By Emily Beach
The Best Hotels for Kids in Florida
The state of Florida is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in the
United States. Millions of visitors head here each year to visit sites like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, the Florida Keys and the state's many fine
beaches. Thousands of hotel options are available to families visiting Florida, but a select few stand out as among the best hotels for kids in the state. These hotels offer special amenities and activities to help make the vacation enjoyable for kids and parents alike.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
The Animal Kingdom Lodge is the only hotel in Florida where you can come face to face with exotic animals. You can experience wildlife viewing opportunities all over the hotel from your very own balconies to the protected alcoves hidden throughout the resort. The 33-acre wildlife preserve surrounding the hotel is home to zebras, giraffes, wildebeests and many other species. The hotel has an African village theme, and like everything else Disney does, it caters to the child in all of us. Kids will love swimming in the 11,000-square-foot hotel pool, playing in the children's activity center, and taking part in animal education classes and demonstrations. Best of all, you can take advantage of early theme park admission hours and free rides on the Disney transportation system.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
2901 Osceola Pkwy
Bay Lake, Florida 32830
(407) 938-3000
Nickelodeon Family Suites
The Nickelodeon Family Suites Hotel is a visual paradise for kids. Everywhere you look, there are pictures and displays featuring Nickelodeon cartoon stars like SpongeBob SquarePants and Jimmy Neutron. The hotel has two massive pool areas with slides, climbing equipment, and plenty of fun and unique features. There's a spa here that's just for kids, as well as a 3,000-square-foot arcade, basketball court and mini golf course. Families can enjoy nightly live entertainment at Studio Nick and find affordable dining options in the NickToons Cafe and Food Court. Adults can unwind in the Adult Lounge as their kids enjoy guided programs for all ages. The hotel offers free shuttles to both the Disney and Universal theme parks.
Nickelodeon Family Suites
14500 Continental Gateway
Orlando, Florida 32821
(877) 642-5111
Tradewinds Island Grand Resort
Located near the St. Petersburg beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast, Tradewinds Island Resort is a treat for the whole family. The Kids Only club, for ages 4 to 11, offers supervised sports, games and swimming for guests. There are five pools on-site, plus two kiddie pools with separate play areas. The resort has a team of staff responsible for organizing volleyball games, water sports and other activities throughout the day. Parents can request that the resort's mascot, Beaker the Pelican, come tuck the kids in to bed each night. There's a pirate themed show for the whole family that ends with a movie that you can watch while floating in the pool under the stars. Families can choose among a half-dozen restaurants, with many kid-friendly options included. Best of all, the famous St. Pete's beach is just steps away.
Tradewinds Island Resort
5500 Gulf Blvd
St Pete Beach, Florida 33706
(877) 300-5522
Resources
About the Author:
Emily Beach works in the commercial construction industry in Maryland. She received her LEED accreditation from the U.S. Green Building Council in 2008 and is in the process of working towards an Architectural Hardware Consultant certification from the Door and Hardware Institute. She received a bachelor's degree in economics and management from Goucher College in Towson, Maryland.
Photo Credits:
Wiki Commons
