Orlando With Little Ones: Big Fun for Tiny Travelers

Keep little ones grinning from breakfast to bedtime—your guide to Orlando’s top preschooler-friendly experiences!

Pre-Schooler on Beach

So, you’re headed to Orlando – land of year-round sunshine, splashy fun, and larger-than-life adventures. But what if your crew includes a tiny explorer who has just mastered walking, talking, and snack negotiation? Good news: this city was built for big kids and even bigger imaginations, but its preschooler game is strong. Think colorful parks, movement-friendly spaces, animal encounters, and attractions that wow little minds. Whether your child is a future star, a LEGO architect, or a budding zookeeper, Orlando has a memory (and a meltdown-free day) waiting just for them. Ready to get started? You’ll find gentle thrills, giggle-filled play, and places to recharge—here’s your preschooler playbook for Orlando. 

Our fave things to do with preschoolers in Orlando include: 

  • LEGOLAND Florida 
  • SEA LIFE Aquarium 
  • Gatorland 
  • WonderWorks 
  • Madame Tussauds Orlando 
  • The Orlando Eye 
  • Island H2O Water Park 
  • Congo River Adventure Golf 
  • Lake Eola Park 
  • Orlando Science Center 

LEGOLAND Florida: Creativity, Color, and Kid-Friendly Coasters 

Start your adventure at LEGOLAND Florida, where preschoolers get the VIP treatment. Everything here is designed with the youngest builders in mind—from DUPLO Valley (a pastel paradise of splashing, stacking, and gentle rides) to Miniland USA, with miniature skylines and moving trains that fascinate even the smallest visitors.  

For those craving a cool-down, the park’s splash pads and shady rest spots let everyone recharge. Don’t miss the daily character meet-and-greets, perfect for wiggly little ones who can’t sit still for a long show but love a quick, high-five moment. LEGOLAND Florida is the rare park that keeps the fun at little-kid speed, with plenty of bright, soft play spaces for the crawlers and runners in your group. 

SEA LIFE Aquarium: Underwater Wonders at Toddler Height 

Nothing says “aww” quite like a toddler pressed up against a panoramic window as a sea turtle glides by. At SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, those heart-melting moments are just part of the everyday magic. Families stroll through immersive tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays, and shimmering schools of fish, and the themed habitats are vibrant but soothing, with gentle movement and glowing colors that hold little ones’ attention without overwhelming them. 

The highlight is the Ocean Tunnel, where tiny explorers can spot stingrays drifting past and rescued green sea turtles soaring overhead. The pace is calm, the lighting soft, and the pathways stroller-friendly. At the end, a cozy play zone lets restless legs burn off one last burst of energy—while parents enjoy a cool, unhurried break from the Florida heat or a sudden afternoon shower. 

Gatorland: Animal Encounters for Brave (But Not Too Brave) Kids 

Orlando’s classic wildlife adventure, Gatorland, is perfect for little animal lovers. Known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland balances the thrill of seeing zippy reptiles with all the comforts and safety families want. Boardwalks meander through swamps teeming with alligators (and some baby ones!), while free-flight aviaries introduce your crew to brilliantly colored birds. 

The very best part? The up-close animal shows are purposely short and silly, pitched right at toddler attention spans. Spotting playful parrots, watching gators leap for chicken treats, or feeding a gentle giant tortoise—there’s always another hands-on opportunity to keep kids engaged. There are splash pads to beat the heat, and the park is stroller-friendly with plenty of open space for racing to the next show or snack. 

WonderWorks: Playful Learning Wrapped in a Wacky Building

Child at Wonderworks

If your preschooler is drawn to bright colors, buttons, and hands-on play, WonderWorks delivers. From its upside-down façade to its whimsical interiors, this “edu-tainment” center makes science, art, and movement all about discovery and fun. The bubble lab lets your child build and pop bubbles larger than their own head, while the imagination play area features soft spaces to tumble, climb, and puzzle things out. 

Older kids will love the ropes course (save this for next time!), but for little ones, there’s an indoor playground plus simple, touch-friendly experiments. No need to worry about attention lags—everything is designed for movement and maximum wow-factor. Rainy day in Orlando? This is your go-to for hours of stress-free, air-conditioned play. 

Madame Tussauds Orlando: Star-Studded Giggles and Photo Ops 

Not just for grown-ups or teens—preschoolers will get a kick out of seeing “big people” in waxy, life-sized form too! At Madame Tussauds Orlando, you can snap hilarious family selfies with superheroes, cartoon stars, and Florida legends. Kids love the freedom to pose, touch, and explore at their own pace with no need to worry about museum-quiet rules. 

Keep an eye out for interactive features designed for little hands, like musical displays and dress-up props. Tiny superheroes can hang with Batman, princesses can spin by Cinderella’s castle, and everyone leaves with some favorite photos (and stories to share at preschool Monday morning). 

The Orlando Eye: Bird’s Eye Views for Brave Minis 

Children love a good ride, especially when it’s gentle, slow, and wrapped in a glass bubble. The Orlando Eye gives families exactly that—stunning 360-degree views of the city and beyond, but in a climate-controlled pod where wiggly children can scoot from window to window. Each rotation is smooth and lasts around 20 minutes—just right for little attention spans. 

From up high, preschoolers spot boats, planes, and landmarks. Lines move quickly, and there are visual guides in each cabin to keep curious minds busy. For families who want the “wow” of a high-adrenaline ride—without, you know, the adrenaline—this is an easy win. 

Island H2O Water Park: Splash, Slide, Repeat 

Nothing beats a splash-filled playdate when the Florida heat kicks in! Island H2O Water Park shines for families with preschoolers, thanks to dedicated kids’ zones, tot-sized slides, and interactive splash areas built just for little swimmers.  

Between splash sessions, shaded lounge areas offer an easy reset, and snacks are always within reach (you can even bring your own). Drift together on a family raft or unwind along the lazy river for a calmer moment. With attentive lifeguards and complimentary life jackets for young guests, it’s a water park day that feels just as relaxing for parents as it is exciting for kids. 

Congo River Adventure Golf: Putt-Putt Meets Jungle Adventure

Child Playing Adventure Golf

Preschoolers adore a game that comes with animal statues, wobbly bridges, and secret caves. At Congo River Adventure Golf, families get all that plus easy-to-play mini-golf holes—no pro skills needed. Let your little one chase after brightly colored balls, swing a mini-club, or just explore the cheeky waterfalls and hidden animal corners along the way. 

While older kids keep score, small children are free to focus on the discovery—finding treasure, feeding koi, and peeking into dark tunnels. The course is perfectly walkable, stroller-friendly, and best of all, you can go at your own pace. It’s an ideal first “sport” outing that everyone in the family can enjoy together. 

Lake Eola Park: Picnics, Playgrounds, and Swan Boats 

Sometimes the simplest days turn out to be the most memorable—and Lake Eola Park proves it. Right in the heart of downtown Orlando, this lush green space serves up wide shaded paths (perfect for a stroller cruise or those wobbly first-bike rides), an expansive lawn for rolling and running, and one of the city’s best playgrounds, complete with soft surfaces and equipment. You’ll discover ducks to feed, turtles basking in the sun, and—best of all—iconic white and black swans gliding across the sparkling lake. 

Ready for a new adventure? Rent a pedal-powered swan boat and let your preschooler “steer” you around the fountain for some family giggles and fabulous photo ops. On weekends, the park springs to life with a busy farmer’s market, balloon artists, and food stalls (keep an eye out for fresh-squeezed lemonade and street corn). Picnic tables and grassy patches give you everything you need for a snack stop, while restroom facilities mean you can stay as long as everyone’s happy. It’s easy, relaxing, and a great way to experience Orlando’s local charm at a gentle preschool pace. 

 

From up-close animal encounters and creative building zones to water play, gentle rides, and easy-going parks, Orlando is a treasure trove of smiles for preschoolers—and for the grown-ups who get to watch them light up. Pack snacks, charge the camera, and get ready for a family adventure where even the tiniest explorers can join in the fun. In Orlando, playtime is endless—and every little high-five counts. 

Enjoyed this? Check out Where to Stay in Orlando or Things to Do in Orlando in the Morning 

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Your Guide to Orlando Airport

Everybody loves a good vacation to Orlando. From museums and other cultural institutions to beaches and the Everglades National Park, there’s no end of things to do. In fact, whether you’re a theme park junkie or the type who loves to explore the great outdoors, Central Florida has you covered. Of course, getting to Orlando is the first step in that amazing Florida vacation you’ve been planning. As a busy airport, Orlando (MCO) can be a bit challenging to navigate—especially for first-time visitors to the area and those traveling with little ones. Check out our handy guide to Orlando International Airport, including tips for how to navigate the airport with kids and basic info on how to get around... Orlando Airport Overview Orlando Airport serves 39 different airlines with both domestic and international destinations. Depending upon your airline, you will fly in and out of one of two terminals, A or B. If you need to know which terminal you’ll be in, you can consult the official airport website. Your ticket should also have this information clearly indicated. To help you navigate the airport and find your gate, we recommend consulting the terminal map. You will also need to use a monorail to get to your gate once you’re past security, but this can be a fun experience for the whole family—especially train-loving little kids! Orlando Airport Main Hub & Shopping There’s a main hub between the two terminals that can be a fruitful resource for gifts, toys, and a way to entertain antsy kids. There’s even an arcade (next to the kid magnet Natalie’s Candy Jar) that features both new and classic games. It can be a fun way for the kids to burn off steam, or for you all to play together. There are plenty of places to shop if you have time to kill or souvenirs left to collect, including a SeaWorld store, two Kennedy Space Center stores, two Universal stores with loads of Harry Potter merchandise, and two different Disney stores that have everything you could want. Disney’s Earport is located in the East Hall, and has a pin station where you can trade collectible Disney pins—a popular practice with Disney fanatics. The second store, Magic of Disney, is on the South Walk and boasts large themed screens that serve as great photo backdrops. This is the main place for shopping, and comes before the security gates, so keep that in mind when arriving or departing. If you’re leaving on a departing flight, you’ll need to fit all of your purchases into your luggage before going through security and boarding your flight. However, feel free to load up on separate bags if you’re heading out the front doors! Orlando Airport Security Like all airports, MCO employs standard security procedures as implemented by the TSA. That means you’ll need to make sure you have the right size toiletries, bring no liquids through with you except for medicine or breast milk, and remove all large electronics from your bags. One less common thing the Orlando Airport also requires is that you remove all food items from your non-checked bags. You can bring them through, just make sure they are accessible to take out when going through the line. If you are traveling with little ones, remember that the TSA does not require kids 12 and under to take off their shoes, light jackets, or hats. Babies must be taken out of their strollers and carried through the metal detector, although they can also be carried in a sling. For more information on getting through TSA screening procedures with your kids, check out their official guide to traveling with children. As one of the busiest airports in the country, Orlando Airport also often has tremendously long security lines. Please arrive well in advance of your flight time to make sure that you have time to get through. It can also help to be aware of carry-on restrictions and other policies before you travel to make sure that your time through to the other side isn’t an age and a half. Orlando Airport Dining Options If you arrive early enough at the airport before your departure and need to work in a meal or snack, rest assured—dining options of all stripes abound at MCO. Looking for something fast and inexpensive in the main terminal? Moe’s Southwest Grill and McDonald’s are easy choices at the Main Terminal Food Court. There are three restaurants at the attached Hyatt Regency, as well as a delicious Macaroni Grill, all of which provide more options than fast food. Sports fans may also want to check out the new City Pub, which features local beer and tasty food. It’s also an official supporting bar for the Orlando City Soccer Club, so it’s perfect for sports fans. Fortunately, City Pub is also a relaxed atmosphere that is suitable for kids. The dining options are more diverse once you get past security, including a Chipotle, Cibo Express, Wendy’s, Nathan’s, and an Outback Steakhouse, among several others. There are also some fun adult-friendly options like the upscale Cask & Larder, which brings a farm-to-table sensibility to MCO. If you’d like to review all of your dining options before your visit to see which would be the best for your family—especially those of you with any food allergies or specific diets—the Orlando Airport has conveniently provided a dining directory. Orlando Car Rentals, Shuttles, and Ride Share When arriving in Orlando and needing to find your way from the airport to your hotel or resort, you have multiple options. The most common option is to rent a car, especially if you are doing more than just Disney. Keep in mind that a high-traffic airport like Orlando will often run out of cars later in the day, so be sure to make your rental reservation in advance. Car rental companies are located on both A and B sides of the terminal on Level 1. For those of you who are headed to Disney, the Disney Magical Express is a shuttle that escorts arriving guests to their Disney resort. You’ll need to have your MagicBands ready to be scanned, but the trip is other a pretty painless way to get to your resort or hotel in the Disney-verse. If you’re looking for a taxi or ride share like Uber or Lyft, go to the Ground Transportation area on Level 1. Please note that there is a small fee charged for airport pick-ups that will be added onto your total bill. A good idea can be to look for coupons or deals before arriving to help you save, as the Orlando Airport isn’t very close to downtown and your fare could be quite high.   Orlando Airport Insider Tips The Orlando Airport has an official app—available for Android or Apple—that can be a smart choice for frequent flyers or anyone who likes the extra guidance. Don’t have a smartphone, or prefer not to download the app? There are plenty of interactive kiosks around the airport with the same helpful information. Arrive two to three hours before your flight departs to allow time to go through security and take advantage of the shopping and dining. If your flight arrives late and you have tired and grumpy kids, it may be easier and most cost-effective to stay at a hotel near or in the airport. The Hyatt Regency is an easy choice, as it’s located right in the center of the airport and offers good deals. Important: Once past security, you’ll need to choose one of the monorails to get you to your gate. If you pick the wrong one, you’ll have to take it back and go through security again, so be sure you know which one will head to your gate! Save on Orlando Attraction Tickets Once you’ve successfully made it through the Orlando Airport, it’s time to get down to exploring. If you’re interested in checking what Orlando has to offer beyond the major theme parks, a Go Orlando pass is a smart choice. You can save up to 50% on combined admission to top attractions like LEGOLAND® Florida, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and many I-Drive activities. It’s a convenient digital pass that you get instant access to upon purchase, so whether you plan ahead or opt-in last minute, you can enjoy big savings. Happy travels! So grab an Orlando pass and make the most of your trip!
Katie Sagal
WonderWorks
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Guide to WonderWorks Orlando

WonderWorks will turn your world upside-down! This indoor amusement park for the mind combines education and entertainment to create Orlando's best family attraction. With more than 100 hands-on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination, there's plenty to keep guests of all ages entertained all day long. It's not quite a museum, and it's not quite a theme park – it's something completely unique that you won't want to miss on your vacation in Orlando. How to get Wonderworks tickets We've got you covered. WonderWorks tickets are included with your All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, so you can choose as you go and save money as you do! Here are a few handy tips for your WonderWorks adventure: Wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothes. Closed-toe shoes are required to participate in the ropes course and several other exhibits, and skirts/dresses aren't permitted on the ropes course. Plan to spend three to four hours inside. There are over 100 interactive activities spread across three floors that you'll want to explore. Your pass lets you stay as long as you'd like. Make sure to bring your camera! You'll want to capture all of the exciting experiences inside, not to mention the eye-catching upside-down exterior. What is there to see and do at WonderWorks? Guests of all ages can explore the six Wonder Zones, each one diving into a different STEM topic: extreme weather, physical challenges, space discovery, light and sound, Wonder art and imagination. Between interactive exhibits, rides, games, photo spots, and much more WonderWorks has everything you need for a day of family fun. WonderWorks highlights Inversion Tunnel – with the ceiling under your feet and the ground above your head, you'll need to pass through the spinning Inversion Tunnel to realign yourself and start your adventure. Astronaut Training Challenge – hop into this 2-person gyroscope to experience the feeling of weightlessness and the rolls and tumbles that astronauts feel when they're conquering missions in space. Bubble Lab – if you're anywhere between the ages of one and 100, you'll love the WonderWorks Bubble Lab. Create bubbles the size of basketballs or even one big enough to fit inside! Glow-in-the-dark Ropes Course – WonderWorks takes family fun to new heights with an indoor ropes course! Scale a maximum of 36 feet while conquering over 20 different obstacles on this glow-in-the-dark experience. The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show – wrap up your day with a hilarious, family-friendly dinner show. This one-of-a-kind entertainment experience is filled with mind-blowing magic, non-stop laughter, engaging audience participation and unlimited pizza. The Outta Control Dinner show is included with your pass. Places to eat WonderWorks is home to Wonder Bytes, a delicious café with plenty of meal, snack and drink options. Those who elevate their visit with a reservation to The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show can enjoy unlimited hand-tossed pizza, salad, beer, wine, soda and dessert during the performance! Attractions near the upside-down house Right next door to WonderWorks, you'll find Pointe Orlando - filled with dining, shopping and show options. A short walk down the road is Icon Park, home to The Wheel, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum, the Museum of Illusions and many other great attractions. Thrill seekers will love iFLY, an indoor skydiving experience nearby. Want to enjoy the Florida sun? Shoot a few holes at Pirate's Cover Adventure Golf. WonderWorks is open 365 days a year from 9AM to 12AM. Just show your pass at the WonderWorks admission counter and you're in! This attraction has exhibits with flashing lights and motion which may not be suitable if you have heart problems, diabetes, vertigo, seizures or any other light/motion sensitivities. Height and weight restrictions may apply. Save with Go City Remember, Go City is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which includes WonderWorks tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. You'll make great savings on entry to top museums, tours and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions, all for one money-saving price.
Cara Merren

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