Welcome to the City Beautiful! Believe it or not, Orlando is so much more than Disney and theme parks.
Yes, theme parks are fun too! But whether you live here or are just visiting, they get draining. With a 3 year old and an 18 month old, we always have to stay BUSY! Here are our top destinations when exploring Orlando.
Orlando Science Center
Without a doubt our favorite place in all of Orlando! The Orlando Science Center is the perfect all year round activity. Too hot? OSC has AC! Raining? It’s all indoors. With 4 levels of science learning made fun, this is an activity that all ages will spend hours enjoying.
For toddlers specifically, There are a number of scenes to explore. When you first walk in to your right you have KidsTown where babies to 7 year olds can interact. Orange Grove, Toddler Time, and of course the Drip Drop Splash area are not to be missed!
Central Florida Zoo
The Central Florida Zoo in Sanford is a great way to spend a day. With stroller friendly walkways throughout the zoo, it’s an easy journey visiting the more than 350 animals homed there.
They are AZA accredited which means the Central Florida Zoo is dedicated to protecting wildlife, conserving our natural habitats, and supporting scientific research. While there, pay a visit to the Botanical Gardens or enjoy cooling off in the Splash Pad.
Creative Jane
Creative Jane is a wonderful space where kids can learn through play, art, and expression. They have a toddler class which is a “creatively curated art and sensory experience” for walkers to age 4! This is open ended play that works on colors, shapes, even problem solving skills through the art stations and sensory bins.
Toddler classes are currently offered Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 9-10 am, and again Wednesdays from 11-12pm. Pre-registration is highly encouraged.
Farms
When I tell you Orlando has it all, I’m not lying! We have incredible family owned farms all within an hours drive. Southern Hill, Amber Brooke, and Beck’s Brothers all offer U-Pick fruits and sunflowers at different times of the year. There are even family games, bounce pads, and incredible food and food trucks to sample!
Dinosaur World
Located in Plant City, Dinosaur World is nice for your Dino-obsessed kids. With over 200 life size Dinos in their lush prehistoric environments, fossil digs, and a playground on site – you’re likely to spend a few hours here. Just make sure you stock up on mosquito repellant.
Sea Life Aquarium
Sea Life Aquarium is located in one of the more touristic spots, but it’s not a theme park! Inside of ICON Park you’ll find Florida’s only 360 degree tank, along with thousands of sea creatures waiting to meet you! I love Sea Life not just because they are also AZA accredited but they do extensive rehabilitation for the creatures that come through their door.
If you have time, I really recommend the Behind the Scenes tour which gives you ultimate access to the aquarium. It shows their mini hospital on site, gives you a private peek above the seas, and you even get to feed some fish! I loved when we did it and will absolutely do it again when the boys are older and can understand the importance of the work being done at Sea Life.
That is just a little taste of what can be done around Orlando with kids! You can’t forget all the pop ups and seasonal events going on around town. If you want to stay up to date on the latest Orlando things to do make sure you’re signed up for our newsletters and follow on Instagram!
¡Hasta pronto, friends!
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