Orlando is famous for its theme parks, but it has much more for families. This lively city offers a variety of activities perfect for all ages. You can enjoy outdoor adventures such as airboat rides and animal encounters. There are also interactive museums, zoos, and water sports.
There is so much to do in Orlando, from ziplining over gators to paddling crystal-clear springs. You can even learn about exciting space exploration. These experiences are both unique and memorable for families.
Discover Orlando’s hidden treasures. You’ll find kid-friendly and nature-based activities that create lasting memories. Get ready for a surprise with a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities. There’s so much more to Orlando than just its theme parks.
Outdoor Adventures in and Around Orlando
There’s so much fun waiting for you in Orlando, like ziplining and airboat rides. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures lets you speed across the Florida Everglades at 40 mph. You’ll see wildlife and areas few people have.
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
Brevard Zoo isn’t far from Orlando, and you can get close to over 900 animals. There, you can kayak near giraffes and even walk with kangaroos.
Brevard Zoo
Catboat Escapes is a short drive from Orlando. You can steer your own catamaran through beautiful rivers, wetlands, and see cypress trees up close.
Catboat Escapes
Zoos and Animal Encounters
Explore zoos Orlando and animal encounters Orlando for an amazing family adventure. Your journey starts at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. It’s filled with over 500 animals, like at the insect and reptile exhibits. There’s also a special area for little ones to pet animals. Plus, you can also enjoy the botanical gardens Orlando while walking the 23-acre area.
Travel about 90 minutes from Orlando to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. This place is more than a traditional aquarium, it’s a home for sick and injured marine animals. Here, you can feed stingrays, see how the hospital works, and learn about rescue work through fun presentations.
A short drive west from Orlando leads you to the Giraffe Ranch. Here, you can join a guided tour for an exciting animal encounters Orlando. You’ll get to know giraffes and other unique animals up close, in a space that feels like Africa. These tours let you feed and interact with the animals in their natural environment.
Mini-Golf and Adventure Golf
Orlando is a top spot for all who love golf. It has lots of mini-golf and adventure golf places for everyone. You can go with your family, friends, or by yourself. These unique courses take you through peaceful waterways, into tropical rainforests, and on fun movie-themed adventures. They offer something special for everyone to enjoy.
Congo River Golf
At Congo River Golf in Kissimmee, prepare to be amazed by its award-winning mini-golf. You’re not just putting around, but journeying through beautiful waterfalls, hidden caves, and dense tropical plants. The experience is like nothing else, making it a sought-after mini golf Orlando spot. It’s perfect for the whole family, ensuring a day filled with fun and excitement.
Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal CityWalk
Visit the Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal CityWalk for something really different. This adventure golf course is styled after classic horror and sci-fi films. It’s an 18-hole course that offers a unique experience. Perfect for a memorable game of golf that’s like no other you’ve had before.
Dinosaur World
Get ready for a journey through time at Dinosaur World. It’s an amazing outdoor museum just an hour from Orlando. Located in Plant City, it offers over 200 life-size dinosaur models in a natural setting.
Walk among these prehistoric creatures and be in awe at their size and detail. It’s a self-guided tour, making it perfect for exploring at your own pace.
Experience what it’s like to dig for fossils at the children’s fossil dig. This hands-on activity teaches young adventurers about paleontology. You can also see animatronic dinosaurs in action at the live shows, deepening your knowledge.
Inside, there’s an informative museum with real dinosaur artifacts and interactive displays. The main attraction indoors is the animatronic dinosaur display. Here, you can watch these ancient creatures move and understand their power.
For dinosaur fans or families looking for a fun adventure, Dinosaur World is a must. It’s Orlando’s top outdoor museum, offering an unforgettable experience that sparks the imagination.
Water Sports and Paddle Adventures
Enjoy Orlando’s beautiful waterways with exciting water sports. You can go kayaking or rent a jet ski for thrilling adventures. The lakes and rivers are crystal clear, perfect for any water activity.
Epic Paddle Adventures
Explore Orlando’s water and paddle adventures with Epic Paddle Adventures. They offer unforgettable experiences in kayaking. You’ll see beautiful lakes and the ocean coast while learning safety tips. This experience is sure to be a memorable one.
Get Up and Go Kayaking at Rock Springs
Head to Rock Springs, just 40 minutes from Orlando. This spot is perfect for a family kayaking day. The area has clear, calm waters and stunning nature views. It’s a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
Luxe Rentals
Looking for fun water vessels in Orlando? Luxe Rentals has you covered. You can rent jet skis, boats, and more. They offer lessons on water sports, making your adventure safe and enjoyable. Your trip on the lakes and rivers will be full of fun and beautiful sights.
Family-Friendly Parks and Attractions
Orlando is not just about its famous theme parks. It has a lot more to offer for families. You can find everything from exciting rides to go-kart racing and mini-golf. This makes the city a lively place for everyone.
Fun Spot America
Fun Spot America stands out as a family-owned theme park in Central Florida. With areas in Orlando and Kissimmee, it’s known for its thrilling rides and go-kart tracks. Families love to visit for a high-energy day out.
Gatorland
Gatorland is a historic spot in Orlando that’s budget-friendly for families. It’s home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles, as well as a petting zoo. For an extra charge, you can try the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line over the animals’ habitats.
Nona Adventure Park
Nona Adventure Park in Lake Nona has activities like a water obstacle course and a wake cable course. It also has a ropes course, climbing tower, and rock walls. Families can enjoy these challenges together, no matter their skill level.
Orlando Kart Center
Orlando Kart Center is perfect for those who love go-kart racing. It has tracks of both 6/10-mile and 8/10-mile lengths. This makes it great for beginners and experienced drivers alike.
Orlando StarFlyer at ICON Park®
The 450-foot-tall Orlando StarFlyer at ICON Park® lets you fly over International Drive. You can reach speeds up to 60 mph. It offers a thrilling and new way to see the city.
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is very close to Walt Disney World. It features 97 challenges in the trees for every climbing skill. From swings to a trapeze, it’s a fun and different way to enjoy nature.
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf on International Drive has two nine-hole courses. They are full of pirate-themed fun. It’s a classic mini-golf but with an exciting story for families to enjoy together.
What family-friendly activities are there in Orlando, besides theme parks?
Orlando has many fun activities for families beyond its famous theme parks. You can choose from outdoor adventures that include airboat rides and animal encounters. There are also water sports to enjoy. If you prefer indoor fun, interactive museums, zoos, and mini-golf are great choices. Besides, there are adventure parks that offer something for everyone.
You might want to zipline over gators or paddle crystal-clear springs. If you like learning, you can learn about space exploration too. There’s endless fun and discoveries waiting for you and your family in this vibrant city.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Just an hour away from Orlando’s fun spots, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is ready to welcome you. It lets you see space up close without going far. You can watch rocket launches, meet astronauts, and try space training. Plus, you’ll learn about the past, present, and future of space travel.
There’s a lot to check out and experience at the Kennedy Space Center. You can make a whole day of it. Also, consider visiting the America Space Museum & Space Walk of Fame. Or enjoy a visit to the unique The Wizard of Oz Museum. This is perfect if you love museums and all things space.
Are you into the story of space travel or dream of being an astronaut? The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must-visit. It’s a short drive from Orlando’s exciting places. Here, you can dive into the magic of the universe.
