Florida has been a magnet for families since the mid-20th century, when roadside attractions like Gatorland drew curious motorists down US 17 and the Florida Turnpike. The space race put the state on a different kind of map—launch pads at Cape Canaveral sent Saturn V rockets skyward, and today the Kennedy Space Center tells that story with real spacecraft and interactive exhibits. In Miami, the boom of the 1920s left behind Mediterranean mansions, while South Beach’s pastel art deco hotels made the city an icon of style and sunshine.

Across six days, you’ll pair Orlando’s hands-on science, observation wheel, and a Kennedy Space Center day trip with Miami’s beaches, Wynwood street art, Vizcaya’s historic gardens, and a world-class science museum. The plan favors family-friendly activities, free or low-cost sights, and a moderate budget—one big-ticket day balanced by great parks, markets, and neighborhood eats. Expect plenty of outdoor time and easy, memorable experiences.

Practical notes: summer brings afternoon showers (pack light rain gear), and Florida sun is strong year-round (reef-safe sunscreen, hats). Toll roads are common—if you drive, ask about a transponder. Both cities have excellent family dining options; Orlando loves inventive comfort food, Miami shines with Cuban bakeries and fresh seafood. For flights, compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Orlando

Beyond theme parks, Orlando shines for families with its Orlando Science Center, leafy neighborhoods around Lake Eola, and nature spots like Leu Gardens. The Wheel at ICON Park lifts you 400 feet for skyline views, while old-school Gatorland (founded 1949) mixes wildlife shows with boardwalks and a splash pad—classic Florida with just enough thrill.

Food-wise, Orlando is a sleeper hit: Southern plates at Se7en Bites, Cuban sandwiches at Black Bean Deli, and barbecue at The Polite Pig make kid-pleasing, wallet-friendly meals. Coffee is excellent at Lineage Coffee Roasting or Craft & Common. Evenings at Disney Springs are lively and free to wander, with live music, fountains, and treats galore.

• Where to stay (Orlando):
  • Budget-friendly: Rosen Inn International (pool, free parking, near ICON Park).
  • Family suites and water fun: Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark (suites with kitchenettes, onsite waterpark).
  • Search more: VRBO Orlando | Hotels.com Orlando.
• Getting to Orlando: Fly into MCO. Compare prices on Trip.com and Kiwi.com; from many US hubs you’ll find competitive fares.

Day 1: Arrival, Lake Eola, and Disney Springs

Morning: Travel day.

Afternoon: Check in and stretch your legs at Lake Eola Park. Rent a swan boat (20–30 minutes is perfect with kids) and spot real swans and turtles along the paths.

Evening: Head to Disney Springs for a free-to-enter, lively evening. Dinner at The Polite Pig (shareable smoked meats, mac ‘n’ cheese, kids’ menu), then dessert from Gideon’s Bakehouse (half-pound cookies—go early or join the virtual queue). Cap it with fountains and live music by the Marketplace stage.

Day 2: Science, Gardens, and the Wheel at ICON Park

Morning: Breakfast at Se7en Bites (chicken biscuit and cinnamon rolls are standouts). Explore the Orlando Science Center: kids love DinoDigs, Kinetic Zone, and live STEM demos.

Afternoon: Picnic and flowers at Harry P. Leu Gardens (butterflies, shaded paths, historic house). Grab Cuban sandwiches and maduros from Black Bean Deli en route.

Evening: Ride The Wheel at ICON Park near sunset for views across the city; bundle with SEA LIFE Aquarium if you want an indoor add-on. Dinner nearby at Hawkers Asian Street Food (small plates, bao, noodles) or swing back to East End Market for stalls and pizza. Optional night mini golf at Pirate’s Cove.

Day 3: Kennedy Space Center Day Trip

Depart Orlando about 8:00 a.m. for the 1-hour drive to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Start with the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit—see the real orbiter with cargo bay doors open—then the Shuttle Launch Experience (a kid-approved “launch” simulation). Take the included bus tour to the Apollo/Saturn V Center to stand beneath the mighty Saturn V and watch the Firing Room theater recreate Apollo 8’s countdown. The Rocket Garden and Journey to Mars keep it hands-on between shows.

Lunch at Moon Rock Café or Orbit Cafe. If your kids are into building, the LEGO space area and Astronaut Training simulators are fun upgrades. Drive back to Orlando late afternoon.

Dinner back in town at Craft & Common (sandwiches and great coffee) or Black Rooster Taqueria (al pastor and crispy fish tacos). Rainy-day alternative: the Crayola Experience at Florida Mall for colorful crafts and climbing structures.

Miami

Miami marries beach days with culture: Wynwood Walls is a kaleidoscope of curated street art, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is a 1916 Italianate fantasy on Biscayne Bay, and the Frost Museum of Science pairs a stunning planetarium with a multi-level aquarium. South Beach has calm morning surf and playgrounds at South Pointe—great for families.

Eat your way through the city: guava pastries at Versailles Bakery, tostones and lechón at Old’s Havana, panini at La Sandwicherie, and ice cream from Azucar in Little Havana. Coffee stops like Panther Coffee and All Day keep the adults fueled.

• Where to stay (Miami):
  • Good value in a stylish setting: Freehand Miami (private family rooms, pool, near the beach).
  • Family favorite on the sand: Loews Miami Beach Hotel (kids’ club, beachfront pool).
  • Relaxed resort vibe: The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, Miami (calmer beach, family programs).
  • Search more: VRBO Miami | Hotels.com Miami.
• Travel from Orlando to Miami (morning departure): Fly MCO→MIA or FLL (1h05m; fares often $39–$120 one-way). Compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Driving is 3.5–4 hours via Florida’s Turnpike (budget ~$25–$30 in tolls).

Day 4: Travel to Miami, South Pointe Park, and Lincoln Road

Morning: Early flight from Orlando; drop bags at your hotel. Breakfast or coffee at Panther Coffee (cold brew and guava pastelitos).

Afternoon: Beach time at South Pointe Park: a playground, splash zones, and a scenic pier with views of cruise ships gliding out to sea. The shallow shoreline here is often calmer for kids.

Evening: Casual dinner at La Sandwicherie (French baguette sandwiches piled high; great for picky eaters). Stroll Lincoln Road for people-watching, street performers, and gelato.

Day 5: Wynwood Street Art and Frost Science

Morning: Breakfast at Zak the Baker (challah French toast or shakshuka) and then wander Wynwood Walls, the open-air museum where international artists have transformed warehouses since 2009. Duck into nearby murals along NW 2nd Ave for photo ops.

Afternoon: Head to the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. Start with the three-level Gulf Stream Aquarium (look up through the oculus) and catch a planetarium show—kids love the live-narrated journeys through the cosmos.

Evening: Dinner in Little Havana at Versailles (Cuban classics: ropa vieja, moros y cristianos) or Old’s Havana (lively patio, musicians in early evening). Stop by Domino Park to watch locals play, then grab a scoop at Azucar Ice Cream—try Abuela Maria (guava, cream cheese, Maria cookies).

Day 6: Vizcaya Gardens and Departure

Morning: Explore Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, James Deering’s 1916 bayside villa. Kids enjoy the maze-like hedges and barge-shaped stone breakwater; adults admire European antiques and bay views. Alternative for hot days: the nature boardwalks and touch tanks at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center (Crandon Park).

Afternoon: Brunch or a light lunch at All Day downtown (eggs, tartines, excellent espresso). Pick up the bags and head to the airport. Check flight options on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: Travel home with pockets full of seashells and camera rolls full of rockets and murals.

Extra tips for families and budgets:

• Mix one big-ticket day (e.g., Kennedy Space Center) with free/low-cost parks and museums to stay near a mid-range budget.
• Arrive early to beaches for easy parking and gentler surf; afternoons can bring wind and showers.
• If you drive, ask your hotel about SunPass for tolls; in Miami, the free Beach Trolley helps hop between neighborhoods.

In six days you’ll touch Florida’s past and future—from Saturn V rockets to street art, from bayfront villas to sandy mornings on South Beach. With playful science, good eats, and easy logistics between Orlando and Miami, it’s a balanced, family-friendly itinerary you’ll want to repeat.