Years ago, the city of Orlando wasn’t a vacation spot at all. However, with the development of Walt Disney World and later Universal Orlando, it’s become one of the most popular places to visit with kids. Most traveling families will find themselves in Orlando at some point, and there are enough things to do in Orlando Florida with kids to fill multiple vacations. It’s the perfect place for a family vacation with lots of attractions for the entire family to have the best time.
Whether you are looking for Orlando Florida attractions besides Disney, or want to complement your Walt Disney World vacation with other fun family activities, here are things to do in Orlando with kids.
Disclosure: I experienced some of these Orlando kids’ activities at no cost for review. This post contains affiliate links – a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. All opinions are our own.
Fun and Fabulous Things to Do in Orlando With Kids
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Getting Discounts on Orlando Attractions
If your vacation plans include several Orlando attractions, the pass from Go City can be a great way to save money. You’ll pay one fee and get admission to multiple attractions. There are several options depending on the length of your vacation.
The Explorer Pass includes so many different attractions including (but not limited to) the following:
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
- LEGOLAND Florida
- Madame Tussauds
- WonderWorks
- 4 ride sampler at FunSpot
- Boggy Creek Airboat Tour
- SeaLife Aquarium
- The wheel at ICON Park
If you aren’t planning on visiting many of the attractions, the Explorer Pass lets you choose 2-5 options.
You can purchase a pass from Go City here.
Theme Parks in Orlando
Of course, the Orlando metro area is most known as the home of many theme parks. Orlando offers parks that are well beyond a traditional amusement park. Theme parks are generally considered the top attractions in Orlando.
These parks aren’t necessarily right in the city of Orlando – but are in surrounding towns in Central Florida just a short drive away. If you are looking for almost guaranteed family fun, you’ll definitely want to include a theme park in your Orlando vacation plans. Although it’s not cheap, these theme parks will contribute to many great family memories because there’s something for the whole family.
Walt Disney World
While some guests in the area are looking for things to do in Orlando besides Disney World, many do start with a Walt Disney World vacation.
You could absolutely spend your entire Orlando family vacation at Walt Disney World. It’s one of the best things to do in Orlando.
Once you are at the theme parks, you’ll be able to use the free transportation to the parks and other Disney attractions. Because of that, you won’t have to rent a car. I generally find that it’s a good idea to skip the rental car and instead rely on Disney transportation.
Walt Disney World offers four theme parks (Epcot, the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios), as well as two miniature golf courses, two water parks, and Disney Springs (with shops, restaurants, and other entertainment).
There are lots of benefits to staying on property, especially the proximity to the theme parks. You’ll want to spend some time preparing for your Disney vacation because there are some things that you’ll want to book well in advance for the best availability.
Disney Springs doesn’t charge an admission fee, although you will pay for the separate activities. These include a movie theater and Splitsville Lanes.
Although it’s much smaller than Disney Springs, the Disney Boardwalk is another dining and live entertainment destination. You won’t need tickets to enter.
You can see all of our Disney tips here.
When booking your Walt Disney World vacation, consider purchasing through our affiliate Get Away Today. They offer great prices on tickets and can book many hotels.
Things To Do in Orlando Besides Disney World
While Orlando is most known as the home of Walt Disney World, there are plenty of things to do in Orlando Florida besides Disney. These theme parks are among the best Orlando attractions.
Universal Studios Orlando
I remember when Universal Studios first opened, and since then, it’s grown to be a huge state-of-the-art theme park. There, you’ll find Universal Studios Orlando, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Volcano Bay, and CityWalk (which offers restaurants, shops, and entertainment (including Blue Man Group). Beyond Disney World, this is one of the top things to do in Orlando Florida.
Universal also has several hotels on the property, including three Loews properties and the Hard Rock Hotel. In recent years, they’ve also added The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade, which are must-dos to any Harry Potter fans in your family.
Older kids especially love visiting Universal, because it has thrill rides and lots of movie and tv-themed rides. It’s definitely a great vacation option for this age group.
Get discounted Universal Studios Orlando tickets here.
SeaWorld Orlando
I remember visiting SeaWorld Orlando as a kid, and it’s improved so much over the years. Now, it’s home to many roller coasters and thrill rides, in addition to the animal exhibits and shows that it’s is known for.
If your family loves thrill rides, you’ll definitely want to check out Mako, Kraken Unleashed, and Manta. There’s also Journey to Atlantis, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin, and Wild Arctic flight simulator.
You can definitely visit SeaWorld in a day, so it’s easy to combine with other things to do in Orlando.
Get tickets to SeaWorld Orlando here.
Discovery Cove
If you are looking for unique things to do in Orlando with kids, Discovery Cove is a fabulous option. This all-inclusive experience offers an exclusive opportunity to swim with dolphins, visit a coral reef, snorkel, and so much more. It’s owned by SeaWorld, and tickets to Discovery Cove come with a complimentary day at SeaWorld, Aquatica, or Busch Gardens Tampa.
In addition to park admission, your ticket also includes your food for the day, rental of the equipment you’ll need, and alcoholic beverages. There are a limited number of tickets sold per day, so it’s never too crowded.
That means, however, that you’ll want to book your reservation early. There are upgrades available to standard tickets, including private cabanas, private tours, and the Seaventure experience. It’s such a unique experience and the best way to see animals up close.
Get Discovery Cove tickets here.
Busch Gardens Tampa
Busch Gardens is in nearby Tampa Bay, not Orlando. It’s worth including in these things to do in Orlando list because it’s easy to include a day at Busch Gardens Tampa. You could stay in Tampa, but you can also do a day trip to Busch Gardens. It’s a short drive – a little over an hour’s drive, and it’s a great place to visit.
Highlights at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay include thrill rides like Cobra’s Curse, Cheetah Hunt, and Falcon’s Fury. There’s also a new roller coaster called Tigris that just opened. This coaster is the tallest launch coaster in Florida. My kids loved the rides at Busch Gardens – they couldn’t get enough of them!
You’ll also find over 12,000 animals at the park. Special animal encounters are available as special ticket add-ons including the Serengeti Safari where you can hand-feed the giraffes.
If you visit in the spring, your trip may coincide with the Busch Gardens Food and Wine Festival. Our recent spring break trip was during the festival, and we loved having lunch at the festival.
Get tickets here.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
LEGO brick lovers will definitely want to visit the LEGOLAND Florida Resort, located in Winter Haven, Florida. This park includes a theme park, water park, and the LEGOLAND Resort Hotel.
There are a variety of rides at the theme park, appropriate for young kids to teens. There’s also a 4D theater as well as a live water ski show. There’s also a botanical garden (a nod to Cypress Gardens, which used to reside on this property), a building zone, and much more.
While I haven’t visited the LEGOLAND Florida location, I have been to the San Diego location. My kids loved it, and I definitely think it’s best for younger kids and younger tweens.
Get tickets here.
Water Parks in Orlando Florida
Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay, located at Universal Studios Orlando, is the newest water park in Orlando. It features multi-person rafting rides, body slides, Krakatau volcano with water slides, and much more.
When you arrive at Volcano Bay for the day, you’ll get a TapuTapu wristband. This serves as a way to make cashless purchases (perfect for a water park where you don’t want to carry a wallet).
You can also use the TapuTapu to hold your place in the virtual lines at Volcano Bay. Just tap the band at the attraction, and then watch as the TapuTapu counts down your wait. You can do something else while waiting because the band will vibrate when it’s your time.
Aquatica
Aquatica is SeaWorld’s water park, with locations in San Antonio, San Diego, and Orlando. Rides include side-by-side wave pools, a dolphin plunge, Breakaway Cove, Rua Rapids, a lazy river, and a high-speed mat ride with eight slides. Younger kids will enjoy splashing at Kata’s Kookaburra Cove.
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon are the two water parks located at Walt Disney World. Admission can be purchased separately or as part of your Walt Disney World ticket package.
Blizzard Beach is themed after a former ski resort that completely melted into a fun water park. Attractions include a one-acre wave pool, the Slush Gusher (a 90-foot high-speed water slide), the Downhill Double Dipper (side by side slides), Summit Plummet (an almost-vertical high-speed body slide), Toboggan Racers, and Snow Stormers (winding slides). Keeping with the ski resort theme, there’s even a chairlift that takes you to the top of Mount Gushmore.
The second water park at Walt Disney World is themed after a former tropical paradise that was impacted by a typhoon. Rides include Mayday Falls (the highest and longest water slide), the three-story Storm Slides, Miss Adventure Falls (a raft ride), Ketchakiddee Creek (for kids under 4 feet tall), Keelhaul Falls (inner tube ride), Gangplank Falls (raft ride), and Humunga Kowabunga (dark 5-story drop).
Typhoon Lagoon also is home to North America’s largest wave pool – the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool. Surf lessons can be booked separately.
These water parks are open year-round, although, in the winter, one of them is typically closed for refurbishment while the other is open. Check the website for specific details.
CocoKey Water Park
Located in Orlando on International Drive, Coco \Key water park offers a 54,000 sq. ft. canopy-covered/outdoor water park. It includes four pools and 14 water slides.
Coco Key includes a 391 room attached resort that offers shuttle transportation to Universal Studios Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando. Day passes are available for purchase if you just want to visit the water park without staying at the property. As a day guest, you’ll have access to changing facilities and locker rentals.
LEGOLAND Water Park
Young kids will especially love visiting the LEGOLAND Florida Water Park, which is located adjacent to the park. The water park can be added to a one-day and two-day ticket to the theme park.
Rides at the water park include Creative Cove where you can build your own boat and race it, the Build-a-Raft lazy river, the Duplo Splash Safari (for toddlers), the Joker Soaker play area, the LEGO wave pool, and three water slides. You can also choose to rent a cabana to enhance your day at the water park.
Museums in Orlando
If you are looking to get inside, especially to avoid the sun or on rainy days, there are a number of museums in Orlando to visit. Here are some of the options to consider.
Madame Tussauds
Owned by Merlin Entertainment, Madame Tussauds in Orlando is located in the ICON Orlando Complex which is on International Drive. If you aren’t familiar with Madame Tussauds, it’s a wax museum featuring wax replicas of stars from sports, entertainment, and history. When purchasing tickets, you have the option of including a ticket to make your own wax hand (available for those aged 9 and up).
Get tickets here.
SEA LIFE Orlando
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is also located in the ICON Orlando Complex (formerly known as the I-Drive 360 Complex). Like the other SEA LIFE Aquariums, this location offers a number of exhibits including sharks, sea turtles, and jellyfish.
Combination tickets are available that include Madame Tussauds and/or ICON Orlando. SEA LIFE is a great option when the weather isn’t cooperating with a theme park visit, or if you are trying to avoid the summer for a little while.
Get tickets here.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
It’s a bit kitschy, but Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, can be lots of fun. Located on International Drive, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not features the most exhibits in town, including the world’s tallest man. Tickets can be purchased online, so you don’t have to purchase them when you arrive. We haven’t been to this location, but my kids enjoyed our visit to the San Antonio location. It’s best for teens and tweens who can appreciate the oddities.
Orlando Museum of Art
If you are looking for educational things to do in Orlando, you may consider the Orlando Museum of Art. This nonprofit museum offers permanent collections including African Art and Contemporary Art as well as traveling exhibitions.
While it may not seem kid-friendly, there are a number of family special events and programs that are offered throughout the year. It’s worthwhile to check the website to see if any events coincide with your visit to Orlando. There are also some drop-off programs offered to kids aged 5-8. Check the website to see when these are being offered.
Orlando Science Center
Another indoor educational experience is offered at the Orlando Science Center. This four-story museum has something for kids from PreK to high school. In addition to interactive exhibits, there’s also a 3D/4K theater offering science movies as well as more current entertainment.
It’s open daily except for Wednesdays (it is open the 1st Wednesday of the month). Tickets are available online or at the door. It’s a great place to visit and avoid the sun for a little while.
Crayola Experience
Located in the Florida Mall, the Crayola Experience is billed as a 3-4 hour experience. It includes activities such as the activity studio (where you can make a craft), the adventure lab (complete puzzles), Bluetiful (the world’s largest Crayola crayon), and the Crayon Factory Show (where you can watch crayons being made)..
Outdoor Attractions in Orlando
The Central Florida weather can be absolutely beautiful, and there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can do to take advantage of the sunshine and see some Florida wildlife.
Pontoon and Airboat Tours
Explore the Everglades in a guided tour on an Airboat. It’s a completely different view of the city. Book your tour here.
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
Technically in Kissimmee Florida, the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park offers 4 obstacle courses with zip lines and ropes course, in addition to 2 kids’ courses. Reservations are recommended because only a limited number of participants are allowed in each day.
Other Attractions in Orlando
ICON Orlando
One of the best things to do on International Drive is the ICON Orlando. Formerly known as the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, ICON Orlando is the tallest observation wheel on the East Coast of the US. It’s best to purchase tickets online, and combination passes with the other ICON Orlando Complex attractions are available. There’s also In the Game ICON Park, which includes an escape room, arcade games, virtual reality games, and a mirror maze.
Fun Spot Orlando
Fun Spot has two locations in central Florida – one in Kissimmee and one in Orlando. It features a number of midway-style rides as well as go-karts and a sky coaster. Tickets can be purchased online or in person. The Orlando location also has a Gator Spot exhibit, which is a collaboration between Fun Spot and Gatorland.
Get tickets here.
Andretti Indoor Karting and Games
At Andretti Indoor Karting and Games, you’ll find race car simulators, bowling, virtual thrill rides, a ropes course, laser tag, and electric go-kart racing. There’s no general admission – you can just pay for each individual activity separately.
Get tickets here.
Disney Outlets
Do you love Disney Parks merchandise but want to save money? There are two Disney outlets, called the Disney Character Warehouse, within Orlando. One is at the Orlando International Premium Outlets, while the other is at the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. They combine two of my favorite things – shopping and Disney.
The selection varies constantly, but expect to find things from Disney Parks and the Disney Cruise Line. I visited both locations during a trip to Orlando. While the Vineland location is larger, I found a better selection at the International location. Your experience, however, may vary.
Getting to Orlando Florida
Located in the center of Florida, Orlando is an easy city to access. There are several airports nearby, with the closest being Orlando International Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport.
Hotels in Orlando
With so many fabulous things to do in Orlando with kids, there are many family-friendly hotels catering to them. You can see our favorite family-friendly hotels in Orlando here.
This map below also offers many lodging options.
Pirate’s Adventure Dinner
I haven’t been to the Orlando location, but I did get a chance to attend the Pirate’s Adventure Dinner in Buena Park, CA. This fun dinner show includes a full three-course meal as well as a completely entertaining show. It features acrobatics, singing, dancing, and so much more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both MCO (Orlando International Airport) and Sanford International Airport are convenient to the city of Orlando.
If you are just visiting Walt Disney World, then you don’t need a car. But if you are going to an off-site hotel and are planning to visit multiple locations, I’d definitely recommend having a car. You can compare prices here.
I’d recommend spending 5-7 days in Orlando. There is so much to do! You could even spend a 7-day trip just at the theme parks.
Additional resources: Want more information about Orlando vacation planning? Click here to read all of our posts.
