A Family-Friendly Non-Theme Park Guide to Orlando

Though Orlando is famous for its big three theme parks, there are plenty of non-theme park attractions to keep the kids interested. So if you want to do a fun family Orlando vacation that doesn't include a theme park, I think these are some great choices.

If your kids love Dora the Explorer, Spongebob Squarepants or getting slimed, they will go crazy staying at this hotel that is themed with everyone's favorite Nickelodeon channel's characters. There's so much to do here, you might as well just schedule an afternoon at the pool right away.
Founded in 1949, this is the original Florida theme park. Get up close with thousands of alligators, including some rare breeds. There's also other reptiles like snakes, if gators aren't your thing.
Purchase a one-day pass, and it's good for the entire season.
Know how much fun your kids have at the county fair? That's what it's like at Fun Spot, with its carnival rides and go kart tracks. There are two locations - one on International Drive and one in Kissimmee and they often offer coupons on their website.
In Florida, especially during the summer months, it rains quite often. The Orlando Science Center is the perfect place to spend a rainy day with four floors of interactive exhibits. The kids will have so much fun, they won't even realize they're learning while they play.
This is one of the best water parks in the country and it's a great value, too. Purchase a one-day pass, and it's good for the entire season. That means you can go as often as you'd like during your Orlando getaway.
Get up close with thousands of alligators, including some rare breeds.
You can't miss this upside down building on International Drive, which is a good thing because it's packed with fun exhibits and shows to keep the kids occupied. From laser tag to the magic comedy dinner show, everything in the building is family-friendly. More
You can't miss this upside down building on International Drive, which is a good thing because it's packed with fun exhibits and shows to keep the kids occupied. From laser tag to the magic comedy dinner show, everything in the building is family-friendly.
Map View Hide Map

About the Author

Michelle Snow
Michelle Snow
I caught the travel bug early, as my mother would often pile the two of us and the family dog into a van for trip after trip, covering most of the U.S. and Canada. Currently based in Orlando, Florida, I am still at my happiest when I can hit the road and discover new places to write about. As a writer, I have over twenty years of experience covering travel, entertainment and more. In addition to blogging for Uptake, I cover budget travel for Suite 101. I have also written several guidebooks, including the 2005 edition of WDW/Orlando For Dummies and Frommer's Irreverent Guide to Orlando.
×
×
Uptake

Did you know that your Internet Explorer is out of date?


To get the best possible experience using our website we recommend that you upgrade to a newer version.

Close