Orlando is globally renowned for its mythical theme parks. Disney World and Universal Studios are often at the top of the list for families seeking fun-filled family vacations. However, there is much more to this central Florida city than thrilling roller coasters and fairy-tale parades. For those families looking for special and relaxing experiences, Orlando has a wealth of family-friendly destinations beyond the theme park alternatives.
Regardless of being a resident or a first-time guest, these kid-friendly destinations will provide exhilarating memories to all members of the family. In this article, we will examine some of the best Orlando family travel options beyond the theme parks.
For those families seeking a peaceful oasis, Harry P. Leu Gardens is a great place to leave the frenzy of theme park existence behind. A few minutes from downtown Orlando, this 50-acre botanical garden is a beautiful setting to enjoy time with children amidst nature. The gardens are beautifully maintained with an array of plant types, including roses, camellias, azaleas, and tropical foliage.
Kids will love visiting the Butterfly Garden and Historic Rose Garden, and there is space to run and play in the fresh air. Leu Gardens also offers some seasonal festivals and learning events perfect for traveling with kids. The gardens are a peaceful refuge that provides relief from the frantic energy of the theme parks, so it is one of the best theme park alternatives in Orlando.
For an exciting, interactive, and creative experience for the whole family, The Crayola Experience tops the list of Orlando family vacation activities. Located at The Florida Mall, this interactive venue contains over 25 imaginative exhibits where kids can experience the magic of colors.
From creating personalized crayons and coloring digital art to experiencing interactive play areas, The Crayola Experience fosters creativity in children of all ages. It’s one of the most beloved kid-friendly destinations in Orlando, offering a fun yet educational experience that the whole family will love. Whether it’s a rainy day or you’re looking to take a break from the theme parks, this colorful attraction offers a great alternative.
For something quintessentially Floridian, Gatorland is an excellent family activity. Dubbed the "Alligator Capital of the World," this park boasts thousands of alligators and crocodiles and numerous other exotic animals. Gatorland has interactive animal encounters, shows, and even comes face-to-face with some of the reptiles.
Among the park's premier attractions is the Gator Jumparoo Show, where alligators leap out of water to seize food. For the more adventurous, there is also an opportunity to try to ride the Screaming Gator Zip Line, which soars over the alligator breeding marsh. Gatorland is a premier Orlando family vacation spot for children who love animals and adventure and provides an experience that is fun, educational, and full of excitement.
Though not strictly within Orlando, Kennedy Space Center is only a few minutes' drive away and so a top attraction for Orlando family travel. It is a fine holiday option for families who enjoy science, technology, and the cosmos. The kids will be fascinated by exhibitions of space history, the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and the chance to meet real astronauts.
The Kennedy Space Center also offers special interactive experiences, such as the Mars Rover Simulator and the Astronaut Encounter, in which children are able to interview real astronauts. It's an ideal family destination for a learning and inspiring experience. Not only will children enjoy the fascinating exhibits, but the experience will also provide an improved perspective of the space race, so it's an ideal theme park alternative.
If you want to get outside into nature without leaving the Orlando area, Wekiwa Springs State Park has something for everyone. This 7,000-acre park is perfect for families who enjoy hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. The cold, crystal-clear waters of Wekiwa Springs are perfect for swimming and kayaking, so it's one of the top family-friendly attractions in Orlando to spend a day with the family.
Kids will have fun exploring along the park's many trails, which wind through heavy forests and by scenic springs. Nature enthusiasts also spot deer, birds, and other animals that inhabit the grounds. Paddling in spring or hiking through the forests, Wekiwa Springs is a pleasant break from the theme parks and is an excellent option for Orlando family travel.
ICON Park features The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel that provides breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding landscape. This is a wonderful Orlando family travel alternative that is less busy than the theme parks but just as thrilling for adults and kids.
The Wheel offers an air-conditioned capsule ride experience, making it a perfect activity to enjoy throughout the year, regardless of the weather. Besides a ride on the Wheel, there are also several dining and retail venues at its base, along with attractions such as Madame Tussauds Orlando and SEA LIFE Aquarium. ICON Park is a versatile destination, one which is able to marry entertainment with relaxation, and its position in respect to other major Orlando attractions makes it the perfect addition to the schedule.
For parents who have curious children, the Orlando Science Center ranks as one of Orlando's leading family-friendly sights. With diverse exhibits focused on science, technology, and nature, the Orlando Science Center has interactive exhibits that will captivate children of all ages.
Kids can explore exhibits on dinosaurs, space, physics, and even live animals. There are also plenty of hands-on activities in the museum’s labs and workshops, which encourage children to explore the wonders of science in a fun and educational way. If you’re looking for Orlando tips on how to keep your children entertained while learning something new, the Orlando Science Center is a perfect choice.
Lake Eola Park, located downtown Orlando, is a peaceful haven for families that must escape the stress and take some time outdoors. Its peaceful lake, swan boats, and playgrounds make it one of the best places in the city to pass a few hours. Families are able to rent paddle boats in the form of swans and travel about the lake at leisure, enjoying excellent views of downtown.
The park also has a children's playground with climbing structures and swings, making it an ideal destination for children to expend some energy. With its serene atmosphere and spectacular views, Lake Eola Park is a great escape from the theme parks' chaos and is perfect for a picnic lunch or casual afternoon stroll.
If your family is sweet-toothed, Chocolate Kingdom is a must-visit destination in Orlando. This hands-on and fun chocolate factory provides visitors with the chance to experience the chocolate-making process from bean to bar. Kids get to have fun hands-on with such activities as making their own chocolate bars and learning about chocolate history.
Chocolate Kingdom also has some unique experiences, including chocolate tastings and a 3D chocolate experience. The entire family will enjoy a tasty and educational experience, so it's a great option for Orlando family vacations with a chocolate-loving kid. Combining fun, education, and chocolate makes it one of the most memorable theme park experiences in the area.
Located in Sanford, off the main route from Orlando, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a perfect family outing for nature—and wildlife-interested families. The zoo provides a home for over 400 animals, including exotic species like giraffes, monkeys, and rhinos. In addition to the animal exhibits, the zoo features beautiful gardens in which to enjoy a peaceful family stroll.
The zoo also features a selection of interactive adventures, from giraffe feeding or enjoying the Safari Skyride to catch a bird's eye perspective at the zoo. It is an excellent place for kids to play and learn about nature and conservation. As it offers a mixture of animals, environment, and study activities, Central Florida Zoo ranks as yet another great theme park alternative in Orlando.
Although Orlando is mostly famous for theme parks, the city is alive with activity as a family beyond roller coasters and rides. Whether it's soothing nature escapes and learning experiences, or animal escapades and artistic experiences, these family vacation spots in Orlando have it all for any family type.
Whether you're in need of family-friendly destinations to escape the theme parks or if you'd rather get off the beaten path, Orlando has plenty of action-filled theme park options that will make your family vacation a trip to remember. So the next time you plan your Florida vacation, make it a point to explore the not-so-well-known places in Orlando – you will be surprised at how much more thrilling this city has in store for you.
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