Orlando, the beautiful city, the city of light, the theme park capital of the world, whatever you call it, all amounts to the same thing. Fun under the glorious sun!
Florida is the second most visited state in the United States. Yet, it is second to no when it comes to family-friendly activities.
The entire region is a treasure chest of fun for kids or if you are still young at heart. But the children’s museums in Orlando are the pick of the bunch.
Thousands of families and millions of tourists flock here every year. With quality Florida Museums and its convenient location, it is easy to see why it is so popular.
You can reach the Atlantic coast in under 50 minutes from downtown Orlando. Or arrive at Disney World in only 15 minutes.
The city is truly a bucket list experience for families and kids. However, there are endless things to do in Florida and Orlando. So, deciding what to see and do might be overwhelming.
Keep reading our guide to ensure your family has the trip of a lifetime. You will uncover the children’s museums in Orlando you cannot afford to miss this year!
Table of Contents
The Orlando Museum of Science
The only place to begin with a list of children’s museums in Florida is with the Orlando Museum of Science. Over 670,000 locals and tourists flock to this innovative and academic setting. It will be the most fun, without a doubt, you and your kids will have during an educational lesson!
The highlight of the establishment is the colossal movie screens. You can experience action-packed 3D shows at some point during the day.
Nevertheless, every daily movie shown is high definition. Thus, you are guaranteed a high-grade affair with your children.
There are also several scenic exhibits. The museum showcases food, nature, electricity, magnets, animals, and anatomy. This allows you to learn about the three major branches of science. They are earth, physical, and life.
You might not know you are a science enthusiast now. But once you walk out the door of the building, you will be, and you will be craving to see more.
SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology
The Museum of Osteology in Orlando is like a year-round Halloween event. Everywhere you look and every turn you make leads to more and more bones.
Fortunately, the museum wonderfully presents these bones and skeletons. Inside, you will find around 450 real animals littered throughout the space. They range from dinosaurs to humans and birds to reptiles.
Travel guides and experts constantly rate it as one of Orlando’s best activities. You can spend the entire day exploring and learning about this fascinating subject.
Opened in 2015, this has been the go-to spot for field trips in the city and the surrounding areas.
It is only $13.00 for an adult to enter and see over 800 specimens and 40 exhibits over 7000 square feet. The best part is that if you visit with kids under four years old, they can enter for free!
The Museum of Illusions Orlando
The Museum of Illusion sits inside Orlando’s premier amusement venue, Icon Park. In summer, people indulge in the bright lights, festive vibe, and thrilling attractions. While in winter, the space turns into a paradise for seasonal enthusiasts.
No matter what time of the year you visit the park, you can attend The Museum of Illusions Orlando. It is a highlight of the area, and no trip is complete without experiencing what the building has to offer.
Its mind-boggling displays will make you believe in magic. However, there is no sorcery or witchcraft involved. Everything you see is real, even if it takes you numerous times to see how each delusion works.
If you like to laugh, this museum should be at the top of your Florida museums list. It is the largest and has the most illusions of any other gallery in Mid-Florida.
Be sure to charge your camera before you arrive for some unique photos!
The Orange County Regional History Center
When you travel to new lands, you should educate yourself about the local culture and history. There is no better place to do so in Orlando than the Orange Country Regional History Center. Since the showroom is in the heart and soul of Downtown Orlando, you have no excuse not to visit with your family!
Once you arrive, a beautiful historical building will greet you. Once you step inside, 12,000 years of significant history will pass before your eyes over four floors. Some of the points you will come across are:
- African American History
- Aviation
- Cattle and Citrus
- The First Contact With Europeans
- The First and Indigenous People
- The Natural Environment
- A Pioners Cabin
- The Theme Park Era
There are several monthly events here. So remember to check their website for details before you arrive.
The museum tickets are only $12 for adults, $6 for ages 5-12, and free for four and under. If you are over four but still want to get in for free, come here between 5 and 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month!
The Orlando Fire Museum
Housed in a pretty red brick building, the museum is popular with kids, adults, and those in between. Whether you are 3 or 103, you will have a memorable trip here.
The firehouse dates back to 1926 and is sandwiched between three lakes. They are Lake Rowena, Lake Estelle and Lake Formosa.
In addition, it sits beside Loch Haven Park. So after your stop, you can sit back, relax, and soak up the sun in a relaxing scene.
Before you take a break, you must head inside to explore the exhibits. It is host to vintage fire engines dating back to the early 1900s. Although they are not as efficient as modern-day trucks, they are prettier.
If you are traveling on a budget and want to locate the top things to do in Florida, make this a must-visit landmark. That is because you do not have to spend a penny to enter. If you wish, you can make a small donation to help fund the museum.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Orlando, the Sunshine State’s fifth largest city, has a humid subtropical climate. The summer season lasts almost 4.5 months, and the average daily high temperature is 87°F.
Therefore, you will likely see blue skies and feel warm weather.
If you are unlucky enough to see Orlando on a rainy day, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is the perfect way to hide from the elements with kids.
As of 2023, the famous brand has 29 establishments worldwide and is seeking more. Yet the one situated here in Orlando is arguably the best.
Just like the others, you will encounter wild and wacky exhibits. Guests adored the mirror maze with its endless paths and dazzling LED lights. But the unusual shrunken heads, ancient alligators, and mysterious art collections are what the place is known by many for!
Your family certainly won’t forget one of Orlando’s best activities in a hurry!
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition Orlando
It doesn’t matter if your kids haven’t seen the movie. Everyone will have a blast at this interactive and family-friendly activity.
Visiting the museum is the closest thing you can get to a time machine. Your kids will feel like they were transported back to 1912 when the famous Titanic had its only journey.
It sank on its maiden voyage from Southampton, U.K., to New York. Along the way, it stopped in Cherbourg, France, and Cork, Ireland.
Of course, you and your children will learn about it inside the museum housing 300 artifacts. Deep sea divers recovered many from the ship itself.
To help make the experience worthier, the crew dressed up as they would have done over 100 years ago. It is a surreal image watching them walk up and down the renowned staircase.
Madame Tussauds Orlando
Madame Tussauds Orlando offers an unforgettable family experience that combines entertainment and education. It is one of 23 worldwide, ranging from London to Sydney.
This world-renowned wax attraction is in the upbeat heart of Orlando. The attractions show incredible lifelike wax figures of celebrities. They also have historical icons and beloved fictional characters on offer.
Your family can immerse themselves in interactive exhibits. Here, they can pose with their favorite stars and snap photos for Instagram. They can even learn about the fascinating works behind these astonishing wax creations.
From rubbing shoulders with stars to historical legends, it provides an enjoyable venture. Your whole family can enjoy creating cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
The World of Chocolate Museum and Cafe Orlando
The World of Chocolate Museum and Cafe is equally as fun as it is for adults and youngsters. However, there is one significant downside to visiting the confectionery store. Once your kids smell and taste the delicious treats, they will never want to leave!
At the start of the tour, you will learn about the history of cocoa, how it is made, and how it has changed throughout time. You will also discover more about the rainforest and how it helps shape the tasty delicacy.
You may feel you are in Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory once you see the sculpture room. World-recognized landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower were handcrafted entirely from chocolate.
The headline section of the tour is the sample room. You will fall in love with some of the world’s best chocolates in one of the best children’s museums in town.
If you don’t have time to take the 45-minute guide, you can visit the cafe to recharge with your daily dose of caffeine. It will be a much-needed break after a long day of seeing family-friendly activities.
The Orlando Museum of Art
It is understandable if an art museum isn’t one of the first Florida attractions for kids that comes to mind. However, there are plenty of reasons for kids to get excited about this day. Not to mention, it is another destination to put on your rainy-day activity list.
People primarily know the gallery for its vast collection of contemporary art. The showroom supports local artists and well-known people across the United States. It also houses an impressive collection of art from ancient Americans and Africans.
If your kids are not art lovers, there is no need to worry. There are many scenic exhibits and artist activities for younger guests. And if you are lucky enough to visit Orlando for an extended period, you can sign kids up for the art and crafts camp.
Kids aged 6 and 17 can enter for as little as $8, while anyone younger can join for nothing.
The Auto Experience at Dezerland Park Orlando
The Auto Experience is an unforgettable family trip that brings car wonders to life. Inside, there is a captivating collection of over a thousand iconic vehicles. From classics to Hollywood movie cars, it gives an immersive journey through history.
Your family can explore interactive exhibits, witness rare gems, and experience VR thrills. From kids to adults, everyone will be enthralled by the vast array of automotive marvels. In return, it is the perfect spot for families seeking excitement under one roof.
Not only is there an automobile museum here, but there are also countless activities. You can have fun all night by checking out the:
- Go Karting
- Bowling
- Pinball Palace
- Virtual Reality Space
- Bumper Cars
- Car Arcade
- Mini Golf
- Trampoline Area
It is a great way to spend a day celebrating a birthday or special occasion as a family.
Visit the Best Children’s Museums in Orlando
There are plenty of reasons for people from around the globe to come to Orlando. The beautiful weather, history, culture, food, and drink are only some reasons to visit here. But all those factors, with being home to the best children’s museums in Orlando, make it a family hotspot.
It’s no secret that Florida is an ideal location for families. Thus, it’s why hotels and tours sell out quickly. So, waste no more time and plan your vacation to Florida!
If you want to uncover travel tips to make your journey effortless, keep reading our in-depth blog!