Things to Do with Kids in Orlando, FL (2026): 25 Local Picks

Looking for things to do with kids in Orlando? Beyond the theme parks, this list covers springs, nature centers, science museums and rainy-day fun across the county. Magic Kingdom and Gatorland are classics, while the Orlando Science Center, Wekiwa Springs and the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey give families plenty to do away from the big crowds.

25 picks · Updated October 2026

1
Magic Kingdom Park

Attraction in Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, $$$$
The original Disney World park is still the one kids dream about, with Fantasyland, Pirates of the Caribbean and fireworks over Cinderella Castle to end the day.
- Kids
- Family
- Visitor favorite
- Outdoor
Website for Magic Kingdom Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Magic Kingdom Park (opens maps)
2
Orlando Science Center

Entertainment spot in Loch Haven Park, Orlando
Hands-on exhibit halls, including the Kinetic Zone and an Extreme Sports exhibit, plus live science demonstrations and a giant dome theater make this the best indoor day out in Loch Haven Park.
- Kids
- Family
- Indoor
- Rainy day
Call Orlando Science Center Website for Orlando Science Center (opens in a new tab)Directions to Orlando Science Center (opens maps)
3
Gatorland

Attraction in Orlando, $$
Gator shows, a petting and feeding barnyard and an optional zip line over the ponds make this long-running park on South Orange Blossom Trail a reliable half-day trip.
- Kids
- Family
- Outdoor
- Visitor favorite
Call Gatorland Website for Gatorland (opens in a new tab)Directions to Gatorland (opens maps)
4
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

Attraction in Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, $$$$
Kids can see real giraffes and lions on Kilimanjaro Safaris and walk the Gorilla Falls trail, then ride Na'vi River Journey in Pandora.
- Kids
- Family
- Visitor favorite
- Outdoor
Website for Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park (opens maps)
5
Wekiwa Springs State Park

Park in Apopka, $
A clear spring that stays about 72 degrees year-round, with a swimming area and canoe rentals. Reserve day-use entry ahead, since spots are limited.
- Family
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Water
Call Wekiwa Springs State Park Website for Wekiwa Springs State Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Wekiwa Springs State Park (opens maps)
6
Audubon Center for Birds of Prey

Park in Maitland, $
A one-hour, $10 visit along a paved path lets kids see eagles, owls and hawks up close, and they learn why these resident birds cannot be released.
- Kids
- Family
- Outdoor
- Nature
Call Audubon Center for Birds of Prey Website for Audubon Center for Birds of Prey (opens in a new tab)Directions to Audubon Center for Birds of Prey (opens maps)
7
SeaWorld Orlando

Attraction in International Drive, Orlando, $$$
Sesame Street Land is built for younger children, while older kids head for the coasters and the Shark Encounter underwater tunnel.
- Kids
- Family
- Visitor favorite
- Water
Website for SeaWorld Orlando (opens in a new tab)Directions to SeaWorld Orlando (opens maps)
8
Lake Eola Park

Park in Downtown, Orlando
Swan-shaped pedal boats, two playgrounds for ages 2 to 12 and a paved loop around the fountain make downtown's signature park an easy free afternoon.
- Family
- Free
- Outdoor
- Water
Call Lake Eola Park Website for Lake Eola Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Lake Eola Park (opens maps)
9
WonderWorks Orlando

Entertainment spot in International Drive, Orlando
Hands-on science zones, a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, laser tag and an astronaut training gyro fill this International Drive attraction, which is open until midnight daily.
- Kids
- Family
- Indoor
- Rainy day
Call WonderWorks Orlando Website for WonderWorks Orlando (opens in a new tab)Directions to WonderWorks Orlando (opens maps)
10
Kelly Park / Rock Springs

Park in Apopka, $
Older kids love floating tubes down the cool, clear Rock Springs run. Buy tickets online ahead, since there is a daily cap, and bring your own tube.
- Family
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Water
Call Kelly Park / Rock Springs Website for Kelly Park / Rock Springs (opens in a new tab)Directions to Kelly Park / Rock Springs (opens maps)
11
Disney's Hollywood Studios

Attraction in Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, $$$$
Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge put kids inside their favorite movies, and Slinky Dog Dash is a good first coaster.
- Kids
- Family
- Visitor favorite
- Near Disney
Website for Disney's Hollywood Studios (opens in a new tab)Directions to Disney's Hollywood Studios (opens maps)
12
Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

Attraction in Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista, $$$
Tike's Peak gives small children their own splash area, while bigger kids can ride family rafts or take on Summit Plummet.
- Kids
- Family
- Outdoor
- Water
Website for Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park (opens maps)
13
Barnett Park

Park in Pine Hills, Orlando
A free county park on West Colonial Drive with a splash pad, an inclusive playground and a skate park, so siblings of different ages all have something to do.
- Kids
- Family
- Free
- Outdoor
Call Barnett Park Website for Barnett Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Barnett Park (opens maps)
14
Fun Spot America Orlando

Entertainment spot in International Drive, Orlando
Multi-level go-kart tracks, a wooden coaster and bumper boats off International Drive, plus a small gator exhibit with an albino alligator.
- Kids
- Family
- Good for groups
- Visitor favorite
Call Fun Spot America Orlando Website for Fun Spot America Orlando (opens in a new tab)Directions to Fun Spot America Orlando (opens maps)
15
High Point Climbing - Orlando

Entertainment spot in College Park, Orlando
Florida's self-described biggest climbing gym has a dedicated Kid Zone and bouldering area, plus classes and camps for kids who catch the bug.
- Kids
- Family
- Indoor
- Rainy day
Call High Point Climbing - Orlando Website for High Point Climbing - Orlando (opens in a new tab)Directions to High Point Climbing - Orlando (opens maps)
16
Scenic Boat Tour

Tour in Park Avenue, Winter Park, $
An hour on a pontoon through Winter Park's lakes and narrow canals, at $10 for kids, is a calm outing that works for all ages.
- Family
- Outdoor
- Water
- Date idea
Call Scenic Boat Tour Website for Scenic Boat Tour (opens in a new tab)Directions to Scenic Boat Tour (opens maps)
17
Fort Christmas Historical Park

Museum in Christmas (east Orange County), Orlando
A replica 1837 fort, pioneer homes and a schoolhouse bring Florida history to life in east Orange County, and the history programs are free.
- Kids
- Family
- Free
- Outdoor
Call Fort Christmas Historical Park Website for Fort Christmas Historical Park (opens in a new tab)Directions to Fort Christmas Historical Park (opens maps)
18
Dezerland Park Orlando

Entertainment spot in International Drive, Orlando
Indoor go-karts, bowling, laser tag and an auto museum with 2,000-plus vehicles under one roof make this an easy rainy-day choice on International Drive.
- Kids
- Family
- Indoor
- Rainy day
Call Dezerland Park Orlando Website for Dezerland Park Orlando (opens in a new tab)
19
Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf - International Drive

Entertainment spot in International Drive, Orlando, $
Two pirate-themed 18-hole courses with caves and waterfalls stay open late every day, and kids 3 and under play free with a paying adult.
- Kids
- Family
- Date idea
- Visitor favorite
Call Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf - International Drive Website for Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf - International Drive (opens in a new tab)Directions to Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf - International Drive (opens maps)
20
Putting Edge Orlando

Entertainment spot in International Drive, Orlando, $
Glow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf inside Dezerland Park is a short, air-conditioned activity that suits younger kids. Reserve ahead to avoid a wait.
- Kids
- Family
- Indoor
- Rainy day
Call Putting Edge Orlando Website for Putting Edge Orlando (opens in a new tab)Directions to Putting Edge Orlando (opens maps)
21
Mead Botanical Garden

Park in Winter Park
Free trails, a boardwalk over the wetlands and a pond where kids can spot turtles and wading birds make Mead an easy nature walk in Winter Park.
- Family
- Free
- Outdoor
- Nature
Call Mead Botanical Garden Website for Mead Botanical Garden (opens in a new tab)Directions to Mead Botanical Garden (opens maps)
22
Harry P. Leu Gardens

Park in Audubon Park, Orlando, $
Garden paths for exploring, plus story time events and several free admission days a year. Kids pay $10 on regular days.
- Family
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Date idea
Call Harry P. Leu Gardens Website for Harry P. Leu Gardens (opens in a new tab)Directions to Harry P. Leu Gardens (opens maps)
23
Oakland Nature Preserve

Park in Oakland
A long boardwalk out to Lake Apopka and Science Saturdays programs make this preserve a hands-on nature lesson for curious kids.
- Family
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Water
Call Oakland Nature Preserve Website for Oakland Nature Preserve (opens in a new tab)Directions to Oakland Nature Preserve (opens maps)
24
Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake

Park in Dr. Phillips, Orlando, $
A $5-per-car lakeside park in Dr. Phillips with a fishing pier, trails and cabins, good for a first family camping trip.
- Family
- Outdoor
- Nature
- Water
Call Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake Website for Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake (opens in a new tab)Directions to Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake (opens maps)
25
Central Florida Railroad Museum

Museum in Downtown Winter Garden
A small, free stop in downtown Winter Garden that train-loving kids will enjoy, easy to pair with lunch on Plant Street.
- Kids
- Family
- Free
- Indoor
Call Central Florida Railroad Museum Website for Central Florida Railroad Museum (opens in a new tab)Directions to Central Florida Railroad Museum (opens maps)

Things to do with kids in Orlando beyond the theme parks

The theme parks get the attention, but Orlando has plenty of family outings that cost less and come with shorter lines. North of downtown, Loch Haven Park has the Orlando Science Center, and Audubon Park has Leu Gardens. Lake Eola's swan boats and playgrounds are right downtown. Maitland's Audubon Center for Birds of Prey and Winter Park's Mead Garden and Scenic Boat Tour are a short drive away.

For nature, head northwest to Apopka's springs: Wekiwa Springs and Kelly Park are both cool spots to swim when it gets hot. On the east side, Fort Christmas covers pioneer history, and to the west, Oakland Nature Preserve has a long boardwalk to Lake Apopka. South of downtown, Gatorland is a half-day classic, and Bill Frederick Park in Dr. Phillips offers fishing and camping by Turkey Lake.

Rainy-day and indoor activities for kids in Orlando

Summer afternoons bring frequent storms, so keep a few indoor options ready. The Orlando Science Center can fill most of a day, and WonderWorks, Dezerland Park and Putting Edge are all clustered on International Drive. High Point Climbing in College Park has a Kid Zone and classes.

The Central Florida Railroad Museum in Winter Garden is a short, free indoor stop for younger children, and it pairs well with lunch downtown. For an evening activity, Pirate's Cove mini golf and WonderWorks both stay open late, which helps when the afternoon heat finally breaks. Theme park fans can also use a stormy afternoon to rest at the hotel and return for nighttime shows.

Tips for families visiting Orlando attractions

Buy tickets ahead where you can. Kelly Park sells online only with a daily cap, and Wekiwa Springs requires day-use reservations. Arrive early at theme parks and springs, take a midday break and go back out in the evening.

Plan around the heat from May through September. Pack water, sunscreen and a change of clothes for splash pads at Barnett Park and the springs. Free picks like Lake Eola, Mead Garden and Barnett Park are ideal for a lower-cost day between bigger outings.

About this list

Every place here is a locally run business in Orange County with its own website, which we checked for hours, menus and contact details. We leave national chains off our best-of lists and favor places with a clear specialty.

This page covers 25 kid-friendly activities in Orlando. You'll find them in International Drive, Walt Disney World, Loch Haven Park and Downtown, spread across Orlando, Lake Buena Vista, Apopka and Winter Park.

Where menus list prices, most of these sit in the $ range, with a handful at $$$$.

What comes up again and again on their menus and websites: Picnic areas.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best things to do with kids in Orlando?

Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are top theme-park picks for kids. Outside the parks, the Orlando Science Center, Gatorland, Wekiwa Springs State Park and the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey are family favorites. Lake Eola Park downtown is free and has swan pedal boats and two playgrounds.

What are free things to do with kids in Orlando?

Lake Eola Park, Barnett Park with its splash pad and inclusive playground, and Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park are all free. Fort Christmas Historical Park offers free history programs, and the Central Florida Railroad Museum in Winter Garden is free too. Leu Gardens has several free admission days each year.

What can kids do in Orlando when it rains?

The Orlando Science Center in Loch Haven Park is the best indoor option, with hands-on exhibit halls and a dome theater. On International Drive, WonderWorks, Dezerland Park and Putting Edge's glow-in-the-dark mini golf are all indoors. High Point Climbing in College Park has a Kid Zone for young climbers.

Where can kids swim in natural springs near Orlando?

Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka has a swimming area in a spring that stays about 72 degrees year-round, with canoe and kayak rentals. Kelly Park's Rock Springs, also in Apopka, is known for tubing down a cool, clear run. Both fill up, so reserve or buy tickets ahead.

What are cheap things to do with kids in Orlando?

The Audubon Center for Birds of Prey costs $10 per person, the Scenic Boat Tour in Winter Park is $10 for kids, and Bill Frederick Park is $5 per car. Pirate's Cove mini golf runs about $16 for kids 4 to 12. Free parks like Lake Eola and Barnett Park cost nothing at all.