13 Things to Do in Orlando With Toddlers
- Wednesday February 22nd 2023
Top Kid-Friendly Orlando Attractions
Wondering what to do or see in Orlando when you're visiting with toddlers? Toddlers have a constant need to explore and learn new things. Exploring Central Florida lets you and your toddler experience new sights and sounds, as well as create incredible memories together. There are many different types of activities for you to choose from, so plan the vacation that suits your family.
Parks are usually the first place your family will want to head to when they get tired of being indoors because there's always something interesting going on there. Typically, when you have your little ones in tow, visiting the bright lights of Orlando is going to be a challenge. Luckily, there are some great things to do that don't require too much planning if you're limited on time. And what better way to spend an afternoon than watching your child have the time of their life?
Here are some 13 things to do in Orlando with toddlers and fantastic places to visit that you'll both love.
1. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
We are a great place to go if you want to take your toddler sightseeing, come face-to-fin with sea creatures, and experience the sights and sounds of the ocean. It's also a great place for parents to spend quality time alone with their little ones. We have numerous exhibits where your toddler will enjoy watching turtles, sharks, stingrays, octopuses, and seahorses.
Or, you can opt to bring your child along on one our regular kid-friendly programs, such as the behind-the-scenes tours and virtual reality experience for ages 6+. If you're planning a trip to Orlando and want to spend more time bonding with your kids, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is the perfect place to visit.
2. Madame Tussauds
One popular thing you can do in Orlando with your toddler is to visit Madame Tussauds. This is a wax museum that boasts of a 250+ years history and features many life-like replicas of famous people, including some from movies and TV shows. Your toddler will be fascinated by how real they look and might even want to take pictures with their favorite ones.
Try out the many hand-made interactive exhibits and exquisite works of art, where your toddlers can learn more about the people featured in the museum.
3. The Wheel at ICON Park
ICON Park Orlando is a family-friendly interactive entertainment complex with a variety of exciting Rides, attractions, and restaurants located on International Drive. The park is great for families who want to enjoy an afternoon together in a fun, off-site setting. It also offers a unique experience for parents who want to savor some quality time with their toddlers.
ICON Park Orlando is the highlight of many Walt Disney World trips for families with kids. One important thing to keep in mind when visiting ICON Park Orlando with toddlers is that the activities depend on the age limit. Make sure the chosen activity is age-appropriate for the kids to truly enjoy their time.
The Wheel at ICON Park is a must-see for any family visiting Orlando. It's a 400-foot tall Ferris wheel that gives you a panoramic view of the city. The ride is very smooth and relaxing, and it's a great way to see the sights of Orlando. Toddlers will love looking out at all the different buildings and people below. Also, check out a number of fun activities for toddlers at the base of the wheel, including an aquarium and a wax museum. If you're looking for fun spots for toddlers in Orlando, FL, the Wheel at ICON Park is a great option.
4. LEGOLAND Florida
There's no better way to spend a hot Florida summer day than to take your toddlers on a trip to LEGOLAND Florida. The park is full of rides and activities that will keep your little ones entertained, while the air conditioning will help everyone stay cool. What's more, there's a wide variety of food and drink options available, including fast food restaurants, sit-down restaurants, and food carts that are sure to satisfy any appetite.
That said, it's best to skip the park's signature attractions to get the best experience with your little ones who are too young to go on rides. Instead, please stick to the indoor areas where they can play in the kids' area or explore the LEGO store. For their safety on rides, make sure they're able to sit in a seat designed for kids as well as being able to hold onto the handrails.
So, whether you're in town for the day or staying overnight in Orlando, visiting LEGOLAND Florida with your toddler is an experience they'll never forget.
5. Peppa Pig Theme Park
Looking for top attractions in Orlando for toddlers? One great option is to visit Peppa Pig Theme Park. This theme park is designed specifically for young children based on the popular children's TV show, and it's a perfect place for little ones to explore and have fun.
Let your little one try out the rides, shows, and plenty of opportunities to meet and take photos with Peppa Pig. Plus, there are plenty of food options available so you can keep everyone happy. Toddlers will love meeting their favorite characters and exploring the different areas of the park.
6. Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is an exciting place to visit with your toddlers in Orlando. It is fun-packed with the main attractions of the parks and resorts, including Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. Activities for young children include; parades and shows, character meet-and-greets, and interactive games.
In addition, there are several special areas just for toddlers and pre-schoolers. However, you still need to be careful when going to Walt Disney World Resort with a toddler or preschooler. Some areas that may not be safe include crowded streets or rides in the park, standing in long lines, and loud crowds.
Also, use caution around animals — they can be unpredictable, and small children may not understand their behavior. Take your child to attractions where there's plenty of space to move around and where you can keep an eye on them (such as in the stroller).
7. Grand Carousel on the Promenade at ICON Park
ICON Park is a great place to visit with toddlers. The Grand Carousel at the Promenade is a great attraction for toddlers because they can sit back and enjoy the ride. They will love riding on the colorful horses and listening to music. It's also handy to note that it is incredibly close to other popular activities for toddlers, such as the The Wheel at ICON Park, Madame Tussauds Orlando, and SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium all mentioned in this article.
8. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers many fun things to do with toddlers in Orlando. It has garden-themed habitats to explore and special exhibits that cater to toddlers' sensory needs. There's a petting zoo where children can get close to some of the zoo animals. These include Alpacas, chickens, goats, sheep, and llamas. Attractions for toddlers at this zoo include the Jungle Safari Trail (an interactive walk through the jungle) and the play yard. Children can also feed the animals or spend time with them in their private areas.
Discover plenty of opportunities for budding zoologists to learn about the animals in the zoo. It's a great way to introduce your little one to the world of nature and help them develop an appreciation for the natural world.
Tip: Plan your visit early if you're interested in checking out the children's zoo. It gets crowded during peak times, so it's best to avoid visiting on weekends when the zoo is busiest.
9. Kennedy Space Center
If you're looking for an amazing experience in Orlando with toddlers, a visit to the Kennedy Space Center should be on your bucket list. Your little ones will love seeing the rockets and learning about space travel. Let them enjoy the variety of interactive exhibits that will keep them entertained.
Be sure to check out Planet Play indoor play area exhibit and the LEGO Build to Launch where kids can learn about science and engineering. Here, they'll learn about space exploration and see some of the cool spacecrafts up close. The best part, there are also interactive exhibits where they can pretend to be astronauts and experience what it's like to be in space.
10. Amway Center
The Amway Center is a world-class sports and entertainment venue and a great place to take your toddlers. They will love watching the Orlando Magic NBA team play, and you can even get them involved in some of the activities that take place during halftime. There's also a Kids' Zone where they can explore, play games, and win prizes.
11. Chocolate Kingdom Orlando
If you're planning a trip to Orlando and want to add some extra fun for the kids, consider visiting Chocolate Kingdom Orlando. This hidden gem offers over 50 varieties of fresh-made chocolate treats, and guests can also enjoy a variety of candy, ice cream, and frozen yogurt. With all these treats, it's no wonder this place is so popular with kids and adults alike.
If your children are old enough to enjoy chocolate, they'll love all of the options available here. And if they aren't old enough to enjoy chocolate yet, you can still bring them here for a unique experience and lots of other tasty treats. Chocolate Kingdom Orlando is open from 11:30am -5:00pm daily.
The facility has a seating area with bean bags and plenty of tables and chairs so you can sit down and enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. All staff members are trained to work with toddlers.
12. Universal's Islands of Adventure
Universal's Islands of Adventure is a child-friendly park. With everything from roller coasters to water rides and family-friendly food. It's worth mentioning that it's one of Orlando's top attractions. Kids under 2 years old enjoy free activities in the park – plus can try out other kid-friendly attractions.
Children ages 6 and older must pay an additional admission fee. If you're traveling with toddlers (ages 2-5), there are some key things to keep in mind: All ride height restrictions apply to children under 48 inches tall. That means no high chairs, booster seats, or adult lap swings.
Another reason to take your toddler to Islands of Adventure is the easy access from Universal Orlando Resort. You can easily access the park by bus or car from the resort, so you don't have to spend the day traveling around downtown Orlando.
13. WonderWorks
WonderWorks Orlando is a hands-on science center that's perfect for little ones (and big ones, too). It offers a series of experiential learning stations that allow visitors to explore the world around them. The science-based exhibits include real-world scenarios—such as a play kitchen, natural history scene, and a "touch-screen microscope"—a tool to help children learn about the world around them.
WonderWorks is an "edu-tainment" attraction that brings the excitement of science and discovery to life through interactive exhibits, hands-on learning, and family-friendly entertainment. The facility is sure to keep you entertained, engaged and inspired all day long. The indoor play area is open all year round, but it gets particularly busy during school holidays and summer. If you do plan to visit WonderWorks Orlando with your toddlers, be sure to check the opening times in advance.
Want to ease your mind and let go of the stress of being a parent? You can borrow a stroller from the Visitor Center while you enjoy the exhibits. Visit WonderWorks with your toddler in tow to enjoy the space discovery zone and the wonder art gallery.
Honorable Mentions
Here is other extra fun things that will make your visit to Orlando unforgettable and leave your toddler with memorable experiences:
Crayola Experience
The Crayola Experience is a great place to take toddlers in Orlando. They can explore different colors and textures while making their own art. The best part is that they take their masterpieces home with them, and you can display them with pride. There are also several interactive exhibits that toddlers will love as well as games and different stations for them to explore.
Kids can learn about how crayons are made, experiment with color mixing, and even create their own virtual masterpiece. There's even a café where you can get snacks and drinks. The best part is that it's all indoors, so you don't have to worry about the Florida heat.
If you're not able to make it to all these attractions, you can still find plenty of kid-friendly fun activities in Orlando. Places that offer regular activities like miniature golf. Major mini-golf parks that your toddlers will enjoy include:
- Pirate's Cove
- Hawaiian Rumble Adventure Golf
- Gator Golf and Adventure Park
- Hollywood Drive-In Golf
- Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf
- Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf
- Congo River Golf
- Lost Caverns Adventure Golf
- Putting Edge
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