Top Kid-Friendly Attractions in Orlando

Description:

Home to SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, Wet 'n Wild water park, Islands of Adventure, and Universal Studios Florida, International Drive is a theme park lover's paradise. Also a popular shopping destination, you can find 485+ shops ranging from designer boutiques to bargain outlet malls. At Orlando Premium Outlets, you will find designer outlets such as Armani Exchange, Salvatore Ferragamo, Dior, and BCBG Max Azria. Visit the Festival Bay Mall at International Drive to catch a movie, play a round of mini golf, shop, and dine at the many restaurants onsite. Servicing International Drive is the air-conditioned I-Ride Trolley Service to help get you from place to place. Operating daily, the cost is USD1 per ride for adults, 25 cents for seniors, and free for kids under 12 accompanied by an adult.

Description:

The Orlando Science Center is four floors of fascinating fun. The innovative center, the largest of its kind in the Southeast, provides 10 exhibit halls that allow visitors to explore everything from Florida swamps to the arid plains of Mars to the human body. One of the big attractions is the Dr. Phillips CineDome, a 310-seat theater that presents large-format films, planetarium shows, and laser-light extravaganzas. Just a small sampling of what you can expect includes exhibits such as KidsTown, where little folks wander in exhibits representing a miniature version of the big world around them. In one section, there's a pint-size community that includes a construction site, park, and wellness center. Dr. Dare's Laboratory is a "classroom of tomorrow" that includes interactive computer displays, and NatureWorks uses replicated Florida ecosystems to teach kids about the environment. Dino Digs, TechW.orks, Xperience Factory, and Cool Science are some of the other exhibits that await you. Look for the Super Service Center, a Construction Site just for kids, and the Kids Kitchen all coming soon. Allow 3 to 4 hours, more if you have an inquiring mind

Our Local Expert Says:

Best downtown outdoor space!

Description:

A couple of hours can easily and peacefully drift away while strolling around Lake Eola Park, taking in the floating fountain and watching the white and black swans peacefully paddling across the lake. Established in 1888, the park's 43 acres of land are continuously enhanced with vibrant flowers, perfectly manicured grounds, and charming gazebos. The walking path circling the lake is 0.9 miles in length, perfect for enjoying a healthy stroll or vigorous jog. Shop at the Sunday Eola Market featuring fresh produce, artisan items, and a beer garden with live music. Swan rides are available for rent most days, and there is a restaurant tucked right inside the park called Eric's on Eola. There are about a dozen more restaurants within a short walking distance.

Description:

Downtown Orlando is the main commercial and entertainment hub of the city. Easily accessible from any route, this area has lush parks and gardens, schools, sports and recreational areas, hospitals, art and cultural center and financial institutions in its vicinity. From high-priced boutiques, shopping malls to the bargainable local shops, the residents have loads of choices to splurge. The chain of popular restaurants located here make this an ideal haunt for any food lover. All in all, a place that caters to the different needs of the locals and the visitors.

Our Local Expert Says:

Fabulous seasonal events like Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and the Holiday Concert Series

Description:

The world's favorite films and film stars come to life here, and 40 amazing and amusing rides, shows and attractions await. A virtual interactive Terminator 2:3-D adventure has its own set of thrills, as does an encounter with Jaws, a trip Back to the Future, and a voyage beyond the stars in an E.T. Adventure. Special VIP tours are available by pre-arrangement.

Description:

This trill-a-minute innovative theme park is every adventure lover's fantasy come alive. Fasten your seat belts and be ready to plunge from heights, experience a shark attack or set your adrenaline pumping with action-packed earthquakes and tornadoes. To savor the once-in-a-lifetime experience, try their pulse pounding roller coasters, psychological thrill rides or nerve-wrecking challenges where you get to attempt stunts. Greet your favorite comic characters, legends and super heroes in the motion based 3-D action rides or try your luck in the fun-filled video arcade. Watch dinosaurs in their natural habitat and Spider man in action, when he takes on his enemies in the ultimate battle. This far from average theme park is certainly not for the weak-hearted!

Our Local Expert Says:

Awesome animal shows and roller coasters

Description:

One of the first theme parks to open in Orlando, SeaWorld has been operating here for more than 30 years. The 200 acres of attractions and animal shows make this a perennial favorite with Florida visitors. Many new attractions and rides have been added to the original fun including a laser-fireworks-water extravaganza and high-tech thrill rides.