22 Things To Do in Orlando With Kids

Lisa R:  Located 90 minutes from Orlando, Silver Springs was the Disney World of the 1800's when visitors came by paddle boat to enjoy the lush scenery and ride glass bottom boats. In later years, the park hosted movie sets, a replica Seminole village, various zoos (a colony of escaped macaques still roam the park) and more. Today, visitors come for the peaceful setting, glass bottom boat rides, environmental museum, shops with food vendors, trails, on-site kayak and canoe rentals and camping.

Lisa R:  This 2,600 acre natural wonderland is just 45-minutes from downtown Orlando. At the center is a brilliantly clear natural spring surrounded by trees layered with Spanish Moss. From mid-November to March, hundreds of manatee gather on the spring's overlook (check out the manatee cam!). At other times of the year, tubing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing and boating are permitted. Within the park you'll find miles of trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a historic mansion built in 1872. If you never want to leave, check out the reasonably priced camping options nearby.

Vanessa M.:  Over 200 species of animals are on exhibit at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Explore everything from amphibians, birds, mammals, and even an insect zoo as well as native plants. Looking for something interactive? Schedule a rhino encounter or giraffe feeding. Children's zoo, butterfly garden, carousel, splash playground, and train rides makes this zoo a great destination for families.

Lisa R:  This clear natural spring 30 miles from Orlando is one of the few local springs suitable for tubing. Visitors are permitted to bring their own flotation device or you can rent tubes from vendors just outside the park. You're likely to see a wide array of wildlife during the relaxed 15-20 minute float down a 1/4 mile section of river. The water in this part is generally 2-4 ft deep. Kids also love swimming in the natural pools, the playground, and the kayak rentals. Picnic area & concessions on-site.

Lisa R:  Soak up some Florida natural history on these hour long cruises through three lakes and two, narrow man-made canals in Winter Park, just 10 minutes from downtown Orlando. Along the way you'll see alligators, fish, cranes, and a variety of other flora and fauna. A tour guide answers questions and points out interesting sites along the way.

Lisa R:  This massive science center has all the staples you'd expect in a world class museum, but enhanced with the theatrics and over the top programming that defines Orlando. Scattered among the dinosaurs, maker spaces, water play areas and big screen movies, you'll find numerous Live Science! activities where kids can ask questions, go on a safari, feed alligators, or take part in real science experiments. An entire floor is devoted to hands-on activities for kids seven and under.

Lisa R:  While Orlando's theme parks boast some impressive and highly talked about rides, you'll find one of the most memorable ones nestled in a picturesque downtown park. Lake Eola Park is a destination in itself. Here you'll find walking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, a large stage for public performances, and a giant fountain that puts on a musical light show each night. The centerpiece of the park is the large lake full of swans. You can join the swans on the water by hopping into a wheelchair accessible, swan-shaped paddle boat. Each boat fits 5 people.

Lisa R:  This 30 year old market in a scenic park in the heart of downtown Orlando attracts a healthy mix of tourists and locals. One of the largest and longest running markets in the US, it's the place to find unique local flavors like gator jerky and exotic fruits and to shop for souvenirs made by local artists. Each week includes both scheduled and unscheduled entertainment, as local buskers often set up shop with balloon animals, music, and live animals. You never know what you'll find! Picnic & playground areas around the park offer space to unwind.

Lisa R:  Enhance your Florida vacation at this history museum with permanent exhibits on native people, the environment, Florida's pioneer days, and 100 years of tourism, including Orlando's transformation from unwanted swamp to theme park mecca. The colorful, multi-level exhibits are accessible to most school aged children and are the perfect fodder for back to school reports. You won't look at Orlando the same way again.

Shila:  Anybody intrigued by the White Star Line's Titanic may want to consider visiting this museum dedicated to the famous ship featuring many artifacts directly from the wreck site, as well as room recreations for admiration and photo ops. On weekends, all ages can attend the Titanic Dinner Gala where costumed actors reenact those iconic upper class parties. See menu online. Advanced reservations are required for this first class event (though, you're not required to be dressed as such).

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  This 19,000 square foot, three-story entertainment center features a huge menu full of McDonald's favorites plus pizza, pasta, breakfast and dessert items. The kids (and parents!) can also play the 100 arcade games while earning prizes and kids will love the 22 foot tall PlayPlace! Also, check out specials such as daily entertainment.

Lisa R:  If you're new to Orlando, a quick stop into one of these non-profit visitor centers can serve as a fun kick-off to your vacation. Each center is stocked with tons of brochures, free maps, a selfie station, and friendly staff who can answer all your questions and tell you about special events. They're also an authorized ticket seller for most area attractions and can help you get the lowest price on everything from airboat rides to sporting events. Stop in at the main branch on International Dr., and you can even get some freebies while supplies last. See website for other locations.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  The WonderWorks Museum, famous for their upside-down buildings, has a few U.S. locations to enjoy on your next family road trip. This is especially fun to experience when discovering Orlando with kids beyond Disney theme parks. The museums are educational entertainment experiences with over 100 hands-on and interactive science-related exhibits such as Space, Natural Disaster, Light and Sound, Imagination Lab and Physical Challenge Zone. They also feature laser tag, 4D rides, indoor rope climbing, magic and comedy shows and more fun for the entire family.

Sue Krawitz Tandoc:  Indulge your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Museum & Cafe. Take a tour through the museum to learn the history of chocolate, discover how it is made, see amazing chocolate sculptures of world-famous landmarks and taste some of the finest chocolate in the world. Afterward, visit the cafe for a tempting menu of chocolate treats, gelato, paninis and drinks.

Lisa R:  A visit to Kennedy Space Center any time of the year is a one of a kind chance to learn about the history of the US space program right where it happened, surrounded by real life shuttles, moon rocks, astronaut experiences, training equipment and more. On rocket launch events, your family can have access to a free outdoor viewing area with live commentary. Launch announcements are posted online.