Orlando is one of those cities that many people have dreamed of visiting since childhood, mainly because it is home to some of the best theme parks in the world. From Walt Disney World itself, Universal Studios and SeaWorld to others that are a little more educational, but still full of fun, like the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Likewise, Orlando is home to epic water parks and water fun for kids like Aquatica Water Park. But of course, it’s also famous for its lakes. It has more than 100, including Lake Apopka, which is the third largest in Florida.
So if you are planning a fun family activity here, we bring you our top picks of things to do with kids in Orlando. We have compiled a detailed list of all the things you can do with your family in The City of Magic, as it is also known for having some of the best places to visit with kids in the US!
Best Things to Do in Orlando, Florida, with Kids
1
Walt Disney World
There is no better plan for things to do in Orlando, Florida, with kids than experiencing Disney World! And the reasons are endless. For instance, you can visit the Magic Kingdom and take a family photo with the magical Cinderella Castle in the background, the main attraction and symbol of all of Disney World. Visit Epcot Center, home to wonderful attractions, or splash down at Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Without a doubt, it is one of the best things to do in Orlando with kids!2
Universal Studios Florida
Universal Orlando Studios is another great plan for fun things to do in Orlando with kids! Like Disney, it also features two parks each filled with a variety of attractions, some of which are based on popular movies such as Transformers, Spiderman, Marvel, and more. Other highlights you’ll find at Universal Orlando Studios are the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and a diverse selection of restaurants and shops.3
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld is quite a unique park, with not only marine animals, but also roller coasters, water rides, a zoo so that kids can have animal encounters and animal feeding experiences, and more! You can also enjoy live shows and there's an area for young children called Sesame Street Land. There are tons of things to do in Orlando with kids at SeaWorld.4
LEGOLAND Florida
Don't miss the educational and fun things to do with kids in Orlando, Florida at LEGOLAND! From theme parks to water parks, this place is the BOOM! Enjoy a multi-day experience with over 50 rides, splash zones, the world's first Peppa Pig Theme Park and much more! LEGOLAND also features the SEA LIFE Aquarium and three themed hotels!5
Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is a fascinating all-inclusive day resort where families will find plenty of things to do with kids in Orlando, such as animal experiences (e.g., swimming with dolphins). Explore the Grand Reef, home to rays, fish and more; explore Serenity Bay and relax (and why not meditate!) on the white sand beach. Discovery Cove has many other attractions and features that everyone will love!6
Aquatica Water Park
Aquatica is one of the most popular water parks in the area, and of course it is full of fun things to do with kids in Orlando! Try the unique Dolphin Plunge, a tube water slide that goes through a pool of dolphins. It's awesome! Attractions like the Taumata Racer, a high-speed, competitive mat slide where you can try to beat your family and friends; and the Omaka Rocka, a funnel-shaped ride that's perfect for adrenaline seekers.7
Gatorland
Known as the "Alligator Capital of the World," Gatorland is the place to take the kids for a fun and interactive activity! Here, you'll witness the famous Jumparoo Show, where alligators come out of the water to get some treats from the trainers; it's both an educational and exciting thing to do with kids in Orlando, FL. This 110-acre theme park features adrenaline-pumping attractions like the Screamin' Gator Zipline and the Gator Gauntlet, up-close encounters with crocodiles, snakes, birds, and many more!8
Fun Spot America
The name says it all! Fun Spot America is the place to go for fun things to do in Orlando with kids. Take a ride on the White Lightning, the only wooden roller coaster in Orlando, or the Skycoaster. Beat the hot weather at the Splash Pad, a modern facility with over 30 interactive water toys. Although Fun Spot America does not have any free things to do in Orlando with kids, it does offer special deals on tickets, which makes it a budget-friendly choice.9
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
One of Orlando's most unique places to visit with the whole family is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex! It is a popular destination for locals and tourists in Cape Canaveral. Bring the kids to check out the Space Shuttle Atlantis, Apollo/Saturn V Center, Heroes & Legends, and many more fantastic exhibits!10
Crayola Experience
The Crayola Experience is an activity designed for the little ones as well as for parents to join in. It offers more than just hands-on activities where children can let their imaginations run wild and experience creativity through color. Visitors can also see themselves transformed into a cartoon by the CaryolaBot in the newest attraction, the Cartoon Creator! Check out this place's calendar for things to do with kids in Orlando this weekend.11
Ripley's Believe It or Not
Ripley's Believe It or Not is full of unusual and strange objects and attractions. Here, you'll find over 35,000 artifacts from all over the world that will make your hair stand on end and fascinate you at the same time. Among the things to do in Orlando with kids, this curious museum also has interactive exhibits such as the Vortex Tunnel, which challenges your perception and balance, and the Spinning Vortex.12
iFly Orlando Indoor Skydiving
Another alternative for adrenaline and adventure is iFLY Orlando, an indoor skydiving facility with all kinds of activities to live unique experiences! Feel the sensation of jumping out of an airplane in its main attraction: the Skydiving Wind Tunnel. Children as young as 3 years old are welcome. The facility uses top-of-the-line equipment to ensure a safe experience with professional instructors.13
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
If you want to take your kids to experience aerial challenges, Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is the place to be! With over 97 exciting aerial challenges, this is an excellent choice when it comes to things to do with kids in Orlando, Florida. These include wobbly suspended bridges, Tarzan ropes, swinging logs, and more!14
WonderWorks
Looking for educational and fun things to do with kids in Orlando? WonderWorks is an indoor amusement park that focuses on science and knowledge through fun. Here, you will find more than 100 hands-on exhibits, such as the Hurricane Shack, where visitors can experience 74 mph hurricane-force winds; the Bed of Nails, where you can lie down without getting hurt; the Astronaut Training Gyroscope, where you can experience zero gravity; and much more!15
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
For fans of one of the most iconic films in movie history, there is Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition in Orlando! Stop by and tour full-scale rooms like the Grand Staircase as you discover a collection of more than 300 artifacts recovered from the wreck. Immerse yourself in this unique experience and travel back in time!16
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
For lovers of the marine animal world, SEA LIFE presents nine different exhibits! Among them is the 360° Ocean Tunnel, which will fascinate young and old alike. At this facility, you will see sea creatures such as turtles, sharks, and many more! Other exhibits include Coastal Rockpool, Indian Ocean, Jelly Wall, and Feeding Frenzy. Don't hesitate to plan a trip to SEA LIFE if you are looking for things to do with kids in Orlando!17
ICON Park
One of the top destinations for those looking for things to do in Orlando, FL, with kids is to visit ICON Park. This entertainment center has everything to entertain the whole family! Choose between Madame Tussauds, a wax museum where you will be able to meet historical figures, or a 7D Motion Theater, where kids can feel like they are inside the movie! ICON Park also features an arcade, a carousel, dining options, the Museum of Illusions and many more!18
Orlando Science Center
Look no further if you're interested in taking your kids to learn all about science. The Orlando Science Center has several interactive exhibits such as DinoDigs, The Hive: A Makerspace, Flight Lab, Dr. Dare's Lab, and more. In addition to youth programs (such as Summer Camps and Kids Night at the Museum) and special programs like Science Live and Talks & Feedings.19
Madame Tussauds
Inside ICON Park, one of the coolest things to do with kids in Orlando is to visit the famous Madame Tussauds. But this is not just any random museum: it's known as the "World's Greatest Wax Museum." Kids can take pictures with celebrities, even superheroes from the Justice League! Madame Tussauds has over 200 realistic and detailed wax figures in over 11 themed areas including TV stars, historical figures and more. Recent additions include Harry Styles, Lady Gaga and Dua Lipa!20
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is an entertainment complex with many dining and shopping options located at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida. One of the most popular attractions is the Aerophile, the world's leading balloon ride. Although you have to pay to enter the facility, it offers free things to do with kids in Orlando, such as meet and greets with Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie. Kids can also play with LEGO bricks for free at the LEGO Store.Like Dallas or Denver, Orlando is another city with plenty of options to help you create a plan to entertain the whole family! From some of the best children’s museums in the US to educational and interactive exhibits to fantastic theme parks, this city truly lives up to its name of “Magical.” So, next time you visit, you will know all the things to do with kids in Orlando to choose from!