Orlando can be an amazing location for tourists and locals. People literally travel from all over the world to visit the numerous Orlando attractions. One hidden secret is that there are so many other resources for mini vacation spots with your family that are budget friendly, especially if you’re looking for something away from the main Orlando theme parks. Planning a Staycation as a local can be just as much fun to find those hidden gems we forget to visit.
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Here are some of my favorite spots for a perfect for a little getaway this summer with your kids in Orlando!
Hotel Adventure in Orlando
After living in Orlando for nearly 30 years we are always trying to find new things to do. One of my biggest tips is to book a hotel for your staycation, there are SO many to choose from in Orlando! It’s a memory your kids will never forget. Even if that’s all you do.
TIP: Find a hotel with an amazing pool that includes a yummy free breakfast & free cocktail reception hours. So much more bang for your dollar!
Indoor Fun in Orlando
- Orlando Science Center
- Medieval Times
- Orlando Museum of Art
- Orange County Regional History Museum
- Free Summer Movies
- Free Summer Bowling
- Crayola Experience
- Monkey Joes
Outdoor fun In Orlando
- Central Florida Zoo
- Kennedy Space Center {had to include, worth the travel}
- Leu Gardens
- Lake Eola Park
- St. Johns River Cruise
- Rocks Springs …horseback riding
- Fun Spot Entertainment Center
- Miniature Golf…anywhere is fun!
- Check out a Playground new to you or Orlando Park for an adventure too!
- Have you looked at the most current Events at local Orlando Venues?
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| Discovering Springs and Rivers In Orlando image source Wikipedia |
Water Fun in Orlando
- Splash Pads in Orlando There are tons of local Splash Pads in Orlando Barnett Park, Shady Park, Downtown Disney, Dr. P. Phillips Community Park, Capehart Park, Downey Park Splash Playground, Fort Mellon Park
- Springs near Orlando There are some amazing Spring Located in Central Florida including Blue Springs, Rocks Springs in Kelly Park, You can even Book a Canoe Ride on Wekiva Springs.
- Uptown in Altamonte Springs Crane’s Roost Lake is a beautiful location for families to visit, picnic, stroll around the lake which includes quite a few bridges. Plus enjoy a Fountain with a Laser light show each evening at 7, 8 & 9 pm
- Scenic Boat Tour in Mt Dora if you’re up for a little adventure.
- BEACH AND most importantly… you have to drive to the beach! EAST or WEST it’s less than two hours away. One of our favorite spots have been the Splash Pad at Daytona Beach and Honeymoon Island on the Gulf Coast.
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| Uptown Altamonte Springs at Crane’s Roost Lage image Source wikipedia |
Shopping Fun in Orlando
- Outlet Malls in Orlando Premium Outlet Malls have a few locations. We love the life sized chess game and playground at the Vineland location. The International drive location has a stream and little area with activities for kids.
- Point Orlando Point Orlando is a favorite culinary spot with a few kid friendly options. Monkey Joe’s is an indoor spot for kids to jump around, literally! There’s a Movie Theater too. Take some time to at least drive by Wonderworks , your kids will love it!
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| Downtown Disney image source wikipedia |
Theme Parks in Orlando
- Disney World Let’s start with one of the Most Known Attractions in Orlando Disney World ! There are many options to purchase tickets for…. Magic Kingdom , Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, Blizzard Beach, Typhoon Lagoon If you can go for the ticket price do it while they kids are still little they’ll love it! The Florida Residents’ Pass is the best ticket option when they are available.
- Disney Springs Did you know that for minimal cost or for FREE you can visit Downtown Disney? Located on Disney property it’s our go to spot when we want to sneak in a little Disney Magic without having to go to the theme parks. Disney Springs, formerly knowno as Downtown Disney has many options for Kids to do! Featured locations are Lego Store, T-Rex Restaurant and Fossil Dig , Rainforest Cafe , Bippidi Bobbidi Boutique , Boat Ride, Train Ride , Photo Opp with Disney Statues, Little Splash Pad for Kids , Carousal , Tons of Restaurants, Bowling, Movie Theater, Balloon Ride and MORE!!!
- Disney Boardwalk Did you know you can visit Disney’s Boardwalk for free too? You can catch a glimpse of Epcot’s fireworks in the evening too.
- Universal Studios Universal Studios and Island of Adventure are a big hit with family. I have a little local secret if you head to City Walk for an evening getaway it can be tons of fun. Don’t forget to sneak in a little boat ride with the kids. They have quite a few restaurants, a movie theater and sometimes there is street music. Wet ‘N’ Wild can be an entire day and night of fun too!
- Sea World Sea World, Aquatica , Discovery Cove Year after year Sea World is just about the only park that we just simply can’t not visit which is why it’s the one pass we always have. With younger children it’s nice to not have to be rushed and fit into lines. There are so many little spots to simply sit and observe the marine life. Plus as your kids get older there are some fun rides and a splash park for them too.
- Legoland
Budget Friendly Ideas for Vacations in Orlando
Living in Central Florida with Kids can be such a treasure to our families. At times I forget how lucky we are to have all of these amazing attractions in our backyard! Giving ourselves some a break from some of them is important to make those trips extra special when we do go. Plus there are times when our budget needs to take things a bit more local. Here are a few more suggestions about Central Florida from Education Possible. Take the chance to explore a few more options this summer.
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| A big thank to Savings Lifestyle and The Happy Housewife for hosting this Staycation Series. |
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Eventually we'll make the trek to Orlando — when my kids are big enough to not need strollers. Until then we’re working on a project called R is for Rhode Island. Basically it’s our own alphabet book filled with quintessential RI activities and places. Is a lot of fun being a tourist in your hometown!
We will be heading to Daytona later this year, do you know any budget friendly happenings in the Daytona area? I have saved this list as well as the Orlando one as well in case we make it to Orlando.
Thank you!!
I just wanted to point out that your mentioned Rock Springs. You cannot go tubing at Rock Springs State Park. It is a state park with hiking and horse trails. The Rock Springs Run, where you go tubing, is in Kelly Park, which is an Orange County park. Locals know the difference, but someone from out of town may not. http://www.ocfl.net/CultureParks/Parks.aspx?m=dtlvw&d=22#.U7GEL_ldWYg
Thanks Megan for pointing out that they are two different locations with similar names, I've edited it to reflect it. The site you references is a great resources for finding local parks too and cultural events http://www.orangecountyfl.net/CultureParks/Parks.aspx?m=lstaz#.U7GRLZRdXmg