Are you planning a family vacation to Orlando? With kid’s activities and theme parks, there is family fun Orlando activities for all types of families. There is so much for the kids to do between Disney World, Universal, and Gatorland, they won’t even need their smartphones for this family vacation!
Why visit Orlando for your family vacation?
Orlando has become a staple in our annual travel itinerary. Why? Once a small town, Orlando is now a bustling city featuring multiple theme park attractions, popular convention centers for business travelers, and a multitude of entertainment venues for both kids and adults. In a word, it is the perfect destination for a family vacation.
How does one decide which Orlando activities to do when there are so many to choose from? Let me help!
Our visits to Orlando have been with groups from grandbabies and their parents to my adult siblings. From family vacations with extended family to Papa Joe and I exploring the city alone. Sometimes it is our destination, other times it is a stop along our route. Regardless, we have visited Orlando enough times to provide you with solid recommendations for your favorite Orlando activities.
Our favorite Orlando activities.
Let’s get the white elephant out of the way. Of course, everyone knows about the various theme parks – Disney, Universal, Legoland, just to name a few. I have to say they are #1 Orlando activity on the list. Not because theme parks are my favorite, but quite likely because it is yours.
Let’s face it – the theme parks are full of kid’s activities and opportunities for family fun. They are great destinations for trips with the kids.
One thing is for sure, they are definitely one of Papa Joe’s favorite destinations. He is a roller coaster nerd.
Let’s talk about Orlando’s Theme Parks.
As many times as I’ve seen it, nothing compares to the Disney Castle lit up at night by fireworks, Space Mountain, or hearing our grandson squeal the first time he discovered Thunder Mountain. He’s 11 now and has discovered he loves roller coasters, by the way. If you have a thrill-seeker in the family, theme parks are full of family fun. I love them as a destination for trips with kids.
The memories of our grandson squealing are more than worth the price of tickets. Want to go but the tickets are too pricey?
Here are breakdowns of theme park costs.
They will range based on the season, but this will get you an idea of the expense for this family fun activity.
- Legoland tickets start at $74.99 (children’s rate).
- SeaWorld tickets start at $79.99. Busch Gardens Tampa, SeaWorld Orlando, and Aquatica Orlando 1 Year Annual Pass
- Busch Gardens Tampa Bay tickets start at $89.99, Discovery Cove is in Orlando.
- Disney World offers multiple packages, the comparable 4-day pack starts at $87.50 per person.
- Universal Orlando Resort ticket packages start at $82 per person per day (4-day package).
- The bargain of the day, Gatorland tickets start at $19.99 – we were pleasantly surprised at how much our entire family enjoyed this gator-themed park. Gatorland Tickets – Save Time & Money
I have in-depth information on each of these theme parks in my 5 Reasons to Visit Orlando story, check it out for more information on the theme parks.
Sorry, I don’t have any other theme park photos. I just won’t post photos of my grandkids without their parent’s permission, and somehow they are so blessed cute they are always in the pictures from theme parks!
Is planning a trip to a theme park overwhelming?
Taking a family to theme parks in Orlando can be expensive. However, when packages combine entry into several parks, or when a package is purchased that spans several days, the prices are more reasonable. The most expensive way to go is to purchase a single-day ticket for a single park.
Theme parks should count for at least 3 of the top 10 activities, but I’m counting them as 1 of my Orlando activities.
What else should you consider when visiting theme parks?
When you visit, make sure to download the park’s app onto your smartphone, allowing you to see wait lines at popular rides. Consider buying a “Fast Pass” or comparable product that allows you the ability to access rides more quickly. Having the kids wait in line is a sure way to drop the family fun level fast.
Papa Joe and I also use the “Single Rider” option, which allows riders to get through lines faster without purchasing a “Fast Pass”. Most theme parks offer bundled food packages, which can be a good deal if you are feeding a family.
A word of warning!
People do purchase multi-day tickets and resell days that have not been used. There are several kiosk shops and re-sale opportunities in the gift shops along Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway.
Buyer beware. Most parks now use a fingerprint scanner that ties the ticket to the person that first used the ticket, so a ticket purchased through one of these shops MAY not gain access to a park. This is not an option I recommend.
What other Orlando activities are there besides theme parks?
Believe me, there are lots of other activities that promise family fun. And not all activities are kid’s activities, but you will see there are several that all members of the family will enjoy.
Here is a great kid’s activity!
Beach, beach, we always visit the beach – Clearwater Beach is about 1 ½ hours away to the west, and Cocoa Beach is around an hour away to the east. The beach is a must-do activity for both adults and kids. Do you remember the first time your child felt ocean waves brush gently over their toes or their wonderment as the sand washed away under their feet?
If you can’t say yes to that question, your next family fun destination needs to include a beach. Just sayin’.
I live by my words. The photo below on the right, with two adults holding a child’s hand, is my daughter and her son. This was his first experience with the ocean, and yes, he was amazed at both the waves and feeling sand wash away under him. Trips with kids shouldn’t be a bucket list item. Trips with kids should be a let’s-plan-this-today item. Need more convincing? Perhaps this story about having great family vacations will help.
There is no time like the present!
We have also spent considerable time exploring Daytona Beach, enjoying Daytona Bike Week, and enjoying the incredible beach. Visiting the beach can mean so much more than playing in the sand. Check out the video below if you aren’t sure how beach time can fit into your family vacation.
Did you know there are sections of Daytona Beach you can drive your car on? I think that’s a pretty cool thing to do! Talk about family fun right there – oh yeah. Visiting Florida’s Space Coast is pretty cool.
How is that for #2 on the list of Orlando activities?
Time for adult activities in Orlando.
We loved our time mudding at Hummer Off-Road Experience – (prices start at $175 according to their website). While a bit pricey, this was an absolute blast! My brother and Papa Joe each got to drive the Hummers, and my sis and I were covered in mud. Not for everyone, but a must-do if you like this kind of adult fun – and a totally different definition of family fun!
If you are into jet boat rides and the chance to view alligators and bald eagles in their natural habitat, our favorite is Airboat Rides at Midway – (less than $40 per person). We have visited Midway at least 3 times. Our best gator and bald eagle experiences were in the spring, but we have enjoyed trips with Midway in the summer too.
The airboats are loud, and airboat operators will provide earphones for all participants. Leave all loose items in the car, including sunglasses and ball caps.
Recently we tried a different airboat ride in the same area, and it just didn’t compare to Midway.
These activities are so much fun, I’m calling them #3 and #4.
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Ready for more nature activities?
If you want to see more nature, you can’t miss the Orlando Wetlands Park.
And… wait for it… There is no admission charge. I love free activities!
Orlando Wetlands Park is a walking park and is a really great idea. This park is part of Orlando’s water reclamation projects. It is full of alligators of all sizes, and birds of every local species. Paths are well-marked, and there is a picnic area just outside the park entrance.
There are few trees, so an umbrella is recommended for those who are sensitive to the sun. You can easily spend several hours on this family fun activity. This is highly recommended and worth the trip.
Another great way to view nature is the Black Point Wildlife Drive.
There is a recommended $10 entry fee per vehicle, but it is collected on the “honor” system. The drive includes the chance to park and explore. Included in the park are a few easy walking trails to get closer to nature, offering great vantage points to see over the water and view a wider variety of wildlife than is possible from the car.
Most of the paths are wheelchair and handicap accessible. This really is a great opportunity to expose the kids to wildlife in its native environment – family fun at its finest.
I recommend you drive slow while going through Black Point Wildlife Drive – and keep your eyes peeled. My sis says to look for “what looks out of place”. That has been good advice for spotting wildlife in its natural habitat.
These nature activities are all within an hour’s drive of Orlando, and all are worth the drive to get there. If you want to expose your family to nature, these are must-do activities for your next family vacation.
My favorite adult activity…
You guessed it. Food. It’s always the food. Unless it’s the beach lol.
I love the City Walk at Universal Studio. With a huge variety of restaurants, occasional street performers, and after-hours activities, there are plenty of choices for any palate.
This is an activity that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, is handicap and wheelchair accessible – you know, a great destination for part of your family vacation. Some restaurants cater to children and daytime activities include face painting and demonstrations.
After-hours activities range from formal shows like the Blue Man Group to dealing-piano bars. Parking can be a bit pricey, and considering adult activities enjoyed here in the evening, Uber or Lyft may be a better option for evening transportation.
How do you decide what to do IN Orlando?
Many of the “Vacationland Attractions” are found on Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, which is the main thoroughfare near Universal Studios and Disney. Irlo Bronson allows easy access to theme parks, mini-golf, theme supper shows, grocery stores, and other places to pick up necessary supplies. Numerous gift-themed shops are also located on Irlo Bronson, as well as a wide variety of restaurants offering any type of food a visitor could possibly want.
Checking out the multiple activities on Irlo Bronson is a huge #6 on this list – but it could be a top 10 all on its own. For example, on our last family vacation to Orlando, we found an inexpensive theme park along the road, with rides specialized for younger children and an arcade for adolescents and adults.
The charge for admission was minimal, and it allowed our grandkids to get the theme park experience without a hefty price tag.
What other kid’s activities are in Orlando?
If the kids like to see large wildlife closely while being safe, you can’t miss the Showcase of Citrus with the 4×4 Monster Truck. Admission starts at $15, a tour of the orange grove is available at no cost. With an assortment of sauces, mixes, and snacks, this place has it all.
This has become one of our favorite kids’ activities. On our last trip, our 3-year-old grandson drove the 4×4 (with help of course). The tour affords several opportunities to feed zebras, water buffalo, and other wildlife kept at the site. All from a safe distance, but close enough the kids can really experience the animals.
Are there Orlando activities if you have a scientist-in-the making?
A visit to NASA at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must-do – (admission starts at $40 per person). This wasn’t my cup of tea, but Papa Joe was seriously like a kid in a candy shop. With hands-on exhibits, to historic aircraft, there is plenty here for kids and adults of all ages.
I have had to re-think this recommendation, and should probably move it further up on the list. With commercial companies now launching from the Kennedy Space Center, more and more attention is being placed on space travel. Our kids are interested. The opportunity to explore Mars – and see the ships going there, is one of the fastest-growing specialty interests for our elementary-aged children today.
If you are on a family vacation and looking for kids’ activities, please consider visiting Kennedy Space Center. You may end up with an astronaut of your own!
If you time it right, you may even watch a space shuttle launch. Schedules for confirmed launch dates can be found here. Good luck!
Our last Orlando activity recommendation.
I’m breaking my own rules…. and following my own rule. Confused yet?
I’m breaking my own rule by recommending something we haven’t done yet…. so take this recommendation with a grain of salt. All puns intended. And following my own rule by including the recommendation for including a food tour. Little Vietnam Food & Art Walking Tour is available on TripAdvisor and looks like a super-cool thing to do. My next update on this feature story will include an update on this for sure!
Whether a Vietnam Food tour is your first choice or not, I highly recommend finding a food tour that speaks to you. And just do it!
Orlando is fun to visit.
Regardless of what your interests are, there are Orlando activities for you or have something great within an hour’s drive or so. I love that the city is so versatile and I have tried to provide you with some resources to help plan your trip and keep costs down. I even included a resource for home rentals – which has been our favorite, most comfortable way to visit Orlando.
When it comes to entertainment, you can spend as little or as much as you like, but I still like to save money where I can. Gatorland was fun, and we have some very special memories from our last trip, but nothing beats the magic of Disney. After all… it’s a Magical Place!
Lastly, Florida gets hot, and kids (me) tire more easily in the heat. Take plenty of water, wear comfortable (preferably close-toed) shoes, and have rain gear handy if there is any chance of rain. Good advice for any outdoor activity. Click here for another full-length story with more about our widely varied visits to Orlando.
There truly are Orlando activities for everyone – even kids’ activities everyone can enjoy. Pick a couple and have a blast!
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