Orlando is one of the world’s most family-friendly destinations, making it an ideal choice for your next holiday with the kids. It’s home to world-famous amusement parks, from the Walt Disney World to the Universal Studios, promising endless entertainment for kids of all ages. On top of that, Orlando boasts numerous family-friendly attractions, such as the Orlando Science Centre, botanical gardens, iguana hunting Florida excursions and museums.

Here are more reasons to visit Orlando, Florida with the whole family.

• To Visit Universal Studios

Dubbed the world’s theme park capital, Orlando has incredible theme parks that offer the perfect place for families to bond and have a great time. One of these is Universal Studios, which consists of two theme parks and a water park. Offering attractions and rides for adults and kids, Universal Studios is enough reason to take your loved ones on a holiday to Orlando. 

If you and your kids are into Hollywood films and TV shows, you will love Universal Studios. It offers thrilling rides and attractions, including themed ones like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers: The Ride 3D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, the Amazing Adventures of Spiderman, and Jurassic Park. You will also find a few places suitable for toddlers, babies, and younger kids. 

Another reason to love Universal Studios is the many family-friendly resorts and hotels. For an adventure-filled holiday, book one of the family suites at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort and enjoy the numerous water attractions like the lazy river and swimming pools. The Loews Royal Pacific Resort is perfect if you prefer a more tropical setting. It sits right at the heart of Universal Orlando Resort with a private beach and a lagoon-style pool.

• For the Great Weather

One of the reasons Orlando has become a favorite destination for family holidays is its beautiful weather. Thousands of families would want to bask in the gorgeous Florida sunshine and will make their way to the sunshine state each year, with Orlando being the most popular destination. 

The best time to visit Orlando for the weather is mid-September to early November when the temperatures are slightly down to a more comfortable range of 23.9°C. Daily thunderstorms will start around mid-June and taper off in September while humidity decreases. On the other hand, the spring weather around late April to early June offers about the same temperature as the autumn season and with similarly low rainfall. 

Orlando is hottest from mid-June to mid-September, with temperatures averaging 22°C to 28°C. Afternoon thunderstorms can happen almost daily, offering a welcome relief from heat. It’s also worth noting that the Atlantic hurricane season can occur during the long summer of Orlando. On average, each season produces up to ten powerful storms, some turning into hurricanes.

• To Visit Walt Disney World

Another reason to choose Orlando for your family holiday is the Walt Disney World, dubbed the happiest place on earth. Many kids dream of visiting the world-renowned theme park to see their favorite Disney characters come to life. The theme park also allows adults to reminisce about childhood and feel like a kid again. 

Your kids will love seeing and interacting with their favorite Disney characters in real life. Aside from the live shows and parades, Disney offers meet-and-greets and numerous themed events. At the Magic Kingdom Park, your kids can interact with Disney Princesses like Cinderella and Rapunzel at the Princess Fairy-tale Hall. 

The thrilling rides are another reason to take the kids on a fun holiday at Disney World. Some of the most famous rides include the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Avatar Flight of Passage, and many other exhilarating rides. It’s worth noting that some rides have age and height requirements. For instance, the Avatar Flight of Passage requires a minimum height of 112 cm and is not ideal for small kids.

One of the most sought-after attractions in Disney World is the fantasy parade, where you can witness all Disney characters riding artistically constructed floats. However, there are times when they will cancel it due to inclement weather, so it’s worth checking the schedule before your visit.

• For the Wildlife Excursions

There’s more to Orlando than its theme parks. It’s also a place for families who love the wildlife. Here, your kids can get close and personal with fascinating creatures, from orangutans to alligators and elephants. Visiting local drive-thru safaris or wildlife drives are some of the best ways to explore the great outdoors.

At Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park, hop aboard a jeep and embark on an 18-minute expedition to explore the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. You and your kids can meet different animal species during your excursion, from rhinos to antelopes, elephants, lions and hippos.

Gatorland, one of Orlando’s oldest theme parks, allows you and your kids to come across hundreds of alligators. Aside from hungry gators, the park is home to a few other species you will have the opportunity to see up close. 

Take your kids to SeaWorld, where they can interact with the cute and quirky dolphins. A visit to SeaWorld is also a chance to learn how to care for these species and make them happy and active. 

• For the Great Dining

The fantastic dining scene is another reason to visit Orlando. From Michelin-starred restaurants at theme parks to casual eateries in the downtown area, Orlando offers many options for families that love to eat.  

Restaurants like Luma on Park lure celebrities and jet setting elites who want to sample their delectable menu, consisting of large main dishes, best enjoyed with family and friends. The Ravenous Pig is another local favorite, renowned for its monthly pig roasts and unique takes on classic pub fare. 

Landry’s Seafood House is the place to be if you’re craving seafood. Considered one of the most family-friendly restaurants in Orlando, it has an onsite children’s playground where the little ones can play around as you dig into crawfish tails and other seafood specialties.