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Home / TRIP IDEAS / A-List Travel Advisors / Theme Parks and Other Family-Friendly Activities Top the List of the 23 Best Things to Do in Orlando With Kids

Theme Parks and Other Family-Friendly Activities Top the List of the 23 Best Things to Do in Orlando With Kids

2022-12-28  Maliyah Mah

The following is a list of 23 of the most enjoyable activities that can be done in Orlando, Florida, with children.

Disney World Resort
 

When it comes to vacation spots that cater to children in a natural way and make fun for the whole family a standard practice across the city, Orlando is rarely in need of an introduction. Visitors of all ages will find plenty to enjoy in Orlando, which is home to nearly every type of theme park imaginable (including the illustrious Walt Disney World Resort), as well as fantastic restaurants, beautiful nature parks, and loads of opportunities for outdoor fun. The city also offers a reward for those who seek out its less well-known attractions. Get started right away on organizing your next visit to Orlando.

The following are the top 23 family-friendly activities in Orlando, Florida.


1. Snorkel at Wekiva Springs State Park.

State Park.
 

Wekiva Springs State Park is home to some breathtakingly beautiful fresh water that emerges from the ground at a constant temperature of 72 degrees all year long. This water has a Caribbean-like appearance thanks to its green and blue hues. Explore a piece of authentic Florida at this park, which is located 14 miles north of downtown Orlando. Here, you may go camping or snorkeling and get a taste of the Sunshine State.

2. Take the Sun rail from Winter Park to Orlando to go to Orlando.

Winter Park and Orlando.

 

Give your children a taste of the rail life in a city dominated by cars and theme park shuttle buses by taking them on the commuter Sun rai train that runs between the Church Street District in downtown Orlando and the charming town of Winter Park. This train travels between downtown Orlando's Church Street District and Winter Park (among other stops).

3. To enjoy a relaxing tour on Lake Eula, rent a swan boat.

Lake Eola

 

The greatest way to get to know Lake Eula, the park-surrounded lake that serves as the focal point of Downtown Orlando, is to do so while getting a leg exercise with the family aboard one of the big swan-shaped pedal boats that cruise about the lake. The children will have a wonderful time being able to get a close-up view of the fountain that is located in the middle of the lake while actual swans paddle about them.

4. Travel through time to the moment when the Titanic sank.

Costumed actors and re-creations of rooms aboard the Titanic transport visitors back in time to the disastrous voyage that occurred in 1912, making Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition a fun experience for both children and adults who are fascinated by the shipwreck that became the most famous in maritime history. Even an exact copy of the Grand Staircase can be seen here.

5. Visit Epcot and take a trip around the world.

The incredible attractions of Walt Disney World's EPCOT theme park were conceived with both real-world and made-up locales in mind. However, Soaring' Around the World is guaranteed to be a hit with the guests, since it allows parents to take their children on a thrilling ride high above some of the most famous structures on the planet, such as the Great Wall of China, the pyramids of Egypt, and even Walt Disney World itself. In addition, taking a stroll through World Showcase will acquaint them with the sights and tastes of countries and regions from all over the world.

6. Plan a trip to the Orlando Farmer's Market for the upcoming Sunday.

 


The well-known Orlando Farmers Market is held every Sunday around Lake Eula, right in the middle of downtown Orlando. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, who come to shop for fresh Florida produce, relax in the beer garden while listening to live music, and let their children burn off some energy in the park's onsite playground.

7. Take your children and/or spouse out for a bike ride on the West Orange Trail.

Your journey along the West Orange Trail, which is approximately 22 miles long and passes through the charming and historically significant town of Winter Garden, should begin here. It's has a great downtown section that's full of stores, breweries, and cafés situated along the bike route, and it's located to the west of Orlando. At Bikes & Blades, we hire out bicycles that are suitable for the whole family.

8. At Kelly Park Rock Springs, float down the river on inner tubes.

In much of the state of Florida, the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico are the stars of the show; however, the Orlando region is known for its abundance of lovely lakes and springs of freshwater. You may traverse the chilly waters of the free-flowing natural spring that feeds the river by renting an innertube, kayak, or paddleboard at Kelly Park Rock Springs. As you float past turtles sunning themselves on rocks and wading birds, you will be able to see a variety of wildlife along the way.

9. Spend some time in the hip and forward-thinking neighborhood of Lake Nona.

The art-filled gardens of the Lake Nona Wave Hotel and a vertiport that will soon be home to flying taxis are just two of the attractions that make the master-planned lakeside community of Lake Nona a fascinating destination for families to visit. The community is located right near the Orlando International Airport. Lake Nona is a fantastic option for a day trip away from the theme parks with your family because the town center almost always has something going on. This could be a farmer's market, a festival, or even a live band. You may get to the nearby restaurants and shops on foot by parking your car in the garage first.

10. While you're in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal, be sure to try some Butterbeer.

Harry Potter
 


You can't truly say you've experienced the Orlando theme parks if you haven't taken a selfie with a Butterbeer moustache at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal. You may get it served either hot or cold for children of all ages in Dagon Alley at many locations that serve Butterbeer, such as The Leaky Cauldron and The Hopping Pot.

12: Spend the day in Discovery Cove snorkeling with the fish.

Since Orlando is not located on the coast, there are no wild coral reefs to discover in the area. You can still snorkel in a reef-life environment at Discovery Cove, where the all-inclusive rates wrap in snorkelling gear so that you can fin out among the parrot fish and blue tangs of The Grand Reef. As you'd expect with all the magic at hand in these parts, you can still snorkel in a reef-life environment at Discovery Cove. In addition, your meals and beverages will be provided for you during the day.

13. Visit Blue Spring State Park to see manatees in their natural habitat.

State Park

 

It is not uncommon for dozens or even hundreds of manatees to congregate in Blue Springs State Park during the cooler months in Florida. The park is located around 34 miles north of downtown Orlando. It is well worth taking a day trip to see these beautiful creatures. You are welcome to take a stroll on the boardwalk and keep an eye out for manatees as they move across the glistening water all around you.

14 - Paddle along Shingle Creek and experience the beginning of the Everglades.

Shingle Creek

 

The vast majority of people are unaware that the Everglades begin their journey well to the north of the well-known national park in southern Florida. You may go on guided eco-trips into the headwaters of the Everglades with The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek, which is located close to Orlando in Kissimmee. During these tours, you can float through a flooded cypress forest and look out for wildlife such as deer, otters, and alligators.

 

15. Ride a hot air balloon above Disney World to get an aerial perspective of the resort.

Painted Horizon Hot Air Balloon Tours offers rides in hot air balloons that begin early in the morning and transport passengers over the Disney World area in Central Florida. These rides provide passengers with an entirely fresh viewpoint of this region of the state. Because children must be at least seven years old to travel in the balloon, they are certain to have the memory of this adventure with them for the rest of their lives.

16. Book a room in a resort that features an incredible water park on the premises.

Even after returning to your hotel on a trip to Orlando with your family, you can continue to have fun in a manner similar to that of a theme park. When you stay at the Orlando World Center Marriott with your family, the resort fee grants you access to River Falls Water Park, which features a lazy river, an aqua playground, and three multi-rider water slides. In addition, the sprawling lagoon-style pool at the Orlando World Center Marriott is yours to enjoy as well.

17. While you're at Magic Kingdom, be sure to get your picture taken in front of Cinderella Castle.

Magic Kingdom

 

What better way to commemorate your successful completion of the ultimate Disney World vacation with your family than with a picture taken in front of Cinderella Castle, the magnificent structure that serves as the focal point of Magic Kingdom? The correct response is "no." Do it for Instagram, and do it for the record of your life. Just get it done. And of course, the only thing that could make the image look much better would be if all of you were grinning up at the camera while wearing identical clothing or mouse ears.

18. Visit Disney's Animal Kingdom and go on a tour that takes you behind the scenes.

Oh my, there are lions, giraffes, and elephants here! When it comes to experiencing what it's like to go on safari without travelling all the way to Africa, nothing beats a trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park. And if you schedule a behind-the-scenes tour, it becomes even more exciting, as you will get the chance to observe white rhinoceroses, giraffes, and other creatures during up-close encounters across the broad savanna of the park.

19. Embark on a lake-hopping adventure through a picturesque system of waterways.

During breathtaking boat rides through Winter Park's gorgeous chain of lakes, passengers may look out for turtles, alligators, and wading birds while ogling some of Orlando's most magnificent lakefront houses. During the course of the hour-long trips offered by Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours, you will travel through canals on comfy pontoon boats that offer lots of shade. Free rides are offered to children younger than two years old.

20. Sink your teeth into some of the tastiest cookies ever made.

Gideon's Bakehouse, which has shops at Disney Springs and East End Market, attracts families with its enormous cookies, which may weigh up to nearly half a pound and take up to a day to create. There are always a variety of cookie options available for each season; but, you can never go wrong with the classic chocolate chip cookie. It is absolutely devilish due to the numerous kinds of vanilla that have been infused into it.

21. Enjoy a meal with some of your children's favorite characters.

favorite characters

 

During character dining experiences, which can be found at restaurants and hotels all across Disney World, you may give your children the opportunity to eat alongside the characters they look up to. Character dining is one of the most worthwhile splurges that Disney has to offer, since guests can expect to see Disney princesses, Mickey and Minnie, and other Disney characters during their meal.

22. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel.

When you take a trip on The Wheel at ICON Park, you will be transported to a height of 400 feet over the surrounding area of Orlando. During the course of the 18-minute trip, children keep their eyes riveted to the observation windows in order to catch glimpses of lakes, amusement parks, and even fireworks displays (if you time your ride right).

23. Take your children to a restaurant that has earned a Michelin star.

The restaurants in and around Orlando, both at the various theme parks and in the city's more residential areas, are of higher quality than they have ever been. To broaden the culinary horizons of your children, take a break from the turkey legs and pizza and treat your family to an unforgettable meal at a highly regarded establishment in the Orlando area. The year 2022 saw the establishment of the city's initial Michelin-starred eateries. Inside The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes are a number of restaurants worthy of your patronage, including the Spanish-themed CAPA, the oases hotspot Kadence, and the seafood and steak star Knife & Spoon.


2022-12-28  Maliyah Mah