Kids in this age range have opinions. They know what they want, they'll tell you when they're bored, and the best experiences aren't the ones that entertain them — they're the ones that challenge them, let them earn something real, or put them in situations they can brag about back home. Orlando delivers on all three. Here's where to take kids who've graduated from stroller rides and are ready for the real thing.
Thrill and Adventure Experiences
Universal Islands of Adventure — $480–650 for a family of 4. This is the thrill-ride capital of Orlando and it's not close. Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is widely considered the best theme park ride in any park on earth — the theming, the technology, and the coaster elements combine in a way nothing else matches. VelociCoaster is one of the fastest and most technically sophisticated coasters in the country. Hogsmeade village lets kids cast wand spells, drink Butterbeer, and board the Hogwarts Express. Arrive at opening to ride Hagrid's before lines build. Rated 4.7.
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park — $160–180 for a family of 4 (adults ~$45, kids 7–12 ~$40). Kids clip into harnesses and navigate zip lines, rope bridges, and aerial courses through a genuine forest canopy. The courses are tiered by difficulty — beginners start on lower, easier courses and work up. Kids who complete the hardest course legitimately earned it. Rated 4.7. Book online in advance.
Wild Florida Adventure Park — $120–180 for a family of 4. An airboat skimming across a real Florida wetland at speed is something kids can't experience anywhere else. The open boat, no seatbelts, and genuine wildlife (alligators, herons, turtles) make this feel like an actual adventure rather than a simulation. Wildlife park admission is separate (~$20–25/adult). Book airboat tours online. Rated 4.7.
Nona Adventure Park — $100–200 for a family of 4. A water sports park on a genuine Lake Nona lake. Kids 7+ can try the cable wakeboard system — you ride a tow cable above the water and attempt jumps, wipeouts, and tricks. Paddleboarding and kayaking are also available for those who want water activity without the learning curve. Rated 4.7.
Fun Spot America Kissimmee — $130–200 for a family of 4. All-day armbands ~$40–55 per person. This is the amusement park for big kids who are ready for real roller coasters but whose parents aren't ready to pay Disney prices. Multiple coasters with genuine height requirements, go-karts, and a full park layout without the overwhelming scale of the major parks. Rated 4.5.
First Flight Adventure Park — Note: OBX listing included in database but worth noting separately.
Hands-On Learning That Doesn't Feel Like Learning
Orlando Science Center — $80–120 for a family of 4. Four floors where kids are expected to touch, climb, and experiment. The DinoDigs fossil lab is the highlight: kids excavate real fossils from sediment blocks and keep what they find. That's specific and tangible in a way that makes an excellent memory. The rooftop telescope observatory opens on select evenings for public stargazing. Rated 4.6.
Bok Tower Gardens — $50–80 for a family of 4. A 205-foot Gothic and Art Deco carillon tower with 60 bronze bells that ring in a concert at 3PM daily. Kids who've never heard a real carillon played live experience something genuinely unusual. The grounds are Florida's highest point (298 feet). The 1920s Pinewood Estate is included in admission. Rated 4.8. Under-5s are free.
Wild Florida Adventure Park — A separate wildlife park component beyond the airboat lets kids get close to Florida reptiles, birds, and mammals. The combination of airboat + wildlife park in one visit ($120–180) gives a full Florida nature day. Rated 4.7.
Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens — $80–120 for a family of 4. An AZA-accredited zoo that's small enough to complete in one visit without meltdowns. The Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center within the complex has additional hands-on educational components. Add-on animal encounters cost extra but let kids touch animals directly. Rated 4.3. Note: Saturday hours end at 2PM — arrive early.
Camp Jurassic — Free with Islands of Adventure admission ($480–650 for a family of 4 for the full park). A sprawling multi-level playground set in the Jurassic Park section of Islands of Adventure — rope bridges, water cannons, caves to explore, and dinosaur theming throughout. Kids who've done it once will immediately want to go back. Rated 4.7.
Entertainment Venues
Dezerland Park Orlando — $120–200 for a family of 4. Go-karts, bowling, massive arcade, and a vintage car museum under one roof. The multi-level go-kart tracks are the headline — older kids and tweens love the competitive format. Buy bundles rather than individual activities for better value. Monday–Thursday pricing is lower. Rated 4.5.
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games — $160–250 for a family of 4. Multi-level electric go-kart tracks at real speed — not kiddie bumper cars. Kids 10 and up who are tall enough for the adult track will want to race multiple times. VR pods, massive arcade, and a full restaurant complete the package. Set a firm arcade credit budget before walking in. Rated 4.3.
WonderWorks Orlando — $120–160 for a family of 4. An upside-down building with 35,000 sq ft of hands-on exhibits — lie on a bed of nails, pilot a fighter jet simulator, feel hurricane-force winds, experience a simulated earthquake. Combo tickets with laser tag or 4D theater add $8–15 per person. Buy tickets online for 10–20% off. Rated 4.3.
Elev8 Fun Orlando — $80–130 for a family of 4. Trampolines, indoor mini golf, arcade, and climbing elements in Sanford. The mini golf course is legitimately fun with creative theming. Good local alternative that's less tourist-heavy than I-Drive venues. Rated 4.4.
Game Park — $60–100 for a family of 4. A local entertainment center in central Orlando with a strong 4.7 early rating.
Planet Obstacle — $80–130 for a family of 4. Indoor obstacle courses that require genuine athletic effort. Kids in the 8–13 range who've outgrown bounce houses find the difficulty level just right — challenging without being frustrating. Near Davenport vacation home communities. Rated 4.6. Closed Mondays.
Jungle Zone — $60–100 for a family of 4. Outdoor fun center in Tavares with go-karts, bumper boats, and mini golf. Weekend-only. The Lake County area has a distinct small-town feel that contrasts nicely with the tourist corridor. Pair with Mount Dora's downtown for a full northwest Orlando day. Rated 4.6.
Best Parks and Outdoor Spaces for Big Kids
Kissimmee Lakefront Park — $0. The splash pad, waterfront, and open space work for big kids too, especially if they're cooling off between activities. The evening atmosphere is especially good. Rated 4.8.
Laureate Park Zipline Playground — $0. The mini zipline in this Lake Nona playground is the main draw. Small, free, and kids immediately want to do it again. Rated 4.7.
Blue Jacket Park — $0. Large park in Baldwin Park with athletic fields, paved paths, and open green space. Good for kids who need to run after too many sedentary activities. Rated 4.7.
Lake Eola Playground — $0. The iconic swan paddle boats on Lake Eola run $15–20 for a 30-minute rental and are genuinely fun for kids in this age range. The playground is free. Rated 4.7.
Shadow Bay Park — $0. Lakeside park with a fishing pier and playgrounds. Big kids who want to fish can pick up a basic tackle setup for $5–10. The Turkey Lake setting is quieter than the tourist corridor. Rated 4.6.
The Universal/Disney Decision for Big Kids
For the theme park day, here's the honest breakdown:
- Universal Islands of Adventure ($480–650): Best for ages 7+ who want real thrills and Harry Potter. Hagrid's and VelociCoaster are legitimately world-class. Best choice for big kids who've ridden coasters before.
- Universal Epic Universe ($500–700+): The new park opened 2025 with Nintendo World and Harry Potter Ministry of Magic. Designed for maximum theming density. The best choice for kids who want something they can't experience anywhere else yet.
- Disney's Animal Kingdom ($600–800+): Best for kids interested in wildlife or Avatar. The Kilimanjaro Safaris puts them next to actual giraffes and elephants. Flight of Passage is one of the best ride experiences in any park.
- Universal Studios Florida ($480–650): Best for kids who love Minions, Transformers, and the original Wizarding World with Diagon Alley. Less thrill-heavy than Islands of Adventure.