Non-Theme Park Ideas to Do with Kids in Orlando

By Kate Cohen

Orlando, Florida, is renowned for its world-class theme parks. Beyond the exhilarating rides and attractions, the city offers an array of enriching experiences tailored specifically for kids. 

A boy with his eyes closed swims underwater in a pool with a pink inner tube floating on the surface. Come visit kid-friendly Orlando!

From immersive educational exhibits to captivating stage performances, Orlando is a playground of endless possibilities for young adventurers.   

Let's delve into some of the top kid-centric attractions that make Orlando a premier spot for families.   

 

Key Takeaways

 

Crayola Experience at Florida Mall  

Two kids sit on the ground in a colorful crayon-themed environment coloring the floor with chalk under a sign that reads

For budding artists and creative minds, the Crayola Experience at the Florida Mall is a haven of colorful exploration.   

This interactive attraction invites kids to unleash their imagination through hands-on activities, from creating custom crayons to designing their own works of art.   

With over two dozen captivating attractions, including Drip Art and the Color Playground, children can dive into a world of vibrant creativity that sparks their artistic flair.

 

Orlando Science Center  

A tall T-Rex skeleton looming over a museum display at the Orlando Science Center.

The Orlando Science Center ignites curiosity and a love for learning while captivating young minds with its engaging exhibits and interactive displays.  

From exploring the wonders of outer space in the Crosby Observatory to conducting hands-on experiments in the Kinetic Zone, children are inspired to discover the marvels of science in an entertaining and educational environment.   

With themed exhibits covering everything from dinosaurs to renewable energy, the Orlando Science Center fosters a love for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects that will resonate with kids long after their visit.   

 

Orlando Family Stage  

Five adults dressed in colorful child-like costumes stand together reacting to something out of frame on a colorful theatre set that looks like a classroom.

For families seeking theatrical delights, Orlando Family Stage delivers captivating performances suitable for all ages.   

From grand, flashy musicals to interactive puppet shows, this intimate theater provides an immersive cultural experience that ignites children's imaginations and fosters a love for the performing arts.   

With a diverse lineup of productions ranging from classic tales to contemporary favorites, Orlando Family Stage offers entertainment that the whole family can enjoy together.  

 

Green Meadows Petting Farm

Two brown and black goats poke their heads through a wooden fence at a petting zoo.

Traveling with an animal-loving kid? Green Meadows Petting Farm in Kissimmee is the perfect place for getting up close and personal with a variety of friendly farm animals.  

Green Meadows is home to a variety of animals including cows, alpacas, donkeys, sheep, goats, bunnies, chickens, pigs, and many more. 

Guests can enjoy a tractor-pulled wagon ride, a fun farm playground, and plenty of shady areas perfect for enjoying a bring-your-own picnic.   

For a small additional fee, you can also purchase heads of lettuce to share with the Green Meadows Petting Farm animal residents. 

 

ICON Park

A shopping plaza at twilight with a large glowing ferris wheel flanked by palm trees in the distance.

About a mile down International Drive from Rosen Inn is ICON Park, an entertainment complex with plenty of fun attractions for the whole family to enjoy.  

Standing tall at the heart of ICON Park is The Orlando Eye, a 400-foot-high observation wheel with temperature-controlled pods and 360-degree views of Orlando. 

Back on the ground, you’ll find attractions like SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, the Museum of Illusions Orlando, Madame Tussauds Orlando, and Carousel on the Promenade.  

ICON Park is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and other family-friendly activities.  

 

Indoor Playgrounds

A beautifully aesthetic indoor playground with wooden towers, purple and blue climbing equipment, and a blue sky-like ceiling.
Terra Play Center

Stuck with a rainy day? Or looking to avoid Orlando’s intense midsummer heat?  

Central Florida is home to a number of indoor playgrounds perfect for entertaining younger kids.  

Terra Play Center’s beautiful aesthetic is enjoyable for kids and grownups. This inclusive and accessible space has sensory friendly areas ideal for little ones with sensory sensitivities and neurodiverse needs. Kids can enjoy open-ended play while grown-ups unwind in the cozy lounge and cafe.  

The Burrow Cafe and Play is part upscale coffee shop, part indoor play space. Families can reserve a time to let their kids explore and play in the unique indoor area. Then, there’s something delicious for everyone to enjoy at the beautiful cafe.  

Millie Moo’s is a kids play place designed to inspire imagination and encourage active play. Let your little ones dance, slide, jump, and have fun in a space designed just for them. Millie Moo’s also has a cafe with a vegan-friendly menu, perfect for refueling during or after playtime. 

Each of these indoor playgrounds is perfect for keeping your kids entertained and active in the comfort of air conditioning. 

 

Outdoor Adventures  

The back of a swan boat in the foreground looking out over Lake Eola and some of the downtown Orlando skyline.

Beyond the city's attractions, Orlando's natural beauty calls upon families to explore the great outdoors.   

From serene parks to scenic trails, there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventures that allow kids to connect with nature and burn off some energy.   

Whether it's a leisurely stroll through Lake Eola Park or a thrilling airboat ride through the Everglades, families can create unforgettable memories amidst Florida's stunning landscapes.   

 

Rosen Inn Closest to Universal is Family Friendly  

From the magical realm of outdoor escapes to the educational wonders of science museums, Orlando offers a diverse array of experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and wonder in children of all ages.   

When planning your Orlando getaway, remember that Rosen Inn closest to Universal is your solution to family-friendly comfort and convenience.  

Our location is ideal for spending your vacation exploring and playing your way throughout Orlando.

Be sure to check out our delicious breakfast buffet where kids 5 and under eat free with a paying adult. 

Book your stay with us for your next Orlando family vacation.

A wide shot of the sparkling blue pool at Rosen Inn closest to Universal with a tall yellow hotel building beside it.

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