Visiting Orlando with Kids (Beyond the Theme Parks)

Sue Krawitz Tandoc said:  Indulge your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Museum & Cafe. Take a tour through the museum to learn the history of chocolate, discover how it is made, see amazing chocolate sculptures of world-famous landmarks and taste some of the finest chocolate in the world. Afterward, visit the cafe for a tempting menu of chocolate treats, gelato, paninis and drinks.

Lisa R said:  With Disney in the title, you may think of a paid-admission theme park, but it's actually an open shopping complex worth a visit. Reserve a table at T-Rex, where animatronic dinosaurs roar throughout your meal or watch through a window as chefs prepare impossible looking confections at one of the many sweet shops. Enjoy tickets to Cirque du Soleil, build at the LEGO store, get a princess makeover at the Bippity Boppity Boutique (ages 3-12), or take in one of the many free outdoor shows. There are some rides too, including a hot air balloon, carousel, virtual reality, train express & boats.

ckinney said:  My family loves this nightly tree lighting at the hotel over the holidays! It's sort of at the park but does not require admission.

Lisa R said:  The Disney Boardwalk sits right outside of Epcot and gives you a taste of the park on your own terms. Here you'll find street performers, scheduled entertainment, restaurants and shops that evoke the boardwalk experience. It is also a great place to view the higher elements of the nightly Epcot fireworks show for free. Best of all, you can wait for the show to start from the comfort of one of the many dessert shops. Check the Epcot Fireworks schedule so you know when to head outside. Parking is difficult to find, so consider a taxi if you don't have access to Disney transit.

Lisa R said:  This outdoor shopping complex is full of rides, family-friendly entertainment and special events such as weekly classic car shows. The architecture and shops here are themed to evoke the "good old fashioned fun" of the 1950's. Kids will love the 85ft tall Ferris wheel, arcade games, magic shows, and haunted house. A central stage hosts live entertainment most days of the week and families can catch a free outdoor movie most Sunday nights in the summer.

Sarah Calamita said:  Not technically Orlando, but the city right next to it, Celebration. It is a master planned community by Walt Disney. It has charming tree lined street with an adorable downtown. Cute shops, restaurants, amazing coffee shop (Fortuna's!), nice farmers market on Sundays and a cute walk around the lake.

Vanessa M. said:  Explore the Florida Everglades with a Wild Florida Airboat Tour. After an airboat tour through the wildlife-filled swamps and marshes, families can experience the Gator & Wildlife Park, Chomp House Grill (try the gator tacos and swamp potato fries), and exciting animal encounters with sloths, gators, porcupines, or lemurs!