Orlando tours offer an exciting and educational way to discover more about the city and the Sunshine State —whether you're an Orlando native, long-time resident, or a first-time visitor. From exciting airboat and helicopter rides to tasty foodie tours and spooky ghost tours, there's something for everyone, especially families with kids. We've put together a list of the coolest kid-friendly ways to tour Orlando Central Florida, offering unique experiences that will create lasting memories.
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Looking for more ways to enjoy Orlando with kids? Check out our Orlando Visitors Guide for more fun activities and tips!
Kid-Friendly Orlando Tours: On the Water
1. Airboat Tours
Central Florida is a gateway to the Everglades, and what better way to explore these waters than with an airboat tour. Above-water propellers allow airboats to glide over waters, making them perfect for exploring shallow swamp water. These tours are loud, fast, and thrilling, with chances to spot alligators, wild hogs, birds, and other native wildlife!
2. Kayak and Paddleboard Tours
Explore amazing waterways aboard a kayak or paddleboard. These kid-friendly tours are fantastic ways to spot Florida wildlife. Some companies offer bioluminescence tours in the Indian River Lagoon, where the water glows with a beautiful blue light.
3. Silver Springs Glass Bottom Boats
Did you know the Glass Bottom Boat was invented in Marion County?! Since the 1870s, Glass Bottom Boat tours have amazed visitors to Silver Springs with stunning views of underwater life and the springs that feed the Silver River. Guests will also spot ancient artifacts, as well as underwater movie props from Silver Springs’ Hollywood days. Choose from 30-minute or 90-minute tours.
4. Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Situated on Lake Osceola, just a short drive from downtown Orlando, the Winter Park scenic boat tour offers hour-long, guided cruises through three of the seven lakes in the Winter Park chain, as well as two tranquil canals.
Tour Orlando with Kids: Planes and Trains
5. Air Force Fun Helicopter Tours
Air Force Fun offers an exciting way to see Orlando from above. With different helicopter tour options, passengers views Orlando attractions and theme parks in a whole new way. Experienced pilots guide flights, making it a safe and fun experience for families. Air Force Fun has two locations: I-Drive location is walk-in only; online reservations available at Lake Buena Vista location.
6. Flight Ready Aviation
Flight Ready Aviation sightseeing tours accommodate 2-3 passengers, depending on the tour chosen. Unique tours include the Walt Disney Fireworks Show tour, spotlighting the theme park’s fireworks from a birds-eye view, as well as the Space Coast Tour, which flies through a NASA shuttle landing facility.
7. Jones Brothers & Co. Seaplane Tours
Based in Tavares, known as "America's Seaplane City," Jones Brothers & Co. provides a variety of scenic flights that take passengers over lakes, rivers, and forests. Most tours include a "Splash and Dash," in which the seaplane touches down on the water before taking off again.
8. Scenic Train Rides
Whether you're seeking a scenic day trip by train, a theme park train tour, or a special holiday experience like The Polar Express, Florida has train rides to suit all ages and interests. In Orlando, the SunRail is a popular choice, with stops across Central Florida and within walking distance of family-friendly attractions.
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More Kid-Friendly Orlando Tours
9. Beyond the Theme Parks: Orlando’s Historical Highlights
On this audio tour, walk through downtown Orlando and visit key landmarks such as the Orlando Public Library and Lake Eola. As you explore, learn about the cattle barons, citrus farmers, and NASA engineers who shaped Orlando long before Disney arrived. The tour takes about an hour to complete.
10. Bob's Balloons
Book a customized hot air balloon ride over Kissimmee, Disney World, or Davenport. Float above Orange, Osceola, Lake, and Polk Counties, taking in unique views of local scenery.
11. Drive-thru Safaris
Enjoy a safari ride from the comfort of your own car to observe and learn about native and exotic wildlife.
12. Flavors of Icon Park
Savor the best of I-Drive on this family-friendly, walking foodie tour. ICON Park is the lively hub of the International Drive entertainment district, and it is also a hotspot for some of Orlando's best restaurants, all of which you can sample on this delicious tour. Tour tickets include a ride on The Wheel!
13. Ghosts of Winter Park
Join a walking ghost tour through the historic streets of Winter Park, a city with over 100 years of eerie tales. This Orlando ghost tour offers a mix of creepy stories and entertaining storytelling, leaving you wondering if something paranormal might be lurking in the dark. The tour lasts 90 minutes; not recommended for kids under age 4.
14. Glide Adventure Tours
Explore the lakeside town of Mount Dora on a Segway tour. Segway tours include the historic downtown district, a trip to Palm Island Park and boardwalk, and photo ops by the iconic Mount Dora lighthouse. Tours are limited to guests ages 12 and older.
15. I-Ride Trolley
Orlando’s International Drive is home to so many fun attractions for families to visit. The I-Ride Trolley makes it easy for families to tour the area and get to and from attractions such as ICON Park, SeaWorld, FunSpot Orlando, Dezerland Park, and more.
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16. Lake Louisa Horseback Trail Ride
Discover the unique trail rides at Lake Louisa State Park, guided by friendly wranglers. Choose from one-hour (three miles) or two-hour (six miles) rides to learn about the park's history while surrounded by Florida's vibrant forests and ecosystems. Riders must be at least 8 years of age.
17. See Art Walking Tour
See Art Orlando is a self-guided tour featuring nine permanent public art sculptures that reflect various aspects of Orlando. The collection includes works by internationally acclaimed artists, including one from Central Florida, and showcases a range of sizes and mediums.
18. Toho Electric Bike Tours
Toho Bikes offers guided and self-guided Kissimmee lakefront tours on fully electric trikes and bikes. Bike trailers are available for kids ages 2 to 5.