downtown-orlando-summer-family.jpg

Family Adventures

Last updated on May 22, 2024

The city is filled with fun things to see, do, taste, and experience. Turn up the dial on your own downtown Orlando adventure with age-appropriate options. If you need directions, recommendations, or other support, our downtown Ambassadors are here to help seven days a week. They’re easy to spot in bright blue polo shirts and you can call ahead or text 407.225.4632.

Experiences

Experiences for every age:

  • Lake Eola Park - Every downtown Orlando adventure has to include Lake Eola Park, and that applies to adults as well as to children. The wide, paved pathways loop around the park for an easy 0.9-mile stroll with plenty of places to rest along the way to take in the skyline views, watch the nightly fountain show, or enjoy a cool treat in the shade. Do your kids have that enviable unlimited energy? There’s a playground at the eastern end of the park (near Eola Drive) with equipment for little ones (2-5) and kids (5-12).
  • Public Art - Take a tour of the public See Art Orlando sculptures that are installed around beautiful, aforementioned, Lake Eola Park. They were privately funded and created by artists from all over the country. One of them looks like the Eye of Sauron from Lord of the Rings if you feel tempted to put on a show for TikTok later.
  • Hug A Tree - Big kids may not admit it, but the huge tree at Constitution Green will wow them with its branches that are bigger than they are. The tree was saved from development by Orlando residents and purchased by the City of Orlando so future generations could spend their free time hugging it whenever they wanted. Want to hug all the trees? Click HERE to see the city’s map of Significant Trees.
  • Visit Discover Downtown - Orlando’s downtown information center is located near the intersection of Orange and Central, and it’s the perfect place to get insider tips about downtown Orlando’s events and activities. While here, you can top off the charge on your phone, shop for unique, locally made gifts and wearables, check out the augmented reality mural by famous local artist Boy Kong, and pose within the giant “DTO” letters that are right outside. 
  • Pet Some Kitties - Make some new furry friends at The Kitty Beautiful and grab a quick bite. Then, sit inside their cat room to watch and play with 12-15 cats. Cats are available for adoption as well if you happen to meet a furry friend you can’t part with.
  • Watch A Movie - Catch a family friendly movie at the CMX Cinemas Plaza Cafe. They have big fancy leather seats to recline in too. 155 S. Orange Avenue 
  • Get Reading - Stop by the Orlando Public Library to find a new book or to take advantage of some free, award-winning public programming. You don’t need a card to browse or take part in library events either. Be sure to check their website to plan your visit accordingly. 101 E. Central Boulevard 
  • Be A Fan - Downtown Orlando features some world-class sports and entertainment venues where you can catch some amazing concerts or cheer on our local sports teams: Orlando City SC, Orlando Magic, Orlando Predators, and even a hockey game with the Orlando Solar Bears. Be sure to pick up some swag from the gift shops before you head home.
  • Wells’Built Museum of African American History and Culture - This museum was once a hotel, built by Dr. William Monroe Wells, and a haven for Black travelers and people of color who were visiting the area during segregation. It is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places and a real community gem. 511 W. South Street
  • Catch a Show - While some may say the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain in Lake Eola is our city’s heart, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is its crown. This world-class venue includes multiple theaters and has become a hub for international, national, and local artists. 445 S. Magnolia Avenue 

Experiences: Littles ages 0-6

  • The littles will love the public playground at the eastern edge of Lake Eola and when they get their fill of the slides, they can stroll the walkways with you, feed the beautiful ducks and swans, watch some turtles, and just enjoy the beautiful sunshine.
  • Put on your fancy hats and enjoy an authentic tea party at The Tea Room Experience, complete with traditional finger sandwiches, cute little desserts, and your choice of tea. 

Experiences: Kiddos ages 7+

  • CityArts - Take a stroll through CityArts, located in the historic Rogers Kiene Building, to view the exhibits of local artists and artisans. Be sure to check their calendar of events to see what they have programmed that week in the galleries and in their outdoor courtyard. 39 S. Magnolia Avenue 
  • The Orange County Regional History Center - The Center is located in a historic county courthouse in the heart of downtown Orlando and boasts four floors of exhibits that explore the region’s history and culture. 65 E. Central Boulevard 
  • The Orlando Pottery Studio - The City of Orlando has run a pottery program since 1968 and provides ongoing public programming ranging from showcases to workshops and classes. 363 N. Parramore Avenue

Experiences: Tweens + Teens ages 12+

  • Downtown Orlando has an axe throwing venue if you have any aspiring Vikings or lumberjacks in your life. It is teen-friendly when accompanied by an adult.
  • The Orlando Pottery Studio - The City of Orlando has run a pottery program since 1968 and provides ongoing public programming ranging from showcases to workshops and classes. They have 12 electric pottery wheels onsite and provide regular instruction. 363 N. Parramore Avenue
  • The City of Orlando has an ever-growing collection of murals that are perfect for passive viewing or elaborate selfies. Click HERE for an interactive map of where to find them in the City Beautiful along with the names of the artists who created them.
  • Blue Swan Boulders is a new 15,000 SF climbing gym in downtown Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood that offers a bouldering wall, specialty coffee bar, and a training area with free weights and cardio equipment. They even have a Summer Day Camp available. 400 Pittman Street
  • The Great Escape Room offers three innovative puzzle rooms to think your way out of in downtown Orlando, ranging from “The President’s Bunker,” to the “Escape Artist,” and “Dr. Watson’s Infirmary,” all depending on how much time you have available. 23 ½ S. Magnolia Avenue 
  • The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is hosting an outdoor festival series showcasing touring and local musicians, theater groups, and more in their Frontyard Festival, as well as returning to indoor performances in their world-class theater spaces. Be sure to check out something local or even a touring Broadway show this summer. 445 S. Magnolia Avenue
  • Discover Downtown - Orlando’s downtown information center is located near the intersection of Orange and Central and is the perfect place to get insider tips about downtown Orlando’s events and activities. While here, you can top off the charge on your phone, shop for unique, locally made gifts and wearables, check out the augmented reality mural by famous local artist, Boy Kong, and pose within the giant “DTO” letters that are right outside. 
  • The Library bookstore is full to the brim with amazing finds and treasures. You just need to get in there and start digging around. All proceeds from the shop go to the Friends of the Library, which supports programming and initiatives at all of the Orange County branches.  101 E. Central Boulevard 
  • The Orlando Farmers Market takes place every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lake Eola. It features prepared foods, seasonal fruits and vegetable vendors, and local handicrafts. 20 N. Eola Drive
  • BYNX Orlando is part coffee shop, part music shop, and all family-owned. They feature live music performances, and serve some tasty eats if you’re looking for an easy/cool place to spend an afternoon. 420 E. Church Street, Unit 118
  • Uncle Tony’s Donut Shoppe has new and used records just waiting to be thumbed through in Orlando’s North Quarter, just seconds away from the Central Business District. Be sure to snap a pic in front of the postcard mural. 703 N. Orange Avenue
  • Lauren Nicole is a trendy women’s boutique that specializes in contemporary tops, bottoms, dresses, bathing suits, and more. 426 E. Central Boulevard

 

Family Friendly Menus

Treats

  • The Greenery Creamery is a great place to satisfy a sweet tooth, and there’s a variety of dairy and plant-based options. They often feature fun specials that range from Baby Yoda cones to black charcoal ice cream, so check their Instagram before you visit so you know what to expect. 420 E. Church Street, Unit 112 
  • Insomnia Cookies – This bakery chain specializes in cookies that are always hot, fresh, and ooey gooey, as well as cookie ice cream sandwiches that will be sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. 131 N. Orange Avenue

Mealtime

 

  • Anthony’s Thornton Park has an easygoing patio and serves a range of Italian staples from New York-style pizzas to fancy pastas. 100 N. Summerlin Avenue
  • Crepe Delicious - Grab a sweet or savory crepe from the popular Canadian creperie chain and be sure to snap a pic and share on social media with the hashtag #crepedelicious. 55 W. Church Street 
  • Graffiti Junktion makes one of the biggest nacho platters in town. 700 E. Washington Street
  • Gringos Locos is known for regularly winning “Best Taco” in local roundups and for making some really tasty nachos. Plan to go a bit earlier in the day because this spot is a popular post-bar hangout. 20 E. Washington Street
  • JINYA Ramen Bar in Thornton Park is a delicious lunch or dinner spot for those who are craving an amazing bowl of ramen. While you’re there, take a look inside the Thornton Parking Garage from some beautiful mural art. 8 N. Summerlin Avenue
  • Latin Square features a variety of fresh, made-to-order Latin dishes, and it happens to be located next to a little park that’s removed from the street if you need to let your kids run off some energy while you sip on an espresso. They primarily cater to the business types, so keep in mind they are closed on weekends. 250 S. Orange Avenue
  • Nikki’s Place - Nikki’s Place specializes in Southern cuisine and soul food, and while they do serve up some chitlins and catfish, you’ll definitely need to try the macaroni and cheese and fried chicken. Your kids are sure to love it all. And the staff is as sweet as their sweet potato pie. 743 Carter Street
  • The Monroe is one of Orlando’s most beautiful new restaurants and it’s located on the new downtown UCF/Valencia College campus in Creative Village, in Parramore. It serves nostalgic childhood favorites in an airy, gorgeous interior, and they have corn dogs. 448 N. Terry Avenue
  • The Robinson Cafe may be located in one of the oldest buildings in downtown Orlando, but you’d never know it when you step inside and see the light, airy interior. They make great food and have a fantastic coffee menu. And their WiFi is fast if your teens or anyone else needs to hop into their phones for an afternoon.  63 E. Pine Street
  • Super Rico Colombian Restaurant - serves up some amazing burgers, and be sure to try their special arepas and the platters too. 57 W. Central Boulevard
  • Tin and Taco - Tin and Taco is all about being creative, and it shows in their food. While it may seem exotic to some, the focus on relatable items makes this a sure hit with your kids, so don’t be surprised if you see things like Doritos and macaroni and cheese in your taco shell. 40 W. Washington Street
  • The Wellborn is a beautiful and trendy historic property tucked away under the 408 that looks like it would be more at home in Miami than in downtown Orlando. Your trendy teens will definitely love to sip on some fancy mocktails while taking all the selfies here. 211 N. Lucerne Circle
  • World of Beer – Despite “beer” in the name, this place has an expansive patio overlooking Lake Eola and a simple, child-friendly menu. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, the swans will even wander up to say hello. 431 E. Central Boulevard 

 

Newsletter

For more stories like this subscribe to our newsletter.


Tagged as: