Things To Do In Orlando With A Baby

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l love Orlando. I say that as someone who is a recent transplant from the West Coast. Unabashedly, I love Orlando and everything it has to offer. There is something for everyone and plenty of things to do in Orlando with a baby.

Obviously, we have the major theme parks, but there are also biking and hiking trails, well protected streams in which to swim or kayak, farms with the ability to pick your own fruits, splash pads, and more. In the two years since we moved here, we have explored so much of this city and the surrounding areas, and I feel that there is still so much we haven’t seen. 

Things To Do In Orlando With A Baby at Disney World

I am a Disney fan, so it goes without question that on the list of places to visit while in Orlando, the four Disney Parks are at the top. We took my oldest to a Disney park for the first time when she was 9 months old.

Watching her be able to ride almost all of the attractions with us and then seeing her reactions is something my husband and I will treasure for the rest of our lives.

For the rides she wasn’t big enough for, we took advantage of the Rider Switch option. That is, we would find the person manning the line for said ride and inform them of our dilemma (wanting to ride a ride that was too extreme for our baby).

The person would then invite one member of our party to ride while the other waited with the baby and with a Rider Switch pass. When the first person completed their ride experience, the second person was then allowed on without waiting in line. Not every ride offers this, so we always make sure to check with the ride attendants first. 

With all that said, Disney’s whole innovation for his parks were that children and adults could enjoy the attractions together. The parks are all baby and child friendly, even going so far as to install special baby centers for nursing moms which include a toddler feeding area and changing stations for both parents to access.

There really is a whole world waiting to be explored at the Walt Disney World Resort, which is why it totally deserves its spot at the top of your list of things to do in Florida with a baby. 

Epcot

Visit Epcot and make the most of its space-themed attractions. Take your child to the Beacons of Light display and watch as Spaceship Earth lights up with a sprinkling of stardust all around. Don’t miss out on Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure that’s perfect for all ages and zip around in this 4D live experience with your little one. 

Magic Kingdom

Pull a stop at Magic Kingdom and board the “It’s a small world” boat ride. This cruises past all the continents and has a cute chorus to match with a bunch of fantastic sights.

Animal Kingdom

Spend a day at Animal Kingdom and take your child to meet Mickey and Minnie at the Adventurers Outpost. Who knows? They might even show you cool mementos from their trips around the world! 

While you may not be able to tour the entire place with a baby, Disney World still has exciting attractions without age and height restrictions. Just place your child on your lap and enjoy the ride or utilise Rider Switch.

Disney Springs

Parents, don’t forget to check out Disney Springs where you’ll be able to eat and shop to your heart’s content. While renting a Disney stroller for the baby is an option, we recommend carrying your own or renting one from a stroller rental company to ensure your baby’s comfort. There are also plenty of comfortable benches and quiet areas in the huge theme park for nap time that you can scope out. 

This experience is sure to be a blast for the whole family; a baby-friendly theme park like no other! 

However, I also understand that many families want to wait until their children are older and can remember their Disney experience before spending so much money on a vacation.

With that said, I’m going to talk about just a few of the other options Orlando has for babies and toddlers. 

Things To Do In Orlando With A Baby at Universal Parks

When looking for things to do in Orlando with a baby, the Universal Orlando Resort is bound to be a recurring recommendation on your search list, and for good reason! It has something to offer the whole family.

Universal Studios has three parks: Universal Studios Orlando, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay (the water park).

Universal Studios has a live action animal show and a young children’s section with Curious George World, Fievel’s Play Area, Woody Woodpecker’s roller coaster, and Dreamworks meet and greet. However, it was just announced that they will be closing the children’s section in January 2023 to allow for newer family rides and attractions.

Islands of Adventure has an incredible Camp Jurassic dinosaur play area with splash pads and Dr. Seuss land for children. And Volcano Bay is a water park with slides and things of the like for people who like the more extreme thrills. 

Your little ones can meet some of their favorite characters at Universal Studios, from SpongeBob SquarePants to Kung Fu Panda. And you have the chance of running into the likes of Betty Boop and Marilyn Monroe and Hello Kitty!

Take your kids to the Curious George Goes to Town kids’ playground or let them make the most of the water play area. They can launch soft foam balls at the Man with the Yellow Hat’s ball Factory and visit the Animal Show tent for more activities.

Toddler Friendly Rides At Universal

Universal’s Island of Adventure also features a few toddler-friendly rides that you can take your baby on. They’ll adore the Dr. Seuss-inspired One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish ride which gently cruises over water-squirting fountains for a colorfully stimulating experience.

Seat your baby on your lap and ride the Hogwarts Express. Kids love a happy train ride, and this is the most magical one out there! Make a stop at Seuss Landing’s “Oh! The Stories You’ll Hear!” and sit down for a couple of shows featuring The Cat in the Hat, Sam-I-Am, and The Grinch. 

Take your stroller with you, which will come in handy during your baby’s nap time. Just place it in a designated stroller parking area when you want to go on a ride with your child. 

SeaWorld

SeaWorld is one of the coolest Orlando attractions for toddlers and has a lot to offer for the entire family. Parents can take their babies to interact with dolphins at the Dolphin Cove, visit the Manatee Rehabilitation Area, and dine with Orcas. Experience the Wild Arctic and marvel at the Penguins from Antarctica.

There are some roller coasters for the bigger kids and adults, but there is so much to do with babies and toddlers. To begin, I have seen babies watch with wonder in just the first of many pop-up aquariums in the park.

According to the website, there are over 3000 marine animals to see! Sting rays, sharks, dolphins, sea turtles,  sea lions, and penguins are just a few of the exciting animals and to top it off, depending on the time of day, you may be able to feed some of them. 

Sea World Rides For Little Ones

If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Orlando with a toddler, then this park’s got all you’re looking for. Go for a quick round on the Sunny Day Carousel, Abby’s Flower Tower, and Big Bird’s Twist ‘N’ Whirl. Let your kids splash around in the Rubber Duckie Water Works with Ernie and engage in creative and safe water play. 

Ride with them on Slimey’s Slider for some family-style fun swiveling about, and take them on a Flamingo paddle boat for a tour of the central lake. Sesame Street Land is also a cute little treat for young ones. You can take them for a ride on Elmo’s Choo-Choo Train and visit Rosita’s Harmony Hills which has a play area symphony!

Entry is free for children under the age of 2 years. If you visit on a weekday, you will be able to beat the crowds on the weekends and ensure your baby has a comfortable day.

The newest addition to SeaWorld is Sesame Street Land. As you walk into Sesame Street Land you’ll feel like you are really on Sesame Street! From the character meet and greets to the parades, it’s a not to be missed experience for even the youngest in the family.

There are at least 5 kid friendly rides, a Rubber Ducky splash pad, and Rosita’s Harmony Hills where children can climb, crawl, and play. There is even a sensory guide parents can pick up at the front of the park so each family can gauge where their children will have the most enjoyable experience. 

Things To Do In Orlando With A Baby at Legoland Florida Resort

No family trip to Florida with a baby is complete without a visit to Legoland. It’s great for kids of all ages, and there’s something for everyone!

In Legoland, there are outdoor and indoor climbing structures, botanical gardens, a splash pad, and many Duplo themed areas. Some rides have height restrictions which are posted on their website, but also clearly visible at each ride location. 

Legoland is also known for its water rides, which makes it one of the best parks in Orlando for toddlers. Accompany your toddler and slide around in the Joker Soaker or design a Lego raft with them on the Build-a-Raft Lazy River.

Take them to the DUPLO Splash and Play, which features water spouts set among larger-than-life farm animals. They’ll love splashing around on the soft deck that’s padded for their safety.

If you’re planning a trip in the fall, then you have to participate in Legoland’s Brick-or-Treat. Sign your kids up for the Boogie Down on the Disco Party Coaster and watch them take part in some Halloween fun that’s perfect for kids aged 2 and up. 

Peppa Pig World

About 45 minutes from Orlando, Legoland is a new standalone theme park about Peppa. Peppa Pig’s theme park is a hit for families with babies and kids alike. It makes for a great day trip as there isn’t much else in the surrounding area but it has plenty to do for the whole day.

In Peppa Pig’s new world, you’ll have a chance to really feel like you are in Peppa’s world. At the Fun Fair, you can meet Peppa and her friends for a carnival games extravaganza.

Unwind with your little munchkin at the cinema and watch reruns of your child’s favorite episodes. There’s Madame Gazelle’s Nature Trail for your kids to explore and Grandpa Pig’s Greenhouse playground for them to crawl around in. 

In George’s Fort, kids can explore a maze and use their detective skills to connect sounds and sites. In Grandpa Pig’s Greenhouse, babies and kids can crawl and climb to discover the outdoor playground. And when the Florida heat gets to be too much, there is not only a Muddy Puddles Splash Pad, but also an indoor cinema where kids can watch some of their favorite episodes of Peppa Pig. 

Attractions For Babies In Orlando

A holiday with the family is all about visiting new places and trying different activities together! And while traveling with a baby does come with its share of challenges, there are still a bunch of things you can do together. After all, why should your tiny tot miss out on any of the fun? 

Visiting Orlando with kids makes for the ultimate family-friendly vacation. Amusement parks, unique attractions, and beautiful resorts; the city is always bustling with activity. But, if you’re fretting over the kind of things to do in Orlando with a baby in tow, then we’ve got you covered. Read on for a list of attractions for babies in Orlando that you can consider for your next family trip to The City Beautiful. 

Crayola Experience Orlando

Crayola Experience located in the Florida Mall, is a great option when you only want to spend a few hours out. A prime Orlando attraction for kids, Crayola’s 70,000 square foot territory includes some of the coolest activities; enough to easily cover an entire day, in fact! 

As a part of admission, each member of the party is given a few tokens. Tokens can be used to create your very own crayon label, create a drip art masterpiece, melt and mold a crayon of your choice, or decorate a washable Crayola pet.

There is also a climbing gym, a cafe, a crayon show where you learn how crayons are made, and coloring stations. There are also a few add ons in the Trading Post that include making a wax hand sculpture, sand art, and gem mining. 

Things To Do in Crayola Experience Orlando With A Baby

With your child in your arms, participate in Crayola’s “Be a Star” activity. Say cheese together and watch as the whole family transforms into a coloring page that your toddler will enjoy filling in! Create some happy memories and take “Silly Selfies” that get animated on touch. Your baby will find delight in your family members’ on-screen versions in silly mustaches, hats, and masks.

Take your kids to Toddler Town and watch them explore multicolored peg boards and a baby-sized climber. After that, head over to Scribble Square and let your baby crawl around with colorful chalk and scribble to their heart’s content. Don’t forget to also check out Rainbow Rain, where your tiny tot will be fascinated by the digital melted wax that they can move, catch, blend, and interact with in different ways! 

If you’re visiting with your baby, you’ll only have to get tickets for yourself and your partner, because entry to Crayola Experience is free for children under 2 years of age!

The Wheel at ICON Park

Orlando for babies in Orlando is as much about creating memories with family as it is about theme parks and exciting experiences. And when looking for things to do in Orlando with a baby, you’ll find that little else comes close to riding The Wheel at ICON Park! 

This spectacular attraction lets you view the city’s skyline from inside a cozy air-conditioned capsule. No getting pushed around by crowds or sweating it out under the sun. Just amazing views and some peace and quiet with your little one!

Absolutely breathtaking, the view from up top will show you everything from Downtown Orlando, International Drive, and Walt Disney World to Big Sandlake and Little Sandlake. It’s also renowned for its magnificent light shows that are powered by 64,000 color-changing LEDs. Hold your baby close as they enjoy the beautiful display of colors against the evening sky. 

Placed 400 feet above, it’s considered one of the brightest beacons in the city. It’s a sight worth sharing with your child to see their eyes light up with wonder. All 18 minutes of the ride on the Observation wheel is best spent in the company of loved ones. Don’t forget to click plenty of photos and cherish this homey evening spent together. 

Things To Do In Orlando With A Baby at WonderWorks 

WonderWorks is an educational and entertaining amusement park that offers more than 100 exhibits over a huge area of 28,000 sq feet. It’s perfect for those who are looking for things to do in Orlando with a 1-year-old! 

Take your baby to the park’s Bubble Lab and blow colorful bubbles that are as big as basketballs! Your toddler will also treasure the Space Discovery Zone, where they can suit up as astronauts and come face to face with a cool EVA suit. Visit the upside-down laboratory with your child and watch as they’re filled with wonder and glee.

Join them in the Wonder Zones as they hop from key to key on the giant piano in the Light and Sound Zone. Older kids will love the Imagination Lab, where they can make their own sandbox landscape or create a gigantic colored stick artwork. 

Entry for children who are 3 and under is free, so you’ll only need tickets for yourself and your partner. Consider skipping the usual weekend rush and visiting during the weekdays to give your baby plenty of time to get comfortable.  

Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Located 30 minutes outside of Orlando, the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a fantastic way to introduce your baby to vibrant flora and fauna. Entry is free for ages 2 and below, and there’s plenty of space for them to move around and get the zoomies out! 

There’s a Tropical Splash Ground with the cutest oasis for your toddler to jump and play around in. Feed a Giraffe is another one-of-a-kind experience that’s a huge crowd-puller. Hold your child while they help feed a giraffe.

The Barnyard Buddies children’s petting zoo is also worth a stop by to watch your baby fawn over happy little animals. Capture sweet moments of your child and you interacting with sheep, goats, llamas, and an alpaca! 

Spend time at the Botanical garden and take your kids through the magnificent vegetation there. They’ll be in awe of the pretty butterfly garden, and you might even be able to spot a couple of hummingbirds here and there. Book your tickets and plan an environment-friendly day out with the whole family.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

If you’re thinking of venturing out of Orlando for a day, plan a stop at Tampa to visit Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. This famous theme park comes with tons of rides that you can take with your toddler. Elmo’s Safari-Themed Carousel, Big Bird’s Whirly Birdie, and Rosita’s Djembe Fly Away are just a few of them!

Head over to Sesame Street and join the Sesame Street Safari where your little ones can meet their friends and get busy with the rides and water splash play areas. Introduce your child to Elmo and Rosita, and join them to “Play Together” at the Sunny Day Theater. Filled with dance and song, this play date is all about toddler-friendly fun and creating happy moments with the family.

During the fall, there’s also a special Sesame Street Weekend that includes Halloween shows, fun meet and greets, and dance parties! 

Gatorland

If you are looking for a place to go with your family for a small adventure, then Gatorland is the place for you. It has activities for both parents and toddlers, with no compromises for either. Introduce your kids to the goats and pigs at Allie’s Barnyard Petting and Feeding and sign up for the Trainer for a Day program.

Witness alligators and crocodiles from a distance and plan the day out to include some much-needed walks amid nature. Next, take the Gatorland Express Train for a relaxed spin around the park. This steam train will take you through the animal exhibits and alligator breeding marshes, allowing your little one to marvel at the changing sights. Babies will love getting a break from their stroller. 

Like a lot of other parks, entry to Gatorland is free for kids below 2 years of age. Plan to spend a good 4-5 hours at this park to take in all that the area and vibrant animal life have to offer. You also have the option to just stroll through and witness some of the attractions mentioned above without tiring out your baby. 

Things To Do In Orlando Science Center With A Baby

The Orlando Science Center is an award-winning science museum that features exhibits for people of all ages. Your kids will be delighted and immediately taken by the center’s Kids’ Town. Made for children between the ages of 0 and 7, this part of the center stretches out over 11,000 square feet and includes activities that help foster values and ideas like teamwork and creativity. Children here can engage with Orange Grove for some imaginative play and lie low in Toddler Town. 

At Drip Drop Splash, you can help them experiment with fluids through touch. Pour and drop liquids for a hands-on experience. “Explore It” is another exhibit that comes with the aim of encouraging toddlers to express their scientific selves.

Here, they get to play with blocks and build their own towers with your help. The games are pretty open-ended, allowing your child to get comfortably curious in the most fun-filled way.

Harriet’s KidsTown Theater is another activity that your baby will love; this one for the lights and movement that are a celebration of the love of theatrics and drama. Later, go along with the kids and look through fossil replicas of ancient aquatic animals at the DinoDings showcase.

Tick all the above attractions off your list, and you will have a successful day of exploration and education, which is sure to keep your child in the best of spirits!