Itinerary with kids

Question

We plan to drive from Richmond to Orlando (with kids). Have plans to visit the peppa pig land and magic kingdom in Orlando. We have about 10 days for the entire trip.

1. Any places you would recommend to visit during the drive from Richmond? We don't want to hurry the drive to reach Orlando and are ok to detour a bit for some nice places enroute.

2. Any other places in and around Orlando you would recommend?

Answer

Driving from Richmond, VA to Orlando, FL with kids over about 10 days gives you plenty of opportunity to enjoy stops along the way without feeling rushed. Here’s a detailed breakdown for planning both your drive and your Orlando visit.

1. Recommended stops during the drive:

Richmond, VA: Start with a short morning visit to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts or Maymont Park if you haven’t already explored the city.
North Carolina (Raleigh / Durham / Greensboro area): Consider a detour to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in Raleigh, great for kids with interactive exhibits. Greensboro Science Center is another good option with aquarium and zoo components.
South Carolina (Columbia / Charleston area): Columbia has Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, perfect for a midday stop. If you want a more scenic detour, Charleston’s historic district is family-friendly with cobblestone streets and carriage rides.
Georgia (Savannah / Atlanta area): Savannah offers beautiful squares, riverfront parks, and child-friendly historic tours. Atlanta is a longer detour but has the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and Centennial Olympic Park, which kids usually love.
Florida (Gainesville / Ocala area): Stop at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville or Silver Springs State Park near Ocala for glass-bottom boat tours—a fun way to break up the drive before reaching Orlando.

These stops are flexible and allow for a mix of educational and entertaining experiences, so your drive doesn’t feel like a long, non-stop slog.

2. Other recommended places in and around Orlando:

Theme Parks: You already have Magic Kingdom on your list. Also consider EPCOT for interactive exhibits and cultural pavilions, or Universal’s Islands of Adventure if your kids enjoy more thrilling rides.
Peppa Pig World / LEGOLAND: Peppa Pig World is part of LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven, about 45–50 minutes from Orlando. A full day here is ideal for younger kids.
Water Parks: Volcano Bay (Universal), Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach (Disney) are great for cooling off and breaking up theme park days.
Animal Encounters: Disney’s Animal Kingdom is a mix of rides and animal exhibits. Gatorland is another exciting and budget-friendly option with shows and a zip line for older kids.
Interactive Experiences: Crayola Experience, Orlando Science Center, and the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (slightly east of Orlando) are excellent educational stops.
Evening / Relaxed Activities: Disney Springs or Universal CityWalk for dining, shopping, and entertainment without needing park tickets.

Plan your route with 3–4 major stops along the drive to break up long stretches. In Orlando, try to mix theme parks with educational and relaxed activities to keep everyone energized and happy. Booking tickets in advance for theme parks and Peppa Pig World is highly recommended to avoid long lines.