Orlando, Florida is a parent’s dream, and it has always been my go-to for making lifelong family memories. There’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy because of the remarkable variety of amusement parks, outdoor pursuits, and educational sites.
Every family can find something that suits them, from the well-known like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios to the less obvious like Kelly Park. In this piece, I’ll discuss the activities and attractions that were the most enjoyable for my family on our recent trip to Orlando.
You should tailor your itinerary to your children’s interests and abilities if you’re taking them to Orlando. Your family vacation will be more successful if you include a variety of outdoor activities, exciting theme parks, and engaging experiences for your children.
Best Amusement Parks for Children
As a parent, I know how important it is to discover things to do on vacation that the whole family can enjoy. With so many options for amusement parks, Orlando is a dream destination for families with kids of all ages. Here are some of my favorite things to do in the city: SeaWorld Orlando, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and Walt Disney World Resort.
- The Walt Disney World Complex
The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is arguably the most well-known place in the world for families to have fun together. With Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom on the menu, it’s easy to see why so many families keep coming back year after year. Magic Kingdom is our go-to theme park because it has everything my kids could want: classic rides like Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain, plus the chance to meet their favorite Disney characters. Animal Kingdom is a must-see as well, thanks to thrilling attractions like the Kilimanjaro Safaris and the Avatar Flight of Passage that can only be found there.
- Universal Studios Florida Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is yet another great Orlando attraction for families. My family and I have a blast at both of the major theme parks, but our favorites are Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Movie fans will enjoy the many rides and shows at Universal Studios, many of which pay homage to such beloved films as Despicable Me, Transformers, and Harry Potter. Islands of Adventure, meanwhile, features fantastic attractions like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Hogsmeade and the Incredible Adventures of Spider-Man. You could easily spend many days here seeing everything there is to see.
- Vacationing at LEGOLAND Florida
LEGOLAND Florida Resort is an excellent choice for families with young children. Around 50 rides, shows, and activities at this bright LEGO-themed park are aimed squarely at children in the two to twelve age range. The LEGO NINJAGO: The Ride lets the kids hone their ninja skills, and the LEGOLAND Florida Water Park is a great place to cool off and unwind, making it a family favorite. My children were inspired by the park’s themed areas like DUPLO Valley and Miniland USA, and they have fond recollections of their time there.
- Oceanarium Orlando
Finally, for those looking for adventure and excitement in Orlando with the family, SeaWorld Orlando is a great option. This amusement park is perfect for families because it has something for everyone, from thrilling rides to interactive displays about marine life. We have a blast on the Manta and Mako roller coasters and love meeting the dolphins, penguins, and sea turtles at the park’s many animal encounters at SeaWorld Orlando.
There is really something for everyone in Orlando’s many theme parks. These best options will give you and your family a vacation to remember, full of fun and laughter.
Fun and Engaging Learning Opportunities
When I take my kids to Orlando, I try to make the trip worthwhile for them in several ways. Let’s check out some of the best places to learn and have fun, such as the Kennedy Space Center, the Orlando Science Center, and WonderWorks.
- NASA’s Kennedy Space Center
I highly recommend visiting the Kennedy Space Center while in Orlando. It’s a rare chance for people of all ages to learn about NASA’s past and the exciting present of space travel. My children enjoy the bus tours of the Space Center complex and especially the astronaut training simulators where they can try their hand at launching a shuttle. Youngsters are always enthralled by accounts of space exploration and are encouraged by the astronauts’ resolve and courage.
- The Science Center of Orlando
The Orlando Science Center is another top pick for families looking to have some mind-expanding fun. My kids love the hands-on, playful learning opportunities provided by the museum’s interactive exhibits, which are geared for children of varying ages. They like to dig for fossils in the DinoDigs exhibit and learn about Florida’s various ecosystems in the NatureWorks section. Visit their website to learn about intriguing seminars and presentations on scientific topics that may be happening during your stay.
- WonderWorks
WonderWorks is a must-see if you want to learn while having fun. My kids can’t wait to go to the museum that is literally upside down. They had the most fun with the active games like the ropes course and laser tag. The educational value of the trip is doubled by the inclusion of earthquake and hurricane simulators in addition to the 6D motion ride.
These Orlando destinations are perfect for families, as they provide both entertaining and informative activities. The two of us can make the most of our trip if we combine educational opportunities with fun activities.
Outside recreation and the natural world
Gatorland
Gatorland in Florida is one of my favorite family outings. This 110-acre animal park and theme park is fun for the whole family and will teach them something new. I really appreciate how kids can learn about the ecosystems of different animals by interacting with them in their natural settings.
The Alligator Breeding Marsh is home to hundreds of gators in their natural habitat, and the Gator Jumparoo Show is an exciting demonstration in which alligators jump out of the water to grab food from a trainer’s hand. You really must attempt their thrilling zipline adventures that take you high over the park’s population!
The Gardens of Harry P. Leu
The Harry P. Leu Gardens are another wonderful destination for families. This 50-acre botanical garden is my go-to for stress relief and relaxation. It’s the perfect place for a stroll thanks to the well-kept grounds, attractive paths, and eye-catching displays of flowers.
Kids may learn about plants, gardening, and the value of protecting natural areas while while enjoying the park’s beautiful scenery and seasonal events. The Leu House Museum, meantime, provides an interesting window onto the past of the gardens and the residents who tended them.
Botanical Gardens and Zoo of Central Florida
The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is my number one recommendation for seeing exotic animals in Orlando. This fascinating location, which is home to over 350 animals from more than 100 species, is perfect for teaching kids about wildlife up close and personal.
The zoo isn’t just home to incredible animals; the ZOOm Air Adventure Park is an exciting aerial obstacle course that visitors of all ages may enjoy. It is an exciting way to get out into the wilderness, with its zip lines, rope bridges, and hanging disks.
The zoo’s beautiful botanical gardens are an added attraction. Visit these beautiful spots and take in the exotic vegetation and meticulously maintained gardens that are typical of Central Florida.
Places for Recreation and Amusement
While visiting Orlando with my family, I learned about the city’s many fantastic entertainment and play facilities. These places provide a wide range of exciting and engaging activities for children. Disney Springs, the Crayola Experience, and Fun Place USA are three of my top recommendations.
- Disneyland Resort
My family and I took advantage of Disney Springs, an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex, during our vacation to Orlando. There are several places and things to do there that are suitable for families, such as a bowling alley, an AMC movie theater, and a LEGO store. My kids had a fun inventing their own LEGO masterpieces in the vibrant and engaging LEGO Imagination Center.
- Having Fun with Crayons
We also had a great time visiting The Florida Mall’s Crayola Experience, an interactive and colorful amusement park. The interactive exhibits encouraged my children to express themselves artistically through labeling their own crayons, sculpting with clay, and painting with melted crayon wax, and they had a blast doing so. The fact that I learned something and had fun at the same time is icing on the cake.
- Vacation Hotspot USA
Last but not least, we went to Fun Place America, a family-owned amusement park with rides and attractions that people of all ages would enjoy. The bumper boats, roller coasters, and go-karts were huge hits with my kids. We were able to tailor our visit to our interests and our budget thanks to the park’s flexible pricing and a la carte alternatives.
Orlando has a ton of great family-friendly activities and attractions. I really hope you find my suggestions useful for your upcoming journey with the family to this fascinating place.
The highlight of our trip was getting to enjoy some adult-oriented nightlife thanks to firms like Destination Sitters LLC and Tootles Event Sitters.
The bottom line is that there is no shortage of exciting and entertaining things to do in Orlando that are suitable for children of all ages. Safe travels!
