Guest Post By Julie Family Trips and Travels
Orlando is one of the best destinations when traveling with kids.
This sunshine-soaked city is a playground for kids of all ages, offering a variety of kid-friendly activities that can also be enjoyed by the entire family.
With an average of 233 sunny days a year, there’s never a bad time to visit.
Whether you’re an Orlando first-timer or a seasoned fan of the Mickey Mouse magic, this list will help you squeeze every drop of fun from your trip.
The Best Theme Parks To Visit In Orlando
It is hard not to think of theme parks when thinking about Orlando.
There are so many available and something that suits everyone’s needs.
Theme parks are one of the best ways to spend your time in Orlando, you can pack a backpack for the entire day that the kids will remember forever.
1. Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is like the ultimate place for childhood dreams and magic.
Known as the place “Where Dreams Come True,” this iconic park invites families into a world filled with beloved characters, fairy tale castles, and thrilling rides.
From the moment you step onto Main Street, U.S.A., the Magic Kingdom offers an immersive experience of classic movies and characters.
With rides and shows, it is a place that kids and parents will love.
Make sure to stay for their famous fireworks over Cinderella’s Castle.
2. Go On A World Tour At Epcot
Epcot stands as a unique park within Walt Disney World, inviting visitors to take a world tour within its gates.
The World Showcase, a highlight of Epcot, features pavilions from 11 countries around the globe.
Each pavilion offers a glimpse into the culture, cuisine, and entertainment of its respective nation.
For families with kids, the KidCot Fun Stops are a can’t-miss feature within the World Showcase.
These interactive stations offer children the chance to engage in fun, educational activities, collect stamps, and create personalized souvenirs from each country visited.
It’s a captivating way for kids to learn about different cultures and a perfect opportunity for families to explore the world together in one visit.
Photo credit – Wikimedia
3. Go On A Safari At Animal Kingdom
Disney’s Animal Kingdom offers a unique blend of thrilling rides, live shows, and exotic animal encounters that take families into the heart of nature and adventure.
This park sets the stage for an unforgettable safari experience without leaving Orlando, where you can come face-to-face with exotic animals in their natural habitats on the Kilimanjaro Safaris.
Beyond the savannah, the park is home to the mesmerizing land of Pandora – The World of Avatar and kid favorite Dino Land with the Boneyard Playground.
Animal Kingdom seamlessly combines the thrills of a theme park with the wonder of a zoo, making it a must-visit for families seeking adventure and education.
4. Immerse In Toy Story Land At Hollywood Studios
Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of Andy’s backyard at Toy Story Land, located within Disney’s Hollywood Studios.
This vibrant and colorful area invites guests of all ages to experience the joy and excitement of the Toy Story movies firsthand.
With size-defying attractions like Slinky Dog Dash, a roller coaster that zigzags around the park, and Alien Swirling Saucers, where you can ride in a toy saucer under the command of the adorable green aliens, adventure awaits at every corner.
Beyond Toy Story Land, Hollywood Studios offers a broader experience with its depiction of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Visit attractions such as The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge for an unforgettable adventure.
Hollywood Studios not only captures the spirit of Disney storytelling but also celebrates the magic of cinema, making it a must-visit park for families and film enthusiasts alike.
5. Ride The Roller Coasters At Universal Studios
Universal Studios is known for its thrilling rides and attractions that are sure to get your adrenaline pumping.
For families with older kids, this park offers the perfect balance of excitement and entertainment.
For a more intense experience, take on towering roller coasters like Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit and The Incredible Hulk Coaster.
Along with these adrenaline-fueled rides, Universal Studios also offers character meet-and-greets with beloved characters like the Minions from Despicable Me and Transformers.
It’s a park that guarantees an action-packed day for families.
Photo credit – Wikimedia
6. Check Out Islands Of Adventure
Islands of Adventure, part of Universal Orlando Resort, offers a world where stories come to life and adventures await around every corner.
This park is perfect for thrill-seekers and fans of beloved characters, from comic book superheroes to magical creatures.
Divided into several uniquely themed “islands,” each offering its distinct attractions, rides, and experiences, it’s a place where the entire family can find something exciting to do.
One of the park’s standout features is Marvel Super Hero Island, where guests can meet their favorite Marvel characters and experience some of the world’s most thrilling rides, like The Incredible Hulk Coaster and The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man.
7. Immerse Yourself In The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter
If you have any young (or young-at-heart) Harry Potter fans in your family, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, spread across two parks (Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure), brings the beloved book series to life in stunning detail.
You can explore Hogwarts Castle, drink butterbeer at Hogsmeade Village, and ride thrilling attractions like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
Don’t forget to pick up a wand at Ollivanders for an interactive experience throughout the park!
8. Get Up Close With Animals At SeaWorld Orlando
For an unforgettable wildlife experience, head to SeaWorld Orlando.
This marine-themed park offers a variety of shows and attractions featuring dolphins, killer whales, sea lions, and more.
You can also get up close and personal with some of the animals through behind-the-scenes tours or interactive experiences like swimming with dolphins or feeding stingrays.
Orlando Water Parks
One of the best ways to enjoy Orlando is by cooling off at one of the amazing water parks!
Orlando is home to some of the best water parks there are. Since Orlando isn’t near any actual beaches, a water park will be your next best option!
You can easily pack a beach bag and spend an entire day there with your family!
Photo credit – Wikimedia
9. Aquatica Orlando
Escape the heat and make a splash at Aquatica Orlando, a water park that offers fun for the whole family.
With slides and rides ranging from mild to wild, there’s something for everyone here.
You can brave the wave pool, relax in the lazy river, or take on thrilling slides like Ihu’s Breakaway Falls and Taumata Racer.
And for those seeking a more exhilarating experience, there are attractions like Dolphin Plunge where you can zoom past dolphins underwater!
Photo credit – Wikimedia
10. Discover A Tropical Paradise At Typhoon Lagoon
For those looking to beat the Florida heat with a mix of laid-back tropical vibes and exhilarating water rides, Typhoon Lagoon is the oasis you’ve been dreaming of.
This Disney water park enchants visitors with its legend of a typhoon-ravaged fishing village, complete with a shipwrecked shrimp boat, “Miss Tilly,” perched atop Mount Mayday.
The park boasts some of the most thrilling water slides and attractions in Orlando, including the adventurous Crush ‘n’ Gusher water coaster and the towering Humunga Kowabunga speeds slides.
But Typhoon Lagoon isn’t just about the thrills; it offers something for everyone in the family.
The park features a massive wave pool, one of the largest in the world, where guests can body surf on waves up to six feet tall.
For a more relaxing experience, visitors can float down Castaway Creek, the scenic lazy river that winds its way around the entire park.
Children will delight in Ketchakiddee Creek, a play area designed just for them with smaller slides and water fun.
With its lush landscaping, sandy beaches, and tropical atmosphere, Typhoon Lagoon provides a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation for a memorable family day out.
Photo credit – Wikimedia
11. Experience The Chill At Blizzard Beach
Blizzard Beach offers a unique, snow-themed twist to the traditional water park experience, inviting guests to cool off in an atmosphere that cleverly combines the warmth of Florida with the frosty landscape of a winter resort.
Originating from the whimsical story of a snowstorm in the area, the park features frosty peaks, ski lifts, and slopes turned into thrilling water slides, making it a standout destination.
Highlights include Summit Plummet, one of the tallest and fastest free-fall body slides in the world, and the family-friendly Teamboat Springs, a raft ride that guarantees laughs and memorable moments.
For those looking to relax, Cross Country Creek provides a leisurely float through this frostbitten paradise.
Blizzard Beach is a refreshing escape that combines frosty fun with sun-soaked excitement, making it an essential visit for families and thrill-seekers alike.
Photo credit – Wikimedia
12. Adventure At Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando Resort offers a tropical escape into a world of exhilarating rides, sandy beaches, and leisurely luxuries, set around a stunning volcano.
Unlike traditional water parks, Volcano Bay immerses guests in a lush, South Pacific landscape, where every attraction is designed to make you feel like you’re exploring a paradisiacal island.
The park’s centerpiece, Krakatau, is a towering volcano that houses thrilling water slides, including the body-plunge slide that drops you through the heart of the volcano.
For those seeking relaxation, Waturi Beach allows you to unwind under the Florida sun with a picturesque view of the volcano.
With the innovative TapuTapu wearable, guests can enjoy the park’s many attractions without having to stand in long lines, enhancing the experience of adventure and relaxation that defines Volcano Bay.
More Exploration In Orlando
Beyond the thrilling rides and water parks, Orlando has a variety of kid-friendly attractions that cater to the curious and imaginative minds of children.
Orlando truly does have something special for every family.
13. Explore The Outdoors At Gatorland
Gatorland is another must-visit for animal lovers, particularly those fascinated by alligators and crocodiles.
This 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve is home to thousands of alligators, as well as other animals like snakes, birds, and tortoises.
You can take a guided swamp walk to see the gators up close, catch a live show featuring daring stunts with these reptiles, or even zip line over them for an adrenaline-fueled adventure.
Photo credit – The Crayola Experience
14. Unleash Creativity At The Crayola Experience
The Crayola Experience presents a unique opportunity to immerse in a world where color, chemistry, and technology merge to create a vibrant adventure.
Situated in the Florida Mall, this colorful attraction spans two floors and is packed with 26 hands-on activities that encourage children to explore their creativity.
Visitors can personalize crayons, design digital art, and even create custom coloring pages.
One of the highlights is the live demonstration showing how crayons are made, offering a fascinating glimpse into the process behind these iconic art tools.
15. Discover The Wonders At WonderWorks In Orlando
WonderWorks has over 100 hands-on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination.
This indoor attraction, set within an architecturally striking building turned upside down, offers a unique experience where visitors can explore the mysteries of science and engage in activities that defy gravity.
From feeling the force of hurricane winds to lying on a bed of nails, each exhibit at WonderWorks is designed to educate and excite.
The attraction also features laser tag, a ropes course, and a 4D motion ride that makes learning about science an exhilarating adventure.
WonderWorks provides a fascinating glimpse into the realm of scientific wonders for kids and their families.
16. Try A Hot Air Balloon
Get a bird’s eye view of Orlando’s vibrant area and iconic attractions.
Teach kids about the principles of flight and offer a unique perspective on the world below.
Safe and serene, a hot air balloon ride is a must-do for families seeking a blend of thrill and awe-inspiring tranquility.
17. Grab Some Ice Cream On Disney’s Boardwalk And Watch A Movie
Visiting Disney’s Boardwalk is a free attraction to all.
The boardwalk is filled with fun activities like bike riding and little shows the kids will enjoy.
You can grab some ice cream and take a seat on the lawn to watch a movie that is displayed several nights a week.
Photo credit – Wikimedia
18. Go Shopping In Disney Springs
From the huge Disney Store to the interactive Lego Store, kids will love exploring the various shops in Disney Springs.
There is plenty to see and do on an evening with kids!
Make sure to grab dinner at one of the themed restaurants such as RainForest Cafe or T-Rex!
Looking for family-friendly beaches near Orlando? Check out these 9 Best Beaches Near Orlando For Families ⛱️
Conclusion: Things To Do In Orlando With Kids
Orlando, Florida is one of the best destinations for family-friendly adventures, blending educational experiences with exciting entertainment.
From Disney World that will make anyone feel like a kid again.
From the thrilling roller coasters at Universal Studios to fun water parks, there is so much to explore and discover in Orlando Florida.
Julie Dameron
Owner, Family Trips and Travels
I’m a travel-loving, busy mom of three young kids. My mission is to help you travel more with your family!
Our family lives in the New York City and loves to travel all over the U.S. and abroad together! We also love spending our summers exploring Cape Cod and the Boston, MA Area!
I’m Here to help you navigate the busy streets of NYC and make travel with kids fun and enjoyable!
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Booking a last-minute trip to Orlando?
If so, we have you covered. Here are some top recommended tours and experiences!
Top Tours in Orlando
Everglades Airboat and Wild Florida Tour (Florida Wildlife Tour With Optional Lunch)
Glass Bottom Guided Kayak Eco Tour (2-Hour Tour Perfect for Nature Lovers!)
Kennedy Space Center Adventure with Transport (Enjoy NASA’s Kennedy Space Center)
Helicopter Night Tour (Scenic Helicopter Flight Over Orlando’s Theme Parks)
Manatee Adventure, Everglades Style Airboat (With Lunch, Wildlife Park, And Transport)
Top Hotels In Orlando
Marriott’s Cypress Harbour Villas – (Perfect For Couples)
Ette Luxury Hotel & Spa – (High-Rated Luxury Hotel)
Barefoot Suite By Capital Vacations – (Budget Apartment In Plaza Boulevard)
Buena Vista Suites Orlando – (High Rated Hotel Near Walt Disney Resort)
Looking To Get Around In Orlando?
Check out rental car rates here! 🚗