Northwest Florida's Gulf Coast is a great vacation spot since it boasts sugar white beaches and incredible sand dunes. The town of WaterColor and neighboring town Seaside are pedestrian friendly regions. You can walk everywhere—which is a plus when traveling with kids—and the region is very welcoming to families. You will see young children walking to the local ice cream shop, locals offering help with directions or suggestion, and plenty of activities to keep everyone busy. There are miles of bike paths, kayaking in Western Lake, the Orvis fly fishing school and crabbing, shrimping and tonging for oysters—something the kids will love.
Locals boast that the beaches here are even better than the Caribbean and the warm breezes and cool water will certainly keep your kids happy during their stay.
In July, The Seaside Repertory Theater is partnering with WaterColor to introduce a performance of Beauty and the Beast at the WaterColor outdoor amphitheater. They will also offer a children and teens program at WaterColor where kids can learn theater techniques.
A great resort for families is the WaterColor Inn and Resort in Santa Rosa Beach Florida (www.watercolorvacations.com), located directly on the Gulf Coast. All rooms face the Gulf; in fact you can even see the water from your in-room shower.
The resort is offering a great family package this summer. The Signature Family Experience does everything from stock the refrigerator with your favorite items to setting up cribs, to catering a beach bonfire BBQ for you and your family. All of this, and the Gulf of Mexico's pristine beaches, perfect for sandcastle construction.
Camp WaterColor will be a great hit with the kids. It includes adventures, nature lessons, arts, crafts, and more for kids ages 4 to 12. The main Camp WaterColor building features a craft and game room, a stage with a backlit projection system for movies and presentations, a large set of doors that open out to the amphitheater, and a stage for concerts, plays and other productions. The building also has showers and changing rooms leading out to the shallow wading area and water play area with pulsing water geysers. The pool also features lap lanes for more disciplined swimming.
For more information on Florida go to www.visitlforida.com.
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