# Things to do in Orlando with kids beyond the theme parks Written 2026-10-06 by Play Day. Things to do in Orlando with kids beyond the theme parks: 18 places from International Drive to Lake Eola, plus 5 places to eat and 4 hotels. Orlando has plenty to do that isn't a theme park, and it sorts into two parts of town. International Drive is the tourist strip, with an aquarium, an upside-down science house and a few indoor attractions within a short drive of each other. Downtown and Loch Haven Park is the city's own side: a children's science center, a lakefront playground, a garden and two small museums. They're a drive apart, so pick one per day. Then there are the days that decide the plan. Florida afternoons are hot, and in summer they usually end in a storm, so most of this page is either indoors or built around water. The animals are the exception, and they're worth the heat if you go early. Each part of town gets somewhere to eat nearby. Staying over? The hotels at the end are the ones that make sense for this plan, and they say how far they are from everything else. ## How we picked These are the places we'd send a friend with a four-year-old and a seven-year-old who have already done the big parks, or are about to, or never will. We left out the theme parks themselves, the chain restaurants and arcades you can find anywhere, and the airboat and dinner-show tourist traps. Everything below is somewhere a kid actually does something. ## International Drive and ICON Park ICON Park, at the north end of International Drive's busy stretch, holds the aquarium and the illusions museum in one building complex. WonderWorks and Ripley's are a short drive or a long walk from there. It all works as an indoor day, and none of it needs a car once you're parked. Crayola Experience is the odd one out, east of here inside a mall. ### [SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium](https://ourplayday.com/places/sea-life-orlando-aquarium-orlando) Neighborhood: ICON Park Why we picked it: The ocean tunnel, with sharks, rays and turtles overhead, is the indoor hour to save for the hottest or wettest afternoon. The reason to go is the ocean tunnel, where sharks, rays and turtles swim over your head and around you. It's the part kids describe afterward. It's a dim, cool, indoor hour or two, so it's the one to save for the hottest or wettest afternoon. It suits toddlers through about age eight. Older kids will have seen bigger aquariums. How to book is on the listing. - Free entry: No - Changing table: Yes - Wheelchair access: Yes ### [Museum of Illusions Orlando](https://ourplayday.com/places/museum-of-illusions-orlando-orlando) Neighborhood: ICON Park Why we picked it: Short enough to add to the aquarium next door, which makes it the easy second stop for school-age kids at ICON Park. Tilted rooms, optical tricks and photo puzzles you step into. It's short, which is a point in its favor: this is the one to add to the aquarium visit next door rather than plan a day around. It suits school-age kids best, Under four, most of it won't make sense. - Free entry: No ### [WonderWorks Orlando](https://ourplayday.com/places/wonderworks-orlando-orlando) Neighborhood: International Drive Why we picked it: The upside-down building and hands-on science make it the rainy-day pick on International Drive for a mixed-age group. The building is upside down, which gets kids in the door before you've said anything. Inside it's science you poke at: giant bubbles, light and sound play, and exhibits built to be pushed, pulled and climbed on. It's the best rainy-day pick on International Drive for a mixed-age group, since a six-year-old and a ten-year-old will both find something to do. It's loud, and it's a lot for a baby. - Free entry: No - Wheelchair access: Yes ### [Ripley's Believe It or Not!](https://ourplayday.com/places/ripley-s-believe-it-or-not-orlando-orlando) Neighborhood: International Drive Why we picked it: The odd objects and hands-on puzzles suit school-age kids who like gross-out facts and asking whether it's real. Odd objects, oddities and a run of hands-on illusions and puzzles. It's a museum of the strange, and kids who like gross-out facts and 'is that real?' will go through slowly. School-age kids get the most out of it. Toddlers will mostly want to run. - Free entry: No - Restroom: Yes ### [Crayola Experience](https://ourplayday.com/places/crayola-experience-orlando-orlando) Neighborhood: The Florida Mall Why we picked it: Kids make their own crayon label, spin art and molded wax, so it's the indoor morning for the younger end of school age. Kids wrap their own crayon label, make spin art and mold melted wax into new colors, and there's a play zone for the smaller ones. It's inside The Florida Mall on South Orange Blossom Trail, east of International Drive and a drive from it. It suits the younger end of school age best, and it's a good morning when the weather has beaten you. - Free entry: No - Wheelchair access: Yes ## Downtown and Loch Haven Downtown Orlando is a different city from the tourist strip, and it's easier with small kids. Loch Haven Park, a little north of downtown, has the science center, the garden is a short drive beyond it, and Lake Eola is in the middle of downtown itself. The History Center and the fire museum are short drives from each other. ### [Orlando Science Center KidsTown](https://ourplayday.com/places/orlando-science-center-kidstown-orlando) Neighborhood: Loch Haven Park Why we picked it: KidsTown is a floor built for ages 0 to 7, the best indoor stop in the city for under-sevens and the first one for a toddler. KidsTown is the floor built for ages 0 to 7: kids pick pretend oranges, build, climb and play with water. It's the best indoor stop in the city for under-sevens, and it's the one we'd send a toddler to first. The rest of the science center is for older kids, so with a mix of ages the whole building fills a day. - Free entry: No - Wheelchair access: Yes ### [Lake Eola Playground](https://ourplayday.com/places/lake-eola-playground-orlando) Neighborhood: Downtown Why we picked it: A fenced playground split by age, beside the swans on the lake shore, and the best free hour downtown. A fenced playground split by age, in the middle of the park that wraps the lake. Walk the shore for the swans, and you have the best free hour downtown. It suits toddlers through school age, and the fence makes it a stop where you can sit down. It gets hot in summer afternoons, so go in the morning or late in the day. - Free entry: Yes - Restroom: Yes - Wheelchair access: Yes - Ages: Ages 5 and up ### [Harry P. Leu Gardens](https://ourplayday.com/places/harry-p-leu-gardens-orlando) Neighborhood: Loch Haven Why we picked it: Shaded garden paths with story times and kids' events, the quiet outdoor morning before it heats up. Winding garden paths with a lot of shade, and the kind of place where a four-year-old runs ahead and you don't mind. There are story times and kids' events to look for on the listing. It's a quiet outdoor option for a morning before it heats up. It isn't a playground, so kids who want to climb will get restless after an hour. - Free entry: No - Restroom: Yes - Wheelchair access: Yes ### [Orange County Regional History Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/orange-county-regional-history-center-orlando) Neighborhood: Downtown Why we picked it: Hands-on history exhibits in an old courthouse, an easy indoor break to pair with Lake Eola on a day between parks. Hands-on history exhibits inside an old courthouse, a short walk from Lake Eola. It's a good indoor break on a day between parks, and an easy one to pair with the lake. School-age kids get the most out of it. It's a short visit with a toddler, and that's fine. - Free entry: No ### [Orlando Fire Museum](https://ourplayday.com/places/orlando-fire-museum-orlando) Neighborhood: Downtown Why we picked it: Free, small and full of vintage fire trucks, so it's the add-on for a fire-truck kid when you're already downtown. Vintage fire trucks, gear and photos in a 1926 fire station, with picnic tables under the oaks outside. It's free, and it's small, so it's a fit for a fire-truck kid and an easy add-on if you're nearby. It's the one to stop at on the way to somewhere bigger rather than a destination of its own. - Free entry: Yes ## Animals and the outdoors Both of these are a real drive from International Drive, and from each other. Plan them as their own morning, and go early. ### [Gatorland](https://ourplayday.com/places/gatorland-orlando) Neighborhood: South Orange Blossom Trail Why we picked it: Baby gators, an animal show and a splash area, for kids who like animals and like how close everything is. Baby gators to look at, an animal show and a splash area for cooling off after. It's old Florida, and kids who like animals tend to love how close everything is. It's easy with a stroller. It's an outdoor attraction in Florida heat, so it's a morning, not an afternoon. If the weather turns, it turns. - Free entry: No - Wheelchair access: Yes ### [Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge](https://ourplayday.com/places/back-to-nature-wildlife-refuge-wildlife-walk-orlando) Neighborhood: Southeast Orlando Why we picked it: A short walk past rescued Florida wildlife, the animal outing without a theme park, best paired with Terra Play Center and Boxi Park. A rescue and rehabilitation center for injured Florida wildlife, with a short walk past animals that can't be released. It's small, and kids can go at their own pace. It suits curious four-to-ten-year-olds and families who want an animal outing without a theme park. It's out in the southeast, past Lake Nona, so it fits best with Terra Play Center and Boxi Park. How to book is on the listing. - Free entry: No ## Indoor play for small kids For the under-fives, a rainy day is easiest in a room built for them. These three are all indoors, and they cover three corners of town. ### [Terra Play Center](https://ourplayday.com/places/terra-play-center-orlando) Neighborhood: Lake Nona Why we picked it: Set up for 6 months to 8 years, so crawlers aren't dodging big kids, which makes it the calmest indoor play space here. A net swing, a mini rebounder and gentle sensory play, set up for 6 months to 8 years, so crawlers aren't dodging big kids. It's the calmest indoor play space on this page. It's in Lake Nona, southeast of downtown, so it pairs with Boxi Park for lunch and isn't a short hop from International Drive. - Free entry: No - Changing table: Yes - Wheelchair access: Yes ### [My Little Town Kids](https://ourplayday.com/places/my-little-town-kids-orlando-orlando) Neighborhood: South Orange Blossom Trail Why we picked it: A pretend town with a gated baby zone, the pick for kids who like to run a shop, and a good stop before or after Gatorland. A pretend town with a road for toy cars and a market to shop in, plus a gated baby zone so the youngest play apart. It's pretend play, not climbing, so it suits kids who like to run a shop. It's on South Orange Blossom Trail, which makes it a good stop before or after Gatorland. ### [Monkey Joe's](https://ourplayday.com/places/monkey-joe-s-pointe-orlando-orlando) Neighborhood: Pointe Orlando Why we picked it: Inflatables and slides with a separate toddler area, the loud rainy-afternoon pick for kids who need to burn off energy. Indoor inflatables, slides and arcade games for ages 12 and under, with a separate toddler area. It's the one for kids who need to burn off energy and an easy rainy-afternoon add on International Drive. It's loud and bouncy and nothing like the quiet play centers above. That's what it is for. ## Splash pads and playgrounds Orlando has a lot of good neighborhood playgrounds, and these three are the ones we'd drive to on a hot afternoon. They're spread across town, so check the address against where you are. ### [Lake Lorna Doone Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/lake-lorna-doone-park-playground-orlando) Neighborhood: West of downtown Why we picked it: A playground with a splash area by the lake, the easiest one to fit around a Lake Eola or History Center morning. A playground with a splash area by the lake, a few minutes west of downtown. It's the easiest one to fit around a Lake Eola or History Center morning. It suits preschoolers and school-age kids, and it's a free afternoon. - Restroom: Yes - Ages: Ages 5 and up ### [Barber Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/barber-park-playground-orlando) Neighborhood: Southeast Orlando Why we picked it: Inclusive play equipment with a splash area beside it, so kids of every ability can climb and then cool off. Inclusive play equipment with a splash area beside it, so kids of every ability can climb and then cool off. It suits preschool and school-age kids. It's southeast of downtown, so it's a better fit if you're staying out that way than a detour. - Ages: Ages 5 and up ### [Tanja King Park](https://ourplayday.com/places/tanja-king-park-playground-orlando) Neighborhood: East Orlando Why we picked it: Shade over the play area and a splash area next to it, the one to pick on a hot afternoon when you want somewhere to sit. Shade over the play area and a splash area next to it, which counts for a lot on a hot afternoon. It's the one we'd pick if you want somewhere to sit down. It's well east of everything else on this page. Go if you're staying out that way, and not otherwise. - Restroom: Yes - Ages: Ages 5 and up ## Where to eat nearby Somewhere to eat near each part of town. They're ordinary, family-friendly places, and the choices are different on each side. ### [4Roots Cafe](https://ourplayday.com/places/4roots-cafe-orlando) Neighborhood: Loch Haven Why we picked it: A plant-forward café inside the science center, open without a ticket, so a KidsTown day gets lunch in the building. The café inside the science center, with bowls, salads and sandwiches, and a living wall and food exhibits to look at while you wait. You don't need a ticket to eat here. It's the easy lunch on a KidsTown day, because you don't have to leave. ### [Pig Floyd's Urban Barbakoa](https://ourplayday.com/places/pig-floyd-s-urban-barbakoa-orlando) Neighborhood: Mills 50 Why we picked it: Barbecue with Cuban and Latin touches, a big covered patio and a Little Piglet dinner for kids, near Loch Haven. Barbecue with Cuban and Latin touches, a small Little Piglet dinner for kids, and a big covered patio out front. The patio sits close to Mills Avenue, so it can be loud, and a table of kids won't stand out. It's a short drive from Loch Haven, and it's the casual dinner after a museum afternoon. ### [East End Market](https://ourplayday.com/places/east-end-market-orlando) Neighborhood: Audubon Park Why we picked it: A neighborhood market hall of local counters and bakeries where a group that can't agree can each pick a snack. A market hall of local food counters and bakeries, where everyone picks their own snack, with doughnuts for the kids. It's good with a group that can't agree, and it runs family days with kids' activities. Parking is limited. It's a few minutes from Loch Haven. ### [Boxi Park Lake Nona](https://ourplayday.com/places/boxi-park-lake-nona-orlando) Neighborhood: Lake Nona Why we picked it: Container food counters around an open-air playground, with shaded seating, in the same part of town as Terra Play Center. Quick-service food counters in shipping containers around an open-air courtyard with a playground, so everyone picks their own dinner and the kids play while you wait. There's shaded seating and family restrooms. It's the meal to pair with Terra Play Center, in the same part of town. - Reservations: Yes ### [World's Largest Entertainment McDonald's](https://ourplayday.com/places/world-s-largest-entertainment-mcdonald-s-orlando) Neighborhood: International Drive Why we picked it: A 22-foot play structure and an arcade, with pizza and pasta beside the usual menu: the lunch for a kid who won't sit. A 22-foot play structure and an arcade, with pizza, pasta and waffles alongside the usual menu. It's a gimmick, and it works: the easiest lunch near International Drive with a kid who won't sit. ## Where to stay None of these are downtown, and none are near Loch Haven. They're on or near International Drive, which is where the first part of this plan is. If you want the downtown side, expect a drive across town, and I-4 traffic decides how long it takes. ### [CoCo Key Hotel & Water Park Resort](https://ourplayday.com/places/coco-key-hotel-water-park-resort-orlando) Neighborhood: International Drive Why we picked it: A hotel built around a water park partly under a canopy, with splash areas for smaller kids, so an afternoon storm is a non-event. A hotel built around a water park that is partly under a canopy, with splash areas for smaller kids. It's up International Drive from ICON Park, and it's the one that makes the afternoon storm a non-event. ### [Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa](https://ourplayday.com/places/westgate-lakes-resort-spa-orlando) Neighborhood: Near International Drive Why we picked it: Seven pools, a water park and villas with room to spread out, the right pick for a group with more than one family. A villa resort with seven pools and a water park, and villas with room for everyone to spread out. It's a short drive from ICON Park, and the right pick for a group with more than one family. ### [Floridays Resort Orlando](https://ourplayday.com/places/floridays-resort-orlando-orlando) Neighborhood: South International Drive Why we picked it: Two- and three-bedroom suites with kitchens and washer-dryers, and a zero-entry pool with water play, for a longer stay. Two- and three-bedroom suites with kitchens and washer-dryers, and a zero-entry pool with water play for the smallest swimmers. It's several miles south of ICON Park, so you'll drive to everything. For a longer stay, the kitchen and laundry are worth it. ### [Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort](https://ourplayday.com/places/universal-s-cabana-bay-beach-resort-orlando) Neighborhood: Universal Orlando area Why we picked it: Suites that sleep six with a kitchenette, plus a lazy river and bowling, and the better choice if you're also doing a Universal day. Suites that sleep six with a kitchenette, plus two pools, a lazy river and bowling for the evenings. It's the other side of I-4 from International Drive, so it's a drive to this plan, and the better choice if you're also doing a Universal day. ## Florida heat and afternoon storms In summer the weather decides the day. Do the outdoors in the morning (Gatorland, the garden, the playgrounds) and keep the afternoon for something with a roof: the aquarium, WonderWorks, the science center or a play center. If a storm rolls in, the aquarium is the easy place to be. ## Put a day together International Drive day: SEA LIFE and the Museum of Illusions at ICON Park, lunch at the big McDonald's, and WonderWorks or Monkey Joe's in the afternoon. Downtown day: Lake Eola in the morning, the History Center, then the science center at Loch Haven with lunch at 4Roots. Animal day: Gatorland early, then My Little Town Kids nearby if it rains. Lake Nona day: Terra Play Center, then a meal at Boxi Park. ## Questions ### What is there to do in Orlando with kids besides theme parks? International Drive has SEA LIFE, WonderWorks and the Museum of Illusions. Downtown has the Orlando Science Center and Lake Eola, and Gatorland is south of town. This page has the rest, with somewhere to eat and stay. ### What can you do in Orlando with kids when it rains? SEA LIFE, WonderWorks, the Orlando Science Center and the indoor play centers: Terra Play Center, My Little Town Kids and Monkey Joe's. The History Center and Crayola Experience are good for school-age kids. ### What is free to do in Orlando with kids? The Lake Eola Playground and the Orlando Fire Museum are free, and so are the neighborhood playgrounds and splash pads, such as Lake Lorna Doone Park, Barber Park and Tanja King Park. ### What is best for toddlers in Orlando? KidsTown at the Orlando Science Center is built for ages 0 to 7. Terra Play Center is set up for 6 months to 8 years, and My Little Town Kids has a gated baby zone. Outdoors, Lake Eola's fenced playground is easy. ### Where can kids cool off in Orlando? Splash areas at Lake Lorna Doone Park, Barber Park and Tanja King Park, and at Gatorland. A hotel with a water park, such as CoCo Key, covers an afternoon without leaving. ### Where should you stay in Orlando with kids if you're skipping the theme parks? On International Drive, at CoCo Key or Westgate Lakes, if the aquarium, WonderWorks and ICON Park are most of the plan. Floridays has kitchens and laundry for longer stays. Downtown is a drive from all of them. Page: https://ourplayday.com/guides/united-states/florida/orlando/things-to-do-with-kids