Orlando with a toddler: beyond the big theme parks

LEGOLAND Florida and Peppa Pig Theme Park

LEGOLAND Florida in Winter Haven is about an hour's drive from central Orlando. It is aimed at kids roughly 2 to 12, and DUPLO Valley has gentle rides, a splash area and play spaces built for toddlers. Lines are usually shorter than at the big parks.

Peppa Pig Theme Park sits right next to LEGOLAND and is built for preschoolers, with small rides, splash play and a lot of Peppa. For a child who loves the show, it can be the highlight of the trip. Check the official sites for combined tickets and which days each park is open.

SeaWorld Orlando and Sesame Street Land

Sesame Street Land at SeaWorld Orlando has small rides, splash play and character meets with Elmo, Cookie Monster and friends. A parade runs on many days. Toddlers can spend a whole morning in this one area.

The rest of SeaWorld adds aquariums, animal habitats and shows that work for any age. Many of the big coasters are well beyond a toddler, so treat the day as Sesame Street Land plus animals.

Gatorland, Disney Springs and smaller outings

• Gatorland, south of the city, is an older, smaller park with alligators, a petting farm, a small train, a splash area and shows. A half day is plenty.
• Disney Springs is free to enter and has a small carousel and a kids train ride in the Marketplace area, plus shops and places to eat. Go in the morning or early evening when it is less crowded.
• A slow morning at a hotel pool with a zero-entry area or splash pad is a full outing for many toddlers.
• On storm days, an indoor aquarium or a long lunch fills the gap.

Heat and afternoon storms

Orlando is hot and humid for much of the year. In summer, afternoon thunderstorms are common, and outdoor rides and pools close when lightning is nearby. Plan outdoor time for the morning and use the afternoon for the nap.

Carry water, a sun hat, sunscreen and a stroller fan. Spring and late fall are the most comfortable months with a toddler. Hurricane season runs June through November; consider travel insurance if you book in late summer.

Getting around and car seats

• Most Orlando trips need a car. If you rent one, bring your own car seat or reserve one with the rental company and check it before you drive.
• Many airlines check car seats free, and some families bring the seat on the plane instead.
• Rideshare cars usually do not come with car seats, so plan to bring your own if you rely on them.
• Disney buses do not use car seats, which helps if you stay on Disney property.

How to build the week

A common plan is two or three Disney or Universal days, one LEGOLAND or SeaWorld day, and one or two slow days with the pool and a small outing. Put a rest day after every two park days.

Staying in one base for the week saves packing and unpacking. A vacation rental with a pool or a resort with a splash area makes the slow days easy.