Our Guide to the Top Orlando Destinations for Families
Are you planning a family vacation to Orlando, Florida? There is no other destination like this since many of its amenities are for kids.
A family vacation in Orlando is always a good idea because of many theme parks, attractions, and outdoor spaces. It is one of the most popular family travel destinations in the country, and with good reason.
Orlando is a paradise for kids, and it isn’t easy to choose which activities to add to your itinerary. Luckily, we have compiled a list of the top Orlando destinations for families. Whether traveling with babies, toddlers, tweens, or teens, you can make the most of your family vacation by creating a fun-filled Orlando travel plan.
The Best Time to Visit Orlando
For families with children who want to minimize crowds, the best time to visit Orlando is during the time while school is in session. Since children cannot miss school, it is best to plan the visit during a long weekend. Also, plan to visit the theme parks in the early mornings and late evening to enjoy the area with fewer crowds and allow children to binge on rides and attractions.
Also, consider the season for convenience and ticket prices. Plan a visit during spring to experience pleasant weather throughout your trip. Additionally, crowds are manageable, and there are deals on attractions and hotels for this season.
Family-Friendly Attractions in Orlando
Orlando Science Center
This 60-year-old science center is an award-winning museum, and it is the best place in Orlando where kids can run around while learning. For those with curious minds, the Orlando Science Center packs many activities that can keep children engaged and happy for hours.
There are plenty of learning options and interactive workshops with topics ranging from 3D printing to finger-knitting. Younger kids can safely run around and explore in KidsTown, while the older ones can realize their creative ideas at The Hive: A Marketplace.
Celebration, Florida
Take a break from the clamor at the theme parks in Celebration, Florida. This little city created by the Walt Disney community in the Kissimmee-Orlando Metropolitan Area is well-loved by children and adults. For some, Celebration is considered the most picturesque small town in the country.
In Celebration, several noteworthy spots are Pretty Lake Evalyn at the town’s center, which is home to alligators, ducks, and otters. The guided bike tour with Celebration Bike Rental is a must-see for families who want to get a good lay of the land and learn about the town.
You can spend the afternoon strolling through the quaint downtown shops and stop to dine in at the Columbia Restaurant, where you can enjoy Spanish fare and some Celebration history.
Legoland
A day at Legoland is a dream come true for many children and adults who love playing with the multicolored Lego bricks. Located only 45 minutes from the Orlando parks or downtown Tampa, Legoland is a must-visit for families visiting Orlando.
Legoland has many interactive attractions for families with children aged 2 to 12. Kids can drive mini cars, build and program computerized Lego Mindstorms, and get a burn of excess energy through the play areas and on Kid Power Towers. Besides that, teens and grown-ups can appreciate several mellow roller coasters.
SeaWorld
Children who visit SeaWorld not only learn about many kinds of animals but also gain an appreciation of the Earth’s ocean. The exhibits and activities in this center also help encourage and educate children on the need to protect the oceans.
You can expect one-on-one encounters, thrill rides, fish-filled aquariums, and engaging aquatic shows featuring sea lions and dolphins. Both children and adults learn so much about the Earth’s vast oceans and the life within them when visiting SeaWorld.
Gatorland
Gatorland is a top choice for reasonably priced family fun in Orlando. Children can have a memorable time seeing thousands of alligators and crocodiles and experiencing a petting zoo, nature walk, and unique reptilian shows such as the Gator Jumparoo, Swam Show, and Up-close Encounters Show.
Ride on the Gatorland Express Train, then head to the Gator Gully Splash Park, where children of all ages can enjoy some water fun. Additionally, visit the White Gator Swamp, the newest exhibit in Gatorland featuring four white leucistic alligators.
Universal Orlando Resort
The Universal Orlando Resort has several theme parks: Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and the soon-to-come Universal’s Epic Universe.
Universal Studios Florida is considered the world’s premier TV and movie-based theme park with rides and movie-related attractions. Interactions with movie characters and mascots are entertaining for everyone in the family. Meanwhile, several stunt shows and the Fast & Furious – Supercharged Ride can keep older children and adults entertained.
The star of Universal Studios is the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Experience the novelty of riding in the Hogwarts Express train to get to or from Hogsmeade in the Islands of Adventure and Diagon Alley in Universal Studios.
Islands of Adventure is a perfect place for families with young children and teenagers. Child-friendly attractions and thrilling rides featuring superheroes and comic book characters are activities for the family. Comic book fans can have a grand time at the Marvel Super Hero Island, while children can explore the Seuss Landing and Toon Lagoon. The Incredible Hulk Coaster is a famous choice for thrill-seekers, with its seven loop-the-loop inversions.
Walt Disney World Resort
One cannot think of Orlando without Walt Disney and visiting at least one of the four theme parks at the Walt Disney Resort. The first park, Magic Kingdom, features a fantastical world where visitors enjoy make-believe fun. Meanwhile, the park-goers are taken around the world and into the future in Epcot.
Animal Kingdom Park is the largest singular Disney Park, with almost 2,000 animals representing 250 species. Finally, Hollywood Studios bring movies to life with impressive shows and exciting rides.
Aside from theme parks, Disney World offers a variety of things to do in Orlando for families. Unique hotels and restaurants, a miniature gold center, and two themed waterparks are activities that the entire family can enjoy. Families can also bond by doing outdoor activities like boating, golf, archery, and fishing. Last, do not forget to visit Boardwalk and Disney Springs for some family-friendly entertainment.
Orlando Water Parks
To complete your Orlando family trip, if you are visiting in the summer, visit at least one of the numerous water parks in the city. Experience fantastic water play and cool down in these exciting parks during your summer vacation.
Aquatica Orlando
Located across its sister property, SeaWorld, Aquatica Orlando is home to thrilling water rides and 42 slides, lagoons, and rivers. The main attraction in this water park is the Dolphin Plunge, in which people can slide through pools with Commerson dolphins in an enclosed tube. The Loggerhead Lane lazy river is also a famous spot where park-goers can float past exotic tropical fish.
Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon at Disney World
Blizzard Beach has a faux wintry motif which Disney designed to resemble a ski resort with melting snow, transforming the place into a water park. But Typhoon Lagoon featured shipwrecks and designs inspired by a typhoon storm in a tropical paradise setting. Both water parks offer many waterslides, wave pools, and lazy rivers.
Legoland Florida Water Park
Enjoy colorful Lego-themed water play at the Legoland Florida Water Park. Visitors of all ages can build towers and other creations with foam bricks while floating along the Build-A-Raft Lazy River. Older children will enjoy the waterslides, while the little ones can have a grand time at the Duplo Splash Safari with mini slides and fountains featuring supersized Duplo animals.
Volcano Bay
A part of Universal Orlando Resort, Volcano Bay is a water theme park with a towering Krakatau centerpiece. Older kids and adults will have fun in the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, with its many twists and turn through the volcano before plunging the canoes through a waterfall.
Book Kidmoto for a Family-Friendly Car Service with Car Seats in Orlando
If you are going to or from a fun-filled Orlando family vacation, why get hassled while carrying a bulky car seat through the airport? Ditch the car seats and focus on enjoying your family trip. Please do not leave it to chance or risk safety by taking an uninsured, unregistered, or Uber X driver. Instead, use Kidmoto.
Kidmoto delivers travel convenience for your Orlando family vacation by providing a car service with car seats to safely take you to or from the Orlando International Airport. An easy booking process made possible by the Kidmoto app is your travel friend, which will let you experience a less stressful time when flying with a baby or several children.
Book a trip either by downloading the Kidmoto app or through the website, www.kidmoto.taxi!
