FLORIDA has long been a popular holiday destination for families thanks to the world-famous theme parks, warm weather and endless sandy beaches.
From Orlando to St Petersburg, read on to find out where to go on your Florida family escape and the best deals for your trip.
Orlando
Home to more than a dozen theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Orlando is a popular first choice for a Florida family break
From Universal Studios and Epcot to water parks and incredible food; there's something for everyone here.
If you can't take the heat, try to plan your family trip in May half term or towards the end of the summer holidays – avoiding July.
Check out holiday deals for a one-week stay in May 2019 – including hotel and flights – from £415pp on British Airways or from £602pp with Lastminute.com.
Kissimmee
Located just south of Orlando on the northern shore of Lake Toho, Kissimmee is a great base from which to explore the many theme parks but also boasts its own attractions including amazing scenery, top shopping and al-fresco eating options.
Plus, it's a bit of a hidden gem, with great value deals such as a one-week holiday – including hotel and flights – for May 2019 with On the Beach starting from £424pp.
And Love Holidays are featuring one-week holidays in Kissimmee including flights from £406pp for May 2019.
Our tips for finding top holiday offers
There are plenty of choices to make with breaks away – even after you've decided on a destination. Here's how you can ensure you're getting a good deal
BOOK LAST MINUTE If you're able to look last minute you'll often find good deals, as companies look to encourage bookings and fulfill availability.
SPECIAL OFFERS Great offers depend on travel companies' willingness to cut prices, but some companies maintain a special offers section – like Jet2Holidays. Deal sites like Travelzoo are also worth checking.
BE FLEXIBLE Flexibility of travel dates and connections can save you money. As can travelling outside of peak periods, or – if not travelling with children – outside school holidays.
USE DISCOUNTS Find discount codes with The Sun Vouchers, including for TUI, Expedia, First Choice, Lastminute, and Jet2Holidays.
SET ALERTS Airfarewatchdog and Skyscanner provides alerts on air fares, so you can get flights at their cheapest. Kayak offers alerts for flights and hotels.
St Petersburg & Clearwater
Head to Florida's Tampa Bay area for pristine beaches, top-notch seafood restaurants and art galleries – as well as boat tours, a marine aquarium and mini golf for the kids.
Visitors can explore the cultural attractions and historic district of St Petersburg or catch some rays on the powdery sands and turquoise waters of St Pete's and Clearwater Beaches.
Book a seven-night break – including hotel and flights – in the Tampa area from £600pp with British Airways or from £521pp with Love Holidays in Clearwater for travel in May 2019.
Miami
Packed with popular beaches, bars and eateries, Miami also boasts child-friendly attractions such as the Science Museum, Children's Museum and Miami Zoo.
The whole family will enjoy getting back to nature at the Everglades National Park, where you can kayak, canoe, meet flamingos and maybe even the odd crocodile.
Similarly to Orlando, it can get very humid in the summer months – and it is the rainy season – but the rain showers are often short and can help you to cool off.
The palm-tree-lined avenues can come with a price tag, but there are deals to be found with prices starting from £416pp on Expedia or from £506pp on Travel Supermarket for a seven-night stay in May 2019.
The Florida Keys
For a piece of paradise you'll love as much as the kids, the Florida Keys are an idyllic string of tropical islands located in Southern Florida.
You can become a proper beach bum here and have a chance to swim with dolphins and snorkel or scuba dive – as the keys are home to America's only living coral reef.
Plus, you can browse the family-friendly attractions of Key West – including the Shipwreck Museum and Butterfly and Nature Conservatory.
This is one of the more expensive places to stay in Florida, but it makes a good add-on to a Miami trip – with Florida Keys holiday deals from £365pp on Expedia or hotel deals from £110pp per night on Booking.com for travel in May 2019.
If you'd like a shorter haul family break, try Turkey with great beaches, sights and food – read our guide to top Turkey family holidays.
Want to get away sooner? Plan an Easter escape with our round-up of 'unbeatable' Easter holiday deals.
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