It’s no secret that Orlando is one of the best destinations for family vacations. It’s known as the theme park capital of the world and home to Mickey Mouse, Marvel Superheroes, and Harry Potter, putting it pretty high on the wishlist of kids everywhere.

But beyond the magic of Disney and the thrill of roller coasters, Orlando is also full of marvelous museums, wondrous wildlife, and lots of other unique and fun things to do with kids.

Ready for a fun-filled family vacation in sunny Orlando, Florida? Here’s your guide to all the best things to do with kids in Orlando!

1. Get Your Fill of Magic and Thrills at Orlando Theme Parks

Photo Credit: Junior Braz

Of course, no trip to the theme park capital of the world is complete without visiting a theme park or two! From the magic of Disney to the thrills of Universal Studios, there are so many ways to spend a day or two exploring the local theme park scene that’s fun for the whole family.

Walt Disney World

  • Magic Kingdom: Classic Disney magic with Mickey Mouse, Cinderella’s castle, and a famous nighttime fireworks show.
  • EPCOT: A culmination of technology, nature, and culture with Spaceship Earth, The Land, and the World Showcase.
  • Animal Kingdom: The closest you’ll get to an African Safari without leaving the country, plus some unique thrill rides like Expedition Everest.
  • Hollywood Studios: Bringing movie magic to life with Toy Story and Star Wars rides, as well as the famous Fantasia nighttime show.

Universal Studios

  • Universal Studios: The classic Universal Studios experience with Dr. Suess, ET, Minions, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter featuring the famous fire-breathing dragon of Diagon Alley.
  • Islands of Adventure: The ultimate combination of superheroes and rollercoasters, featuring The Adventures of Spider-Man, Jurassic Park thrill rides, and the famous Incredible Hulk Coaster.

While Disney World and Universal Studios are the most famous theme parks that Orlando has to offer, you’ll also find more family-friendly rides and attractions nearby at Seaworld and Legoland.

2. Make a Splash at a Waterpark

Photo Credit: Art_Gants

There’s no better way to spend a day in warm, sunny Florida than by cooling down in one of the many water parks. And because it’s Orlando, these are not your average water parks! You’ll find elaborate wave pools, water slides, lazy rivers, water coasters, water sports, and much more. Don’t worry — there’s plenty for the littlest family members too with splash pads, shallow wading pools, and play areas.

Top Orlando Water Parks

3. Spend a Day Exploring International Drive

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International Drive, or I-Drive, is essentially Orlando’s version of the Las Vegas Strip — but much more kid-friendly! You’ll find countless shops, restaurants, mini-golf courses, rides, and many other attractions along this 11-mile stretch of road in the heart of Orlando’s entertainment district. The icing on the cake is the famous Orlando Eye, a 400-foot tall Ferris wheel that offers a bird’s eye view of nearly the whole city. It’s a must-see.

Top Sights Along International Drive

  • Icon Park: An outdoor amusement park with rides, games, restaurants, live music, and more. Icon Park is also home to world-famous attractions like Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, the Max Action Arena, and the Orlando Eye.
  • Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: A collection of unique artifacts, incredible illusions, and lots of hands-on exhibits that kids love.
  • Andretti’s Indoor Karting and Games: An indoor, action-packed entertainment arena full of arcade games, bowling, laser tag, go-karts, virtual reality games, and much more.
  • WonderWorks: Touted as an “amusement park for the mind,” WonderWorks features over 100 unique, mind-bending exhibits, plus an indoor ropes course and virtual reality rides.
  • Fun Spot America: An outdoor amusement park with rides and games, famous for its bumper boats, multi-level go-kart tracks, and 250-foot sky coaster for thrill seekers.

There’s so much to see and do along International Drive; it’s a great place to spend a day exploring with the kids. Drive, walk, or take the I-Ride Trolley to get to all of your favorite attractions.

4. Dine with Your Favorite Characters

Ever dream of having breakfast with Mickey and Minnie, lunch with Cinderella and Snow White, or dinner with Marvel Superheros? Character dining at Disney World and Universal Studios is a favorite among kids and adults alike. Enjoy a lavish meal while chatting with your favorite characters, taking photos, and having an all-around good time. Just be sure to make reservations in advance; these special events fill up fast.

5. Stay in a Themed Vacation Home

While there’s plenty of family-friendly fun in nearly every corner of Orlando, one of the most unique things about this town is its abundance of themed vacation homes that are unlike anywhere you’ve ever stayed before. From pirate ship beds and indoor mini-golf to massive home theaters and private swimming pools, the amenities for both kids and adults are endless.

When it’s time to unwind at the end of the day, these vacation homes provide all the comforts of home plus unique fun for the little ones. Play some arcade games, watch a movie in your own private, comfy home theater, make smores in your outdoor fire pit, and tuck the kids in for bed in a spaceship or princess castle.

6. Get to Know Some Gators at Gatorland

Photo Credit: The Image Party

Aptly known as “The Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland is one of the best places to learn about and meet one of Florida’s most famous animals, the American alligator. Guests can get up close and personal with alligators (don’t worry, not too close), learn all about these “living dinosaurs,” and even zipline over a gator-filled swamp — if you dare!

In addition to the over 2,000 alligators that call Gatorland home, you’ll also see some of their crocodile cousins and lots of other reptiles like snakes and tortoises, plus some wild cats, birds, and other critters. Gatorland is a great spot for kids who love learning about wildlife.

7. Take a Day Trip to Kennedy Space Center

Photo Credit: NaughtyNut

For an out-of-this-world adventure, the Kennedy Space Center is only about an hour outside of Orlando and makes a great day trip for the whole family. You’ll learn all about the history of space exploration, tour decommissioned spacecraft, ride in an astronaut simulator, and maybe even get to see a rocket launch.

While Kennedy Space Center surely has enough to see and do to occupy your time, if you finish early or want to hang around longer, The Space Coast has plenty of other fun family activities.

8. Have Some Retro Fun at Old Town

Photo Credit: VIAVAL TOURS

Step back in time with carousels, cotton candy machines, and classic cars for a day of old-fashioned family fun at Old Town. This outdoor entertainment complex just a few minutes away in Kissimmee has been a local family favorite for over 30 years. Take some time to stroll the shops, check out the vintage carnival rides, and enjoy dinner and some ice cream.

If you’re a car enthusiast, be sure to check Old Town’s calendar of events for their weekly car shows. From classic cars to muscle cars and Jeeps, there’s always a fun car show going on at Old Town that both kids and adults can enjoy.

9. Catch a Dinner Show

What’s better than dinner and a show? While Orlando is known for great food and great fun, it’s also known to combine the two from time to time. Dinner shows can be a great way to liven up the evening. From swashbuckling pirates and seafood to medieval knights and turkey legs, there are some great dinner shows you can snag tickets to in Orlando.

Top Orlando Dinner Shows

  • Medieval Times: Watch Knights joust while enjoying a medieval feast of turkey legs and ale for the adults.
  • Pirates Dinner Adventure: Set sail for an adventure on the high seas with pirates and mermaids while you enjoy a varied feast of land and sea.
  • Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: Enjoy a casual evening of comedy, magic tricks, and all-you-can-eat pizza, salad, and dessert.

10. Get Out in Nature

Orlando may be best known for its theme parks, but the local and state parks are also equally impressive. From sparkling lakes and crystal-clear springs where you can kayak, paddleboard, or take a boat tour to hiking and biking trails, there are lots of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Orlando.

For a kid-friendly day of fun in nature, stroll through the butterfly garden at Leu Gardens, take a swan boat ride at Lake Eola, or head to nearby Lake Apopka for the scenic wildlife drive — keep your eyes peeled for alligators!

11. Get Colorful With The Crayola Experience

Photo Credit: JHVEPhoto

For a fun, unique way to spend the day that’s sure to spark some creativity, let your kid’s imagination run wild at The Crayola Experience. With over 20 hands-on, colorful experiences, kids can enjoy creating their one-of-a-kind masterpieces that are better than any souvenir you’ll find in a gift shop. In addition to everyone’s favorite crayon, The Crayola Experience features paint, clay, papercrafts, and much more in their interactive exhibits.

12. Catch Some Air at iFly Indoor Skydiving

Photo Credit: Kirill Skorobogatko

Want to try the thrill of skydiving without having to jump out of a plane? Head to iFly Orlando for a one-of-a-kind, adrenaline-pumping experience that’s a favorite among older kids and teens. You’ll don a special flight suit and step into a controlled wind tunnel where instructors will guide you into a safe flight, no plane required!

Ready For Some Family-Friendly Fun?

Whether you’re planning to visit for a few days or a few weeks — there’s certainly no shortage of fun things to do with kids in Orlando!

Plan the ultimate family-friendly vacation by booking your stay with Element Vacation Homes.

You’ll enjoy world-class amenities, concierge services, lots of fun perks for the kids, and even pet-friendly rentals, so the entire family can enjoy a vacation together. And of course, you’ll be close to all the best theme parks and attractions the Orlando area has to offer.

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