100 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Before They Grow Up (Other than Theme Parks)

SeaWorld Orlando theme park, zoo and aquarium offers exciting rides and roller coasters, up-close animal encounters. Photo by the author

Check out the ultimate things to do in Orlando with kids — including attractions, fun events, beaches & lakes, museums, famed landmarks, and much more!

There are so many things to do in Orlando with kids beyond the theme parks! While most people who don't live in Orlando only think of it as a theme park mecca, offering memories at Walt Disney World and Universal, locals know better. Florida's mega tourist destination offers a variety of fun things to do in Orlando with kids of all ages besides the obvious options. Whether you live in Florida or are just visiting, Orlando is a great destination for families on both short and extended stays. 

We’ve rounded up a list of 100 things to do in Orlando with kids beyond the theme parks. From hiking to museums to themed dinners, these fun spots offer a variety of family entertainment and must-do activities for kids in Orlando. Get ready to forego the theme park ticket and experience the real Orlando!

For local events occurring during your Central Florida vacation, visit our Orlando event calendar.  Looking for a place to stay? Check out our list of the best Orlando hotels for families.

100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up

See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo

Check out these iconic things to do in New York City with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every native New Yorker really must experience!

The number of family-friendly happenings in New York City on any given day is enough to overwhelm most parents. Our city plays host to top-notch museums and art, creative play spaces, amazing parks and playgrounds, and even amusement parks, all of which pump out fun children's programming year-round. Even NYC restaurants get into the game, hosting dedicated kid's play spaces, events, and cool DIY opportunities like ice cream and chocolate making.

Yet, every year, our kids grow up on us a little more. They age out of one activity after another, whether it's storytime at the library, riding a favorite carousel, or just needing to hold our hand as they cross the street. That's why we're focused on finding ways to take advantage of all the amazing things to do in New York City with kids, creating meaningful memories as we go. I created this "life list" of all the things I want to experience with my kids before they grow up. It's not just the stuff that is fun to do, but also the stuff I think will be important to do with them—things that will shape them and be formative in their experience as little New Yorkers. We're also big fans of FREE fun, so we included as much of that as possible!

So, enjoy this list of 100 things to do in NYC with kids, whether you're a local or a visitor trying to experience the very best of our city. Now, off I go to wring every drop of goodness from the damp, dirty rag that is New York City.

100 Things To Do in DC with Kids Before They Grow Up

Visit the home of George Washington in Virginia. Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon

Check out these amazing things to do in DC with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every DC family really must experience!

The days are long but the years are short when it comes to raising kids. And with so many things to do in DC and nearby with kids, it can be hard for families to decide exactly how to spend their time in and around the nation's capital.

To help you make the most of your precious family time, we've compiled a list of the top 100 things to do in DC with kids before they grow up. In a city bursting with museums, parks and playgrounds, play spaces, and more, you'll certainly never get bored. Get out, explore, and see just how many activities you can cross off our fun list before childhood whizzes by.

100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up

The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.

Check out these iconic things to do in Chicago with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every native Chicagoan really must experience!

One childhood doesn't seem like enough time to fit in all the great things to do in Chicago—though who could blame you for trying? Whether it's racing with your toddler through the sprinklers at Mary Bartelme Park, wowing your preschooler at the Field Museum, gliding with your grade-schooler on the skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park, or taking in engineering marvels with your tween at the Chicago Architecture Center, take advantage of everything this beautiful city has to offer kids of all ages.

Whether you're a local or a visitor to the Windy City, we hope you can use this list to make some great new memories with your kids. Now I'm off to scarf some Chicago-style hot dogs at Portillo's.

100 Things To Do in Los Angeles Before Kids Grow Up

Visit LACMA's Levitated Mass. Photo by Joey Zanetti

Check out these iconic things to do in Los Angeles with kids—including attractions, events, activities, museums, and more—that every native Angeleno really must experience!

Kids. We can't stop them from growing up so fast, but we can try not to miss any of the best, most memorable things to do in their hometown. Los Angeles is the best city in the country for raising kids, and that means there are so many things to do before little chickens spring the coop. 

Being phenomenal LA parents, you've certainly already done several of these; but which of these 100 not-to-be-missed, family-fun outings have you not yet done? There's always this weekend!

100 Best Things To Do in Atlanta with Kids Before They Grow Up

Take a photo at Tiny Doors ATL's door #6, featured in a custom bench by artist Ira Hill, located on the Beltline Eastside trail. Photo courtesy of Tiny Doors ATL

Check out the ultimate things to do in Atlanta with kids — including attractions, activities, fun events, museums, famed landmarks, and much more!

Atlanta offers kids a chance to see giant pandas, zipline through trees, pick peaches, and walk through a shark tunnel! This Southern mecca is home to Coca-Cola, Atlanta Braves, and down-home hospitality, while offering so many kid-friendly activities and fun events. Families have plenty to do for a weekend, a week, or even longer.

Check out our list of 100 fun things to do in Atlanta with kids before they grow up to find the best museums, indoor play places, festivals, and amusement parks in the area!

Looking for fun stuff to do in Atlanta this coming weekend? We've got great weekend events here!

Best Sunflower Farms Near Philly for Family Fun

Lose yourself in a patch of sunflowers at Johnson's Locust Hall Farm. Photo by Cody Conk

Sunflower picking season is almost upon us! There's something magical about frolicking in a sea of sunflowers on a summer day that delights children of all ages and adults. From August and into September, there are countless sunflower farms and sunflower field activities in the Philadelphia area to choose from, including picking your own flowers, taking professional photos, or making your way through a sunflower maze. Read on to learn about the best sunflower farms near Philly for the whole family to enjoy. 

If you're looking for more pick-your-own activities, check out our Guide to Farm and U-Pick Fun. For more summer fun, don't miss our Summer Activity Guide.

100 Things To Do in Boston Before Kids Grow Up

Indoors and out and about, there are so many thing to do in Boston with kids before they grow up! Photo courtesy of the Rose Kennedy Greenway website

There are so many things to do in Boston with kids. Steeped in history, compact, and easy to navigate (on foot, at least), Boston is the best city to raise kids. And Boston offers a wealth of opportunities for family fun that are hard to pass up. With our list of top family activities, Mommy Poppins can help to make sure you don’t miss any of the best, most memorable things to do in Boston. We’ve included well-known favorites from the Freedom Trail to our glorious shoreline, as well as some of our more hidden local gems on this 100 not-to-be-missed, kid-friendly list of Boston activities.

Pages