Seven things to do in Orlando with kids

Around three quarters of a million British tourists visit Orlando every year and it has voted the world’s second-most child-friendly destination (pipped only by Cornwall).

contains affiliate links*

But although my daughter has been to Florida more than once, we haven’t actually made it to this corner of the state despite there being plenty of easy ways to book packages.

So having loved our trip to the Florida Gulf islands and Florida Keys, here are the top seven things to do in Orlando with kids that should be on every family wishlist.

Walt Disney World

You can’t mention kids and Orlando without the Magic Kingdom, the main attraction for a lot of visitors heading to Florida, especially families.

And from the parades to the fireworks above Cinderella’s castle and Animal Kingdom, plus Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios for older children, there’s a huge amount to do at Walt Disney World.

Check out these great Disney World tips if you’re visiting Walt Disney World with kids

Discover more Disney

You can also go and walk Disney’s Boardwalk, a recreation waterfront village that’s full of Disney’s trademark style.

Or head to the Town of Celebration, Disney’s own little town with its eye-catching homes – fun for Disney fans young and old to visit.

Universal Orlando Resort

Universal Orlando Resort is two theme parks in one with Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure, home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Marvel Superhero Island, Wet’n’Wild waterpark, rollercoasters plus those sets of New York, LA and San Francisco from the movies.

While my daughter is still cautious about rollercoasters, Harry Potter very firmly gets her vote so Universal is definitely on my ‘one day’ list

Legoland Florida

More than 50 rides, shows and attractions set over 150 acres, as well as restaurants, a water park and a botanical garden just a short drive outside Orlando.

Aimed at children from two to 12 there’s something for toddlers up to rollercoasters at Legoland Florida.

We loved Legoland Billund, the original Legoland park, when we visited Denmark – in 30C so I feel we’re already prepared! – and would love to stay in somewhere as fun as the Legoland Castle hotel again.

See International Drive

Known as I-Drive this is one of Orlando’s top tourist spots, a street of attractions that are great for kids – as well as being home to some of the big theme parks, it’s got Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Odditorium and WonderWorks, an upside-down building with plenty to educate as it entertains.

A trolley system helps you get around, with cheap day passes making it easier to explore.

Visit Icon Park

There are more family attractions in Orlando than the theme parks – head to Icon Park and you’ll find Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando and some fantastic views from The Orlando Eye.

Soar high up on the 400ft wheel with 360-degree views out, before heading to one of the sister attractions – there are also combined tickets for some of the best deals.

Discover nine different areas at Sealife Orlando, with Florida’s only 360-degree aquarium tunnel and spot sharks, sting rays, sea turtles and more. Or see stars at Madame Tussauds, including a new statue of Beyonce for 2025, as well as other big names from the world of music, TV and film.

Get outdoors

America is famous for its love of the car, but there are plenty of ways to get out and about. Even in Downtown, you can ride bikes through Lake Eola park, as well as a swan boat ride on the water, or cruise the Winter Park chain of lakes with a boat tour.

Or head to the UCF Arboretum is an 80-acre property located on the northeast corner of the Orlando campus, with over 600 plant species including exotic species and native Florida plant life.

At Ocala National Forest, you can canoe, picnic, and see the old hardwood forest along with swamps, with free entry into the forest.

And a short drive outside the city, Blue Springs State Park is a manatee refuge where you can also swim and canoe.

You can also combine a visit to Blue Springs State Park with a mini road trip to Gainesville Springs, passing the huge sinkhole at Devil’s Millhopper State Park as well, or hiking at Paynes Prairie State Park before visiting some of the springs in northern Florida including Ginnie Springs, Rum Island Springs, Ichetucknee Springs, and O’Leno State Park.

Images courtesy of Depositphotos

LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER