A Family Guide to Visiting Orlando

You can’t think about a family vacation without thinking about Orlando, Florida. There are so many family friendly things to do in Orlando, you probably won’t be able to do them all in just one trip. We’ve compiled a list of the hot spots and must-see attractions that you won’t want to miss. We’ve also thrown in some of our favorite local attractions that we hope you consider adding to your next family vacation.

Theme Parks

Walt Disney World – It’s no surprise that Walt Disney World is first on the list. With four parks, two water parks, and endless opportunities for fun, Walt Disney World guarantees a magical experience for the whole family. Make your way through the four parks that include Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios, then splash around in the two water parks, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon and Disney’s Blizzard Beach.

Universal Orlando – Enjoy two parks at Universal Orlando, including Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. At The Wizarding World of Harry Potter take a tour of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. You can also enjoy the nightlife Universal Orlando has to offer at Universal CityWalk. Check out Universal Studios™ Orlando Vacation Packages to book your next vacation!

SeaWorld – Ride the roller coasters, chill with the penguins, and encounter sharks at SeaWorld Orlando! While you’re there, don’t forget to check out SeaWorld’s water park Aquatica and take advantage of the opportunity to swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove. Do you have little kiddos? Here’s a Step-by-Step SeaWorld guide (with 10 stops, perfect for little kids!).

LEGOLAND Florida – Just down the road from Orlando in Winter Haven is central Florida’s newest theme park and largest LEGOLAND park in the world. You can now stay at the park at the brand new LEGOLAND Hotel and cool down from the hot Florida heat in the LEGOLAND Water Park. LEGOLAND Florida is geared towards families with children ages 2 to 12.

Click HERE for even more info about the theme parks and cruises… SeaWorld, Gatorland, Universal… just to name a few!

Before heading out to one of these parks, be sure to check out our Theme Park Survival Guide with tips and tricks to make your visit epic!

Beyond Theme Parks… Things To Do

The Escape Game – Here, anything is possible. Travel to unexplored planets, alternate realities, and even through time. Inside our worlds you’ll find extraordinary adventures in need of explorers, risk-takers, and problem solvers. This is where hero and adventure meet. Located on International Drive.

Orlando Science Center – Explore, discover, and learn at the Orlando Science Center. With four floors of exhibits, big screen movies, and live programming, your family will have a blast. This is the perfect rainy day activity as it is completely indoors.

International Drive – I-Drive provides visitors with endless opportunity for fun with family attractions, spectacular dining, shopping, dinner shows, options for recreation, and unforgettable nightlife.

The Orlando Eye – Discover the magic from 400 feet above the ground at Orlando’s attraction located on I-Drive 360.

Orlando SEA LIFE Aquarium – Orlando’s newest aquarium located at I-Drive 360 next to Madame Tussauds Orlando and The Orlando Eye.

The Crayola Experience – Opening its doors for the first time in July 2015, The Crayola Experience is a family attraction designed for a full day of hands-on creative play and colorful fun.

Gatorland – You can’t visit Florida without seeing at least one alligator, so head over to Gatorland to get the full gator experience! Gatorland is also home to the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line voted Best Zip line in the USA by AOL Travel.

Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts – While you’re in town, catch a show at the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts. This state of the art facility opened its doors in 2014 and will not disappoint.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens – Located in Sanford, the Central Florida Zoo houses over 500 animals of nearly 200 species. While you’re there, fly through the ZOOm Air Adventure Park or splash around in the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground.

Morse Museum – See the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany at The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art located in Winter Park. The collection of works include jewelry, pottery, paintings, and glass art, just to name a few.

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour – This off-the-beaten-path vacation experience won’t leave you disappointed. On the 18 passenger boat, you may see cranes, alligators, or fish as you travel through the Winter Park chain of lakes.

Shopping

Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets and Orlando International Premium Outlets – With two locations to choose from and over 160 stores each, you won’t leave the outlets empty handed.

Mall of Millenia – With 150 of the world’s finest stores, the Mall of Millenia will not disappoint. From department stores to luxury brand names, you are sure to find whatever is on your list.

Florida Mall – The Florida Mall offers family-friendly shopping with over 250 stores, including American Girl, M&M’s World, Macy’s, Armani Exchange, and Crayola Experience, just to name a few.

Winter Park Village – Just north of Orlando, Winter Park Village includes upscale shopping with quaint boutiques and high-end retailers.

Nearby Springs

Blue Spring State Park – See manatees up close and personal in their natural habitat at Blue Spring State Park.

Wekiwa Springs State Park – Located north of Orlando, you can relax in a natural setting or take a swim in the Wekiva River.

De Leon Springs State Park – Get moving to De Leon Springs State Park for some swimming, boating, hiking, or fishing. While you’re there, you must stop at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill for pancakes.

Come join us in Orlando, there is plenty to do with the family!

updated by Orlando Moms Blog 8/21/18