22 Things to Do In Orlando for Kids (By a Local Mom)

👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do with Kids | Theme Parks | Outdoors | Sites & Attractions

There are numerous fun and exciting things to do in Orlando with kids. From the many theme parks, outdoor spaces, and attractions, the list of things to do in Orlando seems endless!

As a mom, I’ve pivoted from spending late nights in downtown Orlando to finding the best activities for my son and the entire family to enjoy. Luckily for me (and all of you), Orlando is the perfect place to find fun things to do for kids of all ages.

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Best Things to Do in Orlando With Kids

Magic Kingdom

Explore the fantasy realm at one of the best theme parks for kids.

The author's son enjoying the Prince Charming Regal Carrousel ride — *Prince Charming Regal Carrousel is just one of many family-friendly rides at Magic Kingdom*

Magic Kingdom is one of the best theme parks for children. Most of the rides do not have height requirements, so even the younger ones can enjoy them (see my guide to Disney World with toddlers).

Meanwhile, the hard-to-please teenagers will love riding the famous “mountains” of the Walt Disney World Resort, including newly rethemed Tiana’s Bayou Adventure (formerly Splash Mountain).

To ease the stress of preparing your visit, you can just follow my pre-planned 1-day itinerary for the Magic Kingdom.

Universal Epic Universe

Enjoy the most immersive theme park in Orlando!

People enjoying their day at the Super Nintendo World — *Super Nintendo World brings you right into your favorite video games (photo: theoutersight / Shutterstock)*

Epic Universe opened in May 2025, and the name “Epic” is entirely fitting! This park includes an expansion of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a land of classic Universal monsters, Isle of Berk (themed after the How to Train Your Dragon franchise), and Super Nintendo World.

Only a couple of attractions are suitable for young children, so I recommend waiting to visit until your kids are at least 40” tall. However, older children and teenagers will love the rides and immersive lands.

Kennedy Space Center

Blast off to space – it’s an out-of-this-world experience!

The author's son checking out the rockets in Rocket Garden — *My son in front of the Saturn 1B rocket*

Take your young space enthusiast on an adventure they’ll never forget! Tour the grounds of Kennedy Space Center, see a real space shuttle, and meet an astronaut. It is truly an out-of-this-world destination.

The Visitor’s Center is located one hour from Orlando, but it is one of the top day trips you can take in the Orlando area. See my full guide to the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex for more.

Considering a Tour?

A scaled model of the Saturn V rocket displayed for viewing

Best Kennedy Space Center Tours

Sometimes you just want someone else to take care of the logistics for you. The easiest way to visit the Kennedy Space Center is to just pre-book one of these popular tours (they’ll pick you up & handle everything!)

Browse Top Tours on Viator

Gatorland

Chomp down on the action – see native species and even zipline over gator ponds.

Step away from a theme park and step into an Old Florida roadside attraction. Gatorland has grown since it opened as a small park for visitors to hold alligators.

You can see lots of native species, and older kids can enjoy ziplining over the gator ponds. For a fun night, take the kids on the Gator Night Shine tour to see the reptiles after dark.

Orlando Science Center

Learn through hands-on experiences while having a ton of fun.

Parents love the Orlando Science Center because kids can run around and enjoy themselves, but they don’t realize that they are learning at the same time.

Thanks to interactive exhibits and entertaining activities that are all about making science fun, kids and parents can learn and play together.

OSC is a favorite rainy day activity for local families with kids. Plan out the best time to visit Orlando to minimize crowds during your visit.

Best Orlando Theme Parks With Kids

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Step right into scenes of your family’s favorite movies.

With the recent additions of Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios, this park offers even more fun for families with kids.

The themed restaurants, like Roundup Rodeo BBQ and the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater, keep the fun going even during meals.

Need someone else to plan the perfect day at Hollywood Studios for you? Just follow my 1-Day Hollywood Studios Itinerary Planner.

SeaWorld

Splash into the aquatic world at this classic attraction.

The author with her husband and son posing for a picture with the sculpture penguins — *Katie and her family at Sea World*

SeaWorld is one of the classic Orlando attractions. Similar to Disney’s Animal Kingdom, SeaWorld is a theme park that offers a mix of excellent animal experiences and fast-paced attractions.

There are plenty of affordable add-on experiences if you want to meet your favorite animal up close, and younger kids can play in Sesame Street Land.

👉 Want More Aquatic Experiences? Discovery Cove is SeaWorld’s sister park. It is an all-inclusive, limited-attendance day resort where you can float down a lazy river, relax on a sandy beach, and snorkel through tropical reefs.

Universal Studios Florida

Travel through TV and movies at this theme park that’s ideal for older kids.

The Hogwarts Castle from Harry Potter movie in Universal Studios — *Hogwarts Castle at Universal Studios*

Universal Studios is the original Universal theme park in Orlando. It has movie and TV-themed attractions and lands, including multiple thrill rides. While there are a couple of activities for younger children, Universal is better suited for older kids.

Need Tickets? Purchase your park tickets in advance to avoid the long lines at the entrance.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Where kids can go wild (while also seeing the wild).

I worked behind the scenes at Animal Kingdom for 7 years, so this is my favorite park to bring my son to. Kids love seeing all the exotic animals.

For thrill-seeking families, attractions like Expedition Everest and Dinosaur will get the blood pumping. Get planning your visit with my 1 day at Animal Kingdom planner!

📚 Related Reading: Use my guide, Best Time to Go to Disney World, to find out when the Orlando theme parks see the fewest crowds.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Soar on thrill rides, step into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and meet a dinosaur.

The Incredible Hulk Coaster ride at Universal Islands of Adventure — *The Incredible Hulk is a fantastic roller coaster at Islands of Adventure (photo: Eudaimonic Traveler / Shutterstock)*

Islands of Adventure is a great balance of activities suitable for young children and fast rides to keep the big kids (including the adults) happy. The whole family can see their favorite superheroes, hang out in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and meet a dinosaur.

Take advantage of the “child swap” program so adults with young kids can still enjoy all the attractions.

LEGOLAND

Transform into a toy at this park with themed rides and attractions for all ages.

Most kids go through a LEGO phase, so this is the perfect park to blow their minds. Not only is the park filled with LEGO creations, but there are also tons of LEGO-themed rides and attractions for the entire family.

LEGOLAND is located between Orlando and Tampa. Several of my favorite things to do around Central Florida are located near the park.

In addition to the main theme park, LEGOLAND Florida Resort also has a water park, a Peppa Pig theme park, and a SEA LIFE aquarium.

Outdoor Things to Do in Orlando With Kids

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Observe exotic animals with the chance to get up-close with a few.

View of father carrying his daughter while feeding a giraffe — *(photo: KLiK Photography / Shutterstock)*

The Central Florida Zoo offers everything kids love from a trip to the zoo: a petting zoo, wild animals, a splash pad, and up-close experiences. I recommend doing the giraffe feeding and rhinoceros encounter to make your visit a memorable one.

Water Parks

Get soaked on rides and get some relief from the heat.

View of people with their inflatable floater in Seaworlds Aquatica — *Seaworld’s Aquatica (photo: Mia2you / Shutterstock)*

If you visit Orlando with kids, I highly recommend bringing them to a water park, like Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon or SeaWorld’s Aquatica. There are several kids’ activities at each water park, and relaxing areas for parents as well.

Orlando Watersports Complex

Speed through the water.

View of a man having fun in wakeboarding — *OWC is a cable park, so no boats are needed to wakeboard.*

Orlando is the wakeboarding capital of the world thanks to the many lakes in Central Florida. You can get in on the action with a visit to Orlando Watersports Complex (or OWC to kids in Orlando). Wakeboard lessons and the aquapark add a unique element to your family vacation.

De Leon Springs State Park

The only springs in Central Florida with a pancake house beside the water.

For a distinctive experience with your kids in Orlando, spend a day at De Leon Springs State Park. This is one of the many springs in Central Florida, but it is the only one with a pancake house located next to the water. Flip your own pancakes on the personal griddles before enjoying the cool water and warm sunshine.

👉 Prefer your water salty? Find some beautiful beaches on our list of the Best Beaches in Florida, some of which are only an hour away from Orlando.

Sites & Attractions

Crayola Experience

Create colorful memories – learn how crayons are made, make your own artwork, and more.

Kids will enjoy exploring and creating in the colorful Crayola Experience. From learning how crayons are made to making their own works of art, there are countless opportunities for kids to get creative and express themselves.

The Orlando Eye

Take in aerial views 400 feet above all the action in Orlando.

Kids will love the birds-eye view of the city and theme parks

Head into the air 400 feet to get fantastic views of all the fun things in the area, including Disney Springs, SeaWorld Orlando, and the Epcot center ball. The Orlando Eye even lets you play your music in your capsule to personalize the experience.

International Drive is one of my recommended areas to stay during your vacation. Find out my other recommendations on the best areas to stay in Orlando.

SEA LIFE Aquarium

Dive into exploration – see fish, turtles, sharks, stingrays, and more.

Located next to The Wheel at ICON Park, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is one of the best family-friendly attractions in town.

Instead of a boring hall of fish tanks, the aquariums are beautifully blended into colorful and educational decor that kids love. In addition to their diverse collection of fish, you can see sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays.

Fun Spot

Speed away on go-karts.

Fun Spot America is one of the few Central Florida attractions that offer free admission. This can help you save money on your trip to Orlando with kids because you only have to pay for the activities and rides that you want to enjoy.

In addition to the free entry, parents can purchase a discounted chauffeur pass ($20) to accompany kids (with an unlimited pass) under 54” on rides that require an adult.

Read my guide to visiting Orlando on a budget to see what other affordable attractions I recommend in addition to Fun Spot.

Medieval Times

Travel back in time, and joust into fun.

View of a horseman holding a spear for a Knights Tournament — *Jousting tournaments*

📍 Google Maps | Phone: (888) 935-6878 | Website | Entrance: $75 adults, $46 children | Recommended for Ages: 3-14

This unique dining experience will have you travel back to medieval times with your family. Eat with your hands while you watch a tournament, complete with knights on horses and a beautiful queen.

Dinosaur World

Step back in time at this park with life-size pre-historic creatures.

closeup view of the life-sized dinosaur in Universal Studios Hollywood — *Life-sized dinosaurs at every turn (photo: ranmaru / Shutterstock)*

Dinosaur World is a simple but fun park filled with life-sized dinosaurs. Wander through boardwalks and lovely gardens. Let the kids get out their energy on the dino-themed playground.

👉 Pro Tip: If you want to check out some beautiful foliage without the prehistoric creatures, take a family trip to Bok Tower Gardens and Kraft Azalea Garden.

WonderWorks

Discover wacky science experiments through hands-on exhibits and play areas.

Visiting WonderWorks Orlando with kids allows the entire family to explore the magical world of science through hands-on exhibits and play areas. Add some extra fun to your visit with laser tag or a glow-in-the-dark ropes course.

📚 Related Reading: Explore other epic activities throughout Florida.

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So grab the kids and make your way to Orlando! There’s no shortage of fun things to do and family memories to make. And don’t miss my guide to free things to do in Orlando if you’re on a budget.

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2 Comments

Eric says:

May 27, 2024 at 1:18 pm

Hi Katie,
Thanks for the detailed list, super appreciated.
Your indicated costs are for how many adults & children?

1. Katie Neufeld says:
  
  May 30, 2024 at 1:42 pm
  
  Hi Eric,
  The prices indicated are per person. Many of the attractions offer discounted or free admission for children, depending on their age. My guide to visiting Orlando on a budget includes the most affordable options.