Check out the ultimate things to do in Orlando with kids — including attractions, fun events, beaches & lakes, museums, famed landmarks, and much more!
We’ve rounded up a list of 100 things to do in Orlando with kids beyond the theme parks. From hiking to museums to themed dinners, these fun spots offer a variety of family entertainment and must-do activities for kids in Orlando. Get ready to forego the theme park ticket and experience the real Orlando!
For local events occurring during your Central Florida vacation, visit our Orlando event calendar. Looking for a place to stay? Check out our list of the best Orlando hotels for families.
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Money Saving Tips For Exploring Orlando
As you make your plans, save money with free ideas and activities with our awesome compilation of free things to do in Orlando with kids.
If you have plans to visit a bunch of Orlando attractions in a short amount of time (both theme park and non-theme park alike), look into a Go City - Orlando card, which includes entry into amazing, kid-friendly spots like Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Wonderworks, and much more!
Top Things To Do In Orlando for Visitors
Both kids growing up in Orlando and those visiting will appreciate this list of iconic things to do in Orlando with kids. Here are more helpful round-ups for anyone visiting Orlando:
- Visiting Every Park at Walt Disney World with Kids: A 5-Day Itinerary
- Best Places to See Manatees Near Orlando
- Top 10 Natural Springs in Florida Near Orlando
- Best Things to Do and See in Disney Springs with Kids
Best Things To Do In Orlando with Kids by Age
- Top Things to Do in Orlando with Babies
- Top Things to Do in Orlando with Toddlers & Preschoolers
- Top Things to Do in Orlando with Teens & Tweens
And now...
100 Top Things to Do in Orlando With Kids Other than Theme Parks
1. ICON Park
Take a ride on The Wheel at ICON Park for a fabulous view, then explore the oceans of the world at Sea Life Orlando Aquarium.
Crenshaw Canopy Walk takes visitors on a journey through the trees at Bonnet Springs Park. Photo by the author
2. Bonnet Springs Park
Explore Central Florida's own Central Park: Bonnet Springs Park!
3. Tree Trek Adventure Park
Swing like Tarzan at Orlando’s Tree Trek Adventure Park.
See how high you can climb atop Planet Obstacle's 26-foot Spider Wall! Photo courtesy of Planet Obstacle
4. Indoor Rock Climbing
Take a safe climb on the rock wall at Orlando rock climbing gyms.
5. Gatorland
Zipline directly over alligators at Gatorland.
6. Hunt for Shark Teeth
Take a day trip to search for shark teeth at one of these Florida shark tooth beaches.
Only 27 first-magnitude springs exist in Florida, and Alexander Springs is by far one of the easiest to enjoy.
7. Florida Natural Springs
Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of one of Central Florida's beautiful natural springs.
Tutu Tales Spa Parties brings kids spa parties to your Orlando spot! Photo courtesy of the spa
8. Kid-Friendly Spas
Treat your child to a royal makeover at a kid-friendly spa.
9. Museum of Illusions
Journey through a land of wacky and weird fun at the Museum of Illusions.
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Pick your perfect pack of colors at the Crayola Experience. Photo courtesy of Crayola
10. Crayola Experience Orlando
Create your own crayon label and make masterpieces of color at Orlando's Crayola Experience.
11. World of Chocolate Museum
Discover where chocolate comes from and taste chocolates from around the world at the World of Chocolate Museum.
12. Old Town
Mine for gold, thrill to a carnival ride, and enjoy live entertainment at Old Town.
13. Paddleboard
Hit the water on a paddleboard or kayak.
14. Go Mini Golfing
Play a round of putt-putt golf at a local miniature golf course. Florida is all about golf!
15. iFLY
Anyone over the age of 3 can find out what it feels like to defy gravity at iFLY.
16. Dinner Shows
Cheer on your favorite knight or watch pirates battle, all while enjoying a family meal at these deliciously fun dinner shows.
17. Peterbrooke Chocolatier
If visiting Orlando over the summer, sign the kids up for a chocolate day camp at Peterbrooke Chocolatier.
18. Fun Spot
Drive bumper boats, race on a multilevel go-kart course, and ride a wooden coaster at Fun Spot, with locations in Orlando and Kissimmee!
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Experience the wonders of Kidstown at the Orlando Science Center. Photo by author
19. Orlando Science Center
Explore the expansive KidsTown area at the Orlando Science Center, as well as other awesome exhibits.
20. Disney Springs
Ok, it's technically a theme park, but you can get a Disney fix at a fraction of the cost at Disney Springs.
21. Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Orlando
Walk through hundreds of odd exhibits at Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Odditorium Orlando.
22. Bike the West Orange Trail
Bike the 22-mile West Orange Trail for scenic exploration.
23. Orlando Playgrounds
Go park hopping outside of the theme parks by visiting some of Orlando’s best playgrounds.
24. Swan Boats at Lake Eola
Paddle the waters of Lake Eola on a swan boat.
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Catch a show at the Orlando Family Stage (previously known as Orlando Repertory Theatre). Photo courtesy of the theater
25. Orlando Family Stage
Orlando Family Stage gives children a great introduction to theatrical performances.
26. International Drive
Hop on the I-Ride Trolley to explore International Drive.
27. Wildlife Drive
Spot Florida wildlife from the comfort of your own car on a wildlife drive.
28. Orlando Boat Rides
Cruise through the local lake chains and majestic canals around Orlando.
The lighthouse at Grantham Point is iconic. Photo by the author
29. Mount Dora
Visit the beautiful lakeside town of Mount Dora.
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Have an unforgettable experience of feeding giraffes at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Photo courtesy of the zoo
30. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Make lasting memories, like feeding giraffes, at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
31. Westgate River Ranch
Go glamping at Westgate River Ranch.
32. Leu Gardens
Relax in a 50-acre botanical oasis while enjoying a traveling exhibit or take in a movie night at Leu Gardens.
33. Great Magic Hall
Kids (and even some adults) will be amazed by the wonder of the Great Magic Hall.
34. See a Movie Under the Stars
Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy dinner and a movie under the stars at free summer movies.
35. Cooking Classes
Learn the basics of good nutrition and healthy food prep with a family cooking class.
36. Go Hiking
Explore a local nature trail with kids on fantastic Orlando hikes.
37. Orlando Circus School
Clown around or fly through the air on a trapeze at Orlando Circus School.
38. Indoor Playgrounds
Escape the Florida heat and rain at indoor playgrounds for kids.
39. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Attend family performances at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
40. SAK Comedy Lab
Introduce your kids to improv with family-friendly shows at SAK Comedy Lab.
41. Orlando Public Library
Visit the largest public library in Florida for a fun day of imagination through books and free family activities. While you're there, take a look at the extensive Disney collection area!
42. Ride the SunRail
Train-obsessed kids will enjoy rides around the city on the SunRail, where kids ages 6 and younger ride for free with a paying adult.
43. Inflatable Water Parks
Cool off at one of these Orlando area inflatable water parks.
44. Escape Rooms
Crack the code at family-friendly escape rooms.
45. Florida Beaches Near Orlando
Take a day trip and have fun under the sun at a local Florida beach near Orlando.
46. Cheer on the Orlando Magic
Catch the NBA's Orlando Magic at the Amway Center.
RELATED: Amazing Orlando Theme Parks for Toddlers
Take a stroll through Dinosaur World and let your kids set the pace. Photo by author
47. Dinosaur World
Enjoy some Jurassic fun just an hour outside of Orlando at Dinosaur World.
48. Battleground Orlando
Challenge your family to a game of laser tag or paintball at Battleground Orlando.
49. Silver Spurs Rodeo
Catch some rodeo action at the Silver Spurs Arena.
50. Citrus Tower
Ride to the top of one of Florida’s first attractions, the Citrus Tower.
51. Orlando Solar Bears
Cheer on the Orlando Solar Bears ECHL hockey team at the Amway Center.
52. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Get an up-close view of the Space Shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
53. Dolphin Cruise
Take a dolphin cruise and look for these gentle mammals near Clearwater.
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WonderWorks Orlando offers a wacky, wild world to explore. Photo by the author
54. WonderWorks
Conquer a glow-in-the-dark ropes course at WonderWorks, the famous I-Drive, upside-down attraction.
55. Bioluminescence Tour
Experience a magical nighttime tour on the Indian River Lagoon with a bioluminescent kayaking or paddle board tour.
56. Brevard Zoo
Cuddle an alpaca and meet more wild animals at the Brevard Zoo.
57. Segway Rides
Glide through the scenic lakeside town of Mount Dora on a Segway.
58. Giraffe Ranch
Tour Giraffe Ranch on a camel or llama!
59. Visit Sanford
Prepare to be scared with a ghost tour of historic downtown Sanford.
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Take a relaxing kayaking tour of Shingle Creek. Photo courtesy of The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek
60. See Manatees
During the winter months, spot Florida’s state marine mammal, manatees, at several locations around Orlando.
61. Hontoon Island State Park
Take a free ferry boat ride to Hontoon Island State Park.
62. Weeki Wachee Springs
Watch a live mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs.
63. Silver Springs Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Take a ride on the famous Silver Springs glass bottom boat tour. You might even spot one of the hundreds of wild monkeys that roam Silver Springs!
64. Visit the Biggest McDonald's
Dine and hit the playspace at the world’s largest McDonald’s.
65. Monster Truck Tour
Tour a working Florida citrus and cattle ranch on a monster truck.
66. Orlando City Soccer Club
Catch an Orlando City soccer club pro game.
67. Dave & Busters
Play and eat at Dave & Buster’s on I-Drive.
68. Orlando Starflyer
Take a spin on the world's tallest swing ride.
69. Florida State Parks Near Orlando
Carve time to visit one of Florida's amazing state parks.
70. Wild Florida
See the headwaters of the Florida Everglades and visit the gator park at Wild Florida.
71. Pioneer Village
Visit a historical pioneer village in Central Florida.
72. Airboat Rides and Tours
Explore Florida’s waterways and glimpse wildlife on an airboat adventure.
73. Orlando Splash Pads
Let little ones splash around at an Orlando splash pad, many of which are free!
74. Sugar Mill Restaurant
Cook your own pancakes at the popular Sugar Mill Restaurant at De Leon Springs.
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Experience the excitement of Daytona International Speedway. Photo by the author
75. Daytona International Speedway
See the 31-degree high banks of the Daytona International Speedway with a VIP tour.
76. Go-Karting
Rain in the forecast? Enjoy awesome indoor entertainment centers to keep the fun going!
77. Resort Water Parks & Hotel Pools
Make the most out of your vacation and stay at an Orlando hotel with the ultimate water features!
78. Orlando Water Sports & Activities
Enjoy water sports at the many lakes around Orlando.
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Enjoy 20 flavors at Orange Blossom Candies & Cream, including a Flamino Sundae made with strawberry ice cream! Photo courtesy of the shop
79. Indulge in Ice Cream
Cool off with an ice-cold ice cream treat.
80. Orlando Museums
Orlando has a variety of diverse museums perfect for families to explore history, art, science, and more.
81. See the Gardens
Take a stroll through Orlando's vibrant gardens.
82. Local Donut Shops
Treat the kids to a sweet breakfast (or any-time treat): donuts!
83. Berry Picking
If visiting in April or May, carve some time to pick fresh blueberries from a local u-pick farm. If visiting in the winter months, visit a local strawberry u-pick farm.
84. Universal CityWalk Orlando
Visit CityWalk, Universal Orlando's entertainment district.
85. Mills 50
Snap Instagram-worthy photos at the murals at Mills 50.
86. Dine on the Waterfront
Grab a meal overlooking the water at picturesque, kid-friendly restaurants.
Ride the currents at Typhoon Lagoon's lazy river. Photo courtesy Walt Disney World Resort
87. Lazy Rivers
Laze around in one of Orlando's lazy rivers. Many also wrap around cool slides and fun rides!
88. Take a Day Trip
Enjoy Florida's wonderful weather and enjoy a trip away for a day trip from Orlando.
89. Go Off-Roading
Venture off-road on an ATV or buggy tour.
90. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake
Explore Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, complete with walking trails, farm animals, playgrounds, disc golf, and more.
91. Hot Air Balloon Ride
See Orlando by air on a hot air balloon ride.
92. Top Golf
Practice your golf swing and introduce your kids to the sport at Top Golf.
Say hello to Hammock Hollow at Bok Tower Gardens. Photo courtesy of the gardens
93. Hammock Hollow Garden
Kids will love the Hammock Hollow children's garden at Bok Tower Gardens.
94. The Florida Mall
Shop 'til you drop at The Florida Mall.
95. Reptile World Serpentarium
See a live venom extraction show at Reptile World Serpentarium.
96. Throw Axes
Treat your teen to an axe-throwing excursion.
97. Ninja Warrior Gyms
Test your strength at a ninja warrior gym and parkour obstacle courses.
98. Wekiva Island
Spend a day at Wekiva Island's watering hole.
99. Drive-In Movies
Load up the car and take the family to a drive-in movie.
100. Go Camping
Spend a night under the stars at a family-friendly Florida campground, many of which are near Orlando!
The list could go on and on...This should get you started on planning an amazing itinerary of things to do in Orlando with kids, beyond the world-famous theme parks!