We traveled to Orlando recently with our daughters, and this is my guide to the best things to do in Orlando with kids!
When it comes to dream vacations, Orlando, Florida, ranks high on many people’s lists. Known for its iconic theme parks, year-round sunshine, and stunning outdoor areas, Orlando offers a family vacation experience like no other.
After all, it’s one of the most popular family destinations in the United States. And that’s because the weather is great, it’s easy to get around, and there are loads of family-friendly things to do here.
So, in this blog post, I will share with you all the best things to do in Orlando with kids, as well as the best hotels for children here.
Tips to Help You Plan Your Trip to Orlando With Kids
We reckon that Orlando is the ultimate spot for a family getaway. First off, it’s packed with awesome theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld.
But it’s not all about the parks here; Orlando’s got several stunning natural spots like Lake Eola Park and the Harry P. Leu Gardens. Plus, you can check out the interesting exhibits at the Orlando Science Center and/or visit the hugely popular Orlando Aquarium. Plus, with tons of great places to eat, family-friendly places to stay, and warm, sunny weather, it’s the perfect place to chill out and enjoy some quality family time.
So, here’s how you can make the most of your time in Orlando –
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1. Check out a theme park (a must-do!)
Walt Disney World:
Your Orlando family vacation should 100% kickstart with a visit to the world-renowned theme parks here. Walt Disney World Resort is probably the most well-known, and it’s often called the “Happiest Place on Earth,” and honestly, after visiting here recently, I have to agree with that statement. My daughters and I were grinning from ear to ear all day.
We started our day here at Magic Kingdom, where you’ll find iconic rides like Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, and my daughters loved the enchanting Cinderella Castle. Although my girls were too young for Space Mountain, my husband had a blast on it!
Next up, we checked out Epcot, which is where you’ll find the more futuristic attractions like the World Showcase or Spaceship Earth. We all loved the Animal Kingdom, where we went on an African Safari with Kilimanjaro Safaris and wandered through the visually stunning Pandora – The World of Avatar.
In the evening, we stayed for the Happily Ever After nighttime show – my daughters were in awe of the fireworks!
Passes for Walt Disney World cost around $130 USD per day.
Universal Orlando Resort:
The next day, we ticked off Universal Orlando Resort – mainly because I am a huge Harry Potter fan and this park is home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. We loved the Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts ride and wandering around Hogwarts Castle. We did take a sip of a Butterbeer here, and I gotta say we weren’t fans!
My husband’s favorite here was the Transformers: The Ride 3D. And my daughters had a blast at Volcano Bay, a tropical-themed water park with exciting water slides and a relaxing lazy river. It was a super-hot day when we visited, so it was nice to cool off in this section in the afternoon.
To ensure a stress-free experience, we recommend using FastPasses or express tickets, which help you skip the lines and avoid long waits, which I know can be stressful with small children.
📖 Related Read: If you’re headed to California, you might want to check out my blog on the best things to do in San Francisco with kids!
2. Explore the Great Outdoors
As I said earlier, even though Orlando is most famous for its theme parks, it also boasts heaps of naturally beautiful places.
Our recommendation is to plan a day trip to Wekiwa Springs State Park, which is just a short drive from the city. Here, you can cool off in the crystal-clear springs, hike along scenic trails, and even try kayaking.
We also spent a lovely few hours at Harry P. Leu Gardens. These gardens take up nearly 50 acres and feature a diverse array of flowers, including stunning camellias, roses, and a variety of tropical plants. It’s very easy to walk around with kids, and it’s also a great spot for a picnic.
Top tip, we used qualitydays.com to help us plan our Orlando vacation.
3. Visit a museum
While here, why not visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art? This museum houses the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, including his stunning stained glass creations.
The spectacular Tiffany Chapel, originally designed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago, is one of the standout pieces here. Beyond Tiffany, you can check out an impressive assortment of late 19th- and early 20th-century American art, ceramics, and decorative arts during your hour or so here.
4. Relax at Lake Eola
For a relaxing day, head to Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando. You can rent a swan boat and leisurely paddle around the picturesque lake, taking in stunning views of the city’s skyline. You’ll also get to see a variety of wildlife here, like swans, ducks, and other bird species.
There’s also a paved walking path here that we liked. It encircles the lake, spanning approximately 0.9 miles.
So, pack a picnic and enjoy your time by the water, surrounded by lush greenery and gorgeous swan sculptures.
5. Learn something new at the Orlando Science Center
We really enjoyed this interactive science museum. Thanks to its hands-on displays, live science demonstrations, and engaging planetarium shows, we were able to spend a fun couple of hours here one afternoon (and escape the intense heat!)
The highlights for us included the Dr. Phillips CineDome, a massive 8,000-square-foot theater that presents educational films in stunning clarity, and the KidsTown exhibit, which offered our girls a playful environment to explore scientific concepts.
6. See the dolphins at SeaWorld Orlando
As you may know, SeaWorld Orlando is famous for its amazing marine life, like dolphins, sea lions, and the iconic orcas. We came here on our last day in Orlando. And we learned a lot about ocean conservation and why it’s so important to protect marine habitats.
We loved the Dolphin Cove, the Orca Underwater Viewing, and Flamingo Cove especially, and my daughters were fascinated by the Manatees, as they’d never seen them before. The Shark Encounter was also cool to experience – seeing all the huge sharks swimming above your head in the tunnel is a little scary!
If you’re a thrill-seeker, don’t miss out on rides like the Mako roller coaster.
Tickets for SeaWorld cost around $32 USD per adult.
7. Check out Icon Park
Located on International Drive, Icon Park is a huge entertainment complex that offers a dynamic mix of attractions like The Wheel, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel that provides stunning views of the Orlando skyline and beyond. You can also check out Madame Tussauds wax museum and the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium here.
SeaLife Orlando is home to over 5,000 sea creatures, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. One of the main highlights is the 360-degree ocean tunnel, where you can walk through and marvel at the fascinating marine life swimming overhead and around you.
Bonus Addition: Tour of Kennedy Space Center
For future Astronauts or space lovers – a tour of the Kennedy Space Center in Kissimmee (around a 40-minute drive away) is a must.
On a tour of NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, you can walk underneath the largest rocket ever flown, meet a veteran NASA astronaut, and get up close to Space Shuttle Atlantis. You’ll also get to witness the Shuttle Launch Experience.
If you like, you can upgrade to include a 30-minute airboat ride on the St. Johns River or choose what’s called the Ultimate Space Experience (this includes lunch with an astronaut and an exclusive bus tour.
This hugely popular family tour is a full-day experience and costs from $89 USD per person.
Where to Stay in Orlando:
Our standout option is the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, which combines luxury with kid-friendly amenities like a complimentary kids’ camp, a lazy river, and character breakfasts.
Another great choice is the Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, renowned for its expansive pool complex featuring a winding lazy river and water slides.
For families on a budget, the Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark provides spacious suites and an on-site water park that will keep kids entertained for hours.
What is the best month to visit Orlando with kids?
I’d say that the best month to visit Orlando with kids is February. As the weather is pleasantly mild, with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s Fahrenheit. Plus, because February falls outside the peak tourist season, you’ll get shorter lines at Walt Disney World and Universal Studios.
Our tips to make the most of your Orlando experience:
To ensure your Orlando dream vacation is perfect in every way, consider these additional tips:
- Plan ahead: Create a detailed itinerary that includes must-see attractions, dining reservations, and activities for each day.
- Get a FastPass: Many attractions offer FastPasses or skip-the-line tickets to maximize your time.
- Choose the right hotel: Pick a hotel that’s conveniently located near your planned activities to minimize travel time.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks: Florida’s sun can be intense, so drink plenty of water and take breaks to rest and recharge during your visit.
Thanks for Reading!
Tell me – what did you think of our guide to things to do in Orlando with kids? Is there anything we have missed? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.
While you’re here, why not check out my other North America blog posts? Some of my favourites include:
Fun Things to Do in Seattle With Kids
How to find Mrs Doubtfire’s House in San Francisco
How to find the Lincoln Park Steps in San Francisco
Last Updated on October 17, 2025 by snaphappytravel