While the beaches and coast may attract the majority of visitors, the truth is that there are also tons of great family things to do in Orlando, Florida’s capital. Because of that, it’s a spot that’s well worth visiting, especially if you’re planning a trip with travelers of different ages.
So what makes it so great? As if theme parks and space centers weren’t enough, the capital of the Sunshine State also provides you with easy, central access to some of the other top destinations in the region.
Read on to learn all about seven fun things to do in Orlando Florida with kids!
7 Family Things to Do in Orlando
1. Be a Muggle at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Regardless of whether you or your children are fans, no trip to Orlando is complete without a stop at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Part of Universal Parks and Resorts, the theme park is, without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Orlando with kids.
The park contains recreations of some of the most popular sets from the films and novels. From strolling down Diagon Alley to boarding the Hogwarts Express and walking through Hogsmede, it’s hard not to feel like you’ve been transported to a magical universe once you’re in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Bring your Harry Potter fantasies to life with a stop at Universal Studios.
As with any theme park, basic rules apply. Try to get there earlier in the day to beat the crowds, and remember that you probably won’t see everything your first time there. That’s fine, as it means you’ll have to come back a second time!
2. Have a Magical Time at Disney World
While Universal Studios might be amazing, Disney World Orlando has attracted people from across the world for decades. Because of that, visiting the magical park will always be one of the best family things to do in Orlando with kids.
If you’re unfamiliar with it, Disney World can seem a bit overwhelming. However, once you understand the layout of the parks, traversing them is simple enough.
The four main parks are:
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Magic Kingdom Park
- Epcot
Each of these parks offers a completely different experience, meaning that different families might want to spend more time at different ones. For example, animal lovers looking for activities to do in Orlando Florida might want to spend a few days at Animal Kingdom. On the other hand, science fans will want to explore every inch of Epcot.
3. Explore LEGOLAND Florida
Another one of the top family things to do in Orlando is to visit Legoland. Another theme park in the central Florida area, LEGOLAND is comparatively small — much smaller than Universal Studios or Disney World. That said, it still offers an exciting adventure for the family.
Families looking for family things to do in Orlando can’t go wrong with LEGOland.
The park features around 50 rides, as well as a plethora of shows and attractions. While most of the attractions at the park are kid-friendly, adults will certainly enjoy the experience as well.
LEGOLAND Florida is around 45 miles away from Orlando, making it an easy day trip to plan and execute.
4. Cruise Over to the Coast
Orlando may have a central location, but that doesn’t mean that the coasts are difficult to get to. In fact, you can cruise over to the ocean in less than 45 minutes. And while all coastal towns and cities are worth visiting, one place that you might want to bring your family to is Daytona Beach.
The city of Daytona Beach is famous for its wide, sandy expanse that’s made up of hard-pressed sand. It boasts around 47 miles of beachline, ensuring that you and your family can find the perfect spot to set up for the day.
Wondering what to do in Orlando Florida? Consider taking a trip to Daytona Beach!
But it isn’t just the beaches that put Daytona Beach on the map. The city also has a boardwalk, laser tag centers, waterslides, and of course, the Daytona 500 NASCAR race. All of that makes a day trip to Daytona Beach one of the most fun things to do in Orlando Florida with kids!
5. Go International With a Day Trip to the Bahamas
If you can get to Florida’s southeast coast, you won’t just get to enjoy beaches. You can also take yourself and your family to the Bahamas for a day trip!
The Bahamas are just a short plane ride away from Florida. While you can take a boat to the archipelago, kids (and many adults) are sure to be unhappy on it, since it’s a long and uncomfortable ride. Flying saves time, is more comfortable, and provides unbeatable views.
It also lets you reach the more remote Exumas. Once you’re there, you’ll be able to see many sites that people of all ages won’t be able to get enough of.
If you’re ever wondering what to do in Orlando Florida, you can’t go wrong with a Bahamas day trip.
Here are some of the many things you’ll get to see.
The Exuma Pigs
The Exuma pigs are the world-famous animals that live on Pig Beach. Traveling with Bahamas Air Tours lets you see them, as well as explore their beautiful island home. Kids are sure to love the chance to hop in the water with them. They’ll definitely consider them one of the top family things to do in Orlando on vacation!
Nurse Sharks
Seeing nurse sharks up close is a great way to show kids that sharks don’t have to be scary. On Compass Cay, you’ll see schools of these massive fish swimming around.
Some people even jump in the water with them!
Endangered Iguanas
Bahamian rock iguanas are another one of the many sites you’ll get to see in the Bahamas. With a population of less than 5,000, Bitter Guana Cay is one of the only places you’ll find them.
6. Blast Off to the Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center is one of the best family things to do in Orlando for everyone. That said, science lovers, in particular, will want to add it to their itinerary.
The Kennedy Space Center is one of the top family things to do in Orlando.
While the center isn’t in Orlando, it’s only about a 45-minute drive away. And once you get there, you’ll be glad that you made it.
Some of the most popular on-site attractions include a tour of the property’s facilities, the former NASA countdown clock, a garden full of rockets, and the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. If you want to ensure that you don’t miss anything, expect to spend six to nine hours there.
7. Ride an Airboat
While Florida is perhaps most famous for its beaches, its other biomes are beautiful as well. And as swamps and marshes comprise a good amount of the state, airboats are often the best way to get around in certain parts.
Airboat tours are one of the top activities to do in Orlando Florida not just because they’re exhilarating but also because they give you and your kids the chance to see some incredible animals. From the American alligator to manatees and eagles, there’s no telling what you’ll see while on the tour.
Make sure to bring a quality camera, as you’re going to want to snap a lot of pictures!
Some parts of Florida, like the Everglades, are best explored by airboat.
Fun Things to Do in Orlando Florida for People of All Ages
There are so many fun family things to do in Orlando that it can be difficult to know which attractions are worth visiting. Whether you end up going to Disney World, Universal Studios, or just other sites in the region, the key is to go in with a plan.
No matter how long you plan on spending in Florida, you can’t go wrong with a day trip to the Bahamas. Once you get to the southeast Florida coast, Bahamas Air Tours can fly you out to the archipelago and then have you back that same evening. It’s an experience that everyone — especially kids — will enjoy.
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