When you think about Orlando, you automatically think about Disney World…am I right?! How could you not, after all, it is the most visited resort on the planet! However, Orlando has far more to offer than just Disney, including great campgrounds! This trip, we decided to skip Disney and explore other parts of Orlando! With so many exciting things to do, especially with kids, towing your “home on wheels” to Orlando is an excellent idea! Keep reading to find family friendly things to do, our favorite restaurant, and where to camp in Orlando, Florida.
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Camping in Orlando
We stayed at the Orlando/Kissimmee KOA Holiday and were very pleased with our stay! Despite the unusually cold weather (50’s in January), we still got to enjoy several of the amenities that this campground has to offer. It’s located just minutes from Orlando’s main attractions (Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World and more) as well as a Sam’s Club to stock up on all of the necessities (if you’re a member that is)!
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Our boys thoroughly loved the spacious playground and jumping pillow! If we were in Orlando longer, I may have let them play here all day! As stated above, it was not warm enough for us to jump into the pool (although it is heated, I guess we could have?) but we did walk over to at least check it out. The pool is very nice and includes a spa as well as several lounge chairs and tables to sit around or even enjoy a meal.
Just around the corner of the pool, you will find the laundry and fitness center. My husband and I both used the fitness center during our stay (gotta work off all of those campin’ food calories)! I have to say, this gym is not too shabby for a campground! It had free weights, a treadmill, bike, elliptical and a tv to watch for distraction! I seriously wish all campgrounds had fitness centers…just sayin’!
Here is a little video/tour we made to show off this KOA:
Family Friendly Things to do in Orlando
The age at which to take your kids to Disney is debatable. Our two boys are just 1 and 3, so we decided to save all of the magic for further down the road. You may think we’re crazy not to have gone while in Orlando, but I promise you, we will be back…and I SO look forward to that day! With that being said, obviously we found lots of other fun things to do with our kiddos.
Sea World
I went to Sea World as a kid, and I do not remember it being as exciting as it is today…do you know they have roller coasters now?! Our boys were too young/short for most of the thrilling coasters, but they couldn’t get enough of Sesame Street Land! We spent a larger portion of our day exploring this cute little area! If you plan your day out right, you may even be lucky enough to see one of your favorite Sesame Street characters dancing in a parade!
The animal encounters and shows were a big highlight of our experience at Sea World. You absolutely cannot miss seeing the orcas in action, dolphin adventure, as well as the sea lion and otter encounters. I was very impressed with how Sea World presents these magnificent creatures and educates the audience throughout the shows.
Besides the shows, the animal experiences Sea World has to offer will keep you entertained all day! We LOVED watching the penguins at Empire of the Penguin, and getting up, close and personal to the dolphins at Dolphin Cove.
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Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a dining, shopping, and entertainment complex at Walt Disney World Resort. If you are wanting all of the Disney feels (without actually spending money on tickets to Disney World) this is the place to visit! Disney Springs has 104 shops, 64 different places to eat, and several attractions and shows. You will absolutely find somethings here that suits your fancy!
During our visit, we HAD to take the boys into the LEGO store! This place is every kid’s dream. It features a Pick-a-Brick wall, incredible displays, and of course tons of play sets up for purchase. Due to Covid, they no longer have their play tables set out…hopefully one day in the near future!
Another store we had to drop by was the World of Disney! Our family enjoyed just walking around the store, trying on different character ears!
Both of our boys are dinosaur obsessed, so when we found out there is a dinosaur-themed restaurant at Disney Springs, we knew we had to check it out! T-REX is SUCH a cool and unique place! We were planning on getting an appetizer, but our younger son was terrified of the giant 15 ft. tall T-Rex that of course happened to be roaring and moving (must only happen on occasion) as soon as we entered the restaurant (our luck)! We did eventually come back in just to check it out and browse around their Dino Store.
To satisfy my sweet tooth, we shared a delicious cookie from Goofy’s Candy Company.
Where to Eat in Orlando
Hash House A Go Go
Let me just start out by saying, “You’re welcome.” My husband and I went to this restaurant years ago in San Diego, CA, as well as Las Vegas, NV, and when we found out there is also one located in Orlando, I said…”Ummmm, Helloooo yes please!!!”
Hash House A Go Go has been featured on several shows and publications, and the New York Times even called it “a must visit!” The portion sizes are outrageous, and the menu items are funky and unique. My husband and I always split the sage fried chicken & waffles (ughhh, I’m literally drooling thinking about it). We have leftovers even after splitting this meal. Our boys split an order of the kid’s French toast, and they were very pleased as well. Listen, just go to this place, you will NOT be disappointed.
Orlando is a place with endless things to do with the family! I feel like you can come here numerous times and always find something different to do. We will definitely make our way back with “Rocky” (that’s our camper) and may even try out Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort for a different camping experience! I hope this has helped you in planning your next trip to Orlando! Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments! Happy camping, and happy traveling!!
