Things to do in Orlando with Kids

Orlando has much more to offer than just the Theme Parks. Visitors and residents looking for some discounted and free things to do in Orlando with kids can check out the following list of 50 family friendly activities to do with your children or grandchildren.

1. Bring a blanket and snacks to watch an outdoor movie at Central Park in Winter Park for Popcorn Flicks in the Park. (Free)
2. Climb the massive branches of Orlando’s oldest tree. Located at 930 N. Thornton Ave, this Live Oak is between 350 to 400 years old. See more Significant Trees in the City of Orlando. (Free)
3. View the West Indian Manatee at Blue Springs State Park from mid-November through mid-March. (park admission is $6 per vehicle)
4. Spend the day exploring the Orlando Science Center. Check for Free and Discounted Admission days. ($19 adults, $13 children)
5. Watch a full-dome planetarium show at Seminole State College on Friday and Saturday evenings. ($6 adults, $4 children)
6. Take Fido to Lake Baldwin Park. Let the family dog run off leash along the shores of Lake Baldwin. (Free)
7. Take a 25 minute tubing ride in the crystal clear waters of Rock Springs at Kelly Park. (park admission is $5 per vehicle)
8. Cast a line from the dock at Winter Park’s 1.56 acre Dinky Dock. (Free)
9. Climb the 203 steps to the top of Ponce Inlet, Florida’s tallest lighthouse. ($5 adults, $1.50 children)
10. Run and play at Winter Park’s all wooden community playground. Not your typical playground. Dubbed ‘Castle Park’ kids will love exploring the unique play places. (Free)
11. Indulge in Hot Now glazed donuts at Krispy Kreme. Never miss hot donuts again with their free phone app. (cost of donuts – suggestion: bring your own drinks)
12. Dig quick to catch mole crabs as the tide goes out at New Smyrna Beach. (Free)
13. Check out a book, movie or music CD at the Orlando Public Library. (Free with library card)
14. Spend the day in Winter Garden and take a tour of the Winter Garden Heritage Museum and the Central Florida Railroad Museum. (Free)
15. Take a family tour of the beautiful Tiffany glass and artwork at the Morse Museum during the summer months. Sign up in advance since these tours book up quickly. (Free)
16. Create and race a Lego car against others at the LEGO Imagination Center in Disney Springs. (Free)
17. Feed the alligators at Black Hammock Adventures. (Free)
18. See the evening light show at the iconic Lake Eola Fountain. Nightly 6 minute shows start around 8 pm and 9:30 pm. (Free)
19. Wander through the antique center and farmers & Flea Market at Renningers Twin Markets on a Friday or Saturday. (Free)
20. Catch an action flick at Regal Cinema’s IMax theater at Pointe Orlando. (Movie prices vary)
21. Watch from the sidelines as dedicated volunteers perform the annual reenactment of the Battle at Narcoossee Mill. ($7 adults, $5 children)
22. Introduce children to a live theatrical performance at the Orlando Repertory Theatre. (Tickets usually around $15, but check the discounted group rates.)
23. Take a Scenic Boat Tour through the Winter Park chain of Lakes. Feel free to pack a picnic basket with drinks and snacks. ($12 adults, $6 children)
24. Trade Disney Pins with cast members at Disney Springs. While there, check out the newest pins at the Disney’s Pin Traders store.
25. Take a Night Hike at the Central Florida Zoo. Bring your courage and a flashlight as you explore the nocturnal creatures at the zoo. ($20 adults, $15 children)
26. Make your own pancakes at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill at DeLeon Springs State Park then walk it off on one of the park’s hiking trails. ($4.95 for pancakes, park admission is $6 per car)
27. Partake in the Kids Fringe during the annual Fringe Festival. Kids can enjoy music, dance, art and other activities. (Free)
28. Celebrate a Cracker Christmas on the first weekend in December at Fort Christmas. (Free admission every day)
29. Ride up and down International Drive on the I-Ride Trolly. Purchase an unlimited day pass $5 per person or a single ride pass for $2 adult, $1 children.
30. See what some of Orlando’s earliest attractions (before Disney) looked like at the Orange County Regional History Center. Follow the timeline of how Disney changed Orlando into the tourist capital of the world. Check for Free and Discounted Admission days. ($12 adults, $9 children)
31. Watch for turtles and other wild creatures while taking a canoe ride at Wekiwa Springs. ($16.98 for 2 hours)
32. Crêpes your way – sweet or savory at Winter Park’s Saturday Farmer’s Market.
33. Cool off at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground when spending the day at the Central Florida Zoo. (included in the zoo admission of $14.95 adults, $10.95 children)
34. Visit the Mennello Musum during the second Saturday Free Family Fun Day. The day includes a make-and-take craft along with mini-tours of the museum. (Free)
35. Get back to nature at Turkey Lake Park where you can visit the children’s farm, bike or walk the nature trails, run around at the playground, fish from the dock or swim in the pool. ($4 per car)
36. Explore Lake Eola on a swan shaped paddle boat. Boats hold 5 adults and rent for $15/ 30 minutes.
37. Spend a cool Fall afternoon at Scott’s Maze Adventures. There are lots of activities for kids from mid-October through mid-December at Long & Scott Farms in Mount Dora. ($12 adults, $8 children)
38. Ride the SunRail from end to end. Jump on at your closest stop and continue to DeBary or Sand Lake Road. Read more about Dining Along the SunRail Route from Scott Joseph. (from $2)
39. Cool down from the summer heat by spending the afternoon ice skating at the RDV Sportsplex. ($11 includes weekday admission and skate rental)
40. Pick Strawberries and blueberries at Pappy’s Patch in Oviedo. (price per pound for berries picked)
41. Peer into the sky through Florida’s largest publicly accessible refractor telescope at the Orlando Science Center. Offered at select dates and times. Included with Science Center admission, but check for Free and Discounted Admission days.
42. Watch Family Friendly improve at Sak Comedy Lab in Downtown Orlando. ($12 FL Resident, $7 students)
43. Throw a Frisbee on the lawn at Loch Haven Park after checking out the sculptures at the Mennello Museum. (Free)
44. Explore the outdoors on one of the area’s many nature-filled bike trails. List of Orange County bike trails. (Free)
45. Check out what’s new at Gatorland, Orlando’s original Theme Park, (FL special $9.99)
46. A full day adventure awaits you at Castillo De San Marcos, the National Monument in St Augustine ($10 adults, children under 15 are Free)
47. Odd and unusual describes the artifacts, art and exhibits from around the world that are on display at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium. ($16.99 adults, $10.99 children)
48. Splash around at Dr Phillips Community Park. You’ll find 43 acres of activities for kids including a splash pad area. ($1 per person)
49. Dinner and a show at Kobe Japanese Steakhouse. Several Orlando area locations to choose from where kids will be amazed at the performances by the Teppanyaki chefs. (menu prices)
50. I’m looking for one more suggestion.  What are some of the things you like to do in Orlando with kids?  Post your comments below.