Up all night with an 8yo and 14yo?

Question

Anyone have any suggestions for my 8 year old and 14 year old daughters and me to have some last fun in Orlando, from around 8 pm until we need to be at the airport around 5:00 am? In July. Thanks in advance.

Answer

Orlando is a city that never really sleeps, especially when it comes to family entertainment. Even late at night, there are activities that can keep both an 8-year-old and a 14-year-old engaged while making it fun for you as well. Since you have a wide window from 8 pm until early morning, you can mix indoor, late-night attractions with a bit of casual exploration and dining.

Here are some suggestions for late-night fun in Orlando with kids:

Disney Springs: Open until midnight (sometimes later in summer), this area has shopping, entertainment, and dining. You can enjoy live music, interactive experiences like the LEGO store, and a variety of restaurants and dessert spots. It’s stroller-friendly and lively without being overwhelming.
Universal CityWalk: Open until 2 am, CityWalk has family-friendly options including mini-golf, arcade-style games, and restaurants that are open late. The atmosphere is lively, and even the younger ones can enjoy the sights and entertainment without going into the adult-oriented venues.
ICON Park / The Wheel: ICON Park on International Drive has attractions like The Wheel, Madame Tussauds, and SEA LIFE Aquarium. The Wheel is open late, providing a fun night-time view of the city. There are also restaurants open late and casual walkways for strolling.
Arcades / Indoor entertainment centers: Many locations in Orlando stay open until midnight or later, including Dave & Buster’s on International Drive. These spots combine games, laser tag, and food—all appealing to both kids and teens.
Late-night mini-golf: Orlando has several glow-in-the-dark or illuminated mini-golf courses such as Pirate’s Cove or Putting Edge that stay open until 11 pm or midnight. These are fun for all ages and provide a break from the theme-park atmosphere.

Since your flight requires early arrival at the airport, it’s also worth planning a calm option to rest before leaving:

Airport hotel stay: Book a hotel near Orlando International Airport with late check-out or 24-hour access. You can spend the later night in a pool or hotel lounge and rest before your early flight.
Grab a late-night snack or dessert: Try places like IHOP, Denny’s, or even local diners that stay open 24 hours. This can give the kids a fun late-night experience without straying far from your eventual airport departure.

For timing, you could start with Disney Springs or Universal CityWalk around 8 pm, transition to an arcade or mini-golf around 10:30 pm, and then head toward the airport area around 2–3 am. That way, you get a variety of experiences without overextending everyone’s energy.

Remember to stay hydrated and keep snacks handy—the combination of summer heat and late-night activity can be tiring, especially for the younger one. A plan with a mix of gentle walking, interactive fun, and some food stops will help everyone enjoy the night safely and memorably.