Looking for more summer fun? Check out these 50 Amazing FREE Orlando Summer Activities for Kids, plus more in our Orlando Summer Activities Guide!

Orlando has many great beaches for families of toddlers to explore. Photo by the author

Best Toddler Beaches Near Orlando

1. 27th Avenue Beachfront Park – New Smyrna Beach

East Coast - 1 hour from Orlando
Located at the quieter, southern end of New Smyrna Beach, 27th Avenue Beachfront Park is a great spot for families looking to avoid the busier tourist areas. This beach features a dedicated parking lot, clean restrooms, showers, and lifeguards on duty. Plus, there's an ADA-accessible shaded playground, basketball court, boardwalk, and shaded picnic areas—making it easy to take breaks from the sand. It's also close to the Marine Discovery Center for a post-beach adventure.

2. Andy Romano Beachfront Park – Ormond Beach

East Coast - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Orlando
Andy Romano Beachfront Park in Ormond Beach is a family favorite thanks to its clean facilities and family-focused design. The park includes a splash pad, covered beachfront playground, picnic pavilions, and restrooms with changing areas. Lifeguards are typically on duty, and the beach is well-maintained. It's also located on a quiet stretch of beach, making it a peaceful option for little ones.

3. Fort De Soto Park – St. Petersburg Area

Gulf Coast - 2 hours from Orlando
Fort De Soto Park is a beach day dream. The North Beach end of Fort De Soto Park has calm, shallow waters with a lagoon perfect for toddlers to safely splash around. There’s a large pirate-themed playground, shady picnic spots, and even a historic fort to explore. Lifeguards are on duty in certain areas, and the entire park is very clean and stroller-friendly. You can also hop on a park ferry to Shell Key or Egmont Key State Park for an adventure!

RELATED: Best Shark Tooth Beaches in Florida: Baby Shark Would Approve!

4. Frank Rendon Park – Daytona Beach Shores

East Coast - 1 hour and 15 minutes from Orlando
Frank Rendon Park is a clean, well-kept park with plenty of parking, clean restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic shelters. There's a small playground with shade, and the wide beach has lifeguards on duty in designated swim areas. It’s less crowded than central Daytona Beach, making it more relaxing for families with toddlers. Plus, the nearby Sunglow Pier is a fun spot for a walk or a bite to eat.

5. Jetty Park Beach – Cape Canaveral

East Coast - 1 hour from Orlando
Jetty Park is a hidden gem for toddler beach days. It features gentle waves, lifeguards, and on-site concessions. There's also a playground and picnic area, making it easy to spend the whole day here. Cruise ships pass by the nearby port, so you might spot one while building sandcastles! Make a weekend out of it with a visit to Kennedy Space Center, where toddlers will love the Planet Play indoor playground.

With calm waters, gentle waves and lifeguards Cocoa Beach is a great place for toddlers.

6. Lori Wilson Park – Cocoa Beach

East Coast - 1 hour from Orlando
Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach is one of the top picks for families with young kids. It offers free parking, clean restrooms, outdoor showers, a nature boardwalk, and easy beach access. There’s a playground just steps from the beach! The waves are usually gentle, and lifeguards are on duty seasonally, making this a safe spot for splashing around. You're also close to restaurants, ice cream shops, and the Florida Surf Museum.

7. Pier 60 – Clearwater Beach

Gulf Coast - 2 hours from Orlando
Clearwater Beach is famous for its sugar-soft sand and calm Gulf waters, perfect for toddlers. Near Pier 60, you’ll find a beachfront shaded playground, a giant inflatable water slide, family restrooms, and a wide, clean beach with lifeguards on duty. In the evenings, Pier 60 hosts free family events and entertainment. The nearby Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a great add-on for animal-loving kiddos.

Kids love the shaded beach play area at Siesta Key Beach. Photo courtesy Visit Sarasota

8. Siesta Key Beach – Sarasota

Gulf Coast - 2 hours and 15 minutes from Orlando
Siesta Key’s powdery white sand and super calm waters make it a favorite for families with young kids. The main beach access offers ample parking, shaded playgrounds, clean bathrooms, concessions, and lifeguards on duty. It’s been ranked one of the best beaches in the U.S. -- and toddlers agree!

Tips for Visiting Beaches with Babies and Toddlers

• Arrive early for cooler weather and better parking.
• Bring a shade tent or beach umbrella for breaks and naps.
• Always keep little ones within arm’s reach, even in shallow water.
• Bring the essentials: diapers, wipes, extra clothes, swim diapers, snacks, water, sunscreen, and more snacks (seriously—always more snacks).
• Little feet do best in water shoes or sandals that can handle hot sand and rocky spots. Avoid flip-flops that fall off too easily.
• A beach wagon is a game-changer if you're hauling gear, coolers, and toddlers.