Warmer weather and end-of-the-school-year breaks are on the horizon, which means it’s time to get familiar with all the family-friendly activities in and around Orlando. Not too far away, there are roadside attractions, museums, swimming holes and outdoor thrills that are actually fun for all ages (and won’t kill your wallet).
Here are 27 kid-friendly things to do that are under $30 and within a couple hours drive from the City Beautiful.
Wekiva Island
1014 Miami Springs Drive, LongwoodWekiva Island offers some ideal outdoor fun without requiring an entire planned day trip. This Central Florida destination is just under a 30-minute drive from Orlando, and 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
Gatorland
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, OrlandoGatorland 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
Dinosaur World
1 hour 46 minutes from OrlandoFlorida’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
Blue Spring State Park
Volusia CountyBring 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
Reptile World Serpentarium
46 minutes from OrlandoIf 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
Orange County Regional History Center
65 E. Central Blvd., OrlandoNot 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 & Botanical Gardens
3755 W. Seminole Blvd., SanfordThe Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a relatively cheap spot perfect for all ages, with scads of animal habitats 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
Leu Gardens movie night
1920 N. Forest Ave., OrlandoHead 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
Special events at Orange County Library System
Various branchesAcross 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
Orlando Museum of Art
2416 N. Mills Ave., OrlandoSoak 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
Become a student at Orlando Science Center
777 E. Princeton St., OrlandoIf 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 take the kiddos or enjoy with a group of friends. Credit: Photo via Orlando Science Center/Facebook
Ichetucknee Springs
12087 SW U.S. Highway 27, Fort WhiteJust 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
Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park
51 minutes from OrlandoIf 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
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs, FLThis 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 by Chloe Greenberg
Enzian Theater
1300 S. Orlando Ave., MaitlandThis 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, OrlandoThis 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
Lake Eola Park
512 E. Washington St., OrlandoRight 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
Silver Springs State Park
1 hour and 45 minutes from OrlandoTake a step into true Florida nature with Silver Springs State Park’s iconic glass-bottom boat rides. The immersive rides have been a staple attraction of the park since the 1800s, when the tourism boom first started. They also may just be the perfect opportunity to spot the rogue monkey population that calls the park home today. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock
Run wild at Wildflower Farms
2218 Carrington Drive, OrlandoWildflower Farms 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). There’s also goat yoga and plenty of opportunities to run wild with cute critters. Credit: Photo via Wildflower Farms/Facebook
Prance through Bok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake WalesOpen 365 days a year, this historic landmark is known for its Art Deco singing tower and nearly 50 acres of scenic gardens to explore. Bok Tower Gardens single-day admission is $17 and will get you access to garden areas and the 3.5-mile Pine Ridge Preserve hiking trail. Credit: Photo via Bok Tower Gardens/Facebook
Oakland Nature Preserve
747 Machete Trail, OaklandThis trail cuts across a boardwalk along the Lake Apopka shoreline before twining into a shady oak hammock. Hikers have a good chance of spotting animals in the adjacent wildlife preserve. Largely considered a hidden gem, this 150-acre preserve and its network of trails is nestled between Clermont and Winter Garden. Credit: Image via Google Maps
Whimzeyland
2 hours and 13 mintues from OrlandoWhat started as an eclectic collection of art and knickknacks turned into one of Florida’s most recognizable local landmarks. The totally decked-out “Bowling Ball House” called Whimzeyland is covered with recycled materials, art projects and, yeah, bowling balls. Credit: Photo via Whimzeyland/Facebook
Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf
8501 International Drive, Orlando What’s a mini golf course without a good theme? Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf, located next to Icon Park, features over-the-top pirate ships and creative challenges across three different courses. Tickets start at $16 for adults and $14 for children age 4 to 12. Credit: Photo via Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf/Facebook
Ginnie Springs
5000 NE 60th Ave., High SpringsThe seven crystal-clear springs at Ginnie Springs are 72 degrees year-round, perfect for snorkeling, scuba and cave diving. The 200 surrounding wooded acres allow guests to spend the night or weekend, with more than 100 campsites with electric and water hookups. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock