Fun Things To Do With Kids at Florida Mall
When the Florida heat or rainstorms put a damper on your outdoor activities, walking around the Florida Mall can be a great alternative to your usual kid-friendly spots. I know you are thinking, why would I go to a mall with my kids, they would be bored in an instant. At a regular mall, that might be true, but Florida Mall isn’t just your average run-of-the-mill mall. It is the largest mall in Central Florida with world-class shopping, but it also has lots of fun activities for the entire family.
As a matter of fact, we recently spent the entire day at the mall, we even slept there (at the Florida Hotel & Conference Center located in the mall), and couldn’t believe how much fun we had.
Exploring the Florida Mall with Kids
While the most visited store at the Florida Mall happens to be the Apple Store, there are a lot of other fun activities and entertainment options for kids that you might not know about.
American Girl Store
Does your child love dolls? If so, the American Girl Store is the perfect place. Between the Doll Salon, Store and Bistro, you could spend almost all day there. For girls ages 8 years and up, the American Girl Store offers movie nights, ice cream soda shop mornings, and girl of the year cookie decorating get-togethers and many other fun events for girls and their dolls. You can also make a reservation for lunch or Tea at the Bistro or pop in to shop for some matching outfits for your daughter and her doll.
Great for ages: 3 years and up
Build a Bear
When you go into Build a Bear, be prepared to buy a bear, or a unicorn or a frog (my kids like to get non-bears). This place is super cool for kids and one that every child should probably experience once. Pick out a bear, then magically add a heart before picking out some bear clothes to dress into. Next, pick out any special sounds that you want to add like a heartbeat or special message before finalizing with accessories. You will have a fancy and fun bear in no time!
Great for ages: 3 years and up
I use Rakuten to get rebates on my everyday shopping online and then use the money that I have saved to go out to dinner with the family.
Crayola Experience
If you haven’t been to Crayola Experience, and your kids LOVE to color and be artsy, what are you waiting for?! From naming your own crayon to seeing how crayons are made, to making color pages starring your child and more, there are definitely things to see at Crayola that can take up a few hours. They have lots of hands-on activities that kids will enjoy. They also have an indoor playground that is great place for kids to play when the outdoor weather is not so great. If you have never been, it is great to check out and see at least once (we do recommend a season pass if you have young kids as they will want to go back multiple times).
Great for ages: 3 to 10 years old
Game Park
Yes, there is an arcade inside the Florida Mall! Game Park offers a variety of fun arcade games for kids. They have traditional arcade games, sports games and my favorite game of all – air hockey. Most importantly for kids, they offer redemption games where they can collect tickets to trade in later for prizes.
Great for ages: 5 and up
The Play Park
Just outside of the Crayola Store, you can visit the kids play area, The Play Park. This park is an interactive play area perfect for parents needing a rest while the kids are needing some play. At 3,000 square feet, it is a large space, so definitely keep an eye out, especially on the littles. At the Play Park, there are things to crawl through, climb on and climb into or simply run around.
Great for ages: 2 years to 10 years old
Space Battle
We discovered Space Battle while walking around the mall and decided to try it out. It was a lot of fun; I had as much fun as the kids did. We shot airsoft BB guns at targets to take out the Alien Invaders. Who knew that I was a sharpshooter? I cleared my board without using all my pellets. The price for Space Battle is extremely affordable with a cost of $10 for 60 shots.
Great for ages: 8 and up
Places to Eat with Kids at Florida Mall
Buca di Beppo
If you love Italian food, then you will love Buca di Beppo. We have been to this restaurant a couple of times and have enjoyed the food. Food is served family-style, which means it comes out on large platters and it shared amongst everyone at the table. While it may be hard for everyone to decide on one or two dishes, you can order a few and take the leftovers home for a dinner another night.
Carlo’s Bakery
If you are looking for a sweet treat for your child while at the Florida Mall and find yourself in the food pavilion, check out Carlo’s Bakery. If you have ever seen the Cake Boss on tv, now you can try these famous baked goods for yourself! Known for delicious cakes, pastries, and desserts, your child will definitely find something to try. The donuts, cannolis, and cupcakes are just a few things that they offer. Be prepared to make some decisions as the bakery counter is long with lots of delightful-looking treats.
Cantina Catrina
Cantina Catrina is a Day-of-the-Dead-themed Mexican restaurant. They offer typical Mexican favorites such as nachos, tacos, quesadillas and burritos, as well as Aguas Frescas and Jarritos sodas to drink. For adults, they have Margaritas of course. All around the restaurant, you will see different Day-of-the-Dead statues and figures.
Lucciano’s Artisinal Gelato
If your kids like ice cream, and I have never met a kid who didn’t, then they will love Lucciano’s Artisinal Gelato. If all the flavors seem a bit foreign to them, don’t worry, as they are allowed to try out some flavors in order to decide which one they want. Lucciano’s also offers ice cream pops if you prefer as well as coffee treats for adults. Seating is in fancy pink booths that look like they are about to take off into the sky, as a matter of fact one has.
Shake Shack
If you happen to be in need of lunch at the Florida Mall, I highly recommend Shake Shack! It is my absolute favorite. Originating in New York City, this once-lone stand, is now nationwide. Whether you are just wanting to try their delicious homemade milkshakes or one of their amazing burgers with a side of fries, if you are looking for a tasty place to eat on a cheat day, this is the place! Plus, what child would turn down a milkshake? Certainly not mine!
Sushi Yummy
My kids are huge fans of sushi, so I like to take them to get some when I can. If your kids are like mine, or you just want to take them to try Sushi for the first time, Sushi Yummy at Florida Mall is a great option. The sushi comes around on a rotating belt and you get to pick what you want. The plates are color-coded, with different colored plates being different prices.
We love Groupon for getting discounts on our favorite activities and restaurants in the Orlando area.
Stores for Kids at Florida Mall
Lush: Fresh Homemade Cosmetics
Now you may be thinking, Lush Cosmetics? How does this relate to kid fun at the Florida Mall? Stay with me, please. They have the best bath bombs! If your child loves a good bath, add a little fun with a bath bomb and watch it fizzle and fancy up the bath! With different colors and scents, your child can take charge of their bath and feel grown up getting to pick one out.
GameStop
If your kids love to play video games, then they will definitely want to stop into to GameStop to check out the latest and greatest video games and gaming systems.
PopCult
Anime seems to be the hot thing for kids nowadays and PopCult has tons of anime figurines, backpacks, stuffed animals and more. If kids, or adults, come dressed in cosplay, they receive a discount and get their picture taken for the Cosplay wall.
Squishables
Kids will love choosing a cute cuddly animal to take home with them. Even I love these squishy pillows and have one of my own.
Florida Mall Location
The mall is located at 8001 South Orange Blossom Trail and is also accessible from Sand Lake Road. The mall is located near the Orange County Convention Center.
