What do you think of doing when you consider travelling to Orlando, Florida? Would you plan a trip to Disney World? How about Universal Studios? Orlando, Florida, is full of exciting, family-friendly activities and attractions.
It is located in Central Florida and about a 1-hour drive from the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Orlando has a population of over 400,000 people and is one of the most visited cities in the USA. I want to help you discover a few of the many fun things to do in Orlando while on a budget.
Orlando is a fun-filled city for kids, as well as those who are young at heart. Are you looking for a mixture of educational activities and theme parks? If you enjoy learning about space, plan a trip to The Kennedy Space Center. You can even watch a rocket launch at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Or, take in the view from the top of the observation deck at the Orlando Science Center. If gators are what you’re after, plan a visit to Gatorland. Our boys love to play mini-golf, and the best spot for this family-friendly activity is Congo River Golf.
We spent the winter of 2023-2024 in Florida as a family. We travel full-time, and we tow our 30′ travel trailer while we explore North America. While in Florida, we made a few trips to stay in Orlando and enjoy some of the many things this great city has to offer families.
We stayed at the Thousand Trails Orlando RV Resort in Citrus Ridge since we are members of Thousand Trails. We enjoyed meeting other families and spending time with our friends while we stayed there.
We enjoyed staying at Thousand Trails Orlando with our trailer.
Visit Orlando Theme Parks
The top tourist attractions in Orlando are obviously Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, and SeaWorld Orlando. Did you know that Orlando is the third most popular tourist destination in the US? I bet you could have guessed that. Because of the well-known theme parks available within one city, many people travel to Orlando from around the world.
The tourism industry in Orlando has been growing rapidly since it became one of the top vacation destinations for American families and international tourists. If you want to visit Orlando with kids, theme parks could be the perfect option for you.
Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort Orlando is a theme park resort located in Bay Lake, Florida, which is in the Orlando area. The park is owned and operated by Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, part of The Walt Disney Company. It has a lot to offer families, including Disney Springs (also known as ‘Downtown Disney’) as well as theme parks and water parks. You’ll find an endless amount of shops selling souvenirs and a huge variety of restaurants in Disney Springs. We enjoy spending an evening out with our kids, eating at the Rainforest Cafe, and looking in the many stores. And as a bonus, parking is free at Disney Springs!
Walt Disney World Resort Orlando has four main theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom. It also has two water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. It also has over 25 resorts! If you are coming to Florida with an RV, consider booking a campsite at Disney World’s Fort Wilderness Resort. With so many unique attractions and locations, Walt Disney World Resort is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Orlando.
Visit Disney For Free in Orlando
Whenever we’re in Orlando, we stop by Disney Springs; Disney’s outdoor shopping mall. Enjoy live music, shows, the Star Wars store, the Lego Store, souvenir stores and themed restaurants like Rainforest Cafe or a Dinosaur themed version.
Disney Springs in Orlando, Florida has so many interesting shops and restaurants.
Universal Studios
Universal Studios Florida is divided into sections within Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, Production Central, New York, San Francisco, World Expo, Minion Land, DreamWorks Land, and Hollywood, There is a new section of Universal Studios, called Universal Epic Universe, that’s scheduled to open at Universal Orlando Resort on May 22, 2025. It will include: Celestial Park, Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic, and How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk.
If you are looking for fun hotel options, Universal Studios offers eight resorts, with three more scheduled to open this year (2025). All of the resorts have swimming pools, except for the value resorts. Guests staying at the value resorts have access to the other resort’s pools.
What can you do at Universal CityWalk Hollywood? Browse a variety of retail stores, try the many dining options, watch the dancing water fountain display, and enjoy the lively atmosphere and artwork as you people-watch. Don’t forget to take an epic photo are the huge Universal globe that spins.
Note: Parking is free at Universal’s CityWalk after 6PM.
Universal CityWalk is a favorite destination for our family in Orlando.
Gatorland
Gatorland, the ‘Alligator Capital of the World’, is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve in Florida, located along South Orange Blossom Trail south of Orlando. It is so much more than just alligators. We visited Gatorland specifically for our kids to feed capybaras. Because we are a family of 5, we look for low-cost activities as much as possible. The admission price won’t put a “bite” on your vacation experience because of their low ticket prices.
One of our favorite things to do with kids in Orlando is visit Gatorland.
Central Florida Zoo
Central Florida Zoo has been a popular attraction and petting zoo in downtown Orlando since its opening in 1966. Nestled in a protected natural wetland, Orlando’s largest zoo is a nonprofit organization. It has over 1,200 animals from around the world, including white rhinoceros, giraffes, the Asian elephant, Malayan tiger, African lion, leopards, monkeys, exotic birds, an Insect Zoo, and much more. Their Reptile House offers the southeast’s largest collection of reptiles.
You can enjoy LIVE animal encounters, many educational opportunities and demonstrations, and young kids will enjoy the Tropical Splash Playground. For a small fee, you can feed the giraffes or have a one-of-a-kind encounter with an Indian rhino! With something for everyone, the adventures are endless. And if you plan to drive to the zoo, a bonus is that there is free parking.
Congo River Golf
If you have never experienced mini-golfing at Congo River Golf, you need to add it to your itinerary for your next vacation to Florida. They have some of the best mini-golf courses we have ever been to. Of their 8 locations within Florida, you’ll find one in Orlando and one in Kissimmee. Experience tranquil waterfalls, mysterious caves, tropical rainforests, challenging golf holes and more as you follow in the footsteps of Stanley and Livingstone on an unforgettable African adventure.
It’s fun exploring the Congo during the day and at night under the stars.
Besides mini golf, most of their locations offer a few additional activities, including gem mining, caiman feeding, up-close encounters with an alligator, and arcade games. You can also book a birthday party at one of their locations. Our boys are always excited when we pull into the parking lot of a Congo River Golf because they know we will have a fun-filled, family outing.
We spend hours of fun at Congo River Golf in Orlando, FL.
Orlando Science Center
Orlando Science Center is Central Florida’s award-winning, hands-on science museum. For more than 60 years, their exhibits and programming have brought science to life for not just residents of Central Florida, but also visitors from around the world. We have visited this science center multiple times with our kids, getting free access with our ASTC pass. We highly recommend purchasing a yearly membership with any ASTC Science Center to save money on admission tickets.
Orlando Science Center is a fun place for all ages to learn and discover. Their 11,000 square feet of fun, hands-on learning activities include areas such as ‘KidsTown’, a spot for kids ages 7 and under. Or you can have the chance to turn your creative ideas into a reality in ‘The Hive: A Makerspace’. This new area for visitors ages 8 and up provides daily workshops and self-guided sessions with topics ranging from finger-knitting to 3D printing and so much more!
Additionally, Orlando Science Center continues to host events such as Otronicon, Orlando’s favorite interactive tech expo, adults-only Science Night Live events, and more.
Note: They are open every day of the week except for Wednesdays. Be prepared to pay for parking in a nearby parking garage if you plan to drive to the science center.
The Orlando Science Center is one of our favorite things to do in Orlando, Florida.
Orlando Watersports Complex
Orlando Watersports Complex Tourism is a tourism destination in Orlando, Florida. It is known for its water park, water slides, and wave pool. It has a lot to offer visitors. They have a variety of attractions and activities for people of all ages and interests. This place is the epitome of what we call ‘Orlando fun’!
The Orlando Watersports Complex is located at the heart of the city’s downtown area. The complex was built on land that was once home to the old Orlando Convention Center and the first Orange County Courthouse. It has created an identity that is based on fun, excitement, and adventure. They want visitors to come back again and again because they know they will have an amazing time at their destination every time they visit.
Note: Plan to spend at least 3 hours here. Kids will be required to take a safety training course, so plan time for that as well.
Ready to plan your next family vacation? Here are our tips on helping everyone get involved in favmily vacation planning.
