More fun out and about in Orlando with your baby
Believe it or not, there is even more to see in and around Orlando and many of these activities and attractions are great for babies and toddlers. From petting farms, to play areas and great child friendly restaurants, don’t forget to spend some time exploring Orlando beyond the theme parks.
Orlando for the 5′s and under
While little ones might know Orlando best for its animated characters and magical princesses, what they may not realise is that Orlando boasts numerous attractions inside and outside its theme parks to entertain under 5’s. From zoos, petting farms and themed playgrounds to family friendly restaurants and dinner shows, there is guaranteed to be something for the youngest family members to get excited about in Orlando.
Attractions
Brevard Zoo – The zoo’s Wildlife Detective Training Academy makes for a precious photo opportunity as kids play veterinarian to a variety of ailing stuffed friends. Interaction with real animals such as turtles and lizards, and a sand play area with submerged ‘bones’ add an exciting hands-on element. Highlights to any visit include hand feeding the zoo’s family of friendly giraffes and kayaking around the zoo’s wetlands. Kids can enjoy a new play area with water features and forts premieres. Visit brevardzoo.org
Fun Spot Action Park – Little ones will love this indoor-outdoor attraction’s ‘Pre-school Spot,’ a special area featuring classic rides just for them. Also try its sister park Fun Spot USA or Magical Midway. Visit fun-spot.com
Gatorland – Young ones are fascinated by the park’s gator wranglers and snake handlers but there’s much more to this historic attraction than reptiles. The Gator Gully Splash Park cools kids off with a host of animal-themed interactive water toys and splash areas. They’ll also love Allie’s Barnyard, where they can pet goats, llamas and other friendly critters and the Very Merry Aviary, where they can hand feed colourful lorikeets. The Express Railroad train ride is another high point for little ones. Visit gatorland.com
Green Meadows Petting Farm – A people-friendly animal farm where piglets, chicks, ponies and other creatures share their scenic, sprawling home with all who enter. A guided tour includes fun in the pigpen, a chance to milk a cow, pony rides, hay rides and train rides, chick cuddling and more one-on-one interaction with farm animals. In October, guests can also visit the pumpkin patch. Visit greenmeadowsfarm.com
Orlando Science Center – Fanciful changing exhibits mingle with educational staples to provide kids with countless hands-on learning opportunities. They’ll want to spend hours watching baby alligators, turtles and snakes at NatureWorks, unearthing dinosaur fossils and replicas at DinoDigs and farming faux oranges and fixing cars in KidsTown. Visit osc.org 888-672-4386/407-514-2000
Dining
Dinner Shows
Orlando is home to a wide variety of dinner shows that turn mealtime into an attraction of its own. You can sing, dance and cheer at some of the most exciting dining experiences in town. Along with the fun, most themed dinner attractions also feature an unlimited feast of food and drink. Also remember to make the most of numerous ‘kids eat free’ dining options in Orlando- visit www.visitorlando.com/uk for details of the latest deals.
Diners sing along with the kooky cast of characters at Disney’s Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, a country and western vaudeville-style show; and do the hula at Makahiki Luau at SeaWorld Orlando, Disney’s Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show at Disney’s Polynesian Resort or Wantilan Luau at Loews Royal Pacific Resort. Guests cheer for their favourite jousting knight at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament or discover if a pirate’s life is for them at the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. Whilst visitors can see classic fables come to life through horsemanship at Arabian Nights.
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