Planning a Florida beach trip with kids doesn’t have to mean spending the whole day sitting on the sand. What if your family wants beautiful beaches, but also wants to explore, move, discover, and try something different?
In this episode, I take you to one of my family’s favorite beach destinations, Venice, Florida, and share three experiences that make this Gulf Coast town more than just a beach getaway. We talk about hunting for fossilized shark teeth, kayaking through the mangroves, and joining a local beach drum circle.
I also share two casual family-friendly places to eat, plus what to consider when visiting a popular spot like Sharky’s on the Pier, especially if your kids struggle with crowds or long waits. And if your family gets hooked on shark tooth hunting, I share how scuba diving can become a future adventure for older, properly trained kids.
Whether your family loves nature, movement, music, exploration, or simply wants more variety from a beach vacation, this episode offers practical ideas for making Venice, Florida work for your family.
Topics Covered:
00:00 – Introduction
00:21 – Welcome to Family Travel that Supports
01:42 – What makes Venice, Florida a great family destination
02:37 – #1: Hunting for shark teeth
04:49 – Turning beach time into a fun mission
06:16 – #2: Kayaking through the mangroves
07:21 – #3: Joining a local beach drum circle
09:48 – Eat #1: Tony’s Beef
10:16 – Eat #2: Gold Rush Barbecue
10:34 – Sharky’s on the Pier
11:44 – Tip #1: Taking shark tooth hunting underwater
Josette Bianchi, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician, mom of three, and a travel lover who believes families should feel confident exploring the world together. Through Family Travel that Supports, she shares practical tips, real-life experiences, and encouragement for families raising children with big feelings, sensory needs, or behavioral differences.
Combining her medical background with her perspective as a parent, Dr. Bianchi helps families plan flexible, sensory-friendly trips. Each episode offers simple ideas, honest stories, and helpful tools to make travel more manageable and more meaningful for neurodiverse families.
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