Orlando

General Information

Since we've visited Orlando countless times, we wanted to share some ideas you can incorporate into your next trip, rather than following a strict day-by-day itinerary. These recommendations will help you create your own perfect experience, tailored to your family’s interests.

Theme Parks:

·         Orlando is known for its world-famous theme parks. Disney has four parks located in the area: Hollywood Studios, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and Magic Kingdom. While Magic Kingdom is the most kid-friendly, offering classic characters, parades, and attractions, the other parks also have a variety of fun, kid-friendly rides and activities. For families with animal lovers (like our son), Animal Kingdom is a true paradise!

Magic Kingdom

Keep in mind, though, that while the parks are incredibly entertaining, they are vast, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking. The lines for popular rides can also be quite long, so be prepared for some waiting.

·         SeaWorld is another must-visit spot with a variety of kid-friendly attractions and shows throughout the day. The incredible stunts performed by dolphins, whales, and their trainers never fail to amaze both kids and adults. These shows are definitely worth watching – we’ve seen them multiple times over the years and never get tired of them.

Sea World dolphin show

In addition, Sesame Place within SeaWorld offers a sprinkler park and fun rides for younger children. The rides at SeaWorld tend to be more suitable for older children and adults, but there’s something for everyone. One of the things we love about SeaWorld is that, although it’s a large park, they handle the crowds efficiently. We’ve never had to wait in line for an extended period.

Like Disney, SeaWorld also requires quite a bit of walking, but we’ve found that by incorporating shows into our schedule and arriving a bit earlier, we can break up the walking and rest our feet while still enjoying the attractions.

·         If you're open to traveling a bit farther out, Legoland is another fantastic theme park for kids. Located about 45 minutes from Orlando, it offers a variety of rides for all ages, making it an ideal destination for families with young children. The park features incredible Lego creations that will amaze both kids and adults, as well as a Lego Studio, where kids can unleash their creativity and build their own Lego masterpieces. It's a great way to give the kids a hands-on experience while still enjoying all the fun that comes with a theme park.

·         If you're looking for a more low-key and affordable option for rides and attractions, Fun Spot is a great choice. With two locations in the Orlando area, Fun Spot offers a variety of rides suitable for all ages and stages, making it a perfect family-friendly destination. The park also features a small version of Gatorland, where you can feed and even hold alligators and snakes – a unique experience that’s sure to be memorable for the whole family!

·         Known as the "Alligator Capital of the World," Gatorland is a must-see for families. This wildlife park is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, and offers exciting shows like the Gator Jumparoo and opportunities to hold baby alligators. For those seeking adventure, the Screamin' Gator Zip Line lets you soar above the alligator marsh. It’s a fun, hands-on experience that’s perfect for animal lovers of all ages.

·         The ICON Park in Orlando is home to the ICON Wheel, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel that offers breathtaking views of the city. As you ride in climate-controlled pods, you’ll get a stunning panoramic view of Orlando’s skyline and surrounding areas. It’s a relaxing and fun experience for the whole family, especially at sunset when the views are even more spectacular. ICON Park also features a carousel, a family-friendly train ride, and an arcade, making it a great stop for families looking for entertainment.

·         Island H2O Water Park is a fun-filled destination for families. The park features a variety of water attractions, including thrilling water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool.

Island H2O

In addition to Island H2O, there are many other water parks throughout the Orlando area, providing plenty of options for water-based fun for all ages.

Boating:

·         For a relaxing and peaceful experience, Lake Eola in downtown Orlando offers paddle boating. The boats are shaped like swans, and the whole family can enjoy a serene ride on the calm lake waters. It’s a lovely way to spend some time outdoors while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

If you’re looking for more options, there are additional boat rentals available throughout the Orlando area, offering a variety of boat types to suit different preferences.

·         For a thrilling adventure, airboats are an exciting way to explore the swampy areas around Orlando and discover the unique wildlife that lives there. We took a ride with Captain Fred's Airboat Nature Tours, located about 45 minutes from Orlando. We made it a stop on our way to Legoland and had an incredible time spotting alligators throughout the tour. Just keep in mind that the boats move at a fast pace, and there are no seatbelts, so it’s important to hold on tight. We made sure to hold onto our 3-year-old throughout the ride, and he absolutely loved the speed and alligator sightings. At the end of the tour, we even had the opportunity to hold a baby alligator!

Kayaking/Tubing:

·         If you’re up for a scenic and relaxing day in nature, Kelly Park is about 30 minutes from Orlando and offers stunning natural emerald green pools. The water is crystal clear and stays a cool 68 degrees year-round. One of the highlights of the park is the natural lazy river that runs off the biggest pool. You can rent tubes right outside the park and float down the river, enjoying the warm sun and peaceful surroundings. The water remains shallow throughout, making it perfect for kids of all ages.

Pool at Kelly Park

·         Just a short 10-minute drive past Kelly Park is Rock Springs. Here, we rented kayaks from Kings Landing, which offers clear-bottom kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and regular kayaks. After kayaking down a short canal, you have the option to paddle upstream through shallow, crystal-clear emerald waters, where you might spot river otters, turtles, and various birds. Alternatively, you can head downstream into deeper, bluer waters, where you may encounter snakes and alligators. Both routes offer beautiful scenery, and we found ourselves stopping often in the shallow areas to enjoy the warm waters and stunning views.

Biking/Walking:

·         For a relaxing and scenic activity, the West Orange Trail offers a beautiful, shaded path perfect for an easy, flat bike ride or walk. You can access the trail from various points around the area and enjoy it for as long as you'd like, making it a great option for a leisurely day outdoors.

·         If you're looking for a tranquil escape, Harry P. Leu Gardens is a beautiful, peaceful spot in the heart of Orlando. It’s a stunning 50-acre garden where you can stroll through lush landscapes, vibrant flower displays, and serene water features. It’s a great place for a relaxing afternoon walk or to simply enjoy nature.

Walkway at Harry P. Leu Gardens

Indoor Attractions:

·         Dezerland is an indoor entertainment complex offering a wide variety of fun activities for the whole family. It features a massive trampoline area, perfect for jumping and having fun, along with arcades packed with games for all ages. For those looking for a little friendly competition, there are bumper cars and even a go-kart track to enjoy. It's a great spot for a day of indoor fun, especially on rainy days or when you're looking for something different from the theme parks.

·         WonderWorks is an exciting indoor amusement park known for its interactive exhibits and fun, educational experiences. It features over 100 hands-on exhibits that allow visitors to explore everything from science and technology to space and engineering. Highlights include the 4D XD Theater, an indoor ropes course, and a bubble lab, making it a perfect place for families to play and learn together. It's a great choice for both kids and adults, offering hours of entertainment.

·         At Andretti Indoor Karting, you'll find a high-speed, thrilling experience for all ages. They offer indoor karting tracks suitable for everyone – a smaller track for little ones, a bigger track for older kids, and an exciting two-level track for adults. In addition to karting, there are also plenty of arcades with a variety of games, laser tag, and even a virtual reality zone. It’s an action-packed place for families, whether you want to race or just have some fun in the game zones.

Andretti Karting course for adults

There are many additional indoor attractions in and around the Orlando area, offering something for everyone.

Playgrounds:

·         For outdoor fun, Dr. Phillips Community Park is a beautiful spot with spacious walkways, sports fields, and courts. It also has an impressive playground that caters to kids of all ages, with plenty of shade for a comfortable visit. Whether you're in the mood for a peaceful stroll, a picnic, or letting the kids burn off energy, this park is a lovely place to relax and enjoy nature.

·         Located conveniently near the airport, McCoy Community Park is a great spot to stop by if you’re in need of a break. This park features a lovely walkway and a playground that’s perfect for the kids to enjoy while you take in the surroundings. It’s an ideal place for families traveling through Orlando, offering a peaceful, easygoing environment right near the airport.

There are many more beautiful playgrounds scattered throughout the Orlando area, offering various styles and features. Whether you're looking for a park with splash pads, climbing structures, or open spaces for picnics and games, Orlando has no shortage of family-friendly spots where you can relax and let the kids play.

Orange Picking:

·         A fun, hands-on activity to enjoy in Orlando is orange picking! Florida is famous for its citrus, and visiting an orchard can be a great way to experience the state's agricultural roots. Showcase of Citrus, located about 30 minutes north of Orlando, is one of the best places to go. Here, you can pick your own fresh oranges and other citrus fruits while enjoying the beautiful countryside. Afterward, you can grab a refreshing glass of freshly squeezed juice or shop for local products at their market.

Showcase of Citrus orange picking monster truck

·         Another great option is Pappy’s Patch in nearby Eustis, where you can pick not only oranges but a variety of other fruits, depending on the season. Many orchards also offer tours, tractor rides, and the chance to taste a variety of citrus products.

For something educational and inspiring, the Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit. Located about 45 minutes from Orlando, it’s a fascinating spot to learn about space exploration. You can see real spacecraft, meet astronauts, and experience interactive exhibits. The Space Shuttle Atlantis is a showstopper, and if you're lucky, you might even witness a rocket launch!