on-one time with your beloved Disney pals.
For a premier pool and beach experience at this Forbes Travel Guide Recommended hotel, reserve a cabana at SOAK. It includes a private butler, a rooftop sundeck, indoor/outdoor seating, climate control, a marble bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a lounge area and more. Your concierge can even provide a pack-and-play for your little one’s naptime so you can continue to indulge without missing naptime.
Children and parents alike will delight in the Loews Loves Families programs, notably the SoBe Kids Club, which features activities curated in partnership with local museums. Between the indoor playground and fantastic team of counselors, your child will never want to leave. While there are plenty of opportunities to create cherished family memories on the property (take the sushi class), we suggest visiting the nearby Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science for hands-on exhibits, an aquarium and a planetarium. Explore the 250,000-square-foot space during the rare rainy day or when you want a break from the sun.
Stay tuned for our 2024 Star Awards announcement on February 7, 2024.
