Are you looking for a local’s guide to Orlando? There is so much to see and do in Central Florida with your kids. And while it may be the theme parks that brought you here, you can bet there’s much more waiting for you just a short drive away. Take a day or two at the parks and then when you’re ready to leave the crowds behind you and explore the real Orlando, use our guide to craft your trip.
Take it from me, the best part of living in Orlando is how each area and district has their own unique flavor. We love exploring with our kids because there is always something new to do and see. And of course, eat! Theme park food can only satisfy you so much. Luckily our local food scene is fantastic.
Each of our options provides you the opportunity to Eat, See, and Do like the locals. Set aside several hours for each grouping. Or mix and match to make your perfect day. Just remember, traffic in Orlando can get a bit hectic. We suggest you make a google map with all your destinations and allow a bit of extra drive time when heading to a new area of town.
Downtown Orlando
Eat
Slurp your heart out at JINYA Ramen Bar
Cool down at The Pop Parlour
Take in the views and a bite at Relax Grill at Lake Eola
See
The crown jewel of Orlando – Lake Eola Fountain
See Art Orlando will walk you through downtown while you view public sculptures
Do
Paddle a Swan Boat all over the lake and take in the view
Beat the heat and take in Central Florida’s rich history at the Orange County History Center
Stroll through parks and gardens in Thornton Park
Winter Park
Eat
Enjoy the homestyle cooking at The Coop
Peterbrooke Chocolatier’s chocolate covered popcorn is the stuff dreams are made of
The Porch provides the perfect relaxed meal and atmosphere for your family
Step it up a little with the equally gorgeous and yummy Prato
Winter Park Fish Co. perfects the upscale casual vibe while serving the best seafood
See
Breathaking beauty and history await Casa Feliz, a historic farmhouse that was moved and restored to be a jewel on Park Ave.
Get your art on at Cornell Fine Arts Museum, The Alfond Inn, and The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Park Avenue is full of shopping from the every day to extremely upscale
Do
Enjoy a casual picnic and special event offerings at Central Park
Hop aboard the Winter Park Boat Tour and cruise through the Winter Park chain of lakes
Head to the Winter Park Farmer’s Market to meet local vendors(Saturday Only)
Get adventurous with a Paddleboarding trip on one of Winter Park’s gorgeous lakes
Oviedo
Eat
Sweet treats await you at De Azúcar Bakeshop
Get caffienated at DUO 58 Community Coffee Bar & Cafe
Sushi Pop will fill you up with yummy sushi and excellent decor
See
Chickens….yes, the Oviedo Chickens!
Do
Ride through Lake Jessup fast and furious on the hunt for gators with Black Hammock Airboat Rides
Kayak your way through natural splendor with Seminole Paddle Adventures
Our Readers Picks
We polled our readers and they told us their list of must do’s!
Eat
See
Do
Rain Plan
Check the forecast before you call off your plans to rain. Most days a storm will clear out within an hour or so of its arrival. Here are some ideas for when the rain just won’t go away…
Orlando Science Center, Orlando REP, Orlando Shakes, Orlando Museum of Art, or RDV Sportsplex Ice Den.
Don’t forget to check out some of our other ideas to help you plan your weekend: Free Things in Orlando, Indoor Playgrounds, Best Spots for Sweet Treats, & Orlando Photo Spots.
