If you’re heading over to Orlando soon on your next vacation, then you may be looking for fun things that you can do with the whole family.
Whether you want something to tire out the little tykes, or to keep the big kids happy, then we have something to entertain everyone.
In this guide, we’ll go over 15 family activities that you can do exclusively in Orlando, Florida, while you are on your travels! Read on to find out what activities are available!
Looking for more ideas while vacationing in the southeast United States? Check out these family-friendly activities in Florida, Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach, or the Outer Banks.
15 Best Family Activities In Orlando To Do
From theme parks to adventures and shows, this list is jam-packed with fun-filled activities that you can do while in Orlando, Florida, with children.
1. Walt Disney World
How could we write a list of things to do in Orlando without starting with the best?
Walt Disney World is, of course, our top choice of things to do while in Orlando with children. Walt Disney World is made up of four theme parks- Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT, along with two water parks – Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
You can have a non-stop adventure in Magic Kingdom, the Happiest Place On Earth, where you’ll find roller coasters like Big Thunder Mountain or Space Mountain or dark rides of all your favorite Disney movies.
At Hollywood Studios, you can head to a galaxy far, far away in Galaxy’s Edge or come face to face with all of the MARVEL heroes from your favorite comics.
You can meet Disney characters, roam the animal exhibits of Animal Kingdom, learn about the vision of the future and human technological advancement in EPCOT, or chill out on a lazy river at one of the water parks.
Why not end the day with Fantasmic or an incredible firework show?
Not only does Walt Disney World have an array of attractions and shows you can enjoy, but Disney Springs is filled with shopping and dining opportunities that suit the whole family.
A few days in Walt Disney World are packed with activities and can take a lot of planning and walking, but the Disney magic makes it all worth it. We recommend using our Disney World Planning Guide with Printable Worksheets to help your family plan a fun, easy, stress-free, and magical vacation to Walt Disney World.
2. Universal Studios Florida
At a close second, we have Universal Studios Florida. Head back in time to the golden age of cinema. With an array of attractions from the Revenge Of The Mummy roller coaster to Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, where you can see Gru and all of his cute, cuddly yellow minions!
Meet your favorite characters from Shrek, or hang out with Optimus Prime from Transformers.
There are also great spots in the San Francisco-themed area and the New York area where you can get some seafood, a New York bagel, or watch the Blues Brothers show.
Certainly, the most attractive part of Universal Studios is the Wizarding World Of Harry Potter Diagon Alley area, where you can see the Hogwarts Express at King Cross Station. Take a picture in front of the Knight Bus or Escape From Gringotts and see the magnificent dragon that overlooks Diagon Alley.
Feel like you’re heading to Hogwarts by picking up your own wand at Ollivanders, or enjoy a butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks like Harry, Ron, and Hermione!
3. Islands Of Adventure
On the other side of Universal Studios, you have their sister park – Islands Of Adventure. There are plenty of attractions here for little ones and for big kids, too.
If you’re a fan of the Wizarding World and Harry Potter franchise, you must go to Islands Of Adventure to see Hogwarts Castle itself. You can board a magnificent Hippogriff and soar through the skies, or get on Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike and see all of the mystical creatures that Hagrid keeps on the grounds of Hogwarts.
You can also board the Hogwarts Express into Universal Studios if you have park hopping tickets and gain the full experience of becoming a witch or wizard and heading to Hogwarts. You no longer have to wait for your Hogwarts letter to be delivered by owl post to see the magic!
For the older kids (and the kid in you), why not head to Jurassic Park and Camp Jurassic? You can encounter a Raptor or go on the River Adventure and escape the clutches of a T-Rex and the ferocious Indominous Rex. You can also ride the VelociCoaster if you love fast roller coasters to take your breath away.
You’ll also find areas based on King Kong, Toon Lagoon, Seuss Landing (where you can meet the Cat In The Hat or the Grinch), and adventure through the Lost Continent. The Islands of Adventure park truly is a must-see in Orlando.
4. Sea Life
Why not take your kids to see all of the fantastic creatures of the ocean at Sea Life Orlando Aquarium?
This aquarium is filled with aquatic animals, from sharks to turtles and clownfish. They can also learn about endangered species and rescued fish or watch the divers interact with the animals.
5. Discovery Cove
If you want a more laid-back day out, then head to Discovery Cove. Here you can swim with dolphins and see manta rays, starfish, and all kinds of aquatic creatures. There is a white sand beach to sit back and relax or enjoy the exotic bird enclosures.
6. Gatorland
At Gatorland, families can learn all about crocodiles and alligators of all sizes and species. These impressive beasts can grow to massive sizes, which is a sight to behold in itself. Gatorland also has incredibly rare white gators that are a must-see!
It’s not just a glorified gator park; you can also visit the aviary or face your fears on the Gator Zip Line or Off-Road Adventure. If you want something fun and adventurous, then Gatorland will definitely entertain you and the kids!
7. Crayola Experience
With 28 hands-on attractions spread over 70,000 square feet, the Crayola Experience offers creative and interactive play for families in Orlando. Children can star in their own coloring page, name and wrap their own Crayola crayon, learn how crayons are made, and so much more!
Explore the world’s largest selection of Crayola products and unique souvenirs at The Crayola Store.
8. Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds have wax museums worldwide, and Orlando’s site is just as fun. You can take selfies and pictures with all the stars, old and new, and your favorite characters.
Whether you want to see actors, singers, sports stars, or animated character figures, you’ll find lifelike wax figures to wow the whole family here at Madame Tussauds Orlando.
9. Orlando Watersports Complex
Want a day to cool off in the water? Head to Orlando Watersports Complex. This spot offers wakeboarding and paddleboarding, along with a fun-filled Aquapark to keep the kids busy, and it will definitely wear them out!
There are inflatables to jump around on, water slides, and training sessions if you want to try your hand at paddle boarding.
10. LEGOLAND
It’s not all about Disney and Universal when it comes to theme parks; you can also visit LEGOLAND! Kids love playing with these little toy bricks and will love visiting a world made of LEGO too.
LEGOLAND in Orlando is not just a fun family activity, but it can also keep your kids engaged and use their skills and imagination to build structures and toys. There are water rides, racers, a carousel, play areas, and rides – and everything is made from LEGO bricks!
Now available is the new Peppa Pig Theme Park with interactive rides and themed playgrounds for preschoolers, plus character performances and an indoor theatre.
11. WonderWorks
WonderWorks Orlando is all about science and technology. Your kids can learn all kinds of things from the interactive exhibits, keeping their minds engaged and stimulated.
This entertainment and education center is a great choice to encourage your kid’s imagination and interest in space discovery.
12. Sea World
If your kids want to see sea creatures up close and enjoy some of the best roller coasters in Orlando, SeaWorld is a good choice. You can watch live animal shows, enjoy kids’ play areas, or splash around in the waterworks area!
The must-ride roller coasters are Mako, Kraken, Manta, and our favorite – Journey To Atlantis, which takes you through the mythical watery paradise on a combination of a boat ride and roller coaster unlike any other!
13. The Escape Game
If you love brain teasers and escape rooms, then head to The Escape Game in Orlando! There are multiple themed tasks like Prison Break, The Heist, Special Ops, Mission: Mars, Gold Rush, and more.
These themed escape rooms will test your patience and teamwork skills, but it’s a great way to bring the family closer together.
14. Kennedy Space Center
If you have a little astronaut at home, you must take them to the Kennedy Space Center while in Orlando. See all of the visionary designs from NASA, and explore spaceports and shuttles to taste what it is like to be a real astronaut.
The Kennedy Space Center has 700 buildings and facilities for visitors to explore, including The Visitor Complex, which houses exhibits and major attractions.
15. Tree Trek Orlando
If you have an active family that can’t keep still, you must go to Tree Trek Orlando!
This place is perfect for adventurers and thrill seekers. You can enjoy the obstacle course, feel like Tarzan swinging on the ropes, or climb the ladders and suspended bridges to navigate yourself through the forest. This is a really fun day out for all.
Summary
If you are looking for a fun activity to do with the whole family, then Orlando has everything you could possibly need or want! From Walt Disney World to Legoland, or even the Kennedy Space Center, there is something for everyone- from little kids to big kids and yourself!
For more ideas of family-friendly activities in Florida, check out this review about the 15 Best Family Activities In Florida To Do On Your Travels,
For more about family travel, check out these posts:
Which Disney World Park Is Best?
Tips and Tricks for Disney World
Disney World Itinerary Planning: What You Need to Know
Multi-Generational Travel Ideas For Families
15 Best Family Activities In Florida To Do On Your Travels
15 Best Family Activities In Gatlinburg To Do On Your Travels
