Best Things To Do In Orlando With Kids
Orlando is a city known worldwide for its theme parks, which makes it one of the best destinations to travel with children.
Traveling with children is often a delicate subject. The little ones do not have fun with the same things as adults, so they tend to get bored between sightseeing tours and museums. However, this Florida city is an ideal destination for families with children.
Among the best things to do in Orlando, children's plans stand out. So, if you are planning a family trip to the city, I recommend you read on to discover all the activities it has to offer. From theme parks of all kinds to alligator rides, including a visit to one of the best space centers in the world.
1. Venture out with your favorite characters at Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando Resort is comprised of two theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Both provide different, but equally satisfying and fun experiences for the youngest members of the family. It is the largest amusement park in the world, so I recommend that you set aside one or more days for a visit.
This amusement park is ideal for the youngest movie fans, since its attractions are inspired by the big hits of the big screen. For example, in the part corresponding to Universal Studios Florida, children will be able to experience unique moments based on great sagas such as Harry Potter or Transformers. On the other hand, at Islands of Adventure, they will have the opportunity to feel like Spider-Man or enter the universe of Jurassic Park.
If you and your family are fans of the world created by J. K. Rowling, you will live the most of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter area, which crosses both parts of Universal Orlando. Of course, in addition to the attractions, you'll find accommodations, souvenir stores and dining establishments on the premises.
2. Spend a day among the crocodiles at Gatorland
In this case, I want to recommend one of the best activities in Orlando, a family activity related to animals. I go into the reptile world to tell you about the so-called 'Crocodile Kingdom': Gatorland. This theme park offers a completely different and original experience to what you are used to.
Among the activities offered by the place, I want to highlight the observation tower, through which you can see with your family how crocodiles behave in their natural habitat, something that will surely leave you speechless. On the other hand, you can learn all about the care of reptiles through various interactive activities.
3. Climb the trees at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
Children have a lot of energy, something that makes them get bored when traveling. If you want them to let off steam, I recommend a visit to the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park. This adventure park will make the little ones feel like Tarzan himself for a day.
The park has all the typical features of an adventure park, except on a grand scale: zip lines, suspension bridges, tree circuits, Tibetan bridges and nets. If you have children of different ages, don't worry, the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park has different levels of difficulty so that all children can find their space for fun.
4. Bring out the artistic side of the little ones at the Crayola Experience
I have recommended activities related to the marine universe, to science, to adventure... Now it's my turn to give the little artists of the family their space. Without a doubt, the Crayola Experience is a place where children can unleash their creativity without limits.
From painting with laser lights to creating their own personalized crayon: in this creative center everything is possible. As if that weren't enough, they will also have the opportunity to ride on different attractions related to the world of painting.
Before you leave, remember to stop by the Crayola Experience store, where you can take home a souvenir of the experience or buy material for the kids to continue exploring their artistic vein when you return from your trip.
5. Ride an airboat through Orlando's wetlands
Orlando is a city known for its amusement parks, but I have to tell you that there is much more beyond its impressive roller coasters. One of the best activities you can do with kids on your trip to this Florida city is an airboat ride. Above all, I recommend this activity as one of the best things to see and do in Orlando in spring.
It is an experience of about 30 minutes that will delight you and everyone who accompanies you. Along the way, you'll ride through the cypress swamps that are characteristic of this area. You will also get to know the local fauna, so diverse that ranges from birds to reptiles to foxes.
The activity also includes access to the Alligator Oasis, an alligator viewing area, where you will be able to see these reptiles in their natural habitat. Throughout the tour you will be accompanied by an expert guide, who will explain the facts and curiosities of the Everglades area. If you are coming from Orlando check out how to go to Everglades from Orlando.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best airboat tours in Orlando.
6. Be an astronaut for a day at the Kennedy Space Center
If your kids dream of being astronauts, this is definitely the place to visit. Besides, you and the rest of the adults will also greatly enjoy this activity. The Kennedy Space Center is the place that was built for the launching of the Saturn V rocket. With your visit, you can feel part of NASA for a day.
Among the activities offered is a visit to the launch pads, as well as various rocket exhibits. You can also choose the Space Pass Plus, with which you will have access to the vehicle assembly building. If you are coming from Orlando, you can opt for a pass that includes round-trip transportation.
For all these reasons, this activity stands out as one of the best excursions to the Kennedy Space Center from Orlando.
7. Confuse your senses at the Museum of Illusions in Orlando
Confound your senses at the Orlando Museum of Illusions, an amazing place for both adults and children. One of the great advantages of this attraction is that it has a maximum capacity of 20 people, so you will be free of bustles and queues.
The place has more than 50 exhibits in which each of your senses will be involved. You can enter the 'Inverted Room', cross the rotating tunnel or become tiny in the Ames Room; as well as live the experience offered by the 'anti-gravity' rooms.
8. Sweeten your taste buds at the Chocolate Kingdom Factory
Of course, in this list of the best things to do with kids I had to leave a space dedicated to gastronomy. The Chocolate Kingdom Factory is the ideal place for lovers of this food so loved around the world. The experience lasts about 24 minutes, during which you can taste different types of chocolate.
In addition, you will learn all about its elaboration, seeing up close the elaborate process that turns the cocoa bean into a delicious chocolate bar. As if that were not enough, for an extra charge, you can make your own chocolate bar. Throughout the tour you will be accompanied by a professional guide, who will explain everything you did not know about this sweet.
9. Fulfill your dream of flying in Orlando's wind tunnel
Do the kids at home fantasize about flying? This is the perfect opportunity for them to experience what it's like. The iFLY Orlando activity lasts about an hour and a quarter. It has the great advantage of being done in small groups, which substantially enhances the experience.
It includes two flights in a wind tunnel, for which, previously, you will receive an orientation class by an instructor. Of course, the place provides all the necessary equipment, as well as safety measures.
Inside the tunnel, wind gusts reach a speed of between 209 and 281 kilometers per hour, so you will feel a great adrenaline rush. Bring out your most adventurous side and perform pirouettes during the flight. Afterwards, you will be able to see the result in the photos, which you can take home as a souvenir.
10. Enjoy the magic that Drawn to Life Cirque du Soleil offers
If there are two names that have starred in every child's childhood for decades, they are Disney and Cirque du Soleil. In this experience they join hands to create the Drawn to Life show, which lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. During that time, you can immerse yourself in a world full of magic and fantasy led by dancers, acrobats and Russian swings.
While you watch the illusory choreographies of the show, the typical music of Disney movies will be the soundtrack. Undoubtedly, this is an experience that children will love and that will take you and the rest of the adults back to their childhood and bring out their most innocent side.
The show narrates the life of Julie, the protagonist of this story, who for an hour and a half will carve out her future with the help of a magic pencil. In case you have rented a car to move around Orlando, you will be pleased to know that the ticket includes free parking at Disney Springs. For my taste, this is one of the best shows in Orlando.
11. Slide down Orlando's tallest water slides at Aquatica Park
If you are going to Orlando in summer and want to find plans compatible with the high temperatures, this is one of the best. Orlando's Aquatica water park is home to the tallest water slides in the region. There are many attractions that you will find in its facilities, such as the Riptide Race or the Walkabout Waters.
In addition to the water attractions, in this park you can also see animals from the marine world, such as dolphins. Aquatica Park is considered one of the best outdoor water parks in the United States by USA Today.
12. Step into Walt Disney World
One of the biggies on this list of the best things to see and do with kids in Orlando is occupied by another theme park. It's no wonder, considering that this Florida city is considered the world capital of the best theme parks. Since we have all grown up with Disney movies, you and the rest of the adults in the house as well as the little ones will enjoy the experience.
There are several parks that make up the complex, among them the Magic Kingdom, where you can see Cinderella's castle in real size. In addition to this animated movie classic, you will also see attractions based on great sagas, such as Pirates of the Caribbean.
As if that were not enough, Walt Disney World not only offers entertainment and adrenaline, but also a cultural experience in its facilities, since it has areas dedicated to many of the countries that make up the world. Do you think that everything I have told you is enough? Well, there is still more. Walt Disney World includes an animal theme park: Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Speaking of animals, if you are an animal lover at home, I recommend that you take advantage of your visit to the city to go on one of the best safaris in Orlando.
13. Build your own constructions at the Legoland Florida Resort
Almost every, if not every, child in the world has played and plays with Legos. That's what makes the Legoland Florida Resort amusement park so special. Unlike what kids are used to at home, at Legoland Florida Resort they can do it in a big way.
The LEGO universe in Orlando offers all kinds of experiences for both the little ones and the grown-ups in the house. You can see some of the world's most famous cities recreated with LEGO bricks, as well as take rides overlooking breathtaking scenery. Of course, children will be able to let their imagination run wild and create their own constructions. They can even race cars made of LEGO.
14. Spend the day among orcas and dolphins at SeaWorld Orlando
I take this opportunity to recommend another of the best theme parks in Orlando: SeaWorld Orlando. It is a theme park, but, unlike the previous ones, this one is marine. Undoubtedly, it is a unique experience that combines fun with learning.
The little ones will be able to see various shows, as well as some of the most majestic animals of the marine world, such as orcas or dolphins. In addition, you can also take a boat ride with the family and enjoy a unique moment of relaxation. On the other hand, if you prefer some adrenaline, I recommend one of the roller coasters in the park.
15. Surprise yourself with the fun side of science at the Orlando Science Center
Who says Orlando is all about fun and adventure? If you want to get the little ones at home a little more interested in science, a great way to do it is to take them to the Orlando Science Center. Through the various activities offered by this interactive museum, children will discover science in its most fun aspect.
You can visit the planetarium, where you will have the opportunity to watch several films about space, as well as watch live shows in which you will discover the universe up close. There are also live experiments in which children can participate. Of course, the museum has a large number of exhibits covering all fields of science.