Unearth The Voyage
Orlando isn’t just about theme parks – though it certainly has some of the world’s best. Families visiting Central Florida will discover everything from hands-on science museums to serene gardens, thrilling water parks to up-close animal encounters. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teenagers, this city offers attractions that spark wonder, laughter, and memories that last long after you’ve headed home.
1. Magic Kingdom Park (Walt Disney World Resort)
Cinderella Castle rises like a beacon of childhood dreams, welcoming families into a world where fairy tales come alive. Every corner of this iconic park buzzes with energy, from the spinning teacups of Fantasyland to the swashbuckling adventures of Pirates of the Caribbean.
Character meet-and-greets let kids hug their favorite heroes, while parades roll down Main Street with dancers, floats, and music. As the sun sets, fireworks burst over the castle, painting the sky in brilliant colors.
Check Disney’s official site for current hours and ticket prices. Lines can be long, so arriving early or using Genie+ can save precious time and keep everyone smiling.
2. Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Riding through an African savanna as giraffes stroll past your open-air truck. is exactly what Kilimanjaro Safaris delivers, blending authentic animal encounters with Disney storytelling magic.
Beyond the safari, Pandora transports you to an alien moon with glowing plants and the breathtaking Flight of Passage ride. The Tree of Life stands at the park’s heart, its trunk carved with hundreds of animal figures, now home to a new theater show.
Disney confirms the park remains open during its period of updates, so you’ll still enjoy marquee attractions. Grab a park map at the entrance to plan your route around showtimes and feeding schedules.
3. Universal Studios Florida
Step through the brick wall into Diagon Alley and watch your kids’ eyes widen as they shop for wands at Ollivanders. Movie magic wraps around every corner here, from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter to the hilarious antics of Illumination’s Minion Land.
Seasonal celebrations add extra sparkle—think Halloween Horror Nights or Mardi Gras parades. One coaster, Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, closed permanently in August 2025, but the park still brims with family-friendly rides and shows.
Grab an early-entry pass if you’re staying on-site. It shaves wait times and lets you experience the most popular attractions before the crowds arrive.
4. Universal’s Islands of Adventure
Hagrid’s motorbike roars to life, launching you through a forest filled with magical creatures and surprise drops. This ride alone is worth the trip, blending storytelling with heart-pounding thrills.
Little ones adore Seuss Landing, where whimsical rides and colorful characters bring Dr. Seuss books to life. Older kids chase adrenaline on the Jurassic World VelociCoaster, one of the fastest coasters in Florida.
Each island offers a different adventure—superheroes, dinosaurs, wizards, and more. Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll cover serious ground hopping between lands. Check the Universal app for real-time wait times and show schedules to maximize your day.
5. SeaWorld Orlando
Dolphins leap in perfect arcs, their trainers guiding them through flips and spins that leave the audience cheering. SeaWorld blends marine education with entertainment, offering close-up views of creatures most kids only see in books.
Between shows, thrill-seekers can tackle coasters like Mako and Kraken. Younger visitors love the touch pools, where they can gently pet stingrays gliding through shallow water.
Verify showtimes and park hours on SeaWorld’s official calendar before you go—schedules shift with the seasons. Arrive early to snag front-row seats at popular presentations, and bring a change of clothes if you sit in the splash zone.
6. Aquatica Orlando (SeaWorld’s Water Park)
Ranking among the nation’s top family water parks, Aquatica turns a hot Florida day into pure joy. Slides twist and plunge through tunnels, some even passing by swimming dolphins in underwater viewing areas.
Lazy rivers wind past sandy beaches, perfect for toddlers and parents who want to float and relax. Wave pools generate gentle swells for little ones and bigger breakers for older kids.
Check day-by-day hours on aquatica.com—the park sometimes closes for private events or seasonal adjustments. Rent a cabana for shade and a home base, especially if you’re spending the whole day. Lockers and life vests are available at the entrance.
7. Universal’s Volcano Bay
A towering volcano anchors this water theme park, its peak occasionally erupting with water and light effects. Raft rides send families spinning down multi-person slides, screaming and laughing together.
The wave pool mimics ocean swells, while lazy rivers meander through lush tropical landscaping. Mixed-age groups appreciate the variety—toddlers splash in shallow play areas as teens brave the drop slides.
Universal’s TapuTapu wristband system lets you virtually hold your place in line, freeing you to relax instead of standing in the sun. Arrive when the park opens to claim lounge chairs and beat the midday heat. Sunscreen reapplication is a must in Florida’s intense UV.
8. Orlando Science Center
Four floors of hands-on discovery turn science into an adventure kids don’t realize is educational. They’ll launch air rockets, explore the human body from the inside, and watch live alligator feedings in the nature exhibit.
Rotating exhibits keep the experience fresh—one visit might feature dinosaurs, the next outer space. The giant-screen theater and planetarium add immersive films that make learning unforgettable.
This indoor attraction is a lifesaver when afternoon thunderstorms roll in or when everyone needs a break from theme-park crowds. Visit osc.org for current exhibit schedules and ticket deals. Memberships pay for themselves after just two visits if you’re local or planning multiple trips.
9. Gatorland
Dubbed the Alligator Capital of the World, this classic Central Florida gem has thrilled visitors since 1949. Hundreds of gators and crocs bask in the sun, their prehistoric forms both terrifying and mesmerizing.
Shows feature daring handlers who wrestle gators and share fascinating facts about these ancient reptiles. Kid-friendly boardwalks and a petting zoo let little ones meet gentler creatures, while a zip line over the gator marsh offers brave souls an adrenaline rush.
Operating hours and special offers appear on gatorland.com. Wear closed-toe shoes for the boardwalks, and bring a hat—much of the park is outdoors. The gift shop stocks quirky gator-themed souvenirs kids love.
10. ICON Park Trio: The Orlando Eye (aka The Wheel), SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium & Madame Tussauds
Three attractions in one convenient International Drive location make ICON Park a smart choice for families short on time. The Orlando Eye lifts you 400 feet above the city in air-conditioned capsules, offering sweeping views of theme parks and downtown skyline.
Below, SEA LIFE’s 360-degree ocean tunnel surrounds you with sharks, rays, and tropical fish—Florida’s only walk-through underwater viewing experience. Next door, Madame Tussauds lets kids pose with eerily lifelike wax figures of celebrities, athletes, and historical icons.
Combo tickets save money if you’re visiting all three. Check iconparkorlando.com, visitsealife.com, and madametussauds.com for hours and online discounts. The area also has restaurants and shops for a full afternoon outing.
11. Crayola Experience Orlando
Dozens of hands-on stations transform the simple crayon into a world of creativity. Kids name and wrap their own custom crayons, melt wax into sculptures, and star in digital coloring adventures projected on massive screens.
Toddlers through tweens stay engaged for hours, and parents appreciate the air-conditioned, sensory-friendly environment. Seasonal events add themed crafts and character appearances throughout the year.
The attraction is open daily, with extended hours during peak vacation periods. Visit crayolaexperience.com for current schedules and any special workshops. Bring a bag—your kids will leave with armfuls of colorful creations they’ll want to take home. Smocks are provided, but expect some wax on clothes anyway.
12. Harry P. Leu Gardens
Just minutes from downtown’s hustle, 50 acres of botanical beauty offer a peaceful escape. Stroller-friendly paths wind through rose gardens, tropical bamboo groves, and shaded oak canopies draped in Spanish moss.
Kids love spotting butterflies, turtles, and birds along the trails. The historic Leu House Museum adds a touch of local history, though the gardens themselves are the main draw.
Open daily from 9 to 5, with last entry one hour before closing—special events may adjust hours, so check leugardens.org. Admission is affordable, and members enter free. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the lawn, or simply wander and let the kids burn energy in a calm, natural setting.
13. Lake Eola Park Swan Boats
Downtown Orlando’s signature lake sparkles under the Florida sun, its centerpiece fountain shooting water high into the air. Whimsical swan boats let families pedal around the lake, kids giggling as they steer the oversized birds.
The surrounding park offers playgrounds, a shaded walking path, and grassy areas perfect for picnics. Real swans glide alongside your boat, often approaching for a closer look.
Operated by the City of Orlando, the swan boats run daily when weather permits. Visit orlando.gov for current hours and rental rates. Parking downtown can be tricky, so arrive early on weekends. The nearby farmers market on Sundays adds fresh produce and local crafts to your outing.
14. WonderWorks Orlando (the upside-down house on I-Drive)
You can’t miss the upside-down building on International Drive—it looks like a mansion flipped onto its roof. Inside, over 100 interactive exhibits blur the line between education and entertainment.
Kids pilot space shuttles in simulators, experience hurricane-force winds, and test their skills on a ropes course suspended above the main floor. A 4D theater and glow-in-the-dark laser tag add extra thrills.
Open 365 days a year with extended hours, WonderWorks is a rainy-day savior or a break from outdoor heat. Check WonderWorks Online for combo tickets that include the ropes course and laser tag. The on-site restaurant serves kid-friendly meals, so you can easily spend half a day here.
15. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (easy day trip)
About an hour east of Orlando, rockets tower over the Florida coast, reminding visitors of humanity’s greatest adventures. The Space Shuttle Atlantis sits suspended as if in orbit, its payload bay open to reveal the intricate machinery that once circled Earth.
Bus tours take you to actual launch sites, and astronaut encounters let kids meet real space explorers. Interactive exhibits explain rocket science in ways even young children grasp.
Hours vary by season, so check the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex website before you go. Plan a full day—there’s too much to see in just a few hours. Bring sunscreen and hats; much of the outdoor rocket garden is exposed to the elements.
