With so many people moving to Florida every year, a lot goes into the consideration of where to set down roots. Sure, the tropical ambiance, beach access, and overall beauty give a lot to think about, but for those who have families, there is more to it. Every year, Niche releases its “best of” list of which cities, towns, and neighborhoods are best to raise a family. To determine these rankings, Niche uses statistics based on things such as public schools, crime rates, access to libraries, cost of living, family-friendly amenities, and so forth. Of course, there are lots of intangible factors that go into what makes a town livable, but these seem to be consistent qualifiers. Without further ado, here’s a list of the best small towns in Florida to raise a family. See if your favorite town made the list!

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So, what do you think about this list of the best small towns in Florida to raise a family? Were there any surprise rankings? Feel free to share your thoughts with us — we would love to hear from you! For related content, check out our list of the most underrated small towns in Florida.

And, if you’re feeling some serious state pride, check out this unique Florida apparel from Wear Your Roots!

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best small towns in florida to raise a family

What are the most kid-friendly destinations in Florida?

Florida is a great place to travel with kids. The most kid-friendly destinations in Florida include:

  • Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
  • Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park
  • Fudpucker’s Beachside Bar & Grill
  • WonderWorks in Panama City Beach
  • Pink Pelican Ice Cream Bar
  • Shores of Panama
  • Cape San Blas

 

Learn more about these destinations, when you check out the full itinerary for our road trip to the most family-friendly places in Florida.

What's an under-the-radar family attraction in Florida?

SunWest Park in Pasco County is an underrated family attraction in Florida. You've likely heard of Disney World and Universal Studios, SunWest Park is decidedly lesser-known. This 70-acre spring-fed lake boasts a white sandy beach and plenty of room to splash around. There's even a splash park on the water, known as the Lift Adventure Park. This is one outdoor water playground in Florida you'll want to visit at least once!

Are there any kid-friendly hikes in Florida?

There are lots of kid-friendly hikes in Florida! Some of the best ones to enjoy with your family include:

  • Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples
  • Big Cypress Bend, Fakahatchee Preserve State Park
  • Timucuan Trail, Alexander Springs, Ocala National Forest
  • Caladesi Island Trail, Dunedin
  • Garden of Eden Trail, Apalachicola Bluffs and Ravines Preserve, Bristol
  • Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park
  • Falling Waters Sinkhole Trail, Chipley
  • Ravine Gardens State Park, Palatka

 

For more information about each of these trails, check out our complete list of the best hikes in Florida under 5 miles.