Orlando Florida Family Vacation: Activities, Attractions, and More
Planning a family vacation can be both exciting and overwhelming. But when it comes to vacationing in Orlando, you can rest assured that your family will have a great time. Orlando is known for its theme parks, but there’s so much more to this sunny city that makes it the perfect destination for a family getaway.
First and foremost, Orlando is incredibly family and kid-friendly. Plenty of activities and attractions are suitable for all ages, from toddlers to teenagers and adults. Whether you’re looking for thrills on roller coasters or a more relaxing time exploring nature, Orlando has it all.
In this article, we’ll cover some of the top attractions in Orlando that your whole family can enjoy. We’ll also dive into the various activities available and everything in between. Of course, we can’t forget about food. We’ll highlight some of the best places to eat in Orlando, including family-friendly restaurants.
Finally, we’ll provide tips to help you make the most of your Orlando family vacation, including saving money and avoiding crowds. So sit back, relax, and get ready to plan an unforgettable family vacation in Orlando, Florida!
Best attractions and destinations
Theme Parks
Orlando is home to some of the most central theme parks in the world, making it a top destination for families.
Walt Disney World
This massive destination has four different theme parks and two water parks. It also has numerous hotels, restaurants, and other attractions. The theme parks include Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Universal Orlando Resort
This resort also features several different theme parks. This includes Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay water park. It also offers several hotels and dining options.
SeaWorld Orlando
This marine theme park includes shows featuring dolphins, killer whales, and other sea creatures. Here, you can also find rides and other attractions.
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
This park is geared toward families with younger children. Legoland features rides and attractions based on the popular LEGO building toy.
Resorts
Many of the resorts in Orlando cater to families and offer a wide range of activities to keep kids entertained. The Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort offers a lazy river, waterslides, and a complimentary kids club. The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, has a 40,000-square-foot spa and restaurants. They also provide eco-tours, fishing, and more. The Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites – Waterpark has a 20,000 square foot waterpark, laser tag, 3D movie theater, and video arcade.
Art and Culture
Apart from the parks and resorts, Orlando has a thriving art and culture scene. Some many museums and galleries are perfect for families. Orlando Science Center is a great place to visit with its interactive exhibits, planetarium, and observatory. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is also a great one. It features an impressive collection of Tiffany glass. Also, there’s the Orlando Museum of Art has exhibits that are perfect for art-loving families.
Fun activities for the whole family
In addition to the popular attractions in Orlando, families can enjoy plenty of activities together. Here are some of the best options for families to experience in Orlando:
Visit Gatorland
Gatorland is a 110-acre park home to thousands of alligators, crocodiles, and other animals such as snakes and turtles. Families can watch a gator wrestling show, take a zipline ride over the park, and even have a one-on-one encounter with a gator.
Explore International Drive
International Drive is a 10-mile stretch packed with restaurants, shopping, and entertainment. Families can enjoy attractions like the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds, and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.
Experience the Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center is an hour’s drive from Orlando and is a must-visit for families. Some numerous exhibits and tours showcase NASA’s history and plans, including the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit and the Rocket Garden.
Go on a Safari
The Safari Wilderness Ranch is a 260-acre preserve home to over 400 animals. Families can take a safari tour and see animals such as lemurs, water buffalo, and zebras up close.
Have Fun at ICON Park
ICON Park is a family-friendly entertainment complex with attractions such as The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel, and the Orlando StarFlyer, a 450-foot swing ride. There’s also a variety of restaurants and shops to explore.
Must-try food places
Hungry after a day of fun in Orlando? You’re in luck! Orlando is home to a wide variety of restaurants that cater to all tastes and dietary needs.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a full meal, there’s sure to be something that will satisfy your appetite. And the best part? Many of these dining options are kid-friendly, making them perfect for families on vacation.
If you’re in the mood for pizza, check out Giordano’s or Flippers Pizzeria. Both offer delicious, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza to please everyone in the family. For something more adventurous, try Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar, where you can indulge in sushi rolls and unique burgers.
For a taste of Florida, head to The Boathouse at Disney Springs for seafood and waterfront views. Another excellent seafood spot is The Oceanaire Seafood Room, which offers fresh seafood flown in daily.
And for those of you with a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, where you can indulge in decadent desserts and milkshakes.
No matter what you’re in the mood for, Orlando has plenty of dining options perfect for families. So why not treat your taste buds to a culinary adventure during your next Orlando vacation?
Tips for a hassle-free vacation
The many attractions and activities we mentioned make it easy to see why Orlando is a popular family destination. But before you pack your bags and head to the airport, here are some helpful tips to ensure your trip is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Plan ahead
Orlando is a popular destination, so planning and booking your theme park tickets and activities in advance is essential. This will help you avoid last-minute stress and get package deals to save you money.
Stay hydrated
With the warm weather and all the walking around, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Make sure to bring a reusable water bottle and refill it frequently.
Take breaks
There’s so much to do and see in Orlando, but taking breaks throughout the day is essential to avoid exhaustion. Take a gap in the shade or sit down for a snack.
Be prepared for the weather.
Orlando can get hot and humid, so pack sunscreen, hats, and lightweight clothing. It’s also a good idea to bring a poncho or umbrella in case of rain.
Get to the parks early
Theme parks like Disney and Universal can get crowded, especially during peak season. Getting to the parks early can help you avoid long lines and make the most of your day.
Book your accommodations ahead
Check out Solara Orlando for your dream vacation! Solara Orlando is the perfect choice for staying with your family. With its convenient location, luxurious amenities, and spacious accommodations, this vacation rental has everything you need for a truly memorable experience. Go to our website for more details and book your stay at Solara Orlando ahead!