Best Amusement Parks in Florida for Families
- 1. Walt Disney World Resort
- 2. Universal Studios Florida
- 3. LEGOLAND Florida Resort
- 4. SeaWorld Orlando
- 5. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
- 6. Hickory Dickory Dock Family Fun
1. Walt Disney World Resort
Walt Disney World Resort is the crown jewel of Florida’s amusement parks for families. Located in Orlando, it’s an expansive collection of theme parks, including the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Families can enjoy everything from magical parades and character meet-and-greets to thrilling rides and immersive lands like Pandora – The World of Avatar.
One of the most heartwarming experiences is the evening fireworks show, where families gather to watch a beautiful display over Cinderella’s Castle. Disney World’s magic lies in its ability to appeal to all age groups, making it the top choice for family vacations. Whether you are reliving childhood memories or making new ones, the entire family will have a blast.
2. Universal Studios Florida
Universal Studios Florida is another must-visit destination for families who want to immerse themselves in their favorite movies and TV shows. This park, also located in Orlando, features exciting attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Transformers: The Ride, and The Simpsons Ride, which allow guests to step into the worlds of beloved characters.
Universal Studios is especially known for its action-packed attractions that are perfect for older kids and adults alike. A family favorite is the Diagon Alley area, where you can shop for wizarding supplies and enjoy a magical ride on Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts.
3. LEGOLAND Florida Resort
For families with younger children, LEGOLAND Florida Resort is a top choice. Situated in Winter Haven, this park is filled with interactive attractions, fun rides, and, of course, millions of LEGO bricks. The park also has themed lands like LEGO Kingdoms and Miniland USA, which features detailed LEGO models of iconic U.S. landmarks.
One of the highlights is the LEGO Kingdoms area, where kids can enjoy the Dragon coaster or build their own creations. LEGOLAND also boasts an expansive water park, perfect for a day of cooling off in Florida’s sunny weather. It's a family-friendly destination that provides a more relaxed but equally fun alternative to the larger parks.
4. SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld Orlando is a great choice for families who want to combine thrilling rides with animal encounters. The park offers unique experiences like swimming with dolphins, watching killer whale shows, and exploring aquariums filled with exotic marine life. The rides at SeaWorld, such as Mako, a thrilling roller coaster, add a high-energy aspect to the park for adrenaline-seeking families.
Families will enjoy the educational aspects of SeaWorld, as they learn about marine conservation efforts while having fun. The park’s seasonal events, like the Christmas Celebration and Halloween Spooktacular, make it an excellent choice year-round.
5. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
Located in Tampa, Busch Gardens is an adventure-filled amusement park that combines animal exhibits with thrilling rides. Families can enjoy roller coasters like SheiKra, a dive coaster, and the family-friendly Serengeti Express train, which takes you on a safari-style adventure through the park’s animal habitats.
The lush, African-themed park is perfect for families who want to experience nature and adventure in one place. There are plenty of kid-friendly attractions like the Sesame Street Safari of Fun, where younger children can meet their favorite characters.
6. Hickory Dickory Dock Family Fun
For those looking for a unique, family-focused adventure, Hickory Dickory Dock in Florida provides an indoor playground and entertainment venue that is perfect for all ages. Featuring arcade games, mini-golf, and a variety of other attractions, this is a great option for families visiting the area who want to escape the Florida heat or rain for a bit of fun.
Hickory Dickory Dock offers an atmosphere where families can spend quality time together, whether they’re playing games, enjoying mini-golf, or exploring themed rooms. It’s an ideal stop for families with children of various ages, providing a more laid-back experience compared to the larger theme parks.
