Beyond the Theme Parks and the Best Family Activities in Orlando

The Orlando Science Center is a fantastic destination for families interested in science, technology, and hands-on learning. With interactive exhibits covering a wide range of topics, from space exploration to physics and biology, children can engage in educational activities that spark their curiosity. Highlights include a planetarium where families can learn about the stars and planets, as well as live science shows and workshops. The Science Center also features a Kid’s Town area with exhibits designed especially for younger children, making it an excellent choice for families with kids of all ages.

For a peaceful and scenic experience, the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour offers a relaxing boat ride through the picturesque lakes and canals of Winter Park, just outside of Orlando. The 18-passenger boats glide through scenic waterways surrounded by lush landscapes, historic homes, and beautiful wildlife. Families can enjoy the views of cypress trees, tropical birds, and the occasional alligator, while learning about the history of the area from their knowledgeable guide. It’s an enjoyable and peaceful activity for families who want to unwind and experience nature in a different way.

ICON Park offers families a fun, relaxed experience with a variety of attractions centered around The Wheel, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel. Families can enjoy panoramic views of Orlando from the comfort of air-conditioned pods. The park also features Madame Tussauds Orlando, where kids can take photos with lifelike wax figures of their favorite celebrities, and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, which showcases marine life exhibits with colorful fish, rays, and sharks. ICON Park has many family-friendly restaurants, making it a great stop for a meal with a view.

Orlando International Premium Outlets is a shopping destination that offers families the chance to find great deals on clothing, accessories, and more. The outdoor mall features over 180 stores, including popular brands like Nike, Adidas, and The North Face, making it perfect for parents who want to do some shopping while kids enjoy the designated play areas. The mall also features family-friendly dining options, including casual restaurants and snack kiosks, making it a great spot for a relaxing day of shopping and food.

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is an outdoor climbing and ziplining course located in the lush forests of Kissimmee, just outside of Orlando. The park offers a series of obstacle courses and zip lines, designed to challenge climbers of all skill levels. Families can navigate rope bridges, climbing walls, and aerial platforms while enjoying the natural surroundings. There are courses for all ages, including a Junior Course designed for younger children, making it an excellent choice for families with kids who love to be active and adventurous.

The Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is a peaceful and natural oasis in Orlando that provides families with a chance to experience Florida’s native wildlife and ecosystem. The preserve features miles of scenic trails through wetlands, pine forests, and wildlife habitats. Families can go on nature walks, observe birds and other wildlife, or simply enjoy a picnic in the preserve's quiet surroundings. The preserve also offers educational programs and guided tours, making it an excellent place for families to learn about local ecosystems and conservation efforts.

The Museum of Illusions is a fun and interactive experience for families looking to explore optical illusions and mind-bending exhibits. With more than 40 interactive exhibits, kids can engage in activities like the “infinity room,” where they can take photos that play with perception, or try the “Ames room,” where they appear to grow or shrink in size. This museum is a great way for families to have fun while challenging their perceptions and learning about the science behind illusions.

For families with older kids looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience, iFly Orlando offers an indoor skydiving experience. In the safety of a vertical wind tunnel, kids and adults can experience the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of a plane. The experience is guided by instructors, and no prior experience is necessary. It’s a thrilling activity that gives families the chance to fly and feel the sensation of freefall in a safe, controlled environment. It’s perfect for families who enjoy adventure and trying new, exciting activities together.

SeaWorld Orlando offers a blend of marine life encounters, educational shows, and exciting rides for families. Kids can see dolphins, sea lions, and whales up close, and learn about the importance of marine conservation. The park features interactive animal exhibits, such as the Stingray Lagoon and Shark Encounter, where families can touch and learn about different species. For thrill-seekers, SeaWorld also offers high-speed roller coasters like Mako, along with water rides perfect for cooling off. The park’s family-friendly shows, including the Dolphin Days and Orca Encounter, are a big hit with children.

As one of the most iconic family-friendly destinations in the world, Walt Disney World Resort offers an unparalleled experience for families with children of all ages. This sprawling resort is home to four theme parks: Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Each park features immersive rides, themed attractions, and beloved characters. Families can meet Disney Princesses, take thrilling roller coasters, explore African safaris, or enjoy stunning fireworks shows. The resort is also home to water parks, resorts, shopping, and dining experiences, making it a full vacation experience for families.

The Mall at Millenia is one of Orlando's premier shopping destinations, with a selection of luxury retailers, dining options, and family-friendly amenities. This upscale shopping center offers something for every member of the family, including spacious family restrooms, a children's play area, and a variety of dining options that cater to all tastes. Families can enjoy browsing designer stores like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Apple or grab a meal at one of the kid-friendly restaurants. For families with young children, the interactive play zone is a great place to take a break and let kids burn off some energy.

At The Crayola Experience, families can let their creativity run wild through a series of interactive exhibits centered around the famous crayon brand. Kids can create their own crayon colors, name them, and even take home their very own customized crayons. The attraction features hands-on activities like drawing, melting, and molding with crayons, as well as digital activities like the “Coloring Wall.” It’s a great place for children to engage in artistic expression while having fun in a colorful, vibrant environment.

The Kennedy Space Center is an inspiring and educational experience for families interested in space exploration. It offers interactive exhibits, artifacts, and astronaut encounters that bring the history of space exploration to life. Families can view the Space Shuttle Atlantis, the Apollo/Saturn V Center, and even meet real-life astronauts. Kids can engage in activities like the Space Shuttle Launch Experience, a simulator that mimics a shuttle launch, or participate in the Astronaut Training Experience, where they can train like a real astronaut. This is an exciting and educational outing for families with an interest in science, space, and technology.

Harry P. Leu Gardens is a peaceful and beautiful escape from the excitement of the theme parks, providing families with a chance to explore nature. This 50-acre botanical garden features lush landscapes, vibrant flowers, and scenic walking paths. Families can enjoy leisurely strolls through the gardens, participate in family-friendly educational programs, or simply relax by the pond. It’s a perfect spot for a calming and scenic experience, and it offers a great opportunity for children to learn about different plant species and environmental conservation.

Universal Studios Florida offers families the chance to step into the worlds of their favorite movies and TV shows. Kids can enjoy thrilling rides and attractions based on films like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Minions, and The Simpsons. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a standout with its magical rides and interactive elements, while families can also enjoy live-action shows, character meet-and-greets, and immersive experiences. Universal Studios also features a dedicated kid's zone with family-friendly rides and interactive play areas.

The Escape Game Orlando offers a fun and interactive experience for families who enjoy puzzles and teamwork. This escape room experience challenges families to solve a series of clues and puzzles to escape from a themed room within a set time limit. Rooms include themes like a prison break, treasure hunt, or escape from a mysterious mansion. The experience encourages communication, problem-solving, and collaboration, making it a perfect activity for families who enjoy working together to solve challenges.

WonderWorks is an interactive museum designed for families to learn and play through more than 100 hands-on exhibits. It’s housed in an upside-down building, which adds an element of fun before you even enter! Inside, families can explore various themed zones, including space, physics, light and sound, and natural disasters. Highlights include the Hurricane Simulator, where you can experience winds of up to 74 mph, and the bubble lab, where kids can create giant bubbles. WonderWorks is an educational, yet entertaining attraction that’s perfect for families with curious kids.

Known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland provides families with the chance to get up close and personal with alligators, crocodiles, and other wildlife. Visitors can watch thrilling live shows where trained animal handlers interact with massive alligators and snakes. The park also features a variety of animal exhibits, including birds, tortoises, and exotic reptiles. Kids can enjoy the Gator Gully Splash Park, a water play area with a gator theme, and older kids can even try the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, which soars over the alligator enclosures.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is a must-visit for families with young children, offering a theme park, water park, and interactive play areas centered around LEGO toys. Kids can explore themed lands like LEGO Kingdoms and Miniland USA, where they can build their own LEGO creations or ride kid-friendly roller coasters. The LEGOLAND Water Park provides a fun way for families to cool off with water slides, wave pools, and splash zones. There’s also an interactive aquarium showcasing LEGO animals, perfect for families to enjoy together.

Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park offers a relaxing and scenic destination for families to enjoy the outdoors. The park features a beautiful lake with swan boats for families to rent and paddle around, as well as a playground for children to climb and explore. Families can also enjoy a picnic in the park, or take a walk along the scenic path that circles the lake. The park hosts seasonal events and live performances, making it a great spot for a peaceful family outing in the heart of the city.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando is an exciting museum filled with bizarre and fascinating exhibits that will captivate kids and adults alike. The museum is packed with interactive exhibits that showcase oddities, rare artifacts, and mind-blowing illusions. Kids can engage with hands-on displays, like the spinning vortex tunnel or the mirror maze, and see everything from shrunken heads to the world’s tallest man’s measurements. It’s a unique and entertaining stop for families looking for something out of the ordinary.

For families looking to enjoy the arts, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts offers a range of kid-friendly performances and shows. The center hosts Broadway musicals, children’s theater performances, and family-friendly concerts throughout the year. Families can enjoy a cultural outing together, introducing kids to the magic of live performances in a beautiful venue. It’s an excellent choice for families seeking a unique and enriching experience in Orlando beyond the theme parks.

Located in Lake Eola Park, Eagle's Nest Playground is one of Orlando’s best playgrounds, designed with a variety of play structures suitable for children of all ages. The playground features climbing structures, slides, swings, and tunnels that encourage kids to use their imagination while staying active. It is fully accessible, offering an inclusive play environment for children with disabilities. Parents can relax on the nearby benches while watching their kids play, or enjoy a stroll around the lake. This is a great spot for families looking for a simple yet fun outdoor activity in Orlando.

AirHeads Trampoline Arena is an exciting, high-energy indoor trampoline park that offers a variety of activities for families. With wall-to-wall trampolines, dodgeball courts, and basketball hoops, families can enjoy jumping, bouncing, and playing together. There’s also a dedicated area for younger kids, ensuring that everyone can have fun regardless of age. The park often hosts birthday parties and special events, and it provides a fun, safe environment for families to burn off energy and stay active.