Family-Friendly Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

setembro 18, 2024setembro 18, 2024 Ruth Maia 1 visualizações 0 comentários

Orlando is best known for its world-class theme parks, but there’s so much more to do beyond Disney and Universal. Whether you’re looking for interactive museums, outdoor adventures, or cultural experiences, Orlando offers plenty of family-friendly activities that don’t involve long lines or high admission prices. Here’s a guide to the best family-friendly things to do in Orlando besides theme parks.

1. Orlando Science Center

For an educational yet fun-filled day, the Orlando Science Center is a great destination for families. This hands-on museum offers interactive exhibits that will engage kids and adults alike.

What to Do: Explore the Kidstown area, designed specifically for younger children, or check out the DinoDigs exhibit, where kids can dig for fossils and learn about prehistoric creatures. The Kinetic Zone allows children to experiment with engineering and physics through hands-on activities.
Why It’s Great for Families: The exhibits are designed to be interactive, making it a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss the Crosby Observatory on select nights, where you can stargaze through the largest public-access telescope in Florida.

2. Crayola Experience

Located at The Florida Mall, the Crayola Experience is a colorful indoor attraction where creativity takes center stage. With over 25 hands-on activities, this attraction is perfect for families with young children.

What to Do: Create your own crayon, star in your own coloring page, and explore the Color Playground, a multi-level play area. Kids can also melt wax to create colorful spin art and watch live shows about how crayons are made.
Why It’s Great for Families: The Crayola Experience offers a safe, interactive environment where kids can unleash their creativity while learning about colors and art.
Pro Tip: Allow at least two hours to explore all the activities, and be sure to visit the gift shop for unique Crayola products.

3. Lake Eola Park

In the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park offers a scenic escape from the city and plenty of family-friendly activities. This urban park is perfect for a relaxing afternoon outdoors.

What to Do: Rent a swan-shaped paddle boat and explore Lake Eola, or take a leisurely walk around the paved path that circles the lake. The park also has a playground for younger children and plenty of open space for a picnic or game of frisbee.
Why It’s Great for Families: The park offers free and low-cost activities, making it a budget-friendly option for families looking to enjoy the outdoors.
Pro Tip: Visit on a Sunday to explore the Orlando Farmers Market, where you can sample local food and browse craft stalls.

4. Leu Gardens

For families who enjoy the outdoors, Harry P. Leu Gardens offers 50 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and walking paths. It’s a peaceful retreat that provides plenty of opportunities to explore nature.

What to Do: Wander through the various themed gardens, including the rose garden, butterfly garden, and tropical stream garden. Kids will love spotting the many different plants, flowers, and wildlife along the paths.
Why It’s Great for Families: Leu Gardens offers a relaxing environment where kids can explore and learn about nature while enjoying the fresh air.
Pro Tip: Admission is free on the first Monday of each month, making it an affordable outing for the whole family.

5. ICON Park

ICON Park, located on International Drive, is a fun destination for families that offers a mix of attractions, dining, and entertainment. Its centerpiece is The Wheel, a 400-foot-tall observation wheel that provides stunning views of Orlando.

What to Do: Take a ride on The Wheel, explore Madame Tussauds Orlando, or visit the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, where kids can see sharks, stingrays, and colorful fish up close. ICON Park also has a variety of family-friendly restaurants and cafes, perfect for a meal after a day of fun.
Why It’s Great for Families: ICON Park offers a variety of experiences all in one location, making it easy to spend an entire day enjoying the attractions.
Pro Tip: Check online for combination tickets that offer discounts on multiple attractions, such as The Wheel and SEA LIFE.

6. Orlando Museum of Art

If your family enjoys art and culture, the Orlando Museum of Art provides an enriching experience for both kids and adults. The museum hosts a variety of rotating exhibitions and family-friendly programs throughout the year.

What to Do: Explore the museum’s collection of American art, African art, and contemporary works. For younger children, the museum offers interactive art stations where they can create their own masterpieces.
Why It’s Great for Families: The museum’s educational programs and hands-on art activities make it a great place for children to learn about art in a fun and engaging way.
Pro Tip: Visit on the first Thursday of the month for 1st Thursdays, an evening of live entertainment, art, and food, perfect for older kids and teens.

7. Gatorland

For a more adventurous outing, Gatorland is an exciting destination where families can get up close with Florida’s most famous reptiles. Known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” this attraction offers a mix of entertainment and wildlife education.

What to Do: Watch the Gator Jumparoo Show, where massive alligators leap out of the water for food, or walk along the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, which soars over the park’s alligator breeding marsh. Kids will love the Gator Gully Splash Park and the chance to feed baby alligators.
Why It’s Great for Families: Gatorland provides a fun, interactive experience that’s both educational and thrilling. It’s perfect for kids who love animals and adventure.
Pro Tip: Bring water shoes and swimsuits for the kids, as they’ll likely want to cool off at the splash park.

8. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Located just north of Orlando in Sanford, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a great destination for families who want to experience wildlife and nature.

What to Do: Explore the zoo’s animal exhibits, including giraffes, rhinos, and big cats. Kids can also feed the colorful lorikeets at the zoo’s aviary or cool off at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground. Don’t forget to check out the ZOOm Air Adventure Park, which offers zip-lining and ropes courses for kids and adults.
Why It’s Great for Families: The combination of animal exhibits, interactive experiences, and botanical gardens offers a day of fun and learning for all ages.
Pro Tip: Plan to arrive early in the day to avoid the afternoon heat and catch the animals when they’re most active.

9. Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

For a relaxing family outing, the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour offers a tranquil journey through the scenic lakes and canals of Winter Park. This hour-long guided tour is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

What to Do: Board a pontoon boat and enjoy a guided tour that takes you past historic homes, gardens, and wildlife. Kids will love spotting birds and turtles as the boat glides through the peaceful waterways.
Why It’s Great for Families: The scenic tour is both relaxing and educational, offering a unique perspective on the history and beauty of Winter Park.
Pro Tip: After the boat tour, take a stroll down Park Avenue, where you can enjoy ice cream or lunch at one of the outdoor cafes.

10. Fun Spot America

If you’re looking for thrill rides without the high cost of major theme parks, Fun Spot America is a family-friendly amusement park offering classic rides and attractions. Located on International Drive, Fun Spot is a great alternative for a day of fun.

What to Do: Ride the Freedom Flyer roller coaster, race go-karts on multi-level tracks, or test your bravery on the SkyCoaster, a 250-foot drop that simulates skydiving. The park also has plenty of rides for younger kids, including bumper cars and a carousel.
Why It’s Great for Families: Fun Spot offers affordable, pay-as-you-go options, allowing families to enjoy rides and games without breaking the bank.
Pro Tip: Visit in the evening when the park is less crowded and cooler, and be sure to check online for discounts on wristbands.

Conclusion: Explore Family Fun Beyond the Theme Parks

While Orlando’s theme parks are world-renowned, there’s no shortage of family-friendly activities to enjoy outside of Disney and Universal. From interactive museums and outdoor adventures to unique animal encounters, Orlando offers a wide range of attractions that cater to families of all ages. By exploring these hidden gems, you’ll create unforgettable memories without the high price tags and long lines of the theme parks.