Planning a Family Vacation to 30A? Here’s What Parents Need to Know

What grownups want from a vacation—relaxation, rejuvenation, and a break—doesn’t always match what the kids want. When you visit 30A Florida, you don’t have to sacrifice the R&R you need to give the little ones an adventure they’ll remember. The Emerald Coast offers everything you need for a trip the whole family will enjoy.

To help families plan their perfect vacation, we’ve put together a detailed guide to the best kids’ activities on 30A Florida. Check out our thorough list of activities by type of attraction so you can check off every wish on your ideal itinerary or explore the most highly recommended activities for kids and families by community.

What Are Some of the Best Kids’ Activities in the 30A Region of Florida?

There’s so much for families to do when they visit 30A Florida—that’s why we put together a whole guide to children’s activities in the area—but some of the activities we most recommend include:

• Zoos and animal encounters
• Nature parks
• Museums
• Amusement parks and water parks
• Watersports and boating
• Minigolf and bowling
• Arcades and Go-Karts

For older kids, a ziplining course may be a big hit. Younger kids will probably enjoy pirate-themed cruises and visiting our local playgrounds. Whether you’re looking for activities that are physical, creative, educational, or just plain fun, our area offers it all.

Is 30A Florida a Good Vacation Destination for Families?

We’re often asked if our region of the Florida Panhandle is family friendly. The answer is—absolutely!

In many ways, 30A Florida remains a hidden gem, free of the kind of overcrowding and wild culture that characterizes more well-known party beaches. Visitors here will find at once plenty of opportunities for excitement and adventure and laidback vibes that encourage exploration and play.

The collection of communities along Highway 30A is often described as “charming, “whimsical,” and even “magical” – all qualities that kids fall in love with just as much as adults do. The natural scenery and wildlife are sure to delight the little ones, and the array of attractions and activities available throughout the area means there’s something for every imaginable interest.

Tips for Planning a Vacation With Kids

Here are our top tips for planning a vacation with kids.

1. Take everyone’s interests into account. A family vacation is just that—an experience for the whole family to enjoy—so try to identify individual activities or a combination of activities that will bring fun and enjoyment to every member of the family. Look for activities you can enjoy together, so neither the kids nor the grownups feel like they spent the whole trip catering to just one party’s interests.
2. Talk about vacation plans together as a family. Talking about your plans not only gets everyone in the family excited for the trip but can also help you decide how to spend your time during your vacation. Older kids, in particular, may have their own ideas about what would make a fun and memorable vacation, and talking to younger kids about their favorite interests may help you figure out what activities would most appeal to them. Talking about the vacation also helps kids understand what to expect, especially if they haven’t been on a big trip before. Understanding how they’re going to get to the destination, where they’re going to sleep, and what fun is awaiting them can help kids feel more comfortable dealing with the changes to their usual routine.
3. Don’t overbook your schedule. Let your excitement take over when making plans, but don’t forget to leave enough downtime for the unexpected, too. Often, it’s the unplanned moments and explorations that really make a family vacation meaningful and memorable. Plus, leaving some downtime allows both the kids and the adults to get the rest they need to really enjoy themselves. A tired and overstimulated child too often becomes a cranky child, and then no one is having much fun.
4. Remember that a vacation doesn’t have to be perfect to be good. When you’re traveling with kids, there are bound to be some hiccups—fears, temper tantrums, spills, minor boo-boos, and more. Putting too much pressure on yourself to make the experience perfect or on your family to live up to those expectations can really steal your joy. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on the fun and the quality time you’re having, and enjoy living in the moment.

Your kids will have a blast visiting the Emerald Coast. Let our free guide help you make the most out of your 30A Florida family vacation.