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.
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.
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?
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.
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?
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.
Have you tried any of these interesting city getaways yet?
Silver Springs State Park, one of the wildest Orlando attractions
See the sights in Ocala County on Orlando day trips with kids
Ocala County is proper Florida: all rolling hills and amazing views. Also known as the ‘horse capital of the world’, its famous for 100s of horse farms, training centers, equestrian shows, rodeos and riding competitions.
Although you’ll find the entire area is pretty much a center for outdoor activities of the hiking, biking and fishing kind. Head to Silver Springs State Park, for crystal-clear springs and glass-bottomed boat rides to spot fish, turtles, and manatees. Or hit the walking trails and picnic spots, and don’t miss a visit to the local museum.
Ocala’s downtown square is a great spot for lunch, with historic architecture, shopping, and live performances in the square. The Discovery Center is also downtown, an interactive museum with hands-on exhibits. And don’t miss the Fort King National Historic Landmark, marking the Second Seminole War with fort buildings, exhibits, and guided tours. Kids can dress up in period costumes, participate in historical re-enactments, and learn about the lives of soldiers and settlers during the 19th century.
See our recommended family hotels in Ocala County
Cocoa Beach Pier, Florida’s Space Coast
Cocoa Beach – the east coast surfing capital is sweet as it sounds
Just south of Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach is a another fun city on Florida’s Space Coast. Also known as the east coast surfing capital, it’s here you’ll find Ron Jon Surf Shop: one of the largest and most famous surf shops in the world.
Always take a stroll along the historic Cocoa Beach Pier for incredible views of the Atlantic Ocean and surfers catching waves. Although, you can also go kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing: equipment’s available to rent on the beach.
Another must is catching the sunset over the ocean at Cocoa Beach, either from a beachfront restaurant or snuggled up on beach blankets: a perfect end to your Orlando day trip.
This glamorous Florida icon has 42 miles of Atlantic beaches
An airboat ride is a great way to see the Everglades Headwaters
Find the source of the Everglades in the Everglades Headwaters
The Everglades Headwaters are a vast area of wetlands, prairies, rivers, and lakes serving as the primary source of water for Everglades National Park in southern Florida. The Visitor Centers are a great place to start, like the Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park Visitor Center or the Lake Kissimmee State Park Visitor Center. Head here for maps, to learn about the ecosystem, and get advice on kid-friendly activities such as Junior Ranger programs.
Nature hikes, wildlife viewing and boat tours or airboat tours are all fantastic ways to get a taste for the Headwaters on a day trip, and you may even spot some alligators.
Spot manatees at Blue Spring State Park
Blue Spring State Park for magical manatees
One of the highlights of Blue Spring State Park, less than an hour’s drive from Orlando, is the opportunity to see West Indian manatees in their natural habitat (from mid-November through late March). If you visit outside these times, it becomes a swimming and snorkeling spot, so a win either way. Bring food, as you won’t be able to buy any at the park – but you can have a picnic lunch at one of the designated picnic areas.
Afterwards, walk one of the nature trails around the hardwood hammocks and cypress swamps. You’ll spot birds, turtles, and possibly even alligators. There’s a Visitor Center where your kids can learn about the history, ecology, and wildlife of Blue Spring State Park, featuring exhibits, educational displays, and helpful staff.
Mount Dora, adding authenticity to Orlando attractions
Check out the family-friendly vibes in pretty Mount Dora
Mount Dora, around 40 minutes north-west of Orlando, is a charming, New England-style town with an arty vibe. However, it’s Lake Dora – one of the largest lakes in the area – that you want for paddle boats, scenic boat tours and fishing.
Although, Mount Dora’s quaint downtown area has a lot of appeal too, with tree-lined streets, pretty shops, restaurants and cafes, and historic architecture giving it a vintage feel. Also, there’s a thriving arts community here, so there’s no shortage of galleries, studios, and art festivals throughout the year.
The Mount Dora Children’s Home & Museum has interactive exhibits and kid-specific activities, and Mount Dora Historic Train Depot has vintage trains on display, with special events and train rides available for families. Renninger’s Vintage Market, an antique market, often hosts special events like the Antique Extravaganza and the Mount Dora Flea Market, where you can find unique treasures.
There’s scenic walking trails in the beautiful surrounding area, and when in season, opportunities for strawberry or pumpkin picking at local farms.
How does Mount Dora lighthouse compare to these beauties?
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