Florida is one of the favourite US destinations for families looking a fantastic fun-filled adventure. Florida has something for everyone. From some of the greatest theme parks in the world to the best golf courses, exciting outdoor adventure experiences, and sun-drenched beach resorts. Once experienced, Florida will never be forgotten and will quite likely keep you coming back for more.

The Florida Theme Parks

No trip to Florida would be complete without a visit to a great theme park, and nobody does theme parks like the Americans. Orlando, Florida is the theme park capital of the world with three theme parks that are renowned as being simply the best available.

Disney World

Take your children into the magical world of Disney and experience some nostalgia yourself with a great day out at Disney World. This is the ultimate day out for children of all ages, because at Disney World you have a choice of four differently-themed parks. You can buy a pass that gives park-to park access to all four, but if you have younger children, the Magical Kingdom (full of stuffed animals and Disney characters like Cinderella and of course Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck) will keep them enthralled. Older children might like to head to Tomorrow World and take on some of the giant rides like Space Mountain – the biggest and fastest roller coaster on the site.

Universal Studios

Experience the magic of the movies at this theme park that features rides and experiences based on some of the greatest movies ever made. There are some thrilling rides like the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster as well as 4D movie experiences that take films like Shrek and virtually place you in the centre of the action. Younger children will love the play areas like the Curious George play area or the Day in the Park with Barney.

Universal Island of Adventure

Not content with bringing the Studios to life, Universal has developed their latest adrenaline-fuelled adventure park with thrilling rides and action-packed adventure in mind. Join the super heroes in Seuss Landing or test yourself against the Incredible Hulk roller coaster that takes you from 0 to 40 in 2 seconds. Why not take a trip to Hogwarts castle and experience the high voltage world of Harry Potter? Try some pumpkin juice, select a wand from the wand shop and have a close look at the Hogwarts Express.

Other Attractions

Of course these are just three of the theme parks available in Florida. There are some other amazing experiences that invite you to extend the adventure with days out at the 150 acre LEGOLAND or even wildlife encounters with some of the biggest teeth you will ever see at Gator World. One other experience not to be missed is the Kennedy Space Center, where you can get up close with many of the pods, rockets, and capsules that have actually left this earth and made it back. This is another full day experience that is literally out of this world.

Dad may have been filled with nostalgia at Disney, taken a trip down memory lane at Universal, and fallen under the spell of Hogwarts, but perhaps he has an ulterior motive for coming to Florida. Yes, Florida boasts some of the best golf courses in the world. There are many beautiful and challenging public courses to choose from and of course, with Florida known as the Sunshine State it is unlikely that rain will stop play at any time of the year.

Where to Stay in Florida

For a family holiday in Florida, you need to choose somewhere that puts you in the thick of the action. Many people choose to stay in Orlando, but just a few miles away is the lovely town of Kissimmee. Kissimmee is not only central to just about everything that Florida has to offer, it also has some fantastic shops, restaurants, resorts, and facilities in its own right.

Families that want to rent somewhere to come back to, relax and perhaps just get away from the crowds for a while, often decide to take one of the fantastic packages that give you the luxury of top quality accommodation along with the freedom and independence of a villa rental. Kissimmee is truly at the heart of the action in Florida and is a top choice as a base to explore everything that this entertainment capital of the world has to offer.

Photo courtesy of Flickr creative commons: flickr.com/photos/mdpettitt/6792769845/