Central Florida weather is nearing its springtime flair, which means now’s the time to start planning kiddo-approved things to do around town. Whether you want to avoid the heat, or embrace it at a splash pad or natural watering hole, there are plenty of spots to visit that promise a good time for all ages.

Here are 24 kid-friendly activities all within driving distance of Orlando. 

Orange County Regional History Center 65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando Not only is it inexpensive, the Orange County Regional History Center will keep children busy for hours on end — with educational fun! Admission is $8 per adult and $6 per child between 5 and 12 years old, but on the third Thursday of each month, admission is free from 5 to 8 p.m. Credit: Photo via Orange County Regional History Center/Facebook
Central Florida Zoo 3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a relatively cheap spot perfect for all ages. The zoo offers scads of animal viewings and tons of educational opportunities. Besides the many wild encounters, the zoo also offers its Wharton-Smith Train Depot, home to a one-quarter-scale model of an authentic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad streamliner, The Champion. Skip the steps and ride around the zoo’s property in style. Credit: Photo via Central Florida Zoo/Facebook
Enjoy a Leu Gardens movie night 1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando Head to the Harry P. Leu Gardens for a day admiring the greenery and learning about Florida’s natural landscape. You can also upgrade your summer movie night with Leu Gardens’ Movie Night. Pack a picnic and bring the whole family for an outdoor movie. Make sure you get there early to claim your spot. Credit: Photo via Harry P. Leu Gardens/Facebook
Wekiva Island 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood Get some much-needed summer sun without having to plan an entire day trip at this Central Florida favorite. Just under a 30-minute drive from Orlando, Wekiva Island offers plenty of water fun for kids: Rent a kayak or paddleboard, play beach volleyball or just splash around in the cool, clear waters. Credit: Photo via Wekiva Island/Facebook

Special events at Orange County Library System

Various branches
Across 16 branches throughout Orange County, these libraries offer various classes, story times and special events specially catering to little ones. Credit: Photo via Orange County Library System/Facebook
Legoland 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven Legoland offers 150 acres of interactive theme park activities and viewings geared for families with young kids, although it works for Lego lovers of all ages. There are more than 50 rides, shows and attractions at the Winter Haven park. Credit: Photo via Legoland/Facebook
Beat par at Orlando Putting Edge 5250 International Drive, Orlando Orlando Putting Edge really does put the edge in mini golf. This completely indoor and black-lit neon golf course is the perfect spot to test your athleticism (and maybe your eyesight) while in the cool comfort of the indoors. Credit: Photo via Putting Edge/Facebook

Dinosaur World

1 hour 46 minutes from Orlando
Florida’s own prehistoric playground is the perfect place to wander around hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs in natural settings. The attraction offers a dino-themed play area, a massive interactive boneyard and a museum featuring a collection of animatronic beasts. Credit: Photo via Dinosaur World/Facebook

Get turned upside down at WonderWorks

9067 International Drive, Orlando
This all-around entertaining attraction offers an “amusement park for the mind.” Visit the I-Drive emporium for a glimpse into more than 100 exhibits and attractions that will make you scratch your head in confusion or widen your eyes in surprise. There’s also laser tag, a ropes course and a 6D motion ride. Credit: Photo via WonderWorks/Facebook
Orlando Museum of Art 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando Soak in some art, learn a bit about your community’s creativity and immerse yourself in all things inspirational at Orlando Museum of Art. Founded in 1924, the museum is home to a rotating series of temporary exhibitions and traveling shows complemented by mainstay works. Guests can also take advantage of the year-round workshops held on site, like art appreciation classes, lectures, films, guided tours, kids’ events and more. Credit: Photo via Orlando Museum of Art/Facebook
Orlando Science Center 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando If you want to experience some naturally occurring thrills while learning about the world around you, Orlando Science Center has it all. With options and exhibits fit for all ages, it’s a great spot to bring young ones. Credit: Photo via Orlando Science Center/Facebook

Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park

51 minutes from Orlando
If you’re looking to really dive into the Florida roadtrip essentials, Wild Florida probably has something to ignite your excitement. This massive wildlife park and outdoor experience offers drive-through exotic animal sight seeing, airboat tours, alligator-handling shows and a petting zoo. Credit: Photo via Wild Florida/Facebook

Enzian Theater

1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
This art house theater in Maitland seems relatively normal, right? Wrong! At around 1 a.m. on some moonless nights, a screaming disembodied head has been spotted in the north corner of the building before it disappears into the kitchen. Credit: Photo via the Enzian

Dezerland Park

5250 International Drive, Orlando
This massive indoor amusement center offers plenty to do for the whole family, including a bowling alley, go-karts, a movie theater and more. Dezerland is also home to the Orlando Auto Museum, showcasing thousands of vehicles, all valued at more than $200 million. Credit: Photo via Dezerland Park/Facebook

Inhale some fresh air at Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs, FL 32779
This stunning spring is less than 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, inviting locals to escape the city and enjoy all that nature has to offer. The emerald water is perfect to dive into and cool off with friends and family. There’s ample space to have a picnic, making it a top contender for Orlando’s best summer hangout. Wekiwa Springs also has its very own food truck for those who didn’t pack enough snacks. Credit: Photo via floridastateparks.org

Reptile World Serpentarium

46 minutes from Orlando
If you’re willing to take the long route for your Orlando-to-Tampa (or vice versa) travels, Reptile World is a must-do. This reptile zoo features more than 75 species of snakes, lizards, crocodiles, alligators and more. It’s operated by herpetologist George Van Horn, who also puts on venom-milking shows with the park’s resident snakes. Credit: Photo via Reptile World Serpentarium/Yelp

Go indoor skydiving at iFly

8969 International Drive, Orlando
Fly far, far away (figuratively) at iFly Orlando’s indoor skydiving park without ever having to set a foot outside. It’s the thrill of skydiving with the comfort and reliability of cool, crisp Central Florida air conditioning. Credit: Photo via iFly/Facebook
Safari Wilderness Ranch 10850 Moore Road, Lakeland Lakeland’s Safari Wilderness offers its guests a first-hand drive-through experience featuring plenty of exotic wildlife. Safari Wilderness prides itself on being totally different than a zoo or theme park; its emphasis is on immersing its guests in nature. Credit: Photo via Safari Wilderness Ranch/Facebook

Icon Park

8375 International Drive, Orlando
It’s theme park-adjacent, but it’s much more modest than the House of Mouse and its peers. Icon Park offers Madame Tussauds Orlando, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium and Museum of Illusions and more at the 20-acre International Drive entertainment complex. Take a ride in the Orlando Eye observation wheel and take in the Central Florida views from 400 feet up. Credit: Photo via Icon Park/Facebook
Wildflower Farm 2218 Carrington Drive, Orlando Wildflower Farm is a small farmstead located right here in Orlando. Reserve a spot for one of their special kid-friendly events, like Family Time on the Farm ($16 per person) and Fables on the Farm ($13 per person). Credit: Photo via Wildflower Farms/Facebook

Paddle your way through Lake Eola Park

512 E. Washington St., Orlando
Right in the heart of Orlando is Lake Eola Park, a glistening body of water surrounded by ample space for picnicking, sightseeing and taking a breather just outside of the bustle of downtown. It’s an essential spot for Orlandoans to know – and bonus points for actually riding in the tourist-adored swan boats. Credit: Photo via Lake Eola Park/Facebook

Gatorland

14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve located right here in Orlando, along South Orange Blossom Trail. The spot was founded 73 years ago by Owen Godwin on former cattle land, and has ever since been a wildlife adventure and adventure park. Guests can watch the gator feeding shows, hold baby gators or hang out in the petting zoo. Credit: Photo via Gatorland/Facebook

Blue Spring State Park

Volusia County
Bring the kiddos to encounter the gentle giants we call manatees at this crystal-clear spring where more than 700 manatees make their home. Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and boat tours are available for all guests. Credit: Photo via Blue Spring State Park/Facebook

Ichetucknee Springs

12087 SW U.S. Highway 27, Fort White
Just a couple of hours away is one of Florida’s most versatile natural springs. For just $6 per vehicle, Ichetucknee Springs offers a picturesque watering hole, a sprawling natural lazy river (with tubes for rent) and several nature trails. Spend a quintessential summer day on the water with enough action and views to keep the youngsters stimulated. Credit: Photo via Ichetucknee Springs/Facebook

Additional Slideshows

The 18 quintessential greatest things to do in Orlando that aren’t theme parks