Mickey Mouse and Cinderella’s Castle, alligators and orcas—Orlando is a family-friendly dream come true. Grab the kids and book an Orlando hotel.Orlando’s family-friendly favorite, Walt Disney World entertains families for days. After a few thrill rides, relax over dinner with Mickey Mouse, Goofy or Snow White. And bring along a pen so you can get a character autograph.
Lake Buena Vista, 32830
There are no bad seats at SeaWorld—everyone enjoys thrilling views of dolphins leaping through rings and waving hello with their flippers. For an extra thrill on a hot day, choose a front row seat, where the famous orca Shamu is sure to douse visitors on spectacular underwater dives.
7007 SeaWorld Dr., Orlando 32821
Bouncing through Florida’s swamplands, Boggy Creek’s airboats take passengers on an adventure through the region’s natural landscape. Glide over the water at 45mph, scaring up flocks of cormorants and herons, before slowing down to look for alligators.
2001 E. Southport Rd., Kissimmee 34746
Laser beams, fireworks and colorful fountains light up the night sky and the reflecting waters of the UK Pavilion lake at Walt Disney World’s Epcot Center each evening. Check into your Orlando hotel, then watch the sky light up.
Epcot, Lake Buena Vista, 32830
The Lego Imagination Center, a huge shop within Downtown Disney, sells Lego toys as well as providing a free construction area. Kids can spend hours building the perfect towers, rocket ships and alien spacecraft from the colorful plastic building blocks.
Downtown Disney Marketplace, Lake Buena Vista, 32830
Universal Studios’ boat ride begins calmly enough but quickly becomes an adventure when a three-ton shark is spied off the bow. Relive the thrill of Jaws at the thrill ride of the same name, just one of many film- and television-themed rides at Universal.
Universal Studios, Universal Blvd., Orlando, 32819
Thrill-ride addicts find multiple ways to be flipped around, shaken up and otherwise scared at Islands of Adventure. Outsmart a Tyrannosaurus on the Jurassic Park River Adventure and race along a corkscrew-shaped rollercoaster in Dueling Dragons. Spider-man, the Incredible Hulk and the Cat in the Hat make appearances, too.
Islands of Adventure, Universal Blvd., Orlando 32819
Discovery Cove gives visitors a close-up experience of graceful dolphins on 90-minute encounters. Swim, play and ride the ever-popular sea creatures before heading off for encounters with barracudas and sharks.
Discovery Cove, 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando 32821
Lake Eola Park is a 43-acre green space in downtown Orlando and is a favorite for lakeside picnics. Wide lawns entice you to relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine. You can feed the resident swans, catch a free concert or buy produce at the Sunday farmer’s market.
195 N. Rosalind Ave., Orlando 32801
Each Saturday Winter Park hosts a farmer’s market, filling the vendors’ stalls with the scent of fresh oranges, tangerines, grapefruits and lemons, ideal for stocking up for picnic lunches.
200 W. New England Ave., Winter Park 32789
