Family Dates in Orlando

Family Dates is a fun way to spend time together making memories.  It has gradually become one of our favorite things to do together as a family.  As my kids get older, I realize the importance of spending that time and having it become part of our routine.  It’s a great way for us to have some quality time together without the noise of our work schedules, school, and other daily stressors.  It’s a great refresher and nice reset for us as well. 

Fun Options for Family Dates

Here are 10 fun family date ideas.

The Beach

Let’s face it!  The Beach is a wonderful place to be.  Put your toes in the sand and enjoy a day outside where you can listen to the waves crash and feel the sun on your face. Collect shells, take a nice walk or take the opportunity to teach your kids to boogie board or body surf, or try out the skimboard on the waves.

Disney Springs

For a day trip to get out, window shop, and enjoy the weather, consider Disney Springs. Try the yummy snacks at Wetzel’s Pretzels, Häagen-Dazs, Ghirardeli Soda Fountain and Chocolates, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, or Gideon’s.  For a quick bite, grab something from the Disney Food Trucks, like 4 Rivers Cantina Barbocoa and sit by the water to eat.  From there you can see the  Aerophile Balloon and wave to patrons on the Vintage Amphicar, all located in the West Side area of Disney Springs.

For a family date night, you can grab dinner from a kiddo favorite like Rainforest Cafe or T-Rex.  Raglan Road Irish Pub has music and Irish dancers and is always entertaining.  If you want to step up the dining experience, STK is one of my favorite restaurants.  

The kiddos can also ride the carousel and the train while you’re there, located in the Market Place area of Disney Springs. 

Family Game or Movie Night

Staying in has so much potential for a family date night.  Make it as big or as small as you want.  Maybe it’s a game and movie night in one, who knows!  Order pizza, pop popcorn, make the biggest ice cream sundae known to man. Whatever it is, have fun!

Uno, Monopoly, Sequence, Scrabble, Rummikub, Twister, Pie Face Showdown, Pictionary are just a few games that come to mind for game nights.  

Take in a movie!  Our kids will never know the joy of walking through a Blockbuster on Friday night, but most get excited when they see the Redbox.  So, grab a new movie or stream a classic like The Princess Bride or The Goonies.

Family Skate Night

Get back out on the rink!  Check out skating rinks like Astro Skating Center and Semoran Skateway for Family Skate Nights.  If you want to try something new, head to RDV Ice Den for Ice Skating with the family.  

Hiking

Hiking is a great way to bond as a family and enjoy the great outdoors. Watching your littles build confidence and explore the beautiful outdoors is an extraordinary sight.  Pack a lunch, head out, and explore!

Mini Golf

Mini golf is always a huge hit with my kids.  Mini golf courses are stepping out of just the mini golf course and exploring other options as well.  Such as themes, alligator feedings, laser tag, and climbing mountains.  Don’t forget a glowing indoor putt putt and arcade at Putting Edge.

Park Hopping

Nope, I’m not talking about theme parks, I’m talking about state parks, playgrounds, and all the awesome, get outside and have fun parks!

Park Hopping is one of our favorite things to do as a family, especially coming into this time of year when the weather is perfect to be outdoors.  So, pack a lunch, sunscreen, bug spray, and a blanket and get going!  

These are some great park ideas to get you started!  

Playgrounds: Community Park – Winter Park, Minnehaha Park – Maitland, Clear Lake Park in Orlando has a great playground and fishing, Chapin Station – Winter Garden, Newton Park – Winter Garden, Central Winds Park – Winter Springs

Rock Climbing or Extreme Sports

Aiguille is an awesome way to build confidence, explore something new, and have a blast as a family! All participants must be 4 year old, and 25 lbs to rock climb. 

Defy is an all ages extreme air sports trampoline park.  Jump while shooting hoops, dive into foam pits, or test your front flip skills.

Wekiva Island

Wekiva Island is another great outdoors option for a family date!  If you want to make a day of it, rent a pavilion and you get a free canoe rental.  Canoes, kayaks, and paddle boards are also available for rental without the pavilion.  Choose to stroll up river, swim, fish, play sand volleyball, or just hang out by the river.  No outside food or drinks are allowed, but you can purchase lunch at Without a Paddle cafe. Choose to eat by the water in one of their adirondack chairs or in the shaded area at a picnic table.  

Universal City Walk

For another fun tourist attraction option, Universal City Walk has some fun restaurant options for the family.  Head over to The Cowfish for lunch and dinner, I know it sounds crazy, Sushi and Burgers under the same roof?! But, isn’t it also perfect for a night out with kids?! Yes, I say!  

If that’s not really your thing, The Chocolate Emporium is an option for brunch or dinner.  Don’t forget to save room for one of their insane sundaes! 

For a more laid back experience stop by and play a round of mini golf then head over to Voodoo Doughnut for a yummy treat!

What’s your favorite family date?

by Abby O’Connor