Itinerary advice - except disney

Question

We will be visiting Orlando with our 2 kids - 9 and 5 years old.

Need suggestions to visit places nearby and in Orlando except Disney.

Answer

Orlando is best known for Disney and Universal, but there are plenty of other attractions and activities that are great for families with young children. Here’s a detailed guide for exploring Orlando beyond Disney.

Family-Friendly Attractions:

Universal Orlando Resort – Volcano Bay Water Park: Even if skipping the theme parks, Volcano Bay offers a fun water park experience with slides, lazy rivers, and kid-friendly splash zones suitable for ages 5 and 9.
Sea Life Orlando Aquarium: Located at ICON Park, it’s an interactive aquarium with tunnels, touch pools, and educational exhibits perfect for young kids.
Orlando Science Center: Hands-on science exhibits, a planetarium, and live demonstrations make it an engaging stop for curious children.
Gatorland: A classic Florida experience where kids can see alligators, watch shows, and even try a zip line over the alligator enclosures.

Outdoor and Nature Experiences:

Leu Gardens: A beautiful botanical garden with walking paths, butterfly gardens, and open spaces for kids to explore.
Lake Eola Park: In downtown Orlando, this park has swan boat rentals, playgrounds, and wide open spaces for a picnic or stroll.
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park: For families with active kids, aerial obstacle courses and zip lines are available for children above a certain height.
Airboat Rides in the Everglades: Short guided tours near Orlando or Kissimmee offer safe encounters with Florida wildlife including alligators and birds.

Interactive and Educational Fun:

Crayola Experience: An indoor attraction with over 25 hands-on activities for kids to explore creativity and color.
LEGO Store and Miniland at Disney Springs: Even if skipping Disney theme parks, the LEGO Store offers interactive displays, build zones, and kid-friendly fun.
Fun Spot America: Classic amusement park with go-karts, rides suitable for younger children, and arcade games.

Day Trips Near Orlando:

Kennedy Space Center: About 45 minutes from Orlando, kids can explore rockets, astronaut training simulators, and interactive exhibits.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament: A unique experience with knights, horses, and a themed dinner show entertaining for kids and adults alike.
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour: A relaxing boat tour through lakes and canals with wildlife spotting and charming views.

Tips:

Plan outdoor attractions in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat, especially with younger kids.
Buy tickets online for popular attractions like Sea Life, Crayola Experience, and Gatorland to save time.
Combine indoor and outdoor activities to give kids a break from sun and heat.

Overall, Orlando offers a wide variety of activities beyond Disney that are perfect for families with children ages 5 and 9, balancing educational, interactive, and outdoor fun.