Were you aware that around 76 million people visit Orlando each year?
Orlando is a dreamy getaway spot for all kinds of people, but it’s a special place for families. Known for its world-famous theme parks and attractions, there are countless things to do in Orlando with kids.
From roller coasters and water parks to museums and interactive exhibits, Orlando has it all. If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, here are 12 fun things to do with your kids.
1. Visit the Theme Parks
Lots of people call Orlando, Florida the theme park capital of the world for plenty of good reasons. Here you can find some of the most iconic and beloved theme parks, including Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld. No Orlando vacation would be complete without visiting at least one of these parks.
Walt Disney World is perhaps the most famous of the theme parks in Orlando. It’s actually made up of four separate parks: Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Every park has its own unique attractions and experiences.
Magic Kingdom is home to classic rides like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, while Epcot offers a more educational experience with exhibits and attractions focused on science and technology.
Universal Orlando Resort is another popular destination for families with kids. It’s made up of two parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Universal Studios Florida is home to rides based on cherished movies and TV shows, while Islands of Adventure offers more thrill rides and roller coasters.
2. Explore the Water Parks
Orlando is also home to several water parks, which are a great way to beat the heat on a hot summer day. One of the most popular water parks is Blizzard Beach, which is part of Walt Disney World.
The park is designed to look like a ski resort that has melted in the Florida sun. It offers a variety of water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.
Another popular water park is Aquatica, which is part of SeaWorld. The park is themed around the South Pacific and offers a variety of water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. It also has a unique attraction called Dolphin Plunge, which takes people through a pool filled with Commerson’s dolphins.
As a whole, SeaWorld is a great option for families who love marine life. The park offers a variety of exhibits and shows featuring dolphins, whales, and sea lions. It also has several thrill rides, including the Mako roller coaster, which is one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the City Beautiful.
3. Visit the Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is a fabulous place to visit for families who love science and technology. The center has four floors of exhibits and attractions. This includes a planetarium, a giant screen theater, and interactive exhibits on topics like space exploration, weather, and electricity.
One exhibit that’s always memorable for children at the Orlando Science Center is the KidsTown exhibit. It’s designed specifically for younger children. It features a mini supermarket, a miniature city, and a play kitchen.
4. Go on a Disney’s Animal Kingdom Safari
Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a unique theme park that combines the thrills of a traditional theme park with the experience of a safari. The park is home to over 2,000 animals from 300 different species, including elephants, lions, and gorillas.
One of the most popular attractions at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the Kilimanjaro Safari, which takes you on an 18-minute safari ride through the African savanna. You’ll see animals like giraffes, zebras, and rhinos up close and personal.
5. Go to an Escape Room
Escape rooms have become one of the most popular activities around the world. Orlando has several great options for families with kids. An escape room is a game where you’re locked in a room and must use clues to solve puzzles and escape before time runs out.
If you’re interested in giving this exhilarating activity a try, you should view this local escape room to learn more. This business offers a variety of different rooms with different themes and difficulty levels. You’ll have no trouble choosing a room theme that gets your entire family pumped up.
6. Visit the Kennedy Space Center
You don’t need to be a science geek to add the Kennedy Space Center as a stop during your trip to Orlando. It’s a must-visit destination for families who have even the slightest interest in space exploration. You’re all guaranteed to leave the Kennedy Space Center feeling passionate about space after your experience.
The center is located about an hour east of Orlando. It offers a variety of exhibits and attractions, including the Rocket Garden, the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, and the Astronaut Training Experience. One of the most thrilling attractions at the Kennedy Space Center is the Shuttle Launch Experience, which simulates the experience of a space shuttle launch.
The Kennedy Space Center also hosts all kinds of cool visitors throughout the year. With the right timing, your family could have the opportunity to meal real astronauts who’ve been to space.
7. Enjoy a Day at the Beach
Although Orlando isn’t a city that sits right on the coast, there are so many gorgeous beaches that are a short drive from the city. You can pack up the family and catch some waves during a simple day trip. Some of the most popular beaches include Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, and Clearwater Beach.
Cocoa Beach is about an hour east of Orlando, and it’s known for its beautiful white sand beaches and great surfing. Daytona Beach is only around an hour northeast of Orlando, and it’s famous for its hard-packed sand that you can drive on. Clearwater Beach is a two-hour drive southwest of Orlando, and it has crystal-clear water and stunning sunsets.
8. Surprise Your Family With a Hot Air Balloon Ride
For a unique and memorable experience, consider going on a hot air balloon ride that showcases the beautiful Orlando area. There are a bunch of reputable companies that offer hot air balloon rides, including Orlando Balloon Rides and Thompson Aire.
During your hot air balloon ride, you’ll soar above the treetops and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Many companies also offer a champagne toast and a certificate of completion after the flight.
9. Visit the Orlando Eye
If you’re not bold enough to try a hot air balloon ride, you can always go on the Orlando Eye. It’s a 400-foot-tall observation wheel located in the heart of Orlando. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area, including the downtown skyline, the theme parks, and the lakes and forests that make up Central Florida.
The Orlando Eye also offers a variety of other convenient attractions as well. You can find a Madame Tussauds wax museum, a SEA LIFE aquarium, and so much more.
10. Go on a Ghost Tour
For a spooky and fun activity, you should consider going on a ghost tour of Orlando. There are several companies that offer ghost tours, including American Ghost Adventures and Orlando Ghost Tours. Since ghost tours are eerie, this idea is best for families with older kids who won’t get too scared.
During the tour, you’ll visit some of the most haunted locations in the city. Along the way, you’ll hear chilling stories about the ghosts and spirits that are said to haunt them. Some tours even offer the opportunity to use ghost-hunting equipment to try to detect paranormal activity.
11. Play Mini-Golf
Orlando is home to some of the best mini-golf courses in the country. It’s a great way to spend a fun afternoon with the family and get a bit competitive. Everyone will get riled up and share tons of laughs.
One of the most well-known mini-golf courses is Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, which features two 18-hole courses with pirate-themed obstacles and decorations. Another popular mini-golf course is Congo River Golf, which offers a variety of courses with waterfalls, caves, and other jungle-themed obstacles.
12. Visit Gatorland
Gatorland is a unique attraction in Orlando that gives guests a rare chance to get up close and personal with Florida’s most famous residents: alligators. The park offers a variety of exhibits and shows featuring alligators, crocodiles, and other reptiles.
One of the most popular attractions at Gatorland is the Gator Jumparoo Show. It features trainers jumping over alligators and feeding them from a platform in the middle of a pond. The park also offers a variety of other shows and exhibits, including the Up-Close Encounters show and the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line.
You Shouldn’t Miss Out on These Incredible Things to Do in Orlando With Kids
A trip to Orlando is an exciting and memorable experience for families with kids. Whether you’re exploring the theme parks, enjoying the water parks, or taking in the natural beauty of the surrounding area, there’s something for everyone in Orlando. If you try any of these awesome things to do in Orlando with kids, your whole crew will have a blast.
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