Most families think of Disney when planning a Florida trip, and it’s no surprise. Orlando is, after all, globally recognized as the “Theme Park Capital of the World” and the most popular tourist destination in the United States. However, Orlando and the beautiful surrounding areas like Lake County offer a wealth of dining, entertainment, and nature-based activities that are fantastic destinations in themselves. In fact, the sheer number of family-friendly adventures in this part of Florida makes it a top choice for a memorable and convenient vacation with kids. Here’s how we spent three incredible days in Orlando and neighboring Lake County with my 9-year-old daughter, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Hotel Landy lobby with a miniature teal car, showcasing a modern and playful design.
Day One: Discovering Orlando and Wild Florida’s Natural Wonders
Our adventure began at the brand-new Hotel Landy, aptly named for Orlando, and perfectly situated just 20 minutes from the airport and under 10 minutes from Universal Studios. The hotel’s striking kinetic design, with its geometric patterns and flowing lines, takes inspiration from Émilie du Châtelet, a brilliant mathematician whose work contributed to the development of roller coasters.
Hotel Landy was so packed with kid-friendly features that we could have easily enjoyed four days just relaxing there. After settling into our king room, boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning Orlando views, we were eager to explore. We had a blast playing air hockey in the game room and getting active together in the bright, airy fitness center. Later, we changed into our swimsuits and headed to the inviting hot tub and resort-style pool area. Beyond the pool, we discovered a charming beach-style courtyard complete with fun lawn games (cornhole is always a family favorite!), comfortable seating areas, and a food truck called “Liquid Sunshine.” They served delicious small plates like fish tacos and a variety of refreshing craft cocktails.
Exploring the Wild Side at Wild Florida
Giraffe feeding experience at Wild Florida, a unique and memorable animal encounter for families.
Although it was tempting to stay in the delightful Hotel Landy, we drove about 45 minutes south to Wild Florida for a nature-filled adventure. And we were so glad we did! This unique excursion to the headwaters of the Florida Everglades could easily fill an entire day with fun and discovery. The three must-do activities here are an exhilarating airboat tour, exploring Gator Park, and a drive-through animal safari.
While you can experience Wild Florida in any order you like, I recommend starting with the 170-acre Safari Park. It’s home to amazing exotic animals like zebras, bison, and antelope. The safari culminates in a fantastic stop where you can get up close and personal with giraffes on a feeding platform – a truly unforgettable experience for kids!
Next, we explored Gator Park, home to over 200 native and exotic animals, including adorable sloths, playful capybaras, and elusive bobcats. Don’t miss the exciting twice-daily feedings of Crusher, a massive American alligator over 13 feet long! There’s also a covered playground where kids can burn off some energy and Hawk Swamp, a haven for bird lovers where you might even spot an owl if you’re lucky. When hunger strikes, Chomps Grill offers adventurous eats like fried gator nuggets, as well as kid-friendly favorites such as hot dogs and sliders.
Exciting airboat tour in Wild Florida, showcasing the thrill of gliding through the Everglades.
The highlight of our Wild Florida adventure was definitely the hour-long airboat ride through the Everglades. Instead of just reading about wildlife like eagles and alligators in books or watching videos, my daughter experienced the thrill of seeing these animals in their natural habitat as we skimmed across the swamps, marshes, and rivers. Our keen-eyed captain pointed out a mother and baby alligator near a nest made of mud and plants. He also enthusiastically answered all our questions about alligator habitats and eating habits (apparently, father alligators are known to eat their own young!).
After our airboat adventure, we headed back to Hotel Landy for an alligator-free dinner at the hotel’s excellent restaurant, Émilie Bar & Lounge (again, named after the mathematician). We refueled with delicious dishes like fig and burrata and classic steak frites.
Day Two: Charming Winter Park and the Magic of Disney Springs
Day two began with a scenic drive north to Winter Park, a city known for its beautiful parks, lakes, charming shopping district, vibrant farmer’s market, annual art festival, and inviting sidewalk cafes.
Delicious pastries at The Glass Knife cafe, a delightful culinary stop in Winter Park.
But first, we stopped for a delightful breakfast at The Glass Knife, a unique cafe and cake shop. We enjoyed a savory cheddar biscuit sandwich plate and a beautifully crafted artisanal doughnut. The cafe’s centerpiece is a long communal table displaying a collection of colorful glass knives, belonging to the owner’s mother, a local baker whose memory and recipes inspired this cozy and elegant space.
Relaxing Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
Scenic boat tour through a canal in Winter Park, showcasing the natural beauty and waterways of the area.
Next, we enjoyed a relaxing hour on a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour starting on Lake Osceola. This tour offered a unique way to learn about the history of Winter Park, Central Florida’s oldest community. Our captain was not only informative but also very entertaining, sharing amusing stories about the wealthy Easterners who founded the community in the 1800s as he expertly navigated the narrow, man-made canals connecting the Winter Park chain of lakes. It’s a perfect family-friendly activity to enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn a bit of local history.
The rest of the afternoon was dedicated to one of our favorite pastimes: getting happily lost in a charming area. Park Avenue in Winter Park is perfect for wandering, with tree-lined streets filled with over 100 unique boutiques, salons, and restaurants. We found special gifts for family back home at Rifle Paper Co., indulged in handmade chocolates at Peterbrooke Chocolatier, and admired the stylish window displays at the women’s clothing boutique The Impeccable Pig.
Evening Fun at Disney Springs
While we skipped Disney World’s theme parks on this trip, we did continue our exploration of fun destinations at Disney Springs later that evening. This expansive outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment district borders the famous theme park and offers a different kind of Disney magic. The walkways were bustling with shoppers, and we stepped into Summer House on the Lake, a bright and airy California-style restaurant with a relaxed beach house vibe and outdoor seating overlooking the lake. Even if you don’t have time for a full meal, be sure to grab a homemade cookie from their cookie bar – flavors like sea salt chocolate chip, fudge bomb, and berry oatmeal are irresistible and perfect for sharing!
Drawn to Life Cirque du Soleil performance, an amazing family entertainment option at Disney Springs.
Later that night, we experienced the enchanting storytelling and breathtaking acrobatics that Disney World is renowned for at a performance of Drawn To Life By Cirque du Soleil at La Nouba Theater in Disney Springs. Before the show even began, the audience became part of the experience. My daughter was thrilled to be chosen to go onstage with other children to create a drawing that was projected onto a giant screen for everyone to see.
Once the lights dimmed, we were completely captivated by the performers’ incredible physical skills as they danced and executed stunning stunts. But it was the heart of the story that truly resonated with us. The show tells the tale of a young girl who discovers unfinished sketches by her deceased animator father. She embarks on a journey into her imagination, joined by whimsical muses and a shadowy character representing her inner critic. After initially struggling with this inner critic, the girl ultimately chooses to confront and embrace it. By facing her fears, she overcomes her creative block and brings the animation to life – a powerful message for both children and adults.
After the show’s finale and a well-deserved standing ovation, we returned to Hotel Landy, ready for a restful sleep and sweet Disney-inspired dreams.
Day Three: Farm Fun at Southern Hills and Quaint Charm in Mount Dora
Welcome sign at Southern Hills Farms, inviting families to enjoy a day of outdoor activities and farm-fresh experiences.
On day three, we ventured away from the city and drove west to Clermont, located in Lake County, heading towards open fields and expansive blue skies to visit Southern Hill Farms. This charming third-generation family farm offers visitors the delightful experience of picking their own fresh crops like blueberries, strawberries, and peaches, depending on the season. This idyllic farm, nestled off a quiet dirt road in Lake County, has become a popular destination for both tourists and locals, offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and connect with nature and agriculture.
Red tractor at Southern Hill Farms, symbolizing the farm's agricultural heritage and family-friendly atmosphere.
Beyond fruit picking, Southern Hills Farms also offers u-pick sunflowers and zinnias, adding to the colorful experience. But what truly makes Southern Hills Farms a popular agritourism destination is the abundance of activities that engage all your senses. From savoring freshly baked muffins made with the farm’s own blueberries to enjoying live music under shaded pavilions, smelling homemade sugar scrubs (the lemon lavender is my personal favorite!) in the onsite market, feeling the sand in the playground’s sandbox, and taking in panoramic farm views from the Berry Trouper ride in the Kids Zone – there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Next, it was time for the final leg of our trip. We checked into our next hotel, the Key West Resort on Lake Dora in Tavares, known as “America’s Seaplane City” due to the frequent seaplane landings. We grabbed a quick and tasty lunch next door at Puddle Jumpers.
Canal view during a boat tour in Mount Dora, showcasing the scenic waterways and natural beauty of the area.
Our final activity was exploring the quaint town of Mount Dora, which hosts over 30 art, music, and food festivals annually. We joined Premier Boat Tours for a relaxing two-hour eco-tour of Lake Dora and the Harris Chain of Lakes. Our pontoon boat gently glided through canals and beneath hanging cypress trees. We were lucky enough to spot a rare soft-shelled turtle basking in the sun on a fallen branch and an endangered egret standing gracefully in the mangroves. This peaceful boat tour was a perfect way to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.
We celebrated a wonderful vacation with dinner at my favorite restaurant of the trip, The Goblin Market in historic downtown Mount Dora. The owners named the restaurant and bar after Christina G. Rossetti’s 19th-century poem, which they read together in college while dating. The restaurant’s three cozy dining rooms are adorned with bookshelves and art, the ceilings feature wooden beams, creating an intimate and welcoming atmosphere, like dining in someone’s home.
Over my daughter’s Shirley Temple, we reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip, as it was impossible to choose just one. There’s a reason Central Florida is one of the most popular family-friendly destinations in the country. I hope our vacation in the Sunshine State will be etched in her memory as a happy childhood experience, as it will forever be in mine.
