Beyond the Theme Parks – Family Holidays in Orlando
While Walt Disney World® Resort and Universal Studios Florida are two of the biggest draws for families heading to Orlando, the parks aren’t always everyone’s cup of tea (and even if you do love Mickey & Co, there’s plenty of other things to enjoy here besides the big rides). You can explore nature at Wekiwa Springs State Park, immerse yourself in art and culture at the local museums, indulge in diverse culinary experiences, ride the Orlando Eye and discover the historic charm of Winter Park’s architecture and boat tours along the Chain of Lakes for starters. It’s also worth visiting outside of the peak summer months to get the biggest bang for your bucks, escape the crowds and avoid the heat.
Discover some great holiday options in Orlando with these recommended family-focused trips
7-Night February Half-Term in Orlando
Tailor-Made Family Holiday
Spend a week in Orlando for February Half Term!
Why we love this holiday…
Enjoy the flexibility to explore as you please
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando is right in the middle of all the action
You’ll be staying just 10 minutes from Universal Orlando® Resort and 20 minutes from Walt Disney World® Resort
Delight in Orlando’s award-winning food scene
Watch some hard-hitting sports
Go wild on a kayak adventure on Lake Apopka or at Winter Park
Explore Harry P Leu Gardens
** £142 Donated to Charity for FREE **
From £715pp
Price includes 7 nights room only stay at 3-star Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, 7 days fully inclusive car hire, return direct flights from London Heathrow to Orlando and ATOL protection
7-Night Floridian Family Adventure
Independent Twin-Centre
Spend 4 nights in Orlando and 3 nights in Crystal River on this family twin centre!
Why we love this holiday…
Enjoy the flexibility to explore as you please
Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando is right in the middle of all the action
Plantation on Crystal River is close to so many outdoor experiences
Visit Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Spend time at Hunter Spring Park
Opt for horseback riding or swim up-close with manatees
Have a relaxing spa day
** £195 Donated to Charity for FREE **
From £979pp
Price includes 4 nights room only stay at 3-star Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando, 3 nights room only stay at 3-star Plantation on Crystal River, 7 days fully inclusive hire of Volkswagen Jetta or similar, return direct flights from Manchester to Orlando with Virgin Atlantic and ATOL protection
14-Night Summer 2024 Family Holiday in Orlando
Family Apart-Hotel Holiday
Enjoy a fortnight’s holiday to fully experience the marvels of Orlando while staying in a 4-star resort apartment.
Why we love this holiday…
Enjoy the flexibility to explore as you please
Stay at the 4-star Blue Tree Resort at Lake Buena Vista
Enjoy boating, fishing or a stroll along the lakeside of Lake Tohopekaliga
Take an airboat ride through the nearby wetlands of Everglades National Park
Play a round of golf and one of Orlando’s many courses
Take in Orlando’s eclectic nightlife
** £242 Donated to Charity for FREE **
From £1,210pp
Price includes 14 nights stay in an apartment at the 4* Blue Tree Resort at Lake Buena Vista, 15 days fully inclusive hire of SUV car, free Ocean Explorer tickets, return direct flights from Manchester to Orlando with Aer Lingus and ATOL protection
Let us inspire you…
Away from the theme parks and outside of peak season, Orlando is a real dream, full of incredible experiences to enjoy.
Into the Wild
- Explore the incredible biodiversity of Florida’s native ecosystems along the Florida National Scenic Trail
- Hop on a bike and follow the West Orange Trail, passing though woodland, picturesque lakes and rivers
- Visit Lake Apopka, a magnet for nesting and migrating birds
- Crystal-clear waters make for perfect scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming and fishing – not to mention manatee encounters
Culture Trip
- Enjoy a show at Orlando’s Dr Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
- View hundreds of glorious art pieces at Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens in Winter Park
- Explore the vibrant street art scene in Orlando’s Mills 50 District and Thornton Park, where you can find colourful murals and urban art installations
- Take in the works of celebrated author Zora Neale Hurston and artists of African descent at The Hurston Museum
- Visit the Orlando Museum of Art, which showcases a diverse collection of contemporary and traditional art
Parklife
- Located in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is an urban oasis featuring a scenic lake, walking trails, swan-shaped paddleboats and a vibrant fountain
- Spanning over 50 acres, Harry P. Leu Gardens offer a diverse collection of plants, including roses, camellias, palms, and a tropical stream garden
- Mead Botanical Garden features walking trails, butterfly gardens, a boardwalk
- Wekiwa Springs State Park offers a refreshing natural escape with clear springs and opportunities for canoeing and kayaking
- With picturesque views of Lake Maitland, Kraft Azalea Garden is famous for its beautiful azalea blooms and towering cypress trees
On the Foodie Trail
- Devour the soft and creamy Porterhouse at Capa Steakhouse & Bar
- One of the leading restaurants in Orlando is Prato, a stylish Italian eatery offering a modern take on classic dishes in rustic-chic surrounds
- For casual dining, head to gourmet farm-to-table restaurant Artisan’s Table
- Reyes Mezcaleria features flavourful Mexican food and tequila
- For something different, dinner shows such as Teatro Martini Orlando and Pirates Dinner Adventure combine food and entertainment
Explore the Great Outdoors in Orlando
While Orlando is renowned for its theme parks and entertainment, it also offers ample opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, recreational activities, or a peaceful retreat, there are numerous options to enjoy. Discover a selection of places to visit in our blog.
Visiting Orlando Throughout the Year…
- With temperatures ranging from around 26°C in March through to about 31°C in May, spring is a great time of year for visiting Orlando. Enjoy the pleasant weather and blooming flowers at the beautiful gardens and parks, such as Harry P. Leu Gardens, boating at Lake Eola Park or explore the vibrant downtown Orlando area for its bustling arts and cultural scene
- Summer in Orlando peaks at 33°C or so with long daylights hours enabling you to enjoy some great days out followed by a night savouring the diverse array of international cuisine and local favourites in Orlando’s wide range of restaurants. Why not beat the heat by visiting a refreshing water park such as Universal’s Volcano Bay or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon. Summers’s also a great time to take in the natural beauty of the Everglades National Park or take a short drive to Cocoa Beach
- Enjoy the comfortable temperatures of autumn in Orlando, with average highs ranging from 26 to 30° C and cooler evenings. Venture outside the city to witness the stunning fall foliage in nearby natural areas, such as Wekiwa Springs State Park or Lake Louisa State Park. Also, how about exploring the charming neighbourhoods of Winter Park or Thornton Park, known for their picturesque streets, boutique shops, and cosy cafes?
- During the winter, expect temperatures ranging from the low teens up to 23°C. Visit the Orlando Science Center or the Orlando Museum of Art for indoor entertainment and educational experiences during cooler days and indulge in seasonal treats and traditional holiday cuisine at the local eateries throughout the city
Unbelievably Real | Visit Orlando
