Orlando

10+ Things to Do in Orlando with Kids During Your Vacation

Orlando is fun for everyone, but it's a dream come true for children!

If you're planning on surprising your kids with a trip to Orlando, be prepared for plenty of excitement! It's not all about the big theme parks though - there are animal attractions galore, and interesting learning opportunities too.

Planning a vacation to Orlando? Luckily for families traveling with children, it's a renowned entertainment destination in Central Florida. Orlando attracts families from all over the world with its diversity of theme parks, attractions, museums, and much more.

Whether your kids are interested in theme park adventures, museums, or good old-fashioned outdoor adventures, Orlando’s got you all covered. If you’re looking for things to do in Orlando with kids, check out this list of our favorite kid-friendly activities, including...

  • LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
  • Kennedy Space Center
  • ICON Orlando
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium
  • Fun Spot America
  • WonderWorks
  • Congo River Adventure Golf
  • Gatorland: The Alligator Capital of the World
  • and more...

Consider adding a few of these kid-friendly attractions to your vacation itinerary.

LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

Lego
NINJAGO legal line: LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure, NINJAGO and LEGOLAND® are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2024 The LEGO Group.

Do your kids love all things LEGO®? Then you won’t want to miss the chance to spend a day at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort. From rides and slides to interactive building areas and character meets, LEGOLAND® has it all. With highlights like thrilling roller coaster rides for the older kids to the cozy DUPLO play area for the little ones, this park has plenty to appeal to kids of all ages.

Don’t miss out on the World of Chima, an exciting area within the park dedicated to the popular LEGO® brand,. featuring an interactive water ride, a dedicated play area, and a cool 4-D movie experience.!

Another new fun experience that all your kids are sure to love is the LEGO NINJAGO® ride, an immersive videogame-like adventure that allows visitors to fight back against the forces of evil.

Kennedy Space Center

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You won’t want to miss a visit to this "stellar" institution. The home of the American space program for decades, Kennedy Space Center has seen some of the most important events in scientific history, including the launch of the famous Apollo missions and the Space Shuttle Program.

Explore NASA’s stomping grounds as you tour the facilities, marvel at the launch pad, and enjoy the many interactive exhibits. Watch real footage from space, interviews with astronauts, and see actual souvenirs from the Moon! It’s a must do for lovers of science and space.

ICON Orlando

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Get above it all and get a new perspective on Orlando from 400 feet above ground on The Wheel at ICON Park. Kids will get a kick out of saying they took a spin on the tallest observation wheel on the entire East Coast of the US. You’ll get 360-degree views of Orlando’s skyline, nearby theme parks, and beautiful landscapes. On a clear day, you’ll be able to see all the way to Cape Canaveral. 

SEA LIFE Aquarium

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If you're looking for things to do in Orlando, you should add SEA LIFE Aquarium to your holiday itinerary. It's the perfect place to go for families, kids, and adults.

Your little ones will come face-to-face with more than 5,000 creatures including, seahorses, jellyfish, barracudas, and even a giant pacific octopus. And you’ll also learn about the important conservation efforts the organization is so passionate about.

In the aquarium's Coastal Rockpool you can stroke a starfish, tickle a sea anemone and more in this hands-on exhibit.

Fun Spot America

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With Go City®, you get a 4 ride sampler at Fun Spot America - Orlando's favorite local theme park. From the infamous SkyCoaster to the iconic White Lightening (Orlando’s only wooden roller coaster), there are plenty of classic amusement park rides to choose from. Plus, you can also enjoy a spin around their multi-level Go Kart tracks, a session of bumper cars with your siblings, and soar through the air in the Paratrooper ride.

WonderWorks

Wonderworks

For starters, this is probably the only upside-down museum you’ll ever visit. WonderWorks is full of wacky fun and amazing, unbelievable exhibits that will truly inspire a sense of wonder in your kids. In fact, there are more than 100 different interactive exhibits, things to do, and play with!

Some highlights include a simulated earthquake, an exhibit that measures the speed at which the kids can pitch a baseball, the chance to design their own roller coaster, and even an indoor ropes course. Admission also comes with access to laser tag - the perfect family competition. This attraction is all hands-on and sure to be a delight for kids of all ages.

Congo River Adventure Golf

Who doesn’t love a few relaxing rounds of mini golf? Now at the Congo River Adventure Golf course, you have the chance to take the whole family on a delightful afternoon of mini golf fun. There are more than 8 locations to choose from, including this one in Orlando.

This is so much more than just a golf course – it’s an entire world modeled after the African safari experience of Stanley and Livingstone, including waterfalls, caves, jungles, and more. There’s also an indoor arcade to enjoy after you finish a few rounds.

Gatorland: The Alligator Capital of the World

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Welcome to Gatorland! AKA – the Alligator Capital of the World. This place has everything Gator, making it a quintessentially Florida attraction and thing to do that you just won’t find anywhere else. This 110-acre theme park / wildlife preserve showcases these marvelous creatures through exciting exhibits and entertainment options.

Of course, they have a few crocodiles, too! There’s also a petting zoo (alligators are, perhaps fortunately, not among the selected animals), a nature walk, a number of educational wildlife programs, and several popular reptilian performances. If you want to get a taste of the Florida wilderness, this is the place to be. Your kids will love the chance to interact with these terrifying creatures in a safe environment.

SeaWorld Aquatica Waterpark

seaworld

Florida is a hot and humid place to be for much of the year, so why not cool off with a visit to the refreshing and exhilarating Aquatica Waterpark? Run by SeaWorld, this fun park is exclusively dedicated to figuring out all the most creative and exciting ways to get you wet! There are plenty of things to do, from colossal waterslides to raft and log rides. You’ll also find a shallow play area for little kids, so you don’t need to worry if they’re not up for serious swimming.

Busch Gardens

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This is your classic adventure theme park, with coasters, slides, and many other popular rides. Located in nearby Tampa Bay, it’s an easy drive from any Orlando area hotel and is a great way to spend an entire day. You’ll find everything from exotic animal encounters to tons of family-style entertainment.

With live performances, demonstrations, and interactive exhibits and attractions, your kids will never run out of things to do. If you’re a thrill-seeker, be sure to hop aboard the new “Cheetah Hunt” coaster!

Museum of Science & Industry

Located in nearby sunny Tampa, this esteemed science museum is popular with kids of all ages. Emphasizing the power and importance of exploring the world through the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM), the 400 interactive exhibits at MOSI are among the most impressive, state-of-the-art attractions around.

Some highlights include the super interactive, collaborative Idea Zone, the Saunders Planetarium, and the Zip Line + Ropes Course, plus the excellent selection of educational films available in their IMAX Dome theater. This attraction is great fun for kids of all ages. Even adults will enjoy the Mission: Moonbase exhibit, where NASA showcases their vision for settlement and life on the moon.

Florida Aquarium

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Also located in nearby Tampa, this extremely interactive aquarium is a family favorite. With over 250,000 square feet of exhibit space, they’re able to house more than 200,000 aquatic plants and animals – that’s quite a variety! From sharks and stingrays to otters and octopi, practically every aquatic creature you can name has a home here.

Some featured exhibits include “Journey to Madagascar,” which includes lemurs, cockroaches, and chameleons; “Penguin Point,” home to some of our favorite cold climate critters; and the “Coral Reef Gallery,” which allows visitors to observe a real live reef up close, modeled after the coral found in the Florida Keys. The Florida Aquarium also offers opportunities to swim with fish or even sharks!

Boggy Creek Airboat Tour

Take a Boggy Creek Airboat ride for an educational and exciting tour through the untouched wilderness of the Everglades, right in Central Florida. You’ll get a half-hour guided tour through the wetlands where you’ll see tons of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, snakes, bird species native to Florida, and more. It's an especially nice attraction to build into a day where you could use the flexibility with the kids.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit

Titanic

Have kids who are fascinated by the Titanic or famous shipwrecks? They’ll enjoy walking through 20 rooms of interactive exhibits, including full-scale replicas of Titanic’s most famous areas, including the Grand Staircase, the First Class Parlor Suite, the Veranda, Marconi Room, and more at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit.

Professionally trained actors in period costumes share true stories of their experiences and what it was like to be a passenger on the Titanic. Fans of the movie will especially enjoy getting to see Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet's costumes and other memorabilia from the famous blockbuster movie.

Forever Florida Coach Tour

Go on a fully-guided safari adventure through a traditional Florida ranch with over 4,700 acres of seven distinct Florida ecosystems that are home to tons of fascinating Florida animals and plant life, including alligators, black bears, white-tail deer, and hundreds of species of birds. This two-hour adventure is sure to make memories to last a lifetime, and we know animal lovers will especially treasure this experience.

As an eco-tour, this is also an ethical and responsible option for encountering wildlife and is a good choice for conscientious travelers. It's great to know that your tour is having a positive impact on the environment and wildlife around you!

American Police Hall of Fame

Kids and adults alike will like getting a chance to experience what it’s like to serve on the police force and learn all about fighting crime at the American Police Hall of Fame. You’ll get to sit in an electric chair, try your hand at forensics, learn about police investigations, see counterfeit money, and more.

Save on admission to kid-friendly Orlando attractions

There you have it. A list of the top things to do in Orlando with kids during your vacation. From the joy and excitement of a visit to the iconic Seaworld to the educational fun of institutions like WonderWorks and Kennedy Space Center, Orlando has so much to offer kids of all ages. These kid-friendly attractions combine entertainment, education, and some spectacular sightseeing!

Discover our full line-up of Orlando attractions from Kennedy Space Center to Fun Spot America.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Relaxing Things to do in Orlando

Orlando can most certainly be a lot of fun, but what do you do when you need a break from all the chaos? Well, that’s what we’re here for! As one of the most popular tourist destinations within the United States, the city is often recognized for its famous amusement parks. Still, the area has just as much to offer for those who want to relax. For nature lovers and those who like to stay active, the area’s beautiful green spaces are an absolute must-visit. If you’re a culture vulture, be sure to check out some of the fantastic museums in the city. And for artsy types, there’s no better place to be than the Orlando Theatre. So, if you’re planning to make the visit, follow our guide to the best relaxing things to check out in Orlando during your stay. Whatever you decide to do, we’re sure it’ll be great! Find Fun Activities If you’re looking to reconnect with nature, look no further than the Disney Wilderness Preserve. In a city with so much buzz, this quiet and serene oasis is the perfect place to appreciate mother nature in all its glory. Situated on the Everglades National Park, the preserve offers the special chance to view a completely unique ecosystem not currently found anywhere else on the planet. Walking along the trails, you’ll be able to view over 1,000 plants and animals all prospering together. Whether you’re looking to take a quiet moment of contemplation or just soak up the natural wonders of Orlando, this hidden gem should rank at the very top of your itinerary! When it comes to relaxing things to do in Orlando, we love nothing more than a visit to the park. Thankfully, the city has much to offer in the realm of open spaces, with Lake Eola Park being one of our favorites. Located right in the center of downtown Orlando, this peaceful expanse has long been a popular draw for locals and visitors alike. Offering plenty of space and fresh air, this beloved urban landscape is a fantastic respite from the city, with beautiful flower beds and spectacular views of the Orlando skyline. For the perfect afternoon out, take time to feed the swans or enjoy a pedal-powered boat ride across the gleaming waters of the lake. What more could we possibly ask for? Get Cultured If your ideal relaxing day out is a trip to the museum – don't worry, we’ve got you covered. The perfect stop for all artsy types, the Orlando Museum of Art seeks to preserve, present, and interpret art for a wide audience. In its impressive collection, the museum holds over 2,400 objects including Contemporary Art, American Art, and that of the Ancient Americas. Walking through the institution, you’ll be able to view everything from fine art and modern sculpture to classical paintings and more. In the past, the gallery has premiered artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Georgia O’Keeffe. Well curated and displayed with much to see, this place is well worth the trip. For some downtime in the evening, why not check out the Orlando Theatre? Over its many years of operation, this place has stood the test of time by providing world-class entertainment to the community. If you’re looking to catch a line-up of theater productions, such as plays, comedy, and music, you couldn’t be anywhere better. Here, you’ll be able to find everything from fantastic dramas and side-splitting stand-ups to animated musicals and concerts, all under one roof. The theater has been host to many famous performers in the past, including Paul McCartney, Elton John and Kevin Hart. A total hub of entertainment and culture, we couldn’t think of a better way to spend an evening out in the city. Try Something New When visiting a new area, there’s no better way to explore the local culture than through its markets. Open early every Saturday morning on the busy streets of Orlando, the Winter Park Farmers’ Market is the perfect place to soak up the sun. We love this spot for its outstanding selection of fruit and vegetables. Still, the real attraction here is the market’s wide variety of food vendors, made fresh as you go. Each week, the crowds queue up for chicken pot pies, Jamaican patties, freshly popped kettle corn, and Kombucha. In addition, you can browse the stalls for locally produced honey and cheeses as well as jewellery and original art. Whether you just want to grab a quick bite, or maybe get to know the city a little bit better, this place provides the perfect relaxing cultural experience. Grab your punnets and don’t forget your sunscreen for the next item on our list. Orlando is well-recognized for its beautiful weather, and with that of course comes some wonderful fruit farms to be enjoyed. Quintessentially Florida and totally idyllic, the Showcase of Citrus is probably one of the more unique ways to take a breath. Situated just downtown from the city, this large working orchard covers over 2, 500 acres of land and over 50 varieties of citrus to be enjoyed. Standing out from other outdoorsy attractions in the city, this place welcomes visitors onto its premises to pick their own fruit and admire the beautiful scenery. We love this place because it truly encapsulates the nature of Orlando. The theme parks. The crowds. The heat. All this craziness can make Orlando seem like a stressful vacation spot, but we promise you that there is refuge amidst the hustle and bustle. The City Beautiful showcases a wonderful blend of outdoorsy attractions and urban places of interest, – from its wonderful viewing world-class pieces at the Orlando Museum of Art to walking the trails at the Disney Wilderness Preserve, you’ll never run out of calming things to do in the area. Whether you’re a foodie, a creative type, or just looking to take in the city, you’re certain to find something to suit your tastes. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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Orlando in October

Fall is arguably the best time of the year to plan a visit to Orlando. Though the city isn’t exactly known for its crisp breeze and fall foliage, autumn provides a much-welcomed break from Orlando’s high summer temperatures. Thankfully, this time of the year is still warm, which means that you can still visit all of the area’s wonderful outdoor attractions, just as you would any other time of the year – but with less of a fuss! Trust us when we say that you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing from exciting things to do in the area. The city’s world-class amusement parks are an absolute must-see for thrillseekers and those travelling with family. If you’re looking to spend some time in nature, look no further than Harry P. Leu Gardens. Or, immerse yourself in the true culture of the city at Winter Park Autumn Art Festival. So, grab your planner and get ready to jot some things down. Whatever you choose to do, we’re sure it’ll be great! Hit the Classics No visit to Orlando would be complete without checking out Universal Studios. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, this place is considered to be one of the most popular theme parks in the United States – and with good reason! Movie buffs and pop culture aficionados alike will enjoy its playful theme geared towards the entertainment industry, while there are over 30 rides and attractions to enjoy all year round. Still, if you’re anything like us, Halloween is your favorite holiday – and thankfully, Universal pulls out all the stops. For a spookier experience, don’t miss out on the park’s haunted houses, scream-filled scare zones, and live shows. Exceptionally frightful and undoubtedly awesome, this place certainly knows how to do Halloween justice! A total classic for those of all ages, Magic Kingdom is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. Standing out against all other outdoor attractions in the city, this iconic Orlando mainstay is now a fundamental part of American culture. Walking around the park can be a little overwhelming for some, but we always recommend you hit the highlights – If an adrenaline rush is what you’re after, head over to Splash Mountain. For those looking for something with a little less bite, It’s a Small World would be your best bet. Or, for a true slice of Americana, try The Hall of Presidents. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something for you. Though this place is known for its whimsical aesthetic all year round, it transforms to offer something a little different during the month of October. For all the Halloween lovers out there, don’t forget to check out the After Hours Boo Bash and Minnie’s Halloween Dine. The ultimate crowdpleaser that never goes out of style, we love this place because it always puts a smile on our face. Find Fun Activities Those travelling with family might appreciate the next item on our list. Another top player in the fantasy land game, Legoland garners enduring popularity for its specialist theme and kid-friendly rides. Based upon the popular children's toy after which it is named, the park is designed for children aged between 2-12 (but don’t tell us what to do!) Legoland is split into twelve separate areas, each with their own unique theme, and even includes botanical gardens which are preserved from its previous site. When Halloween rolls around, you can also catch costume competitions, themed shows and a pumpkin trail. We recommend checking the website before heading out, so you know when the special events are taking place. Of course, it wouldn’t be autumn without Oktoberfest. Held every year at Avalon Park, the fun never stops coming at this lively historic festival. Bringing Bavarian tradition to the City Beautiful, there’s a lot of fun to be had here. Sip a nice cold one in the beer garden, get festive with some Alpine dancing, and enjoy a hot bratwurst fresh off the stove. In addition, there are child-friendly games and activities, so nobody is left out! With its incredible atmosphere, we honestly couldn’t think of a better way to bring in the fall. Try Something Different If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend the afternoon in Orlando, why not check out the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival? Running every October for over forty years now, this community-oriented sidewalk show proudly features the work of over 180 first-rate local artists. Walking around the festival, you’ll see everything from digital pieces and photography to fine art and sculpture. Still, there’s a lot more to see than just art here, with live music and comedy, and of course, an abundance of food to be enjoyed. The perfect stop for all creative types, we definitely don’t recommend skipping out on this one! With the cooler weather throughout the month, we highly suggest checking out some of the area’s beautiful green spaces. Founded in the late 1800s, Harry P. Leu Gardens is a big favorite for locals and visitors alike. The Leus travelled all over the world, bringing back exotic greenery to fill their gardens. Thankfully, the park is open to the public all year round, offering a great respite from the city. The park has a tropical rain forest, Florida's largest formal rose garden, and even a butterfly garden to be explored. Take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, and don’t forget to make a stop at the Leu House Museum. Whichever way you choose to enjoy this lovely botanical oasis, there’s more than enough to see and do here. If you're looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, or simply just a quiet spot of contemplation, this is the way to go about things. October brings pleasant temperatures and wonderful energy, making it a great time to explore Orlando. The city is in full swing, with exciting events popping up all over the area throughout the entire month. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or just passing through, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Of course, Halloween is the highlight of the month, and you can get in on the fun and festivities at almost every turn. Other big favorites include Oktoberfest and the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, where you can soak up that incredible atmosphere. Still, don’t forget to seize the opportunity to enjoy the city’s best outdoor attractions in the cooler weather. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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