As moms, we’re always on the lookout for family-friendly destinations that make traveling with kids both fun and relaxing. I’m thrilled to share a wonderful travelogue from one of our readers about her visit to Fort De Soto Park in Pinellas County, Florida. Whether you’re planning your next family adventure or just daydreaming about the perfect beach day, her firsthand experience offers inspiration. Enjoy!
Mom’s Travel Testimony:
One of the best places I have found for taking my growing family is Fort Desoto Park in Pinellas County, Florida. This park offers a wonder of things to do that are perfect for families with young children. Since my own children are 3 months and 18 months old, it was essential to find a destination that could stimulate their growing curiosity while being children/family-friendly.
Here are some of the things I love about Fort De Soto Park:
Bicycle trails and rentals: There are onsite bicycle rentals is the park near the historic fort, with a surrey and bikes with infant seats. The bike trails are paved and lighted and run through the park or you can go on the dirt-covered bike trails running along the gulf bay.
Great beaches: One of the top-rated beaches in the United States, with an observation pier so your little ones can enjoy the sounds of nature. We enjoyed everything from wading in the water to watching the dolphins swim in the bay.
Seashells: The park’s beaches are known for their abundance of seashells. We didn’t pick any this year, but if we come back next year, I think my oldest will enjoy searching for unique shells.(Find more toddler-friendly beach activities here.)
Family-friendly amenities: The park is well-equipped with family-friendly facilities, including clean restrooms and a convenient concession stand. These amenities make the experience much easier for parents with young children.
Nature trails: It is so easy to take advantage of the nature trails as the park’s trails are stroller-friendly and perfect for a peaceful walk while exposing your children to nature.
Playground: The park has a pirate-themed playground on the North Beach. It’s a great spot for kids to burn off energy. This will be perfect when my oldest is 2.5 years old next year!
Shaded picknic areas: There are shaded areas with picnic tables and pavilions to enjoy that special day at the beach.
Campgrounds: They also have a campground (with a playground) that offers primitive and full hookups for your pleasure to stay outdoors.
I highly recommend Fort De Soto Park as an escape that stimulates the senses with natural sights, sounds, and the calming environment only nature can offer. Nearby attractions include various Gulf beaches, fishing spots, and hiking trails, making it a versatile destination for families.
Despite the busyness of life with two young children, as you can imagine, I really felt that Fort De Soto allowed me to slow down and truly relax. It’s a place I will keep coming back to!
Watch this video to get an impression of what this wonderful place is like!
Tips for Families with Older Kids
In addition to the great tips provided by our reader above, I’d like to add a few more things to do for families with older kids:
Explore the historic fort: Discover the park’s namesake fort, complete with cannons and a rich history dating back to the Spanish-American War. It’s a fun and educational activity for families with older kids.
Wildlife watching: Bring binoculars for birdwatching or keep an eye out for sea turtles and manatees in the park’s waters.
Kayaking and canoeing: Rent a kayak or canoe to paddle through serene mangroves and waterways—a perfect adventure for older kids and teens. Rentals are available in the park.
Fishing: Fort De Soto offers fishing piers where families can cast a line and enjoy a relaxing time together.
Take a ferry to Egmont Key: Hop on a ferry to nearby Egmont Key, a secluded island with a historic lighthouse, hiking trails, and snorkeling opportunities.
Snorkeling and swimming: Bring masks and fins for underwater exploration in the calm, clear waters. (Read about water safety for children here.)
Geocaching: Participate in a real-world treasure hunt by geocaching. It’s an engaging activity that older children and teens may enjoy – gaming in real life instead of on their mobiles for a change…
Sunset viewing: Stay until evening to watch a breathtaking Gulf Coast sunset. Bring a camera to capture the magical colors over the water. (If you have young kids who are used to falling asleep in the stroller, this is perfect as a romantic date for new parents, too!)
Park Location
Fort De Soto Park is located in Pinellas County, Florida, at the southern tip of the county near St. Petersburg. It is not a state park, as many think, but a county park. The park spans five interconnected islands (or keys) and covers over 1,100 acres of pristine beaches, mangroves, and natural habitats along the Gulf of Mexico. The names of the keys are:
- St. Jean Key
- St. Christopher Key
- Bonne Fortune Key
- Madelaine Key
- Big Island Key
These keys are connected by bridges and feature a mix of beaches, mangroves, trails, and recreational facilities, making the park a diverse and family-friendly destination. It’s easily accessible by car, but unfortunately not with public transportation. More information about Fort De Soto Park can be found here on the Pinellas County website.
More Baby-Friendly Vacation Spots In Florida
Who else has visited Fort Desoto State Park or is considering a visit? Drop a comment below! 🙂
Paula Dennholt founded Easy Baby Life in 2006 and has been a passionate parenting and pregnancy writer since then. Her parenting approach and writing are based on studies in cognitive-behavioral models and therapy for children and her experience as a mother and stepmother. Life as a parent has convinced her of how crucial it is to put relationships before rules. She strongly believes in positive parenting and a science-based approach.
Paula cooperates with a team of pediatricians who assist in reviewing and writing articles.
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