Orlando may be known for its world-famous theme parks, but the fun doesn’t stop there! If your kids love animals,
nature, or hands-on adventures, there’s a whole world of exciting experiences waiting beyond the rides and
characters. From interactive museums and water play areas to thrilling airboat rides and up-close wildlife encounters,
Orlando is bursting with kid-friendly activities—no theme park ticket required! Get ready to explore a different side of
Orlando that’s just as magical for the whole family.
Splash into fun at the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
Dive into an ocean of adventure at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium! Get up close with over 5,000 incredible sea
creatures, from dazzling tropical fish to mesmerizing jellyfish and graceful seahorses. Step into the immersive
360-degree ocean tunnel, where sharks and sea turtles glide all around you—it’s like walking through the heart of the ocean! Along the way, enjoy interactive exhibits and learn how SEA LIFE Orlando is helping protect marine life
worldwide. It’s a splash-tastic experience that’s as fun as it is inspiring! Don’t miss the touch tank! SEA LIFE Orlando
Aquarium. 8449 International Drive, Orlando. More info HERE.
FOR KIDS: When you arrive at SEA LIFE Aquarium, ask for a logbook, a free pamphlet that your kids can use as a
guide when exploring the aquarium. Collect stamps as you complete the book’s dive stations to get a SEA LIFE
medal.
GOOD TO KNOW: Make a day of it! SEA LIFE Orlando is just steps from the Orlando Eye and other ICON Park fun,
such as Madame Tussauds and the Mirror Maze. Bundle your tickets with other Icon attractions to save on pricing.
Soar High in the Sky at the Orlando Eye
Soar to new heights on The Orlando Eye, a stunning 400-foot-tall observation wheel that offers breathtaking
panoramic city views. Located in ICON Park in the center of International Drive, this iconic attraction lets you relax in
a spacious, air-conditioned capsule as you take in sweeping sights of Orlando’s skyline, nearby lakes, and even
theme parks in the distance. Whether you ride during the day or at night when the city lights up, The Orlando Eye is a
must-do for families, couples, and adventure seekers looking for a unique perspective on the city. The Orlando Eye. 8375 International Drive, Orlando. More info HERE.
FOR KIDS: We could see many fun Orlando attractions during our spin! The view from the Orlando Eye allowed us a
chance to “spy” on the progress of Universal’s highly anticipated Epic Universe theme park.
GOOD TO KNOW: One ride = one rotation and approximately 20 minutes. Make a day of it! The Orlando Eye is just
steps from the SEA LIFE aquarium and other ICON Park fun. Bundle your tickets with other Icon attractions to save
on pricing.
Enter the Upside Down at WonderWorks Orlando
Step inside WonderWorks Orlando, the upside-down house filled with mind-blowing fun and interactive exhibits! This indoor amusement park combines education and entertainment with over 100 hands-on activities that challenge the mind and spark curiosity. Kids and adults alike can experience hurricane-force winds, create bubbles in the Bubble Lab, lay on a bed of nails, or test their skills in the glow-in-the-dark ropes course. With six themed zones packed with science, creativity, and adventure, WonderWorks is the perfect place for family fun in Orlando—rain or shine. WonderWorks Orlando. 9067 International Dr, Orlando. More HERE.
FOR KIDS: Little ones like magic? Time your visit to also attend The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. This
interactive, entertaining, and hilariously funny experience is located inside Wonderworks, making it easy to do both.
The dinner includes unlimited cheese and pepperoni pizza, salad, beer, wine, soda, and dessert. It sells out quickly –
be sure to book in advance.
GOOD TO KNOW: Closed-toe shoes are required for the ropes course, and skirts/dresses aren’t permitted. Plan to
spend at least three to four hours inside the experience. Make a day of it! Wonderworks is on International Drive, a
short walk from ICON Park, and other fun experiences, such as Pirates Cove mini golf.
Chomp into Fun at Gatorland
Get ready for wild encounters at Gatorland Orlando, the “Alligator Capital of the World!” This 110-acre wildlife park is
home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, including rare white alligators you won’t see anywhere else. Beyond
the reptiles, Gatorland offers a petting zoo, bird sanctuary, mini splash zone water park, and exciting live shows. For
adrenaline junkies, the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line lets you soar 1,200 feet above the gators at speeds up to 25 mph
over many of the attraction’s exhibits. And for an off-road adventure like no other, the Stompin’ Gator Off-Road
Adventure takes you on a 12-foot-high monster truck ride packed with wacky characters and, of course, plenty of
gators. Gatorland. 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando. More HERE.
FOR KIDS: There are petting zoos and many feeding opportunities for kids. Hot day? Gator Gully Splash Park is the perfect place for little kids to cool off from the sun! This fun-filled water play area features sprayers, splash zones, and a gator sculpture kids can climb on. Plus, there’s a small playground next door and convenient changing rooms nearby. (Included with ticket).
GOOD TO KNOW: There are plenty of food and drink kiosks on site. Special experiences such as zip lining and
up-close encounters often sell out – be sure to book in advance.
Experience Florida’s Wild Side at Wild Florida Airboats & Wildlife Park
Experience the wild side of Florida with Wild Florida Airboat Tours! Glide across the untouched Everglades on a
thrilling airboat ride, where you’ll spot alligators, eagles, and other native wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether you
choose a half-hour, hour-long, or private tour, each ride offers an up-close look at Florida’s stunning wetlands. After
your adventure, explore Gator Park, home to over 200 animals, including lemurs, sloths, and, of course, alligators!
You can even catch a live Gator Feeding Show or meet some of the park’s rescued exotic animals. For even more
excitement, drive through the Wildlife Park Safari, where zebras, bison, and other animals roam freely. Wild Florida.
3301 Lake Cypress Road, Kenansville, Florida. More HERE.
FOR KIDS: There is no age requirement to go on an airboat ride. Noise-canceling headphones and life jackets are
provided. Younger kids will enjoy the covered playground and visit the petting zoo with friendly farm friends.
GOOD TO KNOW: Hungry? Head to the Chomp House Grill for snacks or a meal, including delicious salads and
sandwiches. There’s a large dining area right under a pavilion by the water.
Paddle through Crystal Clear waters with Get Up and Go Kayaking
Grab the family and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Get Up and Go Kayaking in Rock Springs! Paddle through the crystal-clear waters in a 100% see-through kayak, where the visibility of the crystal turquoise waters will leave you speechless. During your tour, you can spot fish, turtles, and otters beneath the boat. The gentle current and shallow depths (most areas are about 2 feet deep) make it an easy and safe ride for all ages. Along the way, friendly guides share cool facts about the area, making it both an adventure and a learning experience. Get Up and Go Kayaking. 5722 Baptist Camp Road, Apopka, Florida. More HERE.
FOR KIDS: Children 3+ years old are allowed on the tours. Each child aged 3-17 must be accompanied by an adult.
Children 6 and under are required by law to wear a life jacket at all times while on the water.
GOOD TO KNOW: Featured here is Rock Springs, which is the closest Spring to Orlando – but Get Up and Go Kayaking has several locations. The Rock Springs adventure includes a guided beginner/intermediate paddle upstream with a relaxing drift back to the launch site. There are a few areas where participants can take a quick swim if they choose. Be sure to bring your water bottle and towel for the tour.
Explore Orange Groves at Showcase of Citrus
Have you ever picked oranges before? Head to Showcase of Citrus, a fun-filled, family-friendly destination and farm. This 2500-acre citrus farm and ranch offers a variety of activities, from picking your own fresh fruit and oranges straight from the trees to hopping on a Monster Truck Off-Road Safari that takes you through scenic groves and past exotic animals like zebras and bison. Kids will love the petting zoo and play area, while the whole family can enjoy fresh-squeezed orange juice and the famous orange creamsicle slush from the Old-Time Country Store. There are also fishing ponds, gem mining, and plenty of open space to explore, making it a great spot to unwind and connect with nature. Showcase of Citrus. 5010 US Highway 27 in Clermont, Florida. More HERE.
FOR KIDS: Kids will love the playground, petting zoo, and gem mine available on site! Don’t miss the yummy citrus
foods and slushies at the cafe.
GOOD TO KNOW: Fruit picking is seasonal – if you are visiting the Orange Groves for picking, be sure to call ahead
to see the current fruit availability. Monster truck rides fill in advance – be sure to book ahead.
Blast off to fun at Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center is an out-of-this-world experience for families, space enthusiasts, and curious minds of all ages. Located on Florida’s Space Coast, this iconic NASA facility offers an up-close look at the past, present, and future of space exploration. Visitors can walk beneath a Saturn V rocket, get an astronaut’s view inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and even meet a real astronaut during memorable encounters. Thrill-seekers can experience the Shuttle Launch Experience, a simulated rocket launch that lets you feel the power of blasting into space. The Rocket Garden, IMAX space films, and hands-on exhibits make learning about space fun and engaging for kids and adults alike. Kennedy Space Center. Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, Florida. More HERE.
FOR KIDS: Do not miss Play Planet – an exciting, multi-story indoor play area designed for kids of all ages. Parents
will appreciate the comfortable seating, drink options, and immersive theming that make it enjoyable for the whole
family.
GOOD TO KNOW: Be sure to check the launch calendar! Take advantage of the opportunity if you’re lucky enough
to be at Kennedy Space Center during a rocket launch. The Visitor Complex has designated viewing areas to watch
the launch up close. Another tip: Ride the Bus Early! The Bus Tour stops by mid-afternoon, and lines can get long
before the final trip. Looking for more tips? Read our full article HERE.
Where to Stay: The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando
The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando is the perfect family getaway, offering spacious, residential-style accommodations and a thrilling onsite water park – all just minutes from the Theme Parks. The resort offers an onsite Surfari Water Park (included with your stay) with a lazy river, dual water slides, a splash zone, and even a FlowRider surf simulator for endless aquatic fun. Beyond the water park, families can enjoy multiple pools, a serene lake with paddle boating and fishing, an arcade, and a full-service spa for relaxation. The Grove is an excellent home-away-from-home for families looking to mix adventure with relaxation – and the resort rooms are larger than most NYC apartments! Residences offer fully equipped kitchens, separate bedrooms, and plenty of space to spread out. Bonus: the Grove Resort offers complimentary service to all the theme parks. The Grove Resort. 14501 Grove Resort Ave., Winter Garden, FL. More information and reservations HERE.
This guide is sponsored by Visit Orlando. As always, all opinions and recommendations are of our own.
Leave a reply