Yes, in Central Florida you’ll find a ton of theme parks. Between Disney World, Universal Studios, LEGOLAND, Gatorland, and SeaWorld… there’s no shortage of options. But maybe you’re looking for other activities with kids. Something less expensive or just a different kind of day out with the little ones—or really, no matter if they’re 2 or 14 years old. Here I’m sharing some great ideas to spend an amazing day with kids in Central Florida (and yes, adults will enjoy them too!).
One awesome option, especially on hot or rainy days, is visiting Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall. It’s a super colorful space where kids can create, play, and explore. They have stations to make your own personalized crayons, sensory areas, art, and games for different ages. Tickets usually start at around $30 (plus tax), but they often have discounts—especially if you buy in advance on their website (here).
If you’d rather be outdoors, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens in Sanford is a wonderful day trip. There are animals, walking areas, and even a small splash pad where little ones can cool off on hot days. I’ve been there several times, and on my last visit with my 6-year-old niece, she loved seeing the animals and ending the day playing in the water area—while her mom and I sat nearby enjoying a cold beer. You can also find discounts if you buy tickets online.
How about a boat tour to see manatees or dolphins? Spots like Blue Spring State Park (about 30 minutes from Orlando) or Crystal River (north of Tampa) offer unique experiences in nature. Depending on the season, you can see manatees in their natural habitat—which always fascinates kids. Once in early December, we went all the way to Crystal River to join a manatee swim tour, and it was truly unforgettable.
Near Crystal River, you’ll also find Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, which is gorgeous and also offers boat rides. At Blue Spring State Park, I recommend arriving early since lines can get long, especially during manatee season. The colder the weather, the more manatees you’ll see at the spring.
If you’re into gardens, check out Leu Gardens in Orlando, where they sometimes host special family-friendly events like treasure hunts or outdoor movie nights. Another hidden gem is Cedar Lakes Woods and Gardens, less than two hours away, a stunning but less-known spot. And in Lakeland, you’ll find Bonnet Springs Park—free entry to a beautiful park that’s huge, modern, and full of activities. Inside, you’ll also find the Florida Children’s Museum, perfect for younger kids ($20 los tickets).
Another fun and educational place for the whole family is the Orlando Science Center. We actually wrote a separate post about it so you can get to know it better before visiting. It’s great for all ages, with interactive areas for little ones, science experiments, dinosaurs, STEM activities, a theater, and even a water-and-sand play area. You can easily spend hours here without realizing it.
For something simple (and free), just head to one of the many splash pads or playgrounds in the area. In Clermont, for example, right by Lake Minneola, there’s a playground next to a splash pad where kids can cool off and have fun—perfect for summer!
Also in Clermont, just minutes from Disney, you’ll find Showcase of Citrus. I recently took my 6-year-old niece, and she loved it. You can buy a bucket of food to feed farm animals like donkeys, cows, and llamas. For kids who love animals, this is a great spot. You can also take a ride on a monster truck tour around the property, where you’ll see gators and beautiful scenery. Admission is free, and you only pay for the activities you choose.
Another free activity at Walt Disney World is visiting some of the resorts. From Disney Springs, take a bus to Art of Animation Resort. You can walk around themed areas like The Little Mermaid, Cars, or The Lion King, perfect for little ones to take fun pictures and create memories. Right next door is Pop Century Resort, where you can stroll through different decades (50s to 90s) and check out fun giant icons and photo spots.
Both resorts have quick-service dining, and from there you can hop on the Disney Skyliner (also free!) to visit more resorts. Make a stop at Caribbean Beach Resort, and if you switch lines, you can reach the Boardwalk area—great for walking around, renting a bike, or even catching a glimpse of Epcot’s fireworks at night. Another fun option: from Disney Springs, take a bus to the All-Star Resorts (Sports, Movies, or Music). Each one is themed, with fun photo ops like Toy Story characters, outdoor games like Twister, and small playgrounds.
Central Florida is full of special spots and activities for kids of all ages. The key is to balance fun, relaxation, and learning—and this area has it all. So pack your bag, bring sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy… family adventures await!
