Things to do with the kids during Winter Break in Orlando
“I’m bored!” are two words that are every parent’s worst nightmare. Winter break is coming up and the kiddos are going to be at home for two weeks without anything to do. Lucky for you, we live in the sunshine state and we do not have to fight the elements or freezing temperatures. We have compiled a list of fun activities and places to visit during winter break.
Activities to do with the kids during Winter Break in Orlando
Here are 20 fun things to do with kids in Orlando during Winter Break.
Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Lions and tigers and bears…oh my! While you may not see those animals at The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens, you may encounter a rhinoceros or two, or get to feed the giraffes. You will get to see animals native to Florida. If the family doesn’t want to be so hands-on when it comes to the animals, then try out the Zipline course and get an aerial view of the zoo. However, if your little one is all about being up close and personal with furry friends, then visit the Barnyard Buddies where they can pet an alpaca, chickens, goats, sheep, and a llama. The zoo has a little something for everyone in the family to enjoy on a winter break day!
Crayola Experience
Color the holidays beautiful by taking the whole family to the Crayola Experience in Orlando. Enjoy creative and immersive fun with just you and your child or for you and the entire family. There are plenty of interactive exhibits for the youngsters to enjoy and this season, be sure to check out Crayola Christmas too. The challenge? Help Santa find his friends and save the holiday! Stop by and see Forest Green the Singing Christmas Tree or Edwin the Painting Snowman.
Dr. Phillips Community Park
How about spending a day doing nothing, but still having fun? Head over to the Dr. Phillips Community Park on Buenavista Woods Boulevard for a fun family day. Enjoy the splash pad, the walking trails, and playground too. During the winter months, the park is open from 8 am to 6 pm. Please note, the dog park is closed until further notice for renovations. You can make it a quick jaunt to the park or rent one of the pavilions to have a family day filled with food and fun.
Related Post: Best Playgrounds in the Orlando Area to Take Kids
Food Halls
Food and fun, are two things that go hand in hand. Orlando is home to many food halls for the family that has eclectic tastes in foods. They are usually indoor or outdoor locations with different food trucks or vendors selling a variety of food and drinks. You may even find food halls that cater to visitors that have a plant-based diet and those that are just looking for sweet treats. Whatever your fancy, food halls will fill you up!
Gator Golf Adventure Park
No need to go to the Everglades to see alligators – they are in your own backyard! Gator Golf Adventure Park, located on International Drive in Orlando, brings two things that Florida is famous for, golf and alligators! The eighteen-hole mini golf course surrounds Gator Lagoon, home to more than two hundred alligators. Visitors can play a few rounds, feed and pet the gators, attend live shows and see other animals too. The kiddos, and anyone else brave enough to do it, will have a great hands-on experience with the gators, all while having fun playing a few rounds.
Gatorland
A favorite amongst youngsters! Gatorland, located on South Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando, is a perfect day trip for the kiddos and the whole family. Check out some really cool exotic animals, fly through the air on the Screamin’ Gator Zipline, or brave the Gator Gauntlet. There is something fun for the little ones, the teens, and everyone in between. Crocs (and not the ones you wear) have their own area behind the breeding marsh while the different breeds of alligators make the 110-acre wildlife preserve known as the “Alligator Capital of the World.” Children will quickly get over their fears of alligators and other wild animals at the petting and feeding zoo.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Indulge in the beauty of nature at the Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando. Located on Forest Avenue, the Gardens is home to thousands of local flowers and fifty acres of beautiful gardens for the entire family to enjoy. Take a stroll through the Leu House Museum or admire the rotating and permanent art at the Gardens too. The outdoor sculptures throughout the Gardens have quickly become perennial favorites. Visit their website for more information on upcoming events, including holiday-themed shows.
iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving
Fly for cheap! Head over to iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving for a high-flying experience for the entire family. Located on International Drive in Orlando, iFLY has become a favorite of both locals and tourists who want to experience skydiving without actually jumping out of a plane. Flyers from 3 to 103 are able to fly, however, there are some weight and other restrictions so it is best to review their FAQ sheet on the website; that way, you can know before you go.
Madame Tussaud’s Orlando
Get up close and personal with your favorite celebrity without the security detail! Madame Tussaud’s Orlando is a fun day trip for the entire family. Hundreds of wax figures are made to precisely replicate movie and film stars, music and pop icons, sports figures, and much more. Plan your day to the fullest and snag combo tickets for the museum and other attractions like SEA LIFE Aquarium or The Wheel. This adventure is fun for little ones all the way up to high schoolers.
Mead Botanical Garden
Take a journey through nature right here in Winter Park! Mead Botanical Garden has free admission and is open daily from 8 am to dusk. The Garden offers visitors guided hikes to learn about native birds, plants, and herbs to Florida. Visit the Community Garden and for an annual fee, you can purchase your own bed to grow food or flowers. MBG loves volunteers! If your family is nature friendly, volunteer to become a “weed warrior” or if you just want to be surrounded by beauty and get away from the hustle and bustle, plan a beautiful picnic for the family.
Natural Springs
We live a great state that has beautiful beaches as well as gorgeous natural springs. Florida is home to more than seven hundred natural springs with several just a stone’s throw away from the Orlando area. Spend the day tubing down the lazy river or enjoy the park amenities like paddleboarding or canoeing. Some parks offer motorized camping by the springs or the family can pitch a tent. Be sure to check with the campsite regarding pets as some sites are not pet-friendly. Camping and visiting the springs is a fun and easy way to spend the day with the family.
Old Town
If you have a car enthusiast in your family, then you are going to want to take them to Old Town. Drivers from far and wide come to Old Town. shop, dine, and, and check out the happenings around town. You can always stay for the local events that Old Town has to offer like the Saturday Car Show and Cruise during the day and in the evening, enjoy karaoke open to the whole family.
Orange County Regional History Center
History is probably the last thing that your kiddo is thinking about during winter break. however, the Orange County Regional History Center offers glimpses into what was before becoming the City Beautiful that we know today. Step back into time and OCRHC explore the more than 35,000 pieces of artifacts about Orlando and Central Florida. If your family has items that document rich historical value to Orange County, share them with the center as well. They are always looking for more artifacts to add to the collection and what a great story to tell folks!
Orlando Science Center
Give your kids a day filled with experiments, solving puzzles, and just having a great time at the Orlando Science Center. Jammed packed with STEM-themed projects, your child will have be having so much fun, they won’t even realize that they are learning too! There is something for children of all ages to enjoy – like Hot Wheels Race to Win, and Science Live that brings exhibits to life. It is recommended that you check the website for rotating exhibit dates and times.
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
How can we be surrounded by water on three sides and not visit an aquarium during winter break? SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium gives us a glimpse of life under the sea and all the living creatures there. It is home to Florida’s only 360-degree tunnel where you can watch the seas come to life. Make sure to visit the touch pool where kids interact with starfish or a sea anemone.
The Beaches
Living on a peninsula definitely has its perks! Florida has miles and miles of beautiful, sandy beaches waiting for you and the kiddos to explore. Plan a day trip to the beach and soak up some sun, take a quick dip in the Atlantic, or just have fun building sandcastles!
Trampoline Parks
They are all the rage and for good reason! Trampoline parks let children burn up some energy, get in some physical activity, and who doesn’t like to bounce? Most parks are able to cater to children of all ages as well as children with differing abilities. Adults can get in on the action as well so you don’t have to watch your little ones have all the fun from the sidelines.
Universal City Walk
Visiting Universal City Walk means that everyone is in for some fun tonight and no one will be bored! City Walk has it all – mini golf, music, food, movies, and more! If you are having way too much fun for just one day, you can purchase one, two, or three-day park passes. City Walk has something for everyone in the family and for every family budget. Please note, Universal City Walk does offer a discount for active and retired military family members.
Winter Break Camps
For some families, working outside of the home is not an option. But what to do with the little ones? Well, there are several winter break camps throughout Orlando and surrounding areas that offer affordable care for the kiddos and are great fun. The City Beautiful offers parents a variety of camps for their little ones – athletic, STEM, hourly, daily, and weekly camps (full day and half day) – each suited to meet the needs of working parents.
WonderWorks
Having an imagination has never been so much fun! WonderWorks, located on International Drive in Orlando is home to many fascinating, fun, and mind-blowing exhibits that will leave your little ones asking to make a visit to this place as often as possible. The upside-down house does not disappoint this holiday season either. The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show is a perennial favorite for the whole family. Older kids will love the laser tag and the ropes course too.
