Child-friendly days out in Florida

We all know about the Orlando theme park attractions catering to the thrill-seekers amongst us, but what if you are travelling with younger children in your party? Although there are plenty of rides and attractions in the major theme parks that are suitable, let’s take a look at some of the more family-friendly venues where the younger members of your party will be in their element.

LEGOLAND Florida

Aimed primarily at families with children between two and 12 years old, as well as big kids of all ages who are fans of LEGO, this 150 acre site has more than 50 rides, shows and attractions as well as the fantastic LEGOLAND Water Park. With lands featuring all of your favourite LEGO characters and settings, as well as the chance to let your creativity run wild as you build models in the Imagination Zone, there is sure to be something for everyone in LEGOLAND!

Why not take a ride on the ‘pink-knuckle’ roller coasters, make a splash in the Aquazone, or trade minifigures with the park’s Model Citizens? You can even sit and enjoy the pirate-themed water ski show at Pirates’ Cove, or relax and watch a film in the Wells Fargo 4-D Theater, before meeting some of your favourite LEGO characters outside after the screening.

There are plenty of kids’ favourites on the menu including pizzas, burgers, salads, fried chicken and ice creams which are available at outlets around the park.

If the weather’s good, head over to the LEGOLAND Water Park and have a splashing good time at Creative Cove, building and racing your own boats, or just slip and slide through the Twin Chasers or the Joker Soaker interactive play area!

LEGOLAND Florida tickets are available to book through our website. Please contact us if you would like any more information about this brick-tacular park.

Location: 6000 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Winter Haven FL 33884.

Crayola Experience

Kids love colouring in and letting their imagination run wild, so what better place to let them express their creativity than at the Crayola Experience? Expect to spend between three and four hours exploring the 70,000sqft site at the Florida Mall, brimming with 26 hands-on and interactive attractions over two levels which is open 365 days of the year. As such, this is a great rainy-day venue, when you don’t want to be outside.

Enjoy creative play in this colourful attraction, that only Crayola could envision. Try your hand at naming and wrapping your own crayon, making keepsakes at Melt&Mold with melted wax, and getting creative with interactive drawing boards where you create digital works of art that come to life with a touch! You can even get a photo with Bluetiful – the world largest Crayola at nearly 16ft long!

Grab a bite to eat at Café Crayola and watch a live show about the science behind crayons and colours, before heading to the Crayola Store to pick up some crayons and more to take back home for more colouring fun!

Location: The Florida Mall, 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809

"It's a great place to encourage creativity. My son loved it. We learnt how crayons are made, we named our own crayons and we melted down crayons to create masterpieces. There are lots of things to do here!”

SEA LIFE Orlando

Kids and adults alike will love visiting SEA LIFE Orlando, a 25,000sqft aquarium where you can get up close to a variety of underwater creatures, including sharks, sea horses and turtles. Be enchanted by the weird, wonderful and colourful fish as you make your way around the displays, and take some stunning photographs to remember your visit. As this is a popular attraction it is worth pre-booking to make sure that you aren’t disappointed.

If you have a toddler in the group you might want to consider attending on a Tuesday morning between 9:30-10:00am for the special weekly Toddler Time event – an educational programme designed especially for youngsters and their parents which can include activities such as story time or animal interactions before you head into the aquarium for the rest of your visit. There are educational and feeding presentations throughout the day, as well as dive talks and the opportunity to book a special 25-minute Behind the Scenes Tour or an extended hour-long Discovery Experience where you will be able to get even closer to the animals and learn how they are all cared for.

Location: ICON Orlando, 8449 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

Rainforest Café

Continue your journey of discovery as you emerge from SEA LIFE ready to step into the Amazon jungle at the Rainforest Café. Here at either the Disney Springs or Animal Kingdom sites, eat surrounded by fantastic animatronic animals, with the sounds of thunder, trumpeting elephants, chest-pounding gorillas and trilling exotic birds helping to whisk you away from everyday life and into a rainforest retreat!

Chow down on a variety of all-American favourites and kid-friendly meals, such as a Beastly Burger, a Volcanic Cobb Salad, or for children under nine years old, the dinosaur-shaped Jurassic Chicken Tidbits. If you are over 21, why not visit the Magic Mushroom Bar and treat yourself to a yummy Mongoose Mai Tai?

Locations: • Disney Springs, 1800 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 • Disney’s Animal Kingdom, 505 N Rainforest Rd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

“The atmosphere is exciting, unique, and very detailed. The animals are exciting, the rainstorm is an excellent touch, and the entire restaurant really immerses you into a rainforest.”

Did you visit Florida with youngsters in your group? Where did you find that your kids loved visiting? Are there any venues that you would recommend? As ever we’d love to hear from you for any suggestions and tips that you can offer your fellow travellers!