Things To Do In Orlando With A Toddler: Best Parks & Activities

Looking for the best Orlando parks for toddlers and toddler-friendly Orlando attractions? This guide covers a range of Orlando toddler activities, from theme parks to splash pads, and even tips for affordable Orlando toddler activities. We’ll help you navigate the many options, so you and your little one have a magical Orlando vacation!

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Theme Park Adventures: Where the Magic Begins

Orlando is famous for its theme parks, and while tackling a park with a toddler can seem daunting, a little planning goes a long way.

Magic Kingdom: Classic Fun for Little Ones

Magic Kingdom is a must-do, but know what to expect with a toddler. Many rides have height restrictions.

• Fantasyland: This area is perfect! Rides like “it’s a small world,” The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan’s Flight and Prince Charming Regal Carrousel are great.
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant: A classic ride that toddlers love. The interactive queue keeps them entertained while waiting.
• Festival of Fantasy Parade: A colorful and engaging parade that will capture their attention. Find a spot early for the best view.
• Character Meet-and-Greets: Meeting Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and other beloved characters is a highlight. Check the My Disney Experience app for locations and times.
• Baby Care Centers: Magic Kingdom has a fantastic Baby Care Center that offers a quiet place for feeding, changing diapers, and taking a break.

Tip: Utilize Rider Switch if older children want to ride something that your toddler can’t. One parent waits with the toddler while the other rides, then they switch.

LEGOLAND Florida: Bricks and Thrills

LEGOLAND is designed with younger children in mind, making it one of the most toddler-friendly Orlando attractions.

• DUPLO Valley: This area is specifically for toddlers, with a train ride, playground, and building area.
• LEGOLAND Water Park (Seasonal): A separate water park area with shallow pools and slides for little ones. Remember swimwear and sunscreen!
• The LEGO Movie World: While some rides have height restrictions, the atmosphere and characters are exciting for toddlers.
• Miniland USA: Amazing LEGO models of famous landmarks will wow everyone.
• Wells Fargo Fun Town 4D Theater: Enjoy a special 4D movie that can be a great experience with toddlers.

Tip: LEGOLAND often has shorter lines than other Orlando theme parks, making it easier to navigate with a toddler.

SeaWorld Orlando: Underwater Wonders

SeaWorld has a few attractions for smaller children.

• Sesame Street Land: This area is dedicated to Sesame Street, with rides, shows, and character meet-and-greets.
• Dolphin Adventures: A captivating show with dolphins that toddlers will adore.
• Pacific Point Preserve: See playful sea lions up close.
• Shamu’s Happy Harbor: A play area with kid-friendly rides.

Tip: Check the show schedules in advance and plan your day accordingly.

Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure: Proceed with Caution

Universal parks are generally geared towards older children and adults. While there are some Orlando toddler activities to be found, be selective.

• Universal Studios Florida:
  • Woody Woodpecker’s KidZone: A dedicated area with rides and play areas for younger children.
  • Fievel’s Playland: A fun playground themed after the “An American Tail” movie.
  • Character Meet-and-Greets: Meet characters like Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer.
• Islands of Adventure:
  • Seuss Landing: A colorful and whimsical area based on Dr. Seuss books.
  • The High in the Sky Seuss Trolley Train Ride! Gentle ride with great views.
  • Caro-Seuss-el: Fun carousel with Dr. Seuss characters.

Tip: Consider skipping these parks until your child is older, or dedicate just a few hours to the toddler-friendly areas.

Splish, Splash! Orlando Water Parks for Toddlers

Beat the Florida heat with a visit to one of Orlando’s amazing Orlando water parks for toddlers.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach & Typhoon Lagoon

Both Disney water parks have areas designed for younger children.

• Blizzard Beach:
  • Tike’s Peak: A snow-themed water play area with slides and wading pools for toddlers.
• Typhoon Lagoon:
  • Ketchakiddee Creek: A shipwreck-themed water playground with gentle slides and fountains.

Tip: Arrive early to secure a shaded spot and consider bringing your own towels and water shoes.

LEGOLAND Water Park

Mentioned earlier in LEGOLAND Florida, this water park deserves a separate highlight for its toddler-friendly features.

• DUPLO Splash Safari: Perfect for the youngest visitors, with interactive water features and gentle slides.
• Build-A-Raft River: Float down a lazy river on a raft that you can customize with LEGO bricks.

Tip: The water park is open seasonally, so check the schedule before you go.

CoCo Key Water Resort

A smaller, more manageable water park that is great for younger children.

• Multiple Kiddie Pools: Different depths to accommodate different ages.
• Slides and Fountains: Fun water features that are perfect for toddlers.

Tip: This resort is less crowded than the larger water parks, offering a more relaxed experience.

Beyond the Parks: Discovering More Orlando Toddler Activities

Orlando offers much more than just theme parks. Here are some additional Orlando toddler activities to consider.

Orlando Indoor Playgrounds for Toddlers

When the weather is hot or rainy, head to one of Orlando’s Orlando indoor playgrounds for toddlers.

• WonderWorks: While geared toward older children, WonderWorks has a dedicated Kid Zone with activities for toddlers.
• Monkey Joe’s: A large indoor playground with inflatables, slides, and climbing structures.
• iKids Indoor Playground: Designed specifically for toddlers and young children, with soft play areas and interactive games.

Tip: Check for special toddler times or discounts.

Orlando Animal Encounters for Toddlers

Get up close and personal with animals at these Orlando animal encounters for toddlers.

• Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens: A manageable zoo with a variety of animals, including giraffes, monkeys, and reptiles.
• Gatorland: See alligators and crocodiles up close, and enjoy the petting zoo and bird aviary.
• Green Meadows Petting Farm: A hands-on farm experience where children can pet and feed farm animals.

Tip: Pack snacks and drinks, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Shows for Toddlers

Captivate your little one with these Orlando shows for toddlers.

• Disney Junior Dance Party! (Hollywood Studios): A high-energy show featuring popular Disney Junior characters.
• Finding Nemo: The Big Blue… and Beyond! (Animal Kingdom): A visually stunning stage show based on the “Finding Nemo” movie.
• The Festival of the Lion King (Animal Kingdom): A vibrant and engaging show with music, puppetry, and acrobatics.

Tip: Arrive early to secure a good seat, and be prepared for your toddler to want to dance and sing along.

Free & Affordable Activities

Finding affordable Orlando toddler activities is possible! Here are some options:

• Parks & Playgrounds:
  • Lake Eola Park: Features a playground, walking trails, swan boats, and a weekly farmers market.
  • Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake: Offers playgrounds, picnic areas, fishing, and a nature trail.
• Libraries:
  • Orange County Library System: Offers story times, activities and resources for children.
• Splash Pads:
  • Many local parks feature free splash pads, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.

Food for Thought: Toddler-Approved Orlando Restaurants

Finding toddler-approved Orlando restaurants can make mealtime less stressful.

• Character Dining: A fun way to meet characters while enjoying a meal. Options include Chef Mickey’s (Contemporary Resort), ‘Ohana (Polynesian Village Resort), and Garden Grill Restaurant (Epcot).
• Casual Restaurants: Many restaurants offer kids’ menus and a relaxed atmosphere. Consider places like Rainforest Cafe, T-REX Cafe, or Uno Pizzeria & Grill.
• Quick Service Restaurants: Theme parks and attractions have many quick-service restaurants that offer kid-friendly options like chicken nuggets, mac and cheese, and pizza.

Tip: Make reservations for character dining well in advance, and bring snacks to keep your toddler happy between meals.

Orlando Stroller-Friendly Locations

Navigating Orlando with a stroller is much easier in some places than others.

Best Stroller-Friendly Locations:

• Magic Kingdom: Wide walkways and stroller parking areas.
• EPCOT: Smooth surfaces and easy navigation around World Showcase.
• Animal Kingdom: While some areas are more challenging, the main pathways are stroller-friendly.
• LEGOLAND Florida: Designed with families in mind, with plenty of space for strollers.
• Theme Park Resorts: Offer stroller rentals, in case you don’t want to bring your own.
• Lake Eola Park: Paved paths that are perfect for stroller walks.
• Celebration: This charming town near Disney World has wide sidewalks and a relaxed atmosphere.

Less Stroller-Friendly Locations:

• Universal Studios Florida & Islands of Adventure: Can be crowded and have narrow walkways in some areas.
• Some older parts of downtown Orlando: May have uneven sidewalks or limited accessibility.

Tip: Consider renting a stroller if you don’t want to bring your own, and always pack a rain cover in case of unexpected showers.

Planning Your Orlando Toddler Trip: Essential Tips

• Pack Smart: Bring diapers, wipes, sunscreen, hats, snacks, drinks, and a change of clothes.
• Plan Breaks: Schedule downtime for naps and quiet activities.
• Stay Hydrated: Florida weather can be hot and humid, so make sure everyone drinks plenty of water.
• Use Rider Switch: Take advantage of this service if you have older children who want to ride attractions that your toddler can’t.
• Download Apps: The My Disney Experience app, Universal Orlando app, and LEGOLAND app can help you plan your day, check wait times, and make reservations.
• Book in Advance: Make reservations for character dining, shows, and popular attractions well in advance.
• Be Flexible: Toddlers can be unpredictable, so be prepared to adjust your plans as needed.

Fathoming Theme Park Tickets

Ticket Type	Description	Considerations
Single-Park Tickets	Entry to one park for one day.	Good for shorter trips or focusing on a specific park. May be more expensive if you want to visit multiple parks.
Park Hopper Tickets	Allows you to visit multiple parks on the same day.	Offers flexibility to switch parks, but can be more expensive.
Multi-Day Tickets	Entry to the parks for multiple days, typically at a discounted rate per day.	Best value for longer trips.
Annual Passes	Unlimited entry to the parks for a year.	Ideal for frequent visitors or those living nearby. Can include extra perks like discounts on dining and merchandise.
Tickets with Special Features	Include add-ons like Memory Maker (Disney), Express Pass (Universal), or Quick Queue (SeaWorld).	Useful for skipping lines, but adds to the overall cost. Evaluate if the convenience is worth the extra expense, especially with a toddler.
Tickets with Hotel Packages	Bundled deals that include both park tickets and accommodations.	Can offer savings, but compare prices to booking separately to ensure you get the best deal.
Discounted or Resale Tickets	Tickets bought from authorized resellers or other individuals.	Be cautious to ensure the tickets are valid and reputable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What is the best age to take a toddler to Disney World? Many families find that ages 2-4 are ideal, as toddlers are often thrilled by the characters and attractions.
• Can I bring my own stroller to the parks? Yes, you can bring your own stroller to all the major theme parks.
• Who is eligible for free admission at Disney World? Children under the age of 3 are admitted free to Disney World.
• Are there changing tables in the restrooms? Yes, all restrooms in the theme parks have changing tables.
• Are there quiet areas for nursing mothers? Yes, all the theme parks have Baby Care Centers that offer private nursing areas.
• What if my child gets lost? Inform a cast member immediately. They are trained to handle these situations and will assist you in reuniting with your child.
• Are there height restrictions for rides? Yes, many rides have height restrictions. Check the park maps or apps for specific requirements.

Enjoy your unforgettable Orlando adventure with your toddler! With planning and patience, you can create magical memories that will last a lifetime.