Are you searching for the perfect kid-friendly destination for your next adventure? It should come as no surprise that Orlando, Florida is one of the most sought-out tourist destinations in the world. Orlando is home to a practically limitless number of attractions and caters especially to families with young children. What could be better than a trip filled with visits to world-class theme parks, educational museums, entertainment venues, interactive animal exhibits, and outdoor adventures?
An initial search of this action-packed city will show you exactly why it’s consistently named the number one destination in the United States.
While that fact is astounding, it may also make potential visitors feel overwhelmed at the thought of planning a trip there. If you’re lost trying to decide what to do in Orlando with kids, we have the answers for you. The following recommendations highlight some of the best attractions beyond the theme parks for your next family vacation to Orlando, Florida. Before we dive right in, also consider checking out our recommendations for things to do in Daytona Beach.
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Indoor Activities
Just because Florida is also called the Sunshine State, does not mean there’s a lack of indoor attractions for families to explore. In fact, there are actually a number of entertaining and educational indoor activities to do in Orlando with kids ages 7 and under.
Orlando Science Center
- Address: 777 E. Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803
- Phone: (407) 514-2000
- Website: Orlando Science Center
- Free for: Children under 2
- Accommodating for children with special needs
This family-friendly attraction is a highlight for many when planning a family trip to Orlando. The vast array of teaching opportunities at the Orlando Science Center is one of the best things about it. One of the most popular experiences is the 11,000-square-foot KidsTown. This area is specifically designed for both boys and girls ages 7 and under. The KidsTown section offers young explorers educational skill-based play that helps build imagination as well as important Gross MOTOR skills.
Parents of children with special needs can feel comfortable knowing that the Orlando Science Center is fully accessible and offers a special Sensory Social Story(click to download) that can be downloaded ahead of time to prepare their children for the experience. Admission to the Orlando Science Center is complimentary for children under 2.
Orlando Museum of Art
- Address: 2416 N. Mills Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
- Phone: (407) 896-4231
- Website: Orlando Museum of Art
- Free for: Children under 3
This is another fantastic indoor activity you should consider adding to your itinerary while visiting Orlando. If you have a child that’s 3 years old or younger, they can visit the Orlando Museum of Art for free. The museum’s exhibitions feature meaningful masterpieces from the Americas and around the world.
While a number of family-friendly events take place at the museum throughout the year, a fan-favorite is the Family Highlights Tour that happens on the first Saturday of every month. If your stay falls over this time frame, definitely schedule a stop at this museum into your itinerary.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
- Address: 8387 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
- Phone: (407) 270-8610
- Website: Madame Tussauds Wax Museum
- Free for: Children under 3
If you’re wondering what else to do in Orlando with kids, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, also called “The World’s Greatest Wax Museum,” is a fun option. Your kids will love the iconic wax figures of prominent celebrities, superheroes, and renowned leaders. They’ll have a blast taking photos with their favorites like Superman, Wonder Woman, Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and other A-listers that they can show to their friends upon returning home.
Though this attraction typically takes about 45-60 minutes to complete, there is no limit to the amount of time you can spend during your visit. Plus, kids under 3 can explore this attraction free of charge.
If you’re looking for recommendations on what to do in Orlando for free, we also have you covered.
Outdoor Activities
Whether you’re visiting Orlando during times of lockdown or just love the great outdoors, there are many outdoor activities to choose from during your trip. Take your children to explore nature or get up close and personal with a variety of wildlife. Outside these nature-based outdoor activities are, of course, the world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, and Legoland. Here, we’re emphasizing some of the best things to do outdoors with your family in Orlando (beyond those famous amusement parks)
Gatorland
- Address: 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837
- Phone: (407) 855-5496
- Website: Gatorland
- Free for: Children under 3
Did you know Florida has also been referred to as the “Alligator Capital of the World?” At Gatorland, your family will love observing and learning about native Florida animals like alligators, crocodiles, snakes, and Florida panthers. There are many interactive experiences as well such as the Meet-a-Gator and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure. Don’t forget to stop by Allie’s Barnyard Petting & Feeding. This petting zoo is perfect for the smallest explorers who will love hand-feeding their favorite farm animals. There is no cost for admission for children younger than 3, and Gatorland is open daily, rain or shine.
The Wheel at ICON Park
- Address: 8375 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
- Phone: (407) 601-7907
- Website: The Wheel at ICON Park
- Free for: Children under 3
The observation wheel at ICON Park stands at a towering 400 feet tall and is a landmark in Central Florida. Enjoy the most scenic, 360-degree views of the entire city and famous amusement parks from your enclosed, stability-controlled capsule. The Wheel lights up at night with more than 64,000 LEDs designed to showcase spectacular light shows. Children 3 and under can ride The Wheel for free!
Lake Eola Park
- Address: 512 E. Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801
- Phone: (407) 246-4484
- Website: Lake Eola Park
- Free for: Everyone, no cost
In Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park offers visitors a beautiful place for outdoor activities. Grab the kids and jump in a swan-shaped paddle boat, take a walk around the 1-mile path, or enjoy a picnic surrounded by waterfront views of Orlando’s city skyline. There are always fabulous events happening in Lake Eola Park, so be sure to check the calendar for what’s scheduled around the time of your visit.
You may be able to catch the Orlando Farmer’s Market or a show at its amphitheater. No matter how old you are, entry is always free at this attraction.
Leu Gardens
- Address: 1920 N. Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
- Phone: (407) 246-2620
- Website: Leu Gardens
- Handicap Accessible
- Free for: Children under 4
Sometimes the best teaching opportunities come from simply experiencing the beauty of nature. Stroll with your family amongst an abundance of tropical plants and flowers in this 50-acre botanical garden oasis. You’ll find a plethora of information about the collection of plants you are observing on signage throughout the property. No matter what time of year you visit, rest assured there will always be breathtaking blooms to appreciate.
Leu Gardens is handicap accessible, and children under 4 enjoy complimentary admission.
Location Activities
If you’re on the hunt for fun things to do with kids, you may also want to venture outside the Orlando area. In addition to all the attractions within the city, there are some can’t-miss activities outside of it in nearby, family-friendly Daytona Beach.
Ponce Inlet Watersports Manatee & Dolphin Tour
- Address: 4958 S. Peninsula Drive, Suite 1, Ponce Inlet, FL 32127
- Phone: (386) 405-3445
- Website: Ponce Inlet Watersports
- Free for: Children under 3
Want to talk about the epitome of family fun? Then book a Dolphin & Manatee Tour with Ponce Inlet Watersports. This 90-minute excursion is one activity the entire family will be talking about for years to come. Plus, parents will love that it’s free for children under 3! Enjoy a beautiful boat ride along the Intracoastal Waterway while searching for some of Florida’s most magnificent marine life including dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, stingrays, and shorebirds.
When the tide permits, the tour boat will anchor and allow families to jump off in search of seashells and sand dollars. (Sounds like the perfect souvenir, right?!)
They also offer:
- dolphin & manatee tours
- fishing
- kayaking
- paddle boarding
- sunset tours
- charter boats
- parasailing
- burial at sea
Museum of Arts & Sciences
- Address: 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach, FL 32114255-0285
- Phone: (386) 255-0285
- Website: Museum of Arts & Sciences
- Free for: Children under 5 (always)
- Free for: Everyone on the first Tuesday of each month
For many families, the opportunity to teach their kids in a fun way while traveling is a priority. At the Museum of Arts and Sciences in Daytona Beach, there is an entire wing dedicated to expanding your child’s imagination through interactive (and incredibly fun) science-based exhibits. The museum is accessible and also committed to sharing resources like it’s Museum of Arts & Sciences Social Narrative to help children with special needs make the most out of their visit too.
On the first Tuesday of each month, admission to the Daytona Beach Museum of Arts & Sciences is free for everyone. Regardless of the day, admission for children 5 and under is always free!
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Are you ready to book your next trip to Orlando? There is certainly no shortage of family-friendly activities to add to your itinerary. Whether you’re looking to spend time indoors, outdoors, or in other locations (or even a combination of the three), you’ll find a variety of unique activities intended for every traveler and every age. Start planning your visit, and incorporate as many memorable adventures as you can along the way.
We know the number of fun activities for kids at home and while traveling is virtually endless, and we’d love to hear about your family-favorites. Whether you’re planning a trip to Orlando, reminiscing about a past visit, or are just finding unique ways to entertain your kids while at home, please head to our Facebook page and share your photos of your kids’ favorite activities!
