Florida has long been America’s playground: citrus groves and rocket launches, white-sand beaches and alligators sunning on riverbanks. In one week, you’ll weave from Orlando’s theme-park energy to Miami’s shimmering coastline and Cuban heartbeat—two cities, very different moods, one easy family vacation.

Your 7-day itinerary balances blockbuster attractions with nature and culture. Expect two full days at Universal Orlando, a space history deep-dive at Kennedy Space Center, a Biscayne Bay cruise past Millionaire’s Row, and a classic Everglades airboat adventure. Between big-ticket experiences, we’ll add splashy aquariums, street art, and relaxed beach time.

Practical notes for families: Orlando and Miami are connected by a smooth 3.5–4-hour drive or Brightline high-speed rail (about 3.5 hours). Spring and fall bring milder weather; summer is hot and stormy, so plan midday breaks. Florida dining runs the gamut—Cuban classics in Little Havana, seafood on the bay, and theme-park favorites that delight kids and grown-ups alike.

Orlando

Orlando is the theme-park capital—yet beyond the coasters you’ll find springs as clear as glass, chef-led dining in Winter Park, and a legit pro hoops scene. Universal’s two parks make a perfect 2-day focus, especially for families who love Harry Potter, Jurassic adventures, and splash zones for the littlest travelers.

• Top sights: Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, ICON Park, Kennedy Space Center (nearby), Winter Park eateries.
• Why families love it: Rider swap lanes, interactive queues, character meets, and CityWalk dining that satisfies varied palates.
• Good to know: Arrive for “rope drop” to ride headliners with shorter waits; use mobile ordering for meals.

Where to stay (Orlando): For value near the action, Rosen Inn International on I-Drive is a reliable family base. The Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark adds kid-approved slides and pools. For a treat, Four Seasons Resort Orlando or Waldorf Astoria Orlando bring serene, service-forward stays close to the parks.

• Rosen Inn International (value)
• Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark (family favorite)
• Four Seasons Resort Orlando (top-tier luxury)
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando (elegant resort)
• Browse Orlando vacation rentals on VRBO or Orlando hotels on Hotels.com

Getting to Orlando: Fly into MCO. Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Rideshares and shuttles are readily available; many hotels offer transport to major parks.

Day 1: Arrive in Orlando, Settle In, and Disney Springs Evening

Morning: Travel day. If you arrive early, stretch your legs around Lake Eola Park downtown—swans, playgrounds, and skyline views make for a gentle start.

Afternoon: Check in, decompress by the pool, and grab a pick-me-up at Foxtail Coffee (local roaster; try their cold brew). If energy allows, pop to ICON Park for the carousel and quick souvenirs; SEA LIFE Orlando is an easy, stroller-friendly option if rain rolls in.

Evening: Head to Disney Springs for dinner: The Polite Pig (Florida barbecue, kids’ platters) or Chicken Guy! (budget-friendly tenders and dipping sauces). Cap the night with Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life—an imaginative, kid-friendly performance that celebrates Disney animation. Drawn to Life presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney

Day 2: Universal Studios Florida – Movie Magic and Diagon Alley

Morning: Be at the gates before opening (“rope drop”). Start with Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, then head to The Wizarding World – Diagon Alley. Ride Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts before lines build; breakfast on warm Butterbeer and a hearty plate at the Leaky Cauldron keeps everyone fueled.

Afternoon: Work clockwise: E.T. Adventure for nostalgia, Springfield U.S.A. for The Simpsons Ride and Lard Lad donuts, then coasters like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit for teens. Use Rider Switch for height-restricted attractions. Hydration tip: refillable freestyle cups can be cost-effective on hot days.

Evening: Exit into Universal CityWalk for dinner: VIVO Italian Kitchen (house-made pasta), The Cowfish (sushi-burger mashups), or Antojitos (tableside guac, live music). Doughnut dessert from Voodoo Doughnut is a family pleaser. Secure tickets ahead if needed: Universal Orlando 1 Park Per Day Tickets - USA / Canada Residents

Day 3: Islands of Adventure – Hogsmeade, Jurassic Thrills, and Seuss Landing

Morning: Start in Hogsmeade for Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure (the queue is an experience). Ride Flight of the Hippogriff for younger riders. Grab a morning snack at Honeydukes—chocolate frogs for the win.

Afternoon: Move to Jurassic Park for the VelociCoaster (teens and adults) and the family-friendly Pteranodon Flyers. Cool off in Toon Lagoon’s water rides. Little ones adore Seuss Landing’s Caro-Seuss-el and The Cat in the Hat.

Evening: Back at CityWalk, try Red Oven for quick artisanal pizzas or Bigfire for wood-grilled fare. If you want a non-park option, head to Milkhouse in The Milk District for craft milkshakes and grilled cheeses—low-key and tasty.

Day 4: Space Day at Kennedy Space Center + Aquarium Backup Plan

Morning: Drive 45–60 minutes to Cape Canaveral. Start at the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit and the Shuttle Launch Experience simulator. Kids get hands-on at the Planet Play area; budding astronauts can’t miss the Saturn V Center.

Afternoon: Catch an IMAX film and the Rocket Garden walk. If you prefer a hosted experience or transport, consider: Kennedy Space Center Cape Canaveral Admission

or the transport-included option: Kennedy Space Center Express from Orlando

Evening: Back in Orlando, dinner at The Ravenous Pig (gastropub staples; book ahead) or Black Rooster Taqueria (street tacos, agua frescas). If rain upends the day, swap in SEA LIFE at ICON Park: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium Admission Ticket at ICON Park

Miami

Welcome to Miami—sunlit Art Deco facades, sandy beaches, and the aromas of Cuban coffee drifting down Calle Ocho. Families can blend gentle beach mornings with Bay cruises, street art walks, and wildlife-rich day trips into the Everglades.

• Top sights: South Beach and Ocean Drive, Biscayne Bay and Star Island, Little Havana, Wynwood, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, Everglades National Park.
• Why families love it: Calm bay waters, stroller-friendly promenades, and plenty of shaded parks between urban adventures.
• Good to know: Many Miami restaurants welcome kids; early dinners beat the nightlife rush and find parking easier.

Where to stay (Miami): For beachfront convenience, Loews Miami Beach Hotel is a polished, family-forward option. Freehand Miami suits budget-conscious travelers with a lively pool and private rooms. For resort calm away from crowds, The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne offers a serene, sandy perch with kids’ programs.

• Loews Miami Beach Hotel (family-friendly beachfront)
• Freehand Miami (budget-chic in Miami Beach)
• The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami (quiet island vibes)
• Four Seasons Hotel Miami (Brickell city retreat)
• Browse Miami hotels or Miami vacation rentals on VRBO

Travel from Orlando to Miami: Drive the Florida Turnpike (3.5–4 hours, expect ~$15–$25 in tolls). Brightline high-speed rail runs roughly 3.5 hours from Orlando’s airport station to MiamiCentral—comfortable for families. Prefer to fly (about 1 hour in the air)? Check Trip.com or Kiwi.com for fares.

Day 5: Travel to Miami, South Beach Stroll, and Biscayne Bay Cruise

Morning: Depart Orlando after breakfast. If driving, plan a rest stop around Fort Drum or Palm Beach area for snacks and a stretch. If taking Brightline, pack light; the kids will love the roomy seats and snack car.

Afternoon: Check in, then wander South Beach’s family-friendly stretch between 1st and 10th Streets—shallow, wave-tamed water most days. For a quick bite, La Sandwicherie serves fresh baguette sandwiches and smoothies that please all ages.

Evening: Set sail at golden hour to see the skyline and celebrity islands glow. Choose a narrated sightseeing cruise that’s kid-friendly: Biscayne Bay Millionaire's Row Skyline Boat Tour

Afterward, head to Time Out Market Miami for a casual food-hall dinner—great when everyone craves something different.

Day 6: Little Havana Flavors and Wynwood Street Art

Morning: Start with Cuban pastries and café con leche at Versailles Bakery or a guava-cheese pastelito at Yisell Bakery. Then join a culture-and-food walk through Little Havana: Little Havana Food and Walking Tour in Miami

You’ll learn about Cuban history while sampling croquetas, ropa vieja, and a thimble of sweet Cuban espresso.

Afternoon: Continue to Wynwood for murals and photo ops. Grab lunch at Zak the Baker (wholesome breads, salads) or Coyo Taco for a quick, flavorful bite. If you need a cool-down, stop by Panther Coffee for iced lattes and lemonades.

Evening: Early dinner bayside at Garcia’s Seafood (fresh-catch platters; kids can watch boats glide by). For a special-occasion view, Rusty Pelican on Key Biscayne serves sunset skyline panoramas—book a family-friendly early seating.

Day 7: Everglades Adventure and Departure

Morning: Cap your trip with an educational Everglades outing—airboats, birds, and maybe a gator or two. Two family-approved options with transport: Everglades Tour from Miami with Transportation

or From Miami: Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show, and Roundtrip Bus

Afternoon: Return to the city, grab a final bite—La Latina (arepas), or a quick bowl at Carrot Express for something wholesome—and head to the airport. Compare fares via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If your flight is later, let the kids splash at the beach one last time or stroll the palm-lined South Pointe Park Pier for breezes and ship-spotting.

Family Dining Shortlist (Save for Later)

• Orlando breakfasts: Se7en Bites (biscuits and baked goods), Keke’s Breakfast Cafe (pancakes galore), Foxtail Coffee (local roasts).
• Orlando lunches: The Polite Pig (BBQ), The Cowfish (CityWalk), Black Rooster Taqueria (tacos).
• Orlando dinners: The Ravenous Pig (gastropub), Antojitos (Mexican), VIVO Italian Kitchen (pasta).
• Miami breakfasts: Versailles Bakery (Cuban classics), Zak the Baker (Wynwood), Panther Coffee (iced everything).
• Miami lunches: La Sandwicherie (baguette sandwiches), Coyo Taco (fast-casual tacos), Garcia’s Seafood (waterfront).
• Miami dinners: Rusty Pelican (skyline views), Havana Harry’s (Cuban comfort), Time Out Market (food hall variety).

Budget tips for a 67/100 spend level: Mix park days with low-cost beach and neighborhood strolls; choose one splurge dinner and rely on hearty lunches. In parks, mobile order earlier than peak times, share large portions, and bring a collapsible water bottle for refills.

Optional Orlando add-ons if you extend: airboat rides to spot gators—thrilling yet educational—like the One-Hour Airboat Ride Near Orlando

or a glass-bottom kayak at Rock Springs: Rock Springs 2-Hour Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour

That’s your week: thrills at Universal, awe at Kennedy Space Center, breezy Miami boat rides, Little Havana flavors, and an Everglades finale. With smart transit, family-friendly dining, and roomy downtime by the water, this Florida itinerary keeps everyone smiling from rope drop to sunset.