10 Things to do in Downtown Orlando with Kids

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Downtown Orlando is full of great activities – from Church Street to the Thornton District, there are plenty of activities for families with kids young and old.From museums to art, to tasty treats, axe throwing, swan boats and more, there are lots of fun things to do in downtown Orlando with the entire family.

10 Things to do in Downtown Orlando with Kids

Here are 10 things we recommend to do with kids in Lake Eola.

Axe Throwing

Axe throwing is a great activity for you and the teenagers in your life. Step up to the line and throw axes at wooden targets. They all require closed-toe shoes and minimum ages vary. Downtown, check out Epic Axe Throwing and Batl Grounds Orlando.

Downtown Art and Sculptures

Follow this walking tour around downtown, including around Lake Eola, as you see some of the art and sculptures that fill the area. From the art around the lake, to the courthouse and city hall, there is art and sculpture to explore. A fun way to see everything and learn about the sculptures is with the Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts Lake Eola Art Hunt.

Get a Treat

The Downtown area has some great frozen treats, no matter what you like. Greenery Creamery has great ice cream and has been popular since it opened 2 years ago. The Pop Parlour is another great option, and features, ice pops, cream pops, and for the adults in the group, boozy pops. If you prefer a baked dessert to a frozen one, Insomnia Cookies is on Orange Ave and serves some great treats.

Make Your Own Food Tour

Between Lake Eola and Church Street, you have Thai, ramen, tacos, hamburgers, arepas, and many other food choices. There isn’t enough space to list everyplace to check out but you can create your own little food tour and sample quite a few different options as you take a nice walk downtown.

A Go Orlando Pass is a great way to save on Orlando attractions. You can save up to 50% off each individual attraction. It is great for locals and visitors alike.

Melrose Center at the Orlando Public Library

The Melrose Center at the Central Branch of the Orlando Public Library houses the library’s technology hub. In addition to a video studio, audio studios, and sound booths, there are 3-D printers, classes for kids and adults on many different topics, as well as weekend activities with techs.

Orange County Regional History Center

The Orange County Regional History Center is right next to the library and downtown. It has several permanent exhibits – on African American history, farming in this area, tourism, and the growth of the theme parks. It also hosts special and traveling exhibits on different topics. The current one examines the Ocoee Massacre and runs until February 2021.

Orlando Farmer’s Market

The Orlando Farmer’s Market is one of the biggest markets in the area and has plenty of options. From fresh fruit to prepared foods to honey, there are plenty of treasures. There is also beer and wine in the afternoons.

The Farmer’s Market runs on Sundays from 10:00-4:00, with wine and beer from 12:00-4:00.

The market is currently closed until further notice.

Picnic in the Park

Lake Eola Park has some great areas to sit down and relax – you can read a book, play with a frisbee or even just look at the fish. It’s also a great place to sit and enjoy a family picnic. In addition to Publix right across the street, you can get pastries, sandwiches, and other food from Benjamin Franklin Bakery, salads and wraps from Eden’s Orlando, or pizza from several pizza places around the park (what, you’ve never had a pizza picnic?).

SAK Comedy Lab

Want to try something a little different? SAK Comedy Lab hosts improv comedy on Friday and Saturday nights. While the current calendar is a little more limited than it has been in the past, it is still a great way to sit back, relax, and laugh for a while. Each show is different as the audience creates the plots.

We recommend their shows for tweens and up as shows are held at night and most topics will go over younger kids heads. SAK’s Saturday family matinee is temporarily on hold, but when it returns it will be perfect for younger kids.

Swan Boats

If you have ever wanted to get a close-up view of the fountain at the center of Lake Eola, the best way is to pedal over in one of the Lake Eola Swan Boats. Every day, from 11am to 6pm, you can take a boat out and sail around Lake Eola. Each swan boat has two seats in the front for pedalers, and a bench that seats three in the back. Boats are rented by the half hour and the last rentals are a half hour before they close. A lot of times, you can get a discount deal for the swan boats on Groupon.

What is your favorite activity to do in downtown Orlando with kids?

10 Things to do in Downtown Orlando with Kids