Cool off and keep Central Florida kids happy at Island H2O Water Park! This Kissimmee water park is an aquatic adventure full of slides, pools, and family fun. With attractions for all ages, social media-themed rides, and seasonal events like foam parties and tailgate weekends, Island H2O Water Park puts a playful twist on the classic water park experience. Toddlers and little kids will enjoy the gentle water play zones and lazy river; tweens can tackle mid-level slides and the wave pool; and teens and adults will find plenty of thrill rides to keep the adrenaline flowing. Island H2O Water Park: Rides and Attractions Island H2O Water Park offers something for every member of the family, from tiny tykes to teens. Older kids and teens can take on the park’s high-energy slides, starting with Reply Racers, a six-lane mat racing slide perfect for friendly competition (42” minimum height). The Downloader twists and turns into a giant sphere before shooting riders back out, while Reload Rapids is a fully enclosed tube slide with tight turns and unexpected drops (both 48” minimum height). For those looking for a longer ride, Profile Plunge boasts sweeping curves and a splashy finish, and Hashtag Heights offers a steep “boomerang” wall that gives riders a moment of weightlessness (both 42” minimum height). Additional high thrill options include Follow Me Falls, a coaster-like slide with vertical climbs and drops, Live Streaming, a body slide with a trapdoor start and looping plunge, and Drop Down, another trapdoor slide (all 48” minimum height). Reply Racers offers the thrill of a steep slide with the competition of racing others! Families looking for group fun or something a little less intense can enjoy Level Up, a sports-themed water play area where kids can leap across floating lily pads and shoot basketballs in the pool. The Chat Creek Lazy River is perfect for floating together, while the Live! Lagoon Wave Pool provides waves and acts as a hub for seasonal events and evening activities. For adults seeking a quieter experience, the Private Domain Pool, exclusively for ages 21 and up, offers a more secluded swimming area with lounge seating and shaded spots to relax. Pelican’s Paradise is a tropical-themed splash playground with mini slides, sprayers, and a giant tipping bucket. Nearby, Candy Stripe Cove offers six small slides in shallow water, with colorful décor and shaded seating, making it the perfect spot for toddlers and early elementary-age kids to play safely. Island H2O Water Park: Food and Dining There are several on-site dining options for families. Megabytes serves classic favorites like burgers, chicken tenders, and fries, while App & Eats offers grab-and-go snacks for quick refueling. Tag Shack provides refreshing drinks and treats throughout the day. Note: No outside food or drinks allowed (exceptions for babies, allergies, and medical needs). Within walking distance of the park, the Promenade at Sunset Walk has a wide variety of dining options, from quick bites to sit-down restaurants, making it easy to refuel after a day of splashing around. Families and groups can ride together on the exciting Profile Plunge ride. Events and Seasonal Activities Island H2O hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. During the summer, Family Foam Parties let kids dance, jump, and play in bubbles. Adults can enjoy Island Nights (21+), which feature DJs, foam, and after-dark slides. In the fall, families can participate in Tailgate Weekends, watching football games on a giant screen while splashing in the wave pool. During the summer, Matinee Movie Mondays feature weekly family-friendly movies shown on the wave pool’s giant screen. Island H2O Water Park: Know Before You Go & Tips for Visiting Hours: Island H2O Water Park is open seasonally March through October. Check the Island H2O website for current hours. Deals: Season pass offers are frequently available. Check current promotions on the Island H2O website. Little ones ages 3-5 can usually take advantage of a FREE Pre-K Pass at the start of the season. And if you’re staying at neighboring Margaritaville Resort Orlando, enjoy FREE daily water park admission with your stay through October 26, 2025. Parking: On-site paid parking is available, starting at $20 per vehicle. Cashless: The park is entirely cashless; cards and digital payments only. Tips & Tricks: Lockers are available for secure storage of personal items. Cabanas available for rent. Secure shaded seating and shorter wait times for popular rides. Strollers welcome throughout the park. Re-entry allowed with a hand stamp from Guest Services.  What to Bring: Be sure to pack sunscreen, water shoes or flip-flops (a must as the walkways get HOT!), and towels. Swim goggles are allowed, though swim masks are not. A waterproof phone case can also be handy for snapping photos while enjoying the rides and attractions. Sunshine Guarantee: If bad weather forces you to leave, Island H2O offers rescheduling options (under certain circumstances) so your family won’t miss out. Photos courtesy of Island H2O Water Park

Swamp boat rides offer an exciting family adventure to explore native wildlife and vegetation! While the Florida Everglades are a few hours from Orlando by car, the gateway to the Everglades is in Central Florida's backyard, and only accessible by thrilling airboat rides. Orlando is fortunate to have a variety of airboat and alligator tours, each specializing in specific swamp boat experiences to give the adventure of a lifetime.

Airboats, also known as fan boats, swamp boats, or plane boats, are powered by motors or engines that move massive propeller. The above-water propeller engine allow these flat-bottom boats to skim shallow waters, ideal for the Florida Everglades and other Florida swamps. The airboat tours are loud, fast, and exciting; plus riders may get to see alligators, turtles, birds, and other native animals.

Airboat rides allow for fun family moments, and they're great activities for out-of-town visitors. Need some more ideas to entertain visitors from beyond the Orlando area? Bring guests to the iconic ICON Park, spend a day at one of Orlando's epic theme parks, and cool down at the best water parks in the area.

Airboat Rides Near Orlando: Adventure Companies

1. The Black Hammock - Oviedo

Airboat rides last 30 minutes ($30 for kids, $35 for adults) and 60 minutes ($45 for kids, $60 for adults). Black Hammock offers Florida resident discounts as well as seasonal specials. Airboats can accommodate 12, 15 and 18 passengers, as well as airboat craft that seats six people. Check the website for specials. Reservations are not required for 30-minute tours, however evening tours require a reservation and an additional fee of $20. Children 2 and under may sit on a parents lap. The Black Hammock offers a restaurant, bar, lodging, and gift shop, so there's lots to do before and after the airboat ride.

RELATED: Everglades Airboat Tours To See Alligators in the Florida Everglades

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures offers a day of fun, both on and off the airboat ride. Photo courtesy of Boggy Creek

2. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures - Kissimmee

Boggy Creek enhances the swamp boat tour experience with unique activities, including a fossil and gem mine, Native American village, and tiki bar (seasonal). Airboat rides are 30 minutes ($38 all ages), and 60 minutes ($58 all ages). Sunset tours ($71 all ages), night tours ($76 all ages), and private charters are also available. The vessels can carry up to 17 passengers. Purchase the Ultimate All-Inclusive Package and get an airboat ride, lunch, and gem mining!

3. Wild Willy's - St. Cloud

One-hour airboat rides are offered seven days a week, from 9am to 7:15pm. Make use of Wild Willy's $48 special for all rides who go out on the water at 9am (a great time during summer). Apart from the 9am special, tickets run $50 for passengers 3-10 years old, and $55 for those ages 11 and up. Children 2 and under ride free. Passengers may get to hold a small gator (great photo opp)! 

4. Spirit of the Swamp - Kissimmee

Spirit of the Swamp describes their tour as a "luxury" experience. In addition to being one of the few airboat vessels with shade, Spirit of the Swamp also uses two-way headsets, so passengers can ask the captain questions. Choose between a 60- and 90-airboat tour. Costs range $50-$90. Open seven days a week.

Spot gators while skimming the waters during Everglades airboat tours. Photo courtesy Wild Florida

5. Wild Florida - Kenansville

Wild Florida is a great tour company to make an entire day of an airboat ride. Wild Florida boasts a gator park, animal shows, and drive-through safari! Airboat tours last 30-60 minutes and range from $32 to $64. Private tours are available along with sunset and night tours. Airboat tickets include admission to the Wild Florida safari park. Closed on Sundays.

6. Airboat Rides at MIDWAY - Christmas

Piloted by U.S. Coast Guard master captains, Midway offers two-way headsets, an alligator encounter, and access to view birds, snakes, and a pig named Porkchop on property. All tours run one hour (kids 2-12 $42.25, adults $49.77). Private tours and group rates are also available.

7. Central Florida Airboat Tours - Cocoa

Specializing in intimate experiences, Central Florida Airboat Tours hosts up to six passengers per ride. Options include a one-hour ride and tour for $60, and a one-hour private tour ($300 for a party of six) or a two-hour tour ($500 for six passengers). Captains are U.S. Coast Guard licensed with over 20 years combined experience.

8. Capt Duke's Airboat Rides - Christmas

These airboats are smaller, hosting a maximum of six people, and allow for travel in narrow places that larger boats cannot navigate. Swamp boat tours last 60 and 90 minutes (kids $52-$70 and adults $56-$75). Sunset tours are also offered (four passengers minimum).

Swamp Boat Rides: Know Before You Go

Airboat rides are LOUD. Swamp tours will offer ear protection—some tour operators offer headsets with speakers so you can easily hear the captain's commentary; others have two-way headsets so you can engage with the captain and other passengers.
There's a reason we call these "alligator tours!" Airboat ride tour operators eventually slow, allowing for an up-close view of wildlife, like gators, and the sounds of nature.
Airboat tours reach speeds of 45 miles per hour! Pack hair ties and hold onto anything loose on your person. Sunglasses are also recommended due to wind and sun exposure, as well as preventing any bugs landing in your eye area (think of what your car hood looks like after a road trip).
Insect repellant and sunscreen are a must! Hats are always welcome, so long as they withstand the wind. 
Families with younger children should consider shorter 30-minute or 60-minute airboat rides. Many airboat tour operators offer additional activities and experiences to complement shorter tours. Shoot for an early reservation if booking an airboat ride during the summer — most wildlife, especially alligators, come out in the morning before temperatures heat up, and Central Florida typically sees rain in the afternoon. If you plan to take an Everglades airboat tour in the winter months, reserve a time for late morning to noon.
Show your airboat captain and staff appreciation with gratuity (bring cash).

Take a break from Orlando theme parks with a quick getaway to one of the many Florida beaches near Orlando. Whether you want to take in the sunrise and coastal breeze on the Atlantic side or enjoy the picturesque sunsets on the Gulf, Orlando is centrally located, making it an easy drive to either coast. We've rounded up our favorite family beaches in Florida within a few hours’ drive of Orlando, so you can pack up your beach gear for a weekend getaway with the kids, or even just a day trip. For those days when a shorter drive is best, check out these close Orlando beaches attached to Florida's natural springs or at an outdoor water park. You can find even more family getaways in our Florida Family Travel Guide, including our list of the Best Shark Tooth Beaches in Florida (kids will love it!).  Florida Beaches Near Orlando: Atlantic Coast 1. Cocoa Beach This surf town is situated on Florida’s Space Coast and sits closest to Orlando. With 72 miles of beautiful shoreline, Cocoa Beach is popular for watersports, deep-sea fishing, and surfing. Visit the flagship location of Ron Jon Surf Shop, the world’s largest surf shop. Explore the landmark Cocoa Beach Pier with fun restaurants, shops, fishing, and live music. Set some time aside to visit nearby Kennedy Space Center. 2. Daytona Beach Known as the "World’s Most Famous Beach," Daytona Beach is a one-hour drive from Orlando. The beach spans 23 miles, and visitors can drive and park on certain portions. There is a popular boardwalk area complete with a bandshell, rides, and an arcade. Take a tour of the famous Daytona International Speedway or venture to the top of historic Ponce Inlet Lighthouse, Florida’s tallest lighthouse. RELATED: Great Things to Do with Kids in St. Augustine, Florida 3. New Smyrna Beach This 13-mile stretch of beach is a one-hour drive from Orlando, making it an easy day trip. Like Daytona, visitors can drive and park along portions of New Smyrna Beach; but unlike Daytona, there aren't many hotels along the shoreline (the beach is largely residential). An area at the end of the beach known as the jetties—a formation of rocks that form an inlet—is popular for fishing, but watch out for sharks as the abundance of baitfish in this area tends to attract them. Downtown New Smyrna has restaurants and shops to check out.  4. Vero Beach Situated on Florida’s Treasure Coast, this beach boasts family-friendly shores in a quaint beachside community. Vero Beach is great for nature adventures, with access to rivers and inlets. Rent a kayak/canoe to explore the river system, and keep your eye out for manatees. Enjoy an airboat ride or fishing charter while in the area. Visitors can experience Disney magic at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, WDW's only Florida beach resort! Florida Beaches Near Orlando: Gulf Coast 5. Clearwater Beach With white-sand beaches and calm waters, Clearwater Beach remains a top pick for families. Roughly two hours from Orlando, this area features parasailing, jet skiing, dolphin tours, and a huge fishing pier complete with a nightly sunset festival. Visitors can avoid parking at the beach by taking the Clearwater Ferry from downtown to the beach. Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium if you have the time. RELATED: 25 Great Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama with Kids 6. Caladesi Island State Park Caladesi Island is one of Florida’s few undisturbed barrier islands, making it a true getaway. This state park is two hours from Orlando and known for its remote, pristine beaches. Caladesi is only accessible by water, either through ferry or boat. Visitors can board the park ferry from Honeymoon Island. Once at Caladesi, families can explore the island’s nature trails and mangrove forest, swim in the blue-green waters, and relax on the white-sand beaches. Canoes and kayaks available to rent. St. Pete Beach tops many lists of the best Florida beaches to visit. Photo courtesy of Visit Florida  7. St. Pete Beach Located south of Clearwater and a two-hour drive from Orlando is St. Pete Beach, a gorgeous, white-sand beach located on a barrier island along the Gulf of Mexico. It includes the longest undeveloped stretch of public beach in the area known as Pass-a-Grille Beach, perfect for shelling and snorkeling. Another popular area is Fort De Soto Park, comprised of five interconnected islands. Families love the large pirate ship playground near the North Beach entrance, a tidal pool for little ones, and amazing seashells to take home.

Orlando is located in the central part of Florida, allowing residents and tourists to experience summer day trips throughout many parts of the state, all within a few hours' drive. We've rounded up our favorite summer day trips from Orlando, all within a drive of three hours or less. From theme parks and zoos to state parks and beaches, these Orlando day trips are all just a hop, skip, and jump away. Bonus: Check out these cool car games to occupy the kids during the car ride, and these road trip essentials to stay organized and comfortable! For more fun trip ideas, plan a visit to local natural springs, beaches near Orlando, or pools with available day passes! Summer Day Trips From the Orlando Area 1. Bok Tower Gardens — Lake Wales Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 45 minutes A Florida attraction since 1929, historic Bok Tower Gardens boasts 50 acres of serene gardens, hiking trails, and a 205-foot Singing Tower Carillon with daily live performances. For the kids, Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden features open-ended nature play, water features, a fairy house trail, doodle bug art area, and more. 2. Brevard Zoo — Melbourne Distance from Orlando: 1 hour Visit with more than 900 animals from all over the world at this 75-acre zoo, including cheetahs, giraffes, meerkats, monkeys, black bears, and many more. Kids can get “paws on” at the petting zoo, touch tank, playground, and water play lagoon. RELATED: Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks Thrill to a ride on the Cheetah Hunt at Busch Gardens. Photo courtesy of SeaWorld Parks 3. Busch Gardens — Tampa Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 40 minutes With roller coasters, animal encounters, and Sesame Street, there’s fun for all ages at Busch Gardens. Thrill seekers can enjoy more than 10 roller coasters, while little ones can climb through Elmo’s treehouse and splash in Bert & Ernie’s watering hole. Busch Gardens is also home to more than 200 animal species, including tigers, gorillas, sloths, elephants, and many more. 4. Clearwater Distance from Orlando: 2 hours 15 minutes There is so much for families to do in the Clearwater area. Visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, feed alligators at the Wildlife Discovery Center at John’s Pass, cruise on a pirate ship, or escape to the beautiful beaches. 5. Daytona Beach Distance from Orlando: 1 hour Nicknamed the World’s Most Famous Beach, Daytona Beach lives up to the hype with many fun activities. Tour the Daytona International Speedway, splash around at Daytona Lagoon, and enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere at the Daytona Boardwalk. RELATED: Exciting Lakes and for Water Activities and Water Sports Near Orlando Be on the lookout for minerals, arrowheads, and gems at Dinosaur World. Photo by Charlotte Blanton 6. Dinosaur World — Plant City Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 15 minutes Little paleontologists will love this roadside attraction along I-4. Stroll through the park to see dozens of life-size dinosaur replicas, interactive exhibits, and shows. Plus, kids are sure to love the themed playground areas, fossil digs, and gem excavation. Cocoa Beach has lots of family-friendly beaches for a relaxing beach day. Courtesy of Gabrielle Marie/the florida mama 7. Cocoa Beach Distance from Orlando: 1 hour Cocoa Beach offers tons of family-friendly activities, from kayaking along the pristine shoreline, enjoying a round of mini golf, witnessing a rocket launch, and so much more. 8. Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park — Homosassa Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 30 minutes This state park is dedicated to Florida’s native wildlife. Stroll the Wildlife Walk to encounter native animal ambassadors such as red wolves, manatees, the endangered Florida panther, black bears, bobcats, and alligators. The Discovery Center, gift shop, and café are also on site. 9. Gainesville Distance from Orlando: 2 hours Many people think of Gainesville solely as a college town, but there are many activities for Orlando families to take a summer day trip. The Florida Museum of Natural History offers several fun interactive exhibits, as well as a can’t-miss Butterfly Rainforest with hundreds of free-flying butterflies. Families can also explore a limestone sinkhole and rainforest at Devil’s Millhopper State Park or visit with animals at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo. There are several big, fun climbing trees at the Nature Center. Photo by Charlotte B. 10. Bonnet Springs Park — Lakeland Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 30 minutes At Bonnet Springs Park, children can immerse themselves in a world of fun and discovery, enjoying adventures on the playgrounds, strolling through the gardens, and exploring the Florida Children's Museum. 11. Giraffe Ranch — Dade City Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 15 minutes Trek with a llama or ride a camel through this wildlife park and giraffe farm, featuring rhinos, zebras, hippos, and of course, giraffes. Other tour options include a drive-thru safari or Segway safari tour, and most tours include giraffe feeding. 12. Jacksonville Distance from Orlando: 2 hours 15 minutes There's so much to do in this fun Florida city, such as exploring the sandy beaches, visiting the Jacksonville Zoo, and strolling the riverfront. RELATED: Florida Campgrounds with Extra Entertainment for Families  Entertain the NASA fan in your life in Merritt Island. Photo courtesy of Kennedy Space Center 13. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex — Merritt Island Distance from Orlando: 1 hour Enjoy an out-of-this-world experience just outside of Orlando. At this Central Florida attraction, get an up-close view of space shuttle Atlantis, strap in for a shuttle launch simulation, and celebrate the heroes and legends of NASA’s space programs. Little astronauts will love the Planet Play attraction. Ahoy mateys, visit Legoland Florida Piratefest for a great summer day trip. Photo courtesy of Legoland 14. Legoland Florida — Winter Haven Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 30 minutes Built for kids ages 2-12, Legoland includes a theme park, water park, and on-site themed hotels. Legoland’s main theme park features more than 50 rides and attractions, including a Great Lego Race VR coaster, double-decker carousel, safari trek, a "Miniland" complete with Lego replicas of scenes from coast to coast, and more. At the water park, build a raft on the lazy river, climb through the water playground, and ride the twin chaser water slide. Enjoy the "residents" of Lion Country Safari from a safe distance. Photo courtesy of Lion Country 15. Lion Country Safari — Loxahatchee Distance from Orlando: 3 hours This 600-acre drive-through safari and adventure park is home to more than 1,000 animals. Guests can drive along a four-mile safari with animals roaming in open areas, often walking right up to the car. Afterward, explore the walk-through adventure park, featuring rides, animal encounters, a safari maze, and a water park. 16. MOSI (Museum of Science & Industry) — Tampa Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 40 minutes MOSI is a nonprofit museum dedicated to the advanced education of science, industry, and technology. Visitors can build a robot, explore a NASA mission, learn about the planets in the Saunders Planetarium, and get challenged with brain puzzles. There’s also a 36-foot high ropes course and a VR simulator! 17. Ponce Inlet Lighthouse & Museum — Ponce Inlet Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 15 minutes Climb 203 steps up a winding staircase to the top of the lighthouse tower (the view from the top is incredible). Other museum exhibits include a Woodshed Theater, Keeper’s Dwellings, Lighthouse Lens Exhibit, and Cuban Rafts Exhibit. 18. Silver Springs State Park — Ocala Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 30 minutes Take a glass-bottom boat or kayak along the Silver River —you might spot some of the monkeys that roam wild in the Ocala Forest. Once a major tourist attraction, Silver Springs is rich in history and features miles of walking trails, a museum, Cracker Village, restaurants, and a gift shop. You don't have to go far to find the beach in St. Augustine. Photo by Mary Carter 19. St. Augustine Distance from Orlando: 2 hours Known as America’s Oldest City, St. Augustine is filled with old-world charm. Families can explore the Castillo de San Marcos, visit Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth, and climb the St. Augustine Lighthouse. Other attractions include the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, Marineland Dolphin Adventure, and a Pirate & Treasure Museum. 20. Tom & Jerry’s Airboat Rides — Lake Panasoffkee Distance from Orlando: 1 hour Explore the headwaters of the Florida Everglades on a scenic airboat ride. Spot wildlife such as alligators, deer, wild hogs, and bald eagles. Guests can even hold a live alligator during this Everglades airboat tour. 21. Weeki Wachee Springs — Spring Hill Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 45 minutes This state park boasts a spring-fed water park (open seasonally), iconic underwater mermaid shows, boat tours, paddling, and more. On-site dining and tube rentals are available. Plan to arrive early as the park often reaches capacity. There are lots of thrills at Zip the Canyons Adventure Park. Photo courtesy of the park 22. Zip the Canyons Adventure Park — Ocala Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 15 minutes Zip line at heights of 155 feet, across plunging canyons and over spring-fed lakes. Horseback rides, gem mining, and kayaking tours are also available. 23. West Palm Beach Distance from Orlando: 2 hours 45 minutes West Palm Beach offers exciting activities for kids, such as exploring the interactive exhibits at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, cruising the intracoastal aboard a PonTiki boat, and experiencing the wonder of wildlife at the Palm Beach Zoo. Take a photo in the big blue chair at Grantham Point. Photo by Charlotte B 24. Mount Dora Distance from Orlando: 30-45 minutes This lakeside town just north of Orlando offers a variety of family-friendly activities, where visitors can enjoy a scenic boat tour on Lake Dora, stroll a butterfly garden, and explore the shops and eateries in the picturesque downtown area. 25. Crystal River Distance from Orlando: 1 hour 30 minutes Known as the Manatee Capital of the World, Crystal River is home to the only National Wildlife Refuge dedicated to protecting the habitat of this beloved marine mammal. Visitors to Crystal River can float alongside the manatees, dive for scallops in the warm Gulf waters, hike through forests, and travel along scenic byways. Note: Visitors will have a better glimpse of manatees during colder months (November-March).