Orlando attractions aren’t just in Orlando. Here’s our line up of great places where you can take a break from theme parks for the day and get more out of your Florida vacation.
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Rocket Garden, Kennedy Space Center
Launch into Cape Canaveral and the Kennedy Space Center
If space (the outer kind), beaches and wildlife sound appealing, Cape Canaveral is a must. Home to the Kennedy Space Center, where you can immerse yourselves into space travel past, present and future, it’s one of the easiest outside Orlando attractions: just over an hour’s drive east. Plus, it’s one of the few places in the world with a chance of seeing actual rocket launches taking place, which is a pretty awesome sight for anyone, and especially children.
When you’re done with exploring the galaxy, head down to pristine beaches along the coast for chill time on the sand, surfing and paddleboarding – you may spot dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat. Fishing is a popular sport here, so join a trip or bring your own gear. And if there’s time: head to one of the nearby parks and reserves for hiking trails and fauna-spotting.
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Getting wet at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
Take your Master Builders to LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort is in Winter Haven, and where you can make a day of it with over 50 rides, shows and attractions based around the LEGO brand. Aimed at kids of 2-12, but really for anyone who loves creative brickwork and fun days out, the themed lands include LEGO City, LEGO Kingdoms and LEGO Ninjago World. In other words: where your kids can have interactive adventures, build and race LEGO vehicles, and meet their favorite LEGO characters.
Don’t forget to visit Miniland USA, with its intricate LEGO replicas of famous U.S. landmarks, crafted in mind-boggling detail. And as you’re never far from a waterpark in Florida, of course there’s a LEGOLAND® Water Park – with water slides, wave pools, and splash areas with LEGO theming.
Why do they call this part of Florida the Sweetest Spot?
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Lake Eola swan boat, Orlando City
Swan around and have cool cultural fun in Orlando City
The city of Orlando itself, is one of the most unmissable Orlando attractions, and not to be confused with Kissimmee; where you’ll find the theme parks.
Head to lovely Lake Eola Park for scenic lake views, swan boat rides, and the Lake Eola Fountain. Nearby Thornton Park is a historic neighborhood with many restaurants and cafes, and the Milk District is another family-friendly place to eat.
Orlando Museum of Art, near Loch Haven Park, has a diverse collection of artworks, and on the same site you’ll find Orlando Children’s Museum, with interactive exhibits and creative play areas. There’s also the Orlando Science Center, with more cool stuff for kids. Then, on game day, you could even catch an Orlando City Soccer match at Exploria Stadium.
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Family fun at Daytona, one of the beachiest Orlando attractions
Soak up laidback Orlando style at Daytona Beach
You can’t do Daytona without a stroll along iconic Daytona Beach Boardwalk and Pier. Go to the end of the pier for panoramic ocean views, then check out the arcade or ride the Ferris wheel. The beach is wide and sandy with gentle surf, so it’s perfect for kids. There’s lots of beach shack cafes where you can eat lunch and sample fresh seafood, and more upscale establishments if you prefer.
Daytona Lagoon has water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and kids’ play area to keep yours happy for hours, and the Marine Science Center is where they’ll learn about marine life native to the Florida coast. If you’re sticking around for the evening, check for events at the Daytona Beach Bandshell – from free concerts to movie nights, the bandshell hosts a variety of family-friendly entertainment throughout the year.
How does Daytona Beach compare to the world’s best beaches?
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Winter Park, one of the easiest Orlando attractions
Winter Park is lovely in summer for an Orlando day trip with kids
Just a few miles north of Orlando, Winter Park is one of Central Florida’s most affluent and picturesque communities, known for beautiful parks, museums, and upscale shops.
Head to Central Park for scenic walks, picnics and a big playground area, and Lake Baldwin Park for kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake. Alternatively, for more boating adventures, the Winter Park Chain of Lakes offers scenic boat tours, where you can spot wildlife and birdlife. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles.
Park Avenue is lined with boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, and the city is home to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, housing the world’s most comprehensive collection of intricate Tiffany glasswork.
The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is another of the local attractions worth a visit. It has indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as sculpture gardens with fun winding paths that kids will love.