Orlando with Kids
The theme parks get the headlines, but Orlando is one of the easiest cities in America to keep little ones happy without a four-park sprint. Here's our short list of the things we'd actually take our own kids to do between the gates.
Updated June 2026
Everyone arrives in Orlando with a theme-park plan, and that's fair enough. But a whole vacation of rope-drop and 40,000 steps a day is a lot for small legs, and the most-loved family days we see are usually the ones tucked between the big parks: a morning eye to eye with an alligator, an afternoon turning the world upside down on International Drive, an airboat skimming the marsh where the Everglades begin.
This page is for families who want the rest of Orlando, the parts that don't cost a multi-day ticket and don't need a 6 a.m. alarm. Most of these are indoor or shaded, which matters from June through September when the afternoon thunderstorm rolls in like clockwork. If you do want the headliners too, start with our theme parks guide, then come back here for the breathers, and steal a ready-made route from our family itinerary.
What to do with kids
Six family days we'd happily do again, from a century-old gator park to a hands-on science center the locals treat as a second home.
When you need a low-key day
Not every day needs a ticket. A couple of our favorite free resets for families.
A perfect non-park day
A full, happy day for the kids with not a single park turnstile in sight.
- Open the morning cool at Gatorland, catch a feeding show and let the kids loose in the Gator Gully splash park.
- Grab a quick lunch on International Drive, then spin the Orlando Eye at ICON Park for the big-picture view.
- Duck into WonderWorks next door when the afternoon storm rolls in, and tire everyone out on the ropes course.
- Cool down and refuel with an early dinner back along I-Drive, no reservation needed.
- Wind down with a free evening stroll and the sprinkler fountains at Disney Springs, ferry boat included.
Where to go next
More family-friendly Orlando, from a half-day with the gators to a full LEGOLAND road trip.
Gatorland
The 1949 “Alligator Capital of the World,” with feeding shows, a splash park and a zip line over the marsh.
LEGOLAND Florida
A 45-minute drive to Winter Haven for a whole park built for ages two to twelve. The sweet spot for younger kids.
ICON Park
The free-to-wander I-Drive hub with the Orlando Eye, the aquarium and dinner without a reservation.
Family Itinerary
A day-by-day Orlando plan for families, mixing the big parks with the breathers on this page.
Book Orlando family tickets & tours
Common questions
What is there to do in Orlando with kids besides the theme parks?
Plenty. Our favorites are Gatorland for classic Florida wildlife, ICON Park and the Orlando Eye on International Drive, the upside-down WonderWorks, the hands-on Orlando Science Center in Loch Haven Park, the Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall, and a Boggy Creek airboat ride near Kissimmee. Free options like Lake Eola Park and Disney Springs round out a budget-friendly day.
Is Orlando good for toddlers and younger kids?
Yes, and you don't need a big-park ticket to keep them happy. The Crayola Experience, Orlando Science Center's KidsTown, Gatorland's Gator Gully splash park, and the playground and swan boats at Lake Eola Park are all geared to younger children. For a full toddler-friendly theme park, LEGOLAND Florida (about 45 minutes away in Winter Haven) is built for ages two to twelve.
What can we do in Orlando with kids on a rainy day?
Orlando gets near-daily afternoon thunderstorms in summer, so it pays to have indoor backups. WonderWorks, the Orlando Science Center, the Crayola Experience and the SEA LIFE Aquarium at ICON Park are all indoor and air-conditioned. We like to plan outdoor stops like Gatorland and airboats for the morning and save these for the afternoon.
How far is LEGOLAND Florida from the Orlando theme parks?
LEGOLAND Florida is in Winter Haven, roughly a 45-minute drive south from the Walt Disney World area, which makes it an easy day trip. Because the whole park is designed for ages two to twelve and tickets typically cost less than the big parks, it's a strong choice for families with younger children.
Are there free things to do in Orlando with kids?
Definitely. Lake Eola Park downtown has a playground, swan boats and a paved loop, with free events on select dates at its amphitheater, and Disney Springs has free parking and entry, sprinkler fountains, a LEGO build table and free ferry boats. Many neighborhood parks across the area also have splash pads that are free to use.
Can kids go on the Boggy Creek airboat rides?
Yes. Boggy Creek Airboat Rides near Kissimmee, about 30 minutes from the parks, runs 30-minute and one-hour tours that are popular with families. The flat-bottomed boats glide across Lake Tohopekaliga and the headwaters of the Everglades with a chance to spot alligators, turtles and birds. Check the operator's site for any age or height notes and to reserve a time.