Picture this: the sun is shining, laughter echoes, and you’re enjoying quality time with your favorite people. It’s not a dream; it’s Florida—and it’s just the best for family travel in 2024. In the ever-evolving landscape of family travel, several key trends have emerged, reflecting a shift toward more meaningful and sustainable experiences. The Sunshine State is the ultimate all-in-one destination, perfectly tailored for families seeking the best in slow travel, multigenerational bonding, educational adventures and eco-friendly escapades.
No matter what travel trend fits your family’s vacation vibe this summer, it’s time to pack your bags and head south, because Florida is ready to make your getaway truly unforgettable.
Our favorite 2024 travel trends to try—and Florida has them all
Slow travel
Amidst the daily hustle of school, work and extracurriculars (and 35 meals a week, plus snacks, but who’s counting?), families are gravitating toward slow travel—a more laid-back and immersive approach that prioritizes rest and relaxation. In Florida, this trend aligns perfectly with the state’s family-friendly charm, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a slower-paced experience.
If planning a family getaway feels overwhelming, slow travel may be your ticket to family vacation bliss. What sets slow travel apart is its simplicity. Once accommodations are set, families can live like locals and let the days unfold organically. Explore local parks, visit coffee shops and seek recommendations from friendly baristas for the best family-friendly activities.
In Florida, slow travel is more than sun-soaked sightseeing; it’s a journey into the state’s diverse cultural tapestry. Families can attend lively local festivals and events, wander through time at historical sites, and dive into community events that offer a genuine glimpse into the state’s vibrant spirit. It also means exploring the authenticity of its culinary scene, from savoring Cuban delights to indulging in Floribbean fusion cuisine.
Slowing down has universal appeal. For kids, it means exposure to different cultures and environments, fostering an appreciation for diversity. It provides them the opportunity to engage authentically, creating lasting memories beyond typical tourist attractions. The unhurried pace sparks curiosity, ignites imagination, and allows for genuine connections, ensuring family adventures in Florida are both relaxing and enriching.
Multi-generational trips
With extended families often scattered across various cities, the trend of multigenerational travel is on the rise—an ideal way to create shared memories and strengthen bonds across different age groups. As a destination that caters to diverse needs and interests and offers activities and accommodations suitable for everyone, Florida is a no-brainer for families traveling with toddlers, grandparents and everyone in between.
Embracing multigenerational travel is akin to an all-inclusive experience, and Florida’s abundant offerings cater to everyone. Delving into Florida’s rich cultural heritage by visiting historical sites is a great place to start. Enter a world steeped in tradition at the Miccosukee Indian Village in the Everglades, where water and seagrass stretch in all directions. From airboats and alligator demonstrations to a museum filled with historical documents, archival photographs and original artifacts, every member of the family will walk away with a memory made and a story to tell.
Museums are plentiful in the Sunshine State and many of them offer multigenerational appeal. The Daytona Beach Museum of Arts and Sciences has something for everyone—including 2,600 Florida-themed paintings, an extensive collection of race cars and mid-century train cars, one of the largest collections of Coca-Cola memorabilia in the world, an interactive children’s museum, and a captivating planetarium.
Multigenerational travel in Florida is truly special. More than just spending time together, grandparents can reminisce, parents can explore, and kids can discover, all while creating core memories and finding joy in shared experiences.
Edutourism
School may be out for summer, but family vacations that combine fun and learning are in high demand, and when it comes to memorable and educational travel opportunities, Florida tops the list. Commonly referred to as “edutourism,” this trend highlighting educational and learning-focused trips is gaining popularity, and there is no shortage of enriching destinations in the Sunshine State.
For those interested in environmental conservation and natural sciences, Florida is a treasure trove. Visit The Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys, where guided tours provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the veterinary hospital dedicated to rehabilitating sick and injured sea turtles. Or, venture to the Carson Springs Wildlife Conservation Foundation, where more than 100 exotic and rare animals reside in expansive, natural enclosures.
Florida’s allure extends to science and space enthusiasts, with the unmissable Kennedy Space Center beckoning visitors into the realm of space exploration. Meanwhile, the IMAG History and Science Center stands tall as a family-friendly haven, boasting interactive exhibits, an aquarium, 3D theater and a unique 3D Virtual Reality experience. Focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), IMAG also delves into the history of Southwest Florida, offering hands-on experiences and educational programs that will spark curiosity and an appreciation for the region’s natural wonders and rich history.
Learning is fun, and you’ll be surprised by how enthusiastic about learning your little ones will be after embarking on an educational vacation. With a plethora of destinations to explore in Florida, the educational opportunities seem endless. Rest assured, they’ll likely still be sharing their newfound knowledge when they head back to school in the fall!
Ecotourism
Sustainable and eco-friendly travel, known as “ecotourism,” has been on the rise for solo travelers for decades, and we’re starting to see an increased number of families embracing eco-friendly travel by choosing destinations that prioritize the environment, opting for green accommodations, and diving into activities that promote conservation and sustainability. It’s not just about reducing our carbon footprint; it’s a hands-on lesson for the whole family on why we need to protect our planet. From eco-hotels to nature excursions, Florida is an ideal destination for families who want to reduce their impact, maximize fun and create lifelong memories.
Hotels and vacation rental owners are not only acknowledging the growing demand for sustainability practices, but hundreds in Florida have made a commitment to conserve and protect the state’s natural resources—and they’re doing more than just offering paper straws. Start your search by exploring options accredited by the Florida Green Lodging Program and the Green Key Global Eco-Rating Program. Take your sustainable stay a step further by pitching a tent under the stars at one of Florida’s State Parks that offers camping—an experience your kids will never forget.
On a smaller scale (that makes a big impact), consider eco-friendly options that combine food and fun activities. If you’re traveling with kids and managing a budget, consider grabbing berries at local farmers’ markets (or pick your own!) and dining at family-friendly farm-to-table restaurants that not only contribute to the local economy but also play a role in supporting the thriving local ecosystem. The Redlands region of Miami-Dade County in the Everglades is chock-full of these types of experiences, from several pick-your-own strawberry farms that kids will love to Fruit & Space Park, a tropical botanical garden showcasing exotic foods that don’t grow anywhere else in the country.
Beyond eco-conscious stays and excursions, Florida offers a range of natural wonders, from pristine beaches and lush national parks to wildlife-rich ecosystems. It’s an ideal destination for families that will leave everyone with a greater appreciation for the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.
You’ll find it in Florida
Florida has it all. Whether you’re looking to slow down, plan a multigenerational escapade with your parents and in-laws, or embark on educational and eco-friendly adventures, you’ll find it in Florida. So buckle up and get ready to make some epic memories, because in the Sunshine State, family travel isn’t just a trend, it’s a way of life filled with culture, natural beauty—and a whole lot of fun.
