A guide to fun and interesting attractions in Orlando, Florida, that will appeal to kids.
Having fun with kids in Orlando, Florida, is easy. The hard part is to make selections from the large variety of attraction choices. With a little planning and thought regarding your kids likes, stamina and ages, and, of course, your budget, you can have a great time with any of these selections.
The most popular attraction in the Orlando area is the Disney theme parks. Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot, MGM Studios, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach offer rides, attractions, learning experiences, beaches and entertainment all within one area. Admission to each park is required but the services and entertainment value is well worth the expense. Planning before attending any park will be beneficial. Utilize Disney's web site as well as the helpful cast members for advice, literature and reservations. Disney parks can be exhausting for adults and children, try to schedule breaks or even naps to keep spirits high and to fully enjoy the experience. And plan on an entire day and night to fit in all the fun.
If Disney parks don't fit into your style or budget, there are plenty of other attractions to enjoy.
Universal Studios is an adventure park with rides, shows and games all with a movie or television based theme. This park is large and queue lines can be long so plan a full day for fun.
SeaWorld Adventure Park is filled with whales, seals, polar bears, birds and very friendly dolphins that love to show off. See all of these creatures in their habitat, learn about their lives and prepare to get wet! For those who need more of a thrill than feeding and petting a dolphin, try some of SeaWorld's thrill rides included in the price of admission.
Arabian Nights is an equestrian performance and dinner show. The excitement, rider tricks, comedy and a little bit of romance that accompanies a good meal will be thrilling for all ages.
Medieval Times is another dinner show inside an 11th century castle. This show includes equestrian performances, knights, damsels in distress, jousting and sword fighting. Audience participation, especially among young members, is strongly encouraged. Where else can kids be rewarded for eating with their hands and burping their satisfaction?
To experience the true Florida, a trip to Gatorland is a must. With thousands of alligators and crocodiles, plus other Florida reptiles on display or involved in shows, this southern experience is worth the trip. Don't miss Pearl's smokehouse for some tasty, but unusual fare. Believe it or not, a little education might even sneak through the fun.
Robert Ripley's life-long adventurous collection is on display at Ripley's Believe It Or Not Museum. Unusual artifacts and oddities including a shrunken head, a car made of matchsticks and wax representatives of the world's tallest/smallest people are just a few. Hands-on and experimentation is highly encouraged at this truly strange and very memorable museum.
To cool off on Orlando's steamy summer days, hit Wet n'Wild, a water park with slides, drops, wave pools, waterfalls and rapids that await the young adventurers. For those seeking calm waters, manmade beaches offer a chance to build sand castles and catch a tan too.
For large groups or families with complex tastes, try Church Street Station. This dining and entertainment complex features more than fifty shops and five separate on going shows. Jazz, country, and rock n' roll music are always on the schedule with special festivals and events on tap each week. With so much to do, see and watch, the entire family can be pleased all in one place.
Many lakes surround the Orlando area so for a slower afternoon try fishing, learn to water ski or schedule an airboat ride. Even miniature golf or batting cages and an ice cream can satisfy kids for an afternoon without breaking the bank.
And, what vacation including kids would be complete without a stop at McDonalds. If you're in Orlando, consider yourself lucky for the world's largest entertainment McDonald's is in town. With typical McDonald's dining downstairs and the largest PlayPlace built, the kids will play themselves out granting parents a few moments of peace; and that is truly a sign of a good vacation.
