Five things to do in Orlando with kids

Around three quarters of a million British tourists visit Orlando every year and it was voted the world’s second-most child-friendly destination in 2014 (pipped only by Cornwall).

But although Minnie has been to America twice in two years, we haven’t actually made it to this slice of Florida despite there being plenty of easy ways to book packages.

So having loved our trip to the Florida Gulf islands, here are my top five things to do in Orlando with kids.

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

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.

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

 

Images courtesy of Depositphotos

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