Top 10 family-friendly attractions in Orlando
Known as the theme park capital of the world, Orlando has its fair share of family-friendly thrills and spills. Home to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, spin down hair-raising rollercoasters or step into the worlds of your favourite characters. Once you’ve said a quick hello to Mickey and Co., there’s so much more to discover. Hang out with alligators, be an astronaut for the day at the Kennedy Space Centre, or airboat across vast swamps.
With so much on offer, here are the best family-friendly attractions to visit in Orlando:
1. Walt Disney World Resort:
This is likely at the top of your Orlando itinerary, with four theme parks, two water parks, golf courses, and a shopping centre that add to the magic. Step into the stories of princesses or go on a thrilling adventure with Jedis. Travel around the world at EPOCT, come up close to wild animals at Animal Kingdom, or navigate Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom
2. Universal Orlando Resort:
A world of enchantment and entertainment, there’s something for everyone with two theme parks, a water park, and a nightlife complex. A must-see is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: drink a butterbeer at Hogsmeade, shop at Diagon Alley, and ride aboard the Hogwarts Express. Walk among dinosaurs at Jurassic Park, spin down rollercoasters at Marvel Super Hero Island, and let the kids get lost in Toon Lagoon.
3. Kennedy Space Centre:
For a day trip that is out of this world, learn all about the wonders of space exploration at the Kennedy Space Centre. Become an astronaut for the day and hop into a space shuttle training stimulator. Delve into interactive exhibits, meet real astronauts, stand beneath rockets, and watch a live rocket launch. Don’t forget to stop off at the souvenir shop
4. Ripley's Believe It or Not!:
For one of the wackiest things to do in Orlando, this one-of-a-kind museum will be a hit. The Odditorium is stacked high with bizarre and unusual artefacts and exhibits from around the world, from artwork made out of candy to shrunken heads. With sixteen unique galleries and even an endless mirror maze to wind through, there are enough oddities to entertain the whole family.
5. Airboat Everglades Tour:
Did you know that Orlando is where you can find the headwaters of the Everglades? This vast marshy swamp area has a delicate ecosystem with a diversity of colourful wildlife calling it home. Hop on an airboat tour and weave through the tall grassy wetlands, where you might just spot a turtle or alligator perched in the deep waters.
6. Legoland Florida:
Bursting with fun, this brick-tastic park is built with kids in mind. Build your own adventure at the theme park with 50 Lego-inspired rides where you can spin around rollercoasters, conquer dragons, and drive around race tracks. Slide, splash, and build your way to fun at the waterpark. Make your own raft for the lazy river, dive into the wave pool, and climb on water playgrounds.
7. ICON Park:
Sure to be a hit with the whole family, this enormous entertainment complex is jam-packed with things to do. Ride up its whopping 122-metre-tall observation tower, which is framed with far-reaching views over the Orlando skyline. With over forty restaurants and bars, tempt your taste buds with different cuisines from across the globe. Stacked with hair-raising rides and exciting arcade games, must-visits are Madame Tussauds and the Museum of Illusions.
8. Gatorland:
With Orlando’s marshy plains home to countless alligators and crocodiles, there’s no place better to meet these snappy critters firsthand. Watch crocs get fed, leap out of the water, and wrestle in daily shows. But Gatorland is not just a wildlife reserve; gaze at snakes and turtles in the petting zoo, whirl down zip lines, and go on a rugged off-road croc safari.
9. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardems:
Fancy feeding a giraffe? This vibrant 16-acre zoo is home to animals across the globe, with over 100 different species. Watch rhinos relax in their pool, get up close to slithering snakes, and surround yourself with exotic birds. Aside from the furry residents, explore the botanical gardens draped with wildflowers and lush trees. Cool off at the tropical splash zone or zoom across the park on a zip line adventure.
10. Crayola Experience Orlando:
For some colourful family fun, this bright and bold attraction located in the Florida Mall is a must-see. With so many creative activities, snap a photo with Crayola characters, name and wrap your own Crayola colour, and solve puzzles and riddles.
Orlando Villa Holidays
With a fantastic selection of handpicked villas all with a private pool within Orlando's most established and reputable resorts, a holiday here really does offer the getaway of a lifetime. Choose from themed villas and those within resorts providing access to communal facilities for the best of both worlds. Plus, book your flights, car hire and attraction tickets together for a hassle-free one-stop-shop! Speak to our experts today to book your next Orlando villa holiday.
