Orlando is known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” making it a top destination for theme park-loving families, especially those with kids. However, there’s more to this sunny city when it comes to family-oriented activities.
If you’re headed to the Sunshine State of the US and looking for thrilling rides, educational attractions, or relaxing outdoor spots, this guide covers some of the best family attractions in Orlando. You’ll also discover fun family things to do in Orlando beyond the major theme parks, making it easier to plan a trip everyone will enjoy.
1. Experience the Happiest Place on Earth and go to Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom Park in Orlando, Florida | Photo Credits: Younho Choo from Unsplash
First on our list of family-friendly things to do in Orlando is surely a classic for everyone. We all grew up with the magic of Disney, so what better thing to do in Orlando than to visit Walt Disney World? Here, both kids and kids-at-heart will get to experience fun attractions like Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Typhoon Lagoon, and more!
2. Live the magic of movies at Universal Orlando Resort
Another favorite theme park of visitors worldwide is Universal Orlando Resort, where the magic of movies comes to life through character encounters, rides, dining experiences, and more! The park is packed with all things fun that everyone in the family can enjoy!
Inside Universal Orlando Resort are theme parks and a water park. The theme parks include Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure. Universal Studios Florida houses The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley, Minions, The Simpsons, and more.
Islands of Adventure has attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Hogsmeade, Jurassic Park, and Spider-Man. Lastly, the water park, Volcano Bay offers several types of slides in different zones such as the River Village, Rainforest Village, and Wave Village.
The resort also includes Universal CityWalk with dining, shopping, and entertainment for guests. It’s a vibrant entrance that surely feels welcoming to everyone who visits Universal Orlando Resort.
3. Have a splashin’ good time at SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld is home to Aquatica Orlando, a haven of water slides!
SeaWorld Orlando takes marine life and water adventures to the next level: not only will you get a glimpse of majestic sea creatures but also make a splash in various water slides and rides! Level up your trip and add visiting SeaWorld to your family’s list of things to do in Orlando with kids.
4. See the underwater world at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
Marvel at thousands of sea creatures as you enter SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium! Inside one of the best Orlando attractions for families are the Ocean Tunnel, Indian Ocean, Jelly Wall, and Coastal Rockpool. Get ready to see sharks, turtles, fishes of all sizes, jellyfish, and more during your visit.
5. Go to infinity and beyond at Kennedy Space Center
The launch of Apollo, Skylab, and Space Shuttle are some of the historical milestones that happened at the Kennedy Space Center.
Did you ever dream of being an astronaut as a kid? Make your dreams come true and head to Kennedy Space Center, one of NASA’s key space bases where history gets made. Feel the force of a rocket launch, stand nose-to-nose with the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and stroll among the legends of space exploration.
Kennedy Space Center
Address: 9339 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827, United States
6. Visit WonderWorks, where education meets entertainment
Inside WonderWorks, Orlando
Turn your life upside down the fun way at WonderWorks, which is filled with exciting activities like rope courses, a gyroscope, and even a laser tag arena!
WonderWorks Orlando
Address: 9067 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
Want access to the family-friendly things to do in Orlando with one pass? Make sure to get the Go City - Orlando All-Inclusive Pass!
7. Pose with the stars (wax figures) at Madame Tussauds Orlando
Watch out for Pitbull, Selena Gomez, Ricky Martin, and Batman all in one museum!
If you love Madame Tussauds in Australia, you’ll also love it in Orlando, Florida. You know the deal: catch celeb and character sightings in this famous wax museum, and don’t forget to take a photo with them!
Madame Tussauds Orlando
Address: 8387 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
8. LEGO lovers of all ages, you need to go to LEGOLAND® Florida
See epic mini-buildings, mountains, and other constructions made entirely of LEGO!
At LEGOLAND Florida, everything is awesome: from its rides, shows, and themed zones, including LEGOLAND, Pirates' Cove, Land of Adventure, and more! If you love LEGOs, then make sure to add visiting LEGOLAND to your list of family-friendly things to do in Orlando with kids.
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
Address: 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884, USA
9. Get creative at Crayola Experience Orlando
Crayola Experience is Orlando’s most colorful attraction!
Let the little ones unleash their creativity at Crayola Experience, where you can name and wrap your crayon, go on a 4D coloring adventure, and be the star of your coloring page!
Crayola Experience Orlando
Address: 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809, United States
10. Take fun photos at the Museum of Illusions
If you need more ideas on things to do in Orlando with kids, then this next one should be added to your itinerary! The Museum of Illusions in Orlando is packed with photo spots that will really play with the mind. Here, there are over 50 exhibits where you can let your creative senses run free as you figure out the image each exhibit is trying to portray.
Museum of Illusions
Address: 8375 International Drive Icon Park,
Free parking garage:: Floors 4-7, Suite #250, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
11. Stroll around Lake Eola Park
People having a picnic at Lake Eola Park | Photo Credits: Leslie Gray from Unsplash
Have a laid-back walk with the fam at Lake Eola Park, which showcases the beautiful Orlando city skyline. You can even rent a swan-shaped paddle boat to explore the lake and level up your experience!
Lake Eola Park
Address: 512 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801
12. Try wakeboarding and other exciting water activities at Orlando Watersports Complex
Wakeboarding in a lake | Photo Credits: Ron Lach from Pexels
At Orlando Watersports Complex, you and the entire fam can try your hand at wakeboarding and other fun watersports. You can also opt for a splashing good time at the Aqua Park filled with inflatable slides and obstacles! This is a good option if you want cheap family fun in Orlando, Florida.
Orlando Watersports Complex
Address: 8615 Florida Rock Rd, Orlando, FL 32824, USA
13. Admire the flora and fauna of Leu Gardens
Flowers blooming in Leu Gardens | Photo Credits: Kelly Verdeck from Flickr
In Downtown Orlando lies Leu Gardens, a botanical paradise that’s masterfully landscaped with diverse flora. It’s perfect for a scenic stroll, especially for parents looking for things to do in Orlando with kids! This activity will allow your kids to see the beauty of nature, and, at the same time, learn more about the flowers and plants that surround them.
Leu Gardens
Address: 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
14. Laugh out loud at Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show
Have the funniest dinner with your family at the Outta Control Dinner Show! The show will delight you with magic, impersonation, a whole lot of comedy, and even audience participation (if you’re up for it!) for an experience that’s one for the books.
Outta Control Dinner Show
Address: 9067 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
15. Ride an airboat on the marshy swamps of the Everglades at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
Visitors enjoying at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is located a little south of Orlando. Here, you can speed through the swampy waters of the Florida Everglades on an airboat where you can feel the breeze as you ride across the lush green surroundings—you might even have wildlife sightings!
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
Address: 2001 E Southport Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34746, United States
16. Be a chocolatier for a day at Chocolate Kingdom Factory
Apart from delighting yourself in the chocolatey goodness that this tour has to offer, you’ll also get to learn more about chocolate and how it’s made at Chocolate Kingdom Factory! After the learning part, feel free to indulge in the several types of chocolates they offer.
Chocolate Kingdom Factory
Address: 9901 Hawaiian Ct, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
17. Watch an action-packed show at Pirates Dinner Adventure
Actors on stage at Pirates Dinner Adventure
If you’re looking for family things to do in Orlando besides theme parks, then this one’s for you! Step into a world of pirates, acrobatics, and live entertainment at Pirates Dinner Adventure, one of the most exciting family-friendly things to do in Orlando.
While enjoying a hearty dinner, you’ll watch daring stunts, sword fights, music, and interactive performances that keep both kids and adults entertained throughout the night.
Pirates Dinner Adventure
Address: 6400 Carrier Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
18. Race at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Bright lights of the arcade games in Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
For families who love thrills and friendly competition, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games offers high-speed kart racing, arcade games, laser tag, bowling, and more. It’s a great stop for families with older kids and teens looking for fun indoor activities and exciting Orlando attractions for families.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Address: 9299 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
Explore more and spend less with the Orlando Klook Pass!
Forget about having to buy and keep several tickets; the Orlando Klook Pass allows you to visit 2, 3, or 4 attractions in Orlando with just one pass. If you want to complete your list of things to do in Orlando with kids, this pass will definitely help narrow down the attractions you can choose from.
Here are some of Orlando’s must-visit attractions that you can add to your pass: Universal Studios Orlando, Walt Disney World Resort, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, and many more!
FAQs about family-friendly things to do in Orlando
1. Is Orlando, Florida, family-friendly?
Yes, Orlando is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the United States. You’ll find theme parks, interactive museums, nature parks, and plenty of attractions made for kids of all ages.
2. What free activities are there for kids in Orlando?
You can visit free splash pads, playgrounds, parks, and scenic spots like Disney Springs and Lake Eola Park. Many areas also host free outdoor movies, live entertainment, and seasonal events for families.
3. Where to take little kids in Orlando?
Little kids will enjoy places like LEGOLAND Florida, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, and Crayola Experience. Orlando also has child-friendly parks, indoor play areas, and gentle rides made for younger children.
4. What is the best age to take a child to Orlando?
Many families find ages 5 to 10 ideal because kids are old enough to enjoy rides and attractions while still loving the magic of the experience. Toddlers and teens can also have fun since Orlando offers activities for every age group.
5. What to do in Orlando with kids on a budget?
You can save money by visiting public parks, free attractions, and affordable museums around the city. Choosing budget-friendly hotels, packing snacks, and buying attraction tickets in advance can also help lower costs.
What is Klook?
Klook is a leading pan-regional experiences platform in Asia Pacific, purpose built to digitalize experiences and make them accessible to every traveler.
Our mission is to build the digital infrastructure for the global experience economy — empowering merchants to share their passions and travelers to discover the heartbeat of each destination. We operate a mobile-first, curated platform featuring diverse experiences across global destinations.
