where is the best place to vacation with kids that is safe

[5FLgirls]

Originally Posted by Momma_bear

Can you go to the beach in the panhandle in the winter? I was there in November one year and it was pretty cold!!

You can. It's a bit nippy. We usually vacation there in November. It's a little windy but always sunny. We didn't do any swimming in the ocean (but then we don't ever swim in the ocean!) although the kids ran in and out of the waves and got soaked and were cold but we spent a lot of time playing in the sand. My kids wore their bathing suits and I wore jeans and a sweatshirt (kids don't notice the weather). We swam in the pool because it was heated. It's nice to be in Florida and feel comfortable weather-wise. And if you're coming from Wisconsin, I'm sure that high 60s and sunshine is fabulous weather.

[kevin_1975]

To us it may be a cold day down here depending on the temps. You may find it comfy in November.

[ara^bess]

Originally Posted by kevin_1975

To us it may be a cold day down here depending on the temps.

Well, we all have to find an excuse to wear the new sweater of the year at least once during our 'winter'.

[kevin_1975]

LOL

I try and not buy many long sleeves. Seems to be less and less used each year.

[CJFlorida]

Originally Posted by Momma_bear

Can you go to the beach in the panhandle in the winter? I was there in November one year and it was pretty cold!!

You are right. The pan handle and Pensacola are not good suggestions for winter get aways. Does the Pensacola forecast below look like a great winter get away?

Sun

63°F | 37°F
Mon

57°F | 36°F
Tue

57°F | 38°F
Wed

55°F | 40°F

Sounds like she wants guaranteed warmth and sunshine and should look farther south.

[nanannie]

Originally Posted by 2peaches2oranges

Boca Grande is a family friendly beach town in SW Florida. You can rent a home on the beach or in one of the beach club communities -- pricey though. The kids ride around on golf carts, eat and shop in the local stores, play on the playground at the Gasparilla Inn or explore the lighthouses here on the island. Yes, they get bored too, but it is a safe place to relax and let the kids explore. The families vacationing here tend to be more affluent and with old money, but definitely a younger set moving in here and it is nice. The Gasparilla Inn has childrens activities daily.

The local paper is the bocabeacon dot com. If you need rental information, I would start at the Boca Grande Chamber of Commerce website.

Also check out the Palm Island Resort, it is also a nice resort for kids, no cars at the resort, golf carts only. They have kids activities scheduled daily.

We have gone every year to the BG for over 10 years. To this day, we are kicking ourselves for not buying a then affordable condo. Love it there, no McD's, no billboards, no tall buildings (over 3 stories) and glorious swimable beaches. Like the restaraunt and 'tiki' bar there as well and the town has great restaraunts. I always liked to wear by Boca Grande t shirt,then someone told me it means "big butt" !!

[Strel]

Originally Posted by HIF

Get a house on the beach on St. George Island near Tallahassee. Apalachicola, Florida, St. George Island, Florida, Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce
Wake up to dolphins in the surf, rent bikes and ride around the island and into the park. Take day trips to see the USS Alabama U.S.S. Alabama , Tallahassee One moment please..., Wakulla Springs Main Page - Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park » Florida State Parks, Florida Caverns State Park Main Page - Florida Caverns State Park » Florida State Parks Shipwreck Island in Panama City Shipwreck Island Waterpark - Panama City Beach Florida

What is nice about St. George if you have smaller kids is that the waves aren't that big and the water deeps gradually. Friends and I rented the same house each summer for a number of years and it was very fun.

This one speaks the truth. And it's not Carlsbad Caverns, but the boys will enjoy the caves and springs I think.

But yes, it can get rather cold here, but usually not until late November or well into December. October in NW Florida is typically pretty nice.

[JunoAqua]

Try SAnibel Island FL on the SW side neat SArasota. You can see dolphins in the Gulf while wandering the beach and it is a nice area. Good luck... i hEAR YA ABOUT THE SNOW AND COLD BRRR!!!!!!

[ssg II]

If you want guaranteed warm, maybe Islamorada?

I love Sanibel, also, but the kids might get bored. There's Bokeelia & Pine Island farther south, more local flavor...

St. Augustine's not the warmest choice, but lots to do for the boys, safe beaches & great restaurants.

Wherever you choose, hope you have a great time!

[2peaches2oranges]

Originally Posted by nanannie

We have gone every year to the BG for over 10 years. To this day, we are kicking ourselves for not buying a then affordable condo. Love it there, no McD's, no billboards, no tall buildings (over 3 stories) and glorious swimable beaches. Like the restaraunt and 'tiki' bar there as well and the town has great restaraunts. I always liked to wear by Boca Grande t shirt,then someone told me it means "big butt" !!

The prices are not back down to 1998 prices, but the are much more reasonable now then 2-3 years ago. It is so nice to see families out and about pushing strollers around town. The beach renourishment has brought the beaches back to the downtown area -- it is WONDERFUL right now down here!