Located along the Florida Gulf Coast, Carillon Beach is a great spot for a family vacation. This planned resort community offers pristine beaches with emerald blue water that’s sure to take your breath away. A vacation rental on Carillon Beach puts you and your family just steps away from the water. There are plenty of families in the area, so you and your clan will fit right in, and there’s lots to see and enjoy. When planning your vacation itinerary, put these nine family-friendly activities on your list.
1. Enjoy the Ocean
The Carillon Beach community caters to those who enjoy beach living, so start your vacation off by spending a fun-filled day on the water. You’ll never be more than a five-minute walk from the beach, so if you forget something, just take the short walk back to your vacation rental and grab it. Your entire family is sure to enjoy building castles in the white sand and splashing around in the crystal clear water. Bring a few lounge chairs along so you can relax, get some sun, and take in the stunning views.
2. Go Fishing
If you want some fresh seafood for dinner, there’s no better place to get it than right at Carillon Beach. Toss your fishing line into the water right from the shoreline, or rent a boat from Motorboatin’ 30a, and head out into deeper waters with your family. Float on the sea and bond with your family as you wait for the fish to bite. If the fish you catch aren’t too heavy, let your little ones reel them in.
3. Camp Helen State Park
Located less than a mile from Carillon Beach, Camp Helen State Park is the perfect spot for nature-loving families. The park is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on three sides and Lake Powell on one side, making it a popular location for swimming, and fishing. Hikers love Camp Helen’s Oak Canopy Trail that is suitable for explorers of all ages, so be sure to head to the Visitor’s center and pick up a complimentary trail guide before starting your family journey.
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4. Wild Thang Airboat Tours
If you’ve never ridden an airboat before, you’re in for an exciting adventure when you sign the family up for a Wild Thang Airboat Tour. The tour takes you through the marshes for an up-close view of all types of wildlife, including hermit crabs, wading birds, bald eagles, dolphins, and alligators. Take the tour during the day, or sign up for an adventure-filled night excursion. Be sure to plan this activity early, since you must book your reservation in advance.
5. Pier Park
Just a six-mile drive from Carillon Beach, Pier Park is the perfect spot to spend time with your family when taking a break from the water. This 900,000-plus square foot premier shopping destination and entertainment hub offers everything your family members could possibly want or need. Shipwreck Island Water Park offers toddler-friendly water slides, as well as oversized slides to thrill your older kids. Gulf World Marine Park is the place to go if you want to view animal shows or become a Pier Park trainer for a day. Other family-friendly places to visit in Pier Park include Dave & Buster’s, Coconut Creek Family Fun Park, and Emeralds Falls Family Recreation Center. When your crew gets hungry, enjoy a family meal at any one of the many dining spots in Pier Park.
6. Gulf World Marine Park
For a fun day learning about marine life, visit Gulf World Marine Park. Watch shark feedings, dolphin shows, sea lion, and dolphin encounters, and parrot shows all under the same roof. If your kids want a little one-on-one time with the animals, sign them up for of the park’s interactive programs that include swimming with dolphins, interacting with penguins, meeting and greeting a sea lion, and caring for sick animals.
7. Timpoochee Trail
Get up-close and personal with nature by hiking or biking Timpoochee Trail with your family. This 18.6-mile trail is a flat, extra-wide, easy, and safe, so even your little ones will enjoy the hike or bike ride. Bring your camera along, as you’re sure to run into many different types of wildlife. You’ll also see many stunning bridges and lakes of various sizes. Once you hit mile marker 18.6, you’ll be at beautiful Rosemary Beach. Spend time relaxing there and taking in the views before heading back. On your way back, stop at mile marker 4, and then step off the trail. You’ll see plenty of restaurants where you and your family can grab a bite to eat.
8. Coldwater Excursions
If your family is filled with outdoor enthusiasts, your Carillon Beach vacation won’t be complete without a trip to Coldwater Excursions. This company offers outdoor activities that are sure to make your vacation memorable for your entire family, including kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, cave diving, and underwater scooter riding. Your assigned host will walk you through any activity you choose, so don’t worry if you don’t have much experience. Sign up for a tour of the local springs if you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy spotting wildlife in their natural habitats.
9. Walkin’ On Water Paddleboards
Rent paddleboards from Walkin’ On Water Paddleboards, and hit the water with your family. You can also sign up for a paddleboarding lesson or tour. Paddleboard tour groups can include just a couple of people or dozens of participants. Tour with the large group if you want to meet some locals, or schedule a private tour that’s just for the members of your family. Take in the beauty of the ocean and scenery as you glide over the water on your board.
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