30 Fun Things to Do with Orlando Toddlers and Preschoolers in Summer

Toddlers and young kids can let loose with their prehistoric friends at Dinosaur World's cute playground. Photo by Charlotte Blanton
Toddlers and young kids can let loose with their prehistoric friends at Dinosaur World's cute playground. Photo by Charlotte Blanton
6/7/24 - By Melanie Preis

Orlando toddlers and preschoolers are little balls of energy, especially during the warmer months. These kids love the summer, from splashy water activities to fun playgrounds. Orlando summers allow for toddlers and preschoolers (ages 1-5) to get loose with lots of great seasonal fun and events. In fact, many of these summer activities are FREE, which is an even bigger reason to explore Orlando with your toddler.

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Need more ideas to keep Orlando toddlers and preschoolers entertained this summer? Mommy Poppins has wonderful summer activities and ideas for young children, including awesome Outdoor Games for Kids as well as Water Games During Summer, Popsicle Recipes, and Seashell Craft Projects!

Summer Activities for Orlando Toddlers

1. Splash Pads and Spraygrounds

Toddlers love splash pads and spraygrounds! These aquatic playgrounds allow little ones to run around, stay cool, get wet, enjoy freedom, and splash each other for hours of fun.

2. Central Florida Zoo

With interactive areas like a petting zoo and splash ground, Central Florida Zoo is a summer must-visit for toddlers! The Zoo also offers several summer events, including Night Hikes, Sunset at the Zoo, and more.

3. Library Storytime

Many Central Florida libraries have special summer events for toddlers, in additional to year-round storytimes.

4. Outdoor Playgrounds

Relax in the shade while preschoolers go wild at Orlando playgrounds. These outdoor play areas are ideal for young children, featuring enclosed spaces, padded grounds, smaller equipment, and more to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

5. Teatime Dance Party with Mr. Richard

Toddlers will love dancing, singing, and playing with the musical stylings of Mr. Richard. Catch his shows throughout Orlando!

6. Theme Parks

Disney's Magic Kingdom is a magical destination where little princesses and heroes can meet their favorite characters in person. Other awesome theme parks for little ones include Peppa Pig Theme Park, Legoland Florida , and Sea World Orlando.

7. Water Parks

Cool off at a water park during Florida's scorching summer months. Orlando offers particularly fun water parks for younger kids, including Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, Universal's Volcano Bay, and SeaWorld's Aquatica

8. Fairy Doors at Leu Gardens

Stroll beautiful Leu Gardens in search of 20 whimsical fairy doors hidden throughout the grounds, on display June 8-August 25, 2024. If your child enjoys staying up late, they might love Fairy Nights at Leu Gardens as well.

9. Summer Camp for Preschoolers

Empower your preschooler's summer experience by enrolling them in a summer camp! Many of these summer camps and preschool camp programs have shorter days or weeks, ensuring age-appropriate activities.

10. Natural Springs

Enjoy the refreshing waters of Central Florida's natural springs with your child. Remember to bring along a flotation vest or device if your child isn't able to swim.

11. Swim

Swimming is a no-brainer for the summer! Take your family to a swimming pool or buy a day pass to an Orlando hotel with a kid-friendly pool.

12. Ice Cream

It doesn't matter what the age or interest, ice cream is a crowd pleaser for everyone during an Orlando summer.

13. Orlando Science Center

Toddlers love the Orlando Science Center in summer due to its age-appropriate exhibits, amazing KidsTown area, and of course, air conditioning.

14. Storytime at B. Dalton Booksellers

Get relief from the heat and head indoors to Oviedo Mall for weekend storytimes.

15. Boat Rides

Whether your child seeks thrills or chills on the waves, boat rides are great ways to do something different with the family. Make sure to bring swim vests, sunscreen, hats, and drinking water.

16. Summer Fun Days at Bok Tower Gardens

Enjoy FREE admission to Bok Tower Gardens, courtesy of Wawa, on the last Thursday and Friday of each month through August. Visit the Hammock Hollow children's area, with interactive play opportunities.

17. Free Movies

Throughout Orlando, families can watch family-friendly movies this summer, both outdoor and indoor. Almost all of these showtimes are FREE so splurge on the Junior Mints!

18. Summerween at Boxi Park

Halloween meets Summer for Summerween at Boxi Park! What preschooler wouldn't love to dress up in costume?!

19. Disney Springs

At Disney Springs, there’s a splash pad ideal for hot summer days, along with play areas at the Lego store and T-Rex Café. Every Saturday, little ones can join in Disney Springs Kids Club activities. And from May 24 to September 2, 2024, enjoy the new Disney Dreams That Soar Drone Show nightly. Bonus, it's all FREE!

20. Indoor Playgrounds

Had enough with the Orlando heat and humidity? Head indoors and let your toddler explore fun playgrounds that include blissful air conditioning.

21. Bonnet Springs Park

This large outdoor park makes for a great day trip from Orlando and features a fun kids museum and multiple outdoor play areas.

22. Groveland Wacky Wednesday Waterday

Each Wednesday during the summer, the City of Groveland hosts Wacky Wednesday Waterday at various parks, with activities such as water slides, live animals, ice cream, and more.

23. Icon Park

Icon Park is a great summer adventure for all ages, including the grand carousel for toddlers and preschoolers.

24. Florida Beaches 

Head to the beach and let toddlers get messy in the sand, hunt for seashells, and dip their toes in the ocean. 

25. Kids Bowl Free Program

Sign your little ones up for free bowling this summer! Register on the Kids Bowl Free site and select your closest participating bowling alley to receive two free games per day all summer long.

26. Kennedy Space Center

While all ages love the Kennedy Space Centeer, tiny tykes will particularly love the Planet Play multi-level indoor playground.

27. Gatorland

In addition to seeing hundreds of alligators, youngsters will love the themed water play area at Gatorland, as well as the petting zoo and train ride.

28. Crayola Experience

This colorful wonderland is perfect for tots, with tons of interactive exhibits plus a play area specifically for little ones.

29. WonderWorks

The iconic, upside-down building on Orlando's International Drive boasts fun activities for little ones such as a Bubble Lab, Light and Sound Zone, and Imagination Lab.

30. Dinosaur World

This I-4 roadside attraction features a boardwalk with life-size dinosaurs, two themed playgrounds (one just for toddlers), a splash pad, fossil dig, dino gem excavation, and interactive shows.