Florida 2022: 10 Must‑See Family‑Friendly Attractions & Developments
If a trip to Florida isn’t on your itinerary this summer but you’re eager to explore soon, the timing couldn’t be better. A wave of new additions, expansions, and renovations is set to arrive in 2021 and 2022, ensuring fresh experiences for families across the Sunshine State.
Below are ten family‑friendly offerings that will debut later this year or next, promising memorable adventures for all ages.
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at EPCOT
Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure is slated to open at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT on October 1, 2021. Located in the park’s France pavilion, this family‑friendly attraction shrinks riders to Remy’s size, guiding them through Gusteau’s restaurant in a playful, immersive journey. The debut coincides with the launch of The World’s Most Magical Celebration, an 18‑month event celebrating Walt Disney World’s 50th anniversary. For those hungry for more, La Crêperie de Paris opens on the same day, offering kids sweet crepes and adults authentic French hard cider.
Otter Grotto at The Wonder Gardens
The Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs will welcome the new Robert & Deborah Blain Otter Grotto in fall 2021. Featuring a clear acrylic tunnel and viewing domes, guests can observe rescued otters in an underwater‑like setting while also encountering the gardens’ diverse wildlife, from alligators and turtles to flamingos and Chinese golden pheasants.
Margaritaville Beach House Key West
Barbary Beach House Key West will transform into Margaritaville Beach House Key West in fall 2021. This $3‑million renovation will infuse Margaritaville Hotels & Resorts’ tropical vibe into the property, offering poolside entertainment, kids’ activities, lawn games, hammocks, and water‑sport rentals. Signature Margaritaville dining and the famed cocktail will round out the family‑friendly experience.
New Visitors Center for Manatees
In the Crystal River area—known as the “Manatee Capital of the World”—a new visitors center will open in fall 2021 at the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. Interactive displays will educate visitors about Kings Bay, Florida’s second‑largest spring system and a critical habitat for thousands of manatees that seek refuge each winter.
Everglades New Lodging
Families planning a trip to Everglades National Park will find a fresh stay option by the end of 2021, just in time for the park’s 75th anniversary in 2022. Flamingo Lodge & Restaurant, located in the Flamingo area, will feature 24 one‑ and two‑bedroom units and an indoor/outdoor restaurant. Constructed from shipping containers elevated on pillars and connected by a boardwalk, the lodge blends sustainability with comfort. Visit the Flamingo Adventures website for updates and booking information.
Expanded Aquatic Facilities
The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex and International Swimming Hall of Fame will undergo a $46‑million renovation and expansion. The historic site, home to Florida’s first Olympic‑sized pool dating back to the 1920s, will soon feature five updated pools for competition and recreation, plus a 27‑meter dive tower open for scenic “Top of the Tower” tours. The renovated pools are slated to open in August 2021, with additional features rolling out in 2022.
New Developments in Sarasota
Bay, a multi‑year redevelopment of 53 acres along Sarasota Bay, will unveil several first‑phase components between fall 2021 and summer 2022. Highlights include new segments of the Mangrove Bayou Walkway—such as a kayak launch and a tranquil outdoor Reading Room—as well as a concessions plaza, playground, and lawn areas within The Bay.
Star Wars Galactic Starcruiser
Walt Disney World Resort’s highly anticipated Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will launch in 2022. This immersive lodging experience aboard the Halcyon starcruiser offers a two‑day, two‑night adventure featuring lightsaber lessons and cabins styled like the Star Wars universe. Guests will also receive a complimentary excursion to Batuu at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, where they can explore Black Spire Outpost and hunt for hidden Resistance bases.
Seagrove Beach Boutique Hotel
St. Joe Hospitality’s upcoming The Lodge 30A, projected to open in 2022, will sit in Seagrove Beach on Scenic County Highway 30A. Adjacent to the planned Greenway Station mixed‑use development—offering restaurants, shops, and trail access to the 15,000‑acre Point Washington State Forest—the boutique hotel will complement St. Joe’s existing WaterColor Inn, which is expanding with new suites and a 2,800‑sq‑ft zero‑entry family pool.
Peppa Pig Theme Park at LEGOLAND Florida
Targeted for a 2022 opening, the new standalone Peppa Pig Theme Park at LEGOLAND Florida Resort will cater to preschoolers. Featuring rides, interactive attractions, live shows, themed play areas, and water play zones, the park offers opportunities to meet Peppa and her friends. Located near LEGOLAND Florida’s main entrance and on‑site hotels, the park will require a separate ticket.
