Where In the Skies Will 2026 Take You?

Good news, Orlando families! You’ve got an amazing number of nonstop travel options at your fingertips. With over 170 nonstop destinations served from Orlando International Airport (MCO) and new routes continuing to launch, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years yet to explore beyond Central Florida. Plus, we’ve got that once-in-a-generation celebration of America’s 250th birthday happening! The year ahead is the rare opportunity to blend fun, education, culture and memory-making into every family getaway.

Ready? Let’s help you map out your air-travel plans for 2026, organized by season!

Flights from Orlando for Families

Spring Escapes (March–May)

With blooming flowers, balmy mild weather, and awesome educational experiences, it’s truly one of the best seasons for family trips.

Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital in the springtime is magical. The National Cherry Blossom Festival returns each year in late March. Since MCO offers multiple nonstop flight options to D.C.-area airports, this is one of the easiest inspirational trips Central Florida families can take.

Tokyo, Japan

If you’re dreaming of a truly unforgettable spring break, 2026 brings a rare opportunity: nonstop public chartered flights from Orlando to Tokyo via ZIPAIR.

Spring in Japan means mild temperatures, those iconic cherry blossoms, and world-class attractions perfect for the whole family. Sure, it’s an ambitious trip, but it promises a once-in-a-lifetime cultural perspective and global learning.

Rochester, New York

Believe it or not, Rochester is suddenly a surprisingly family-friendly pick, all thanks to a new JetBlue nonstop route from Orlando. Each May, the city hosts its famous Lilac Festival, one of the largest free flower festivals in the country.

Rochester is also home to the Strong National Museum of Play—one of the best children’s museums in the United States, featuring hands-on exhibits dedicated to toys and imagination.

Throw in easy access to waterfalls, parks, and even Niagara Falls, and Rochester turns into an ideal spring escape.

Summer Getaways (June–August)

Summer is perfect for outdoor adventure, escaping to cooler climates and catching those big cultural moments.

Seattle, Washington

Seattle gives Orlando families a refreshing summer escape with cooler temperatures, expansive waterfront parks and scenery right off a postcard. The city’s revamped waterfront now features pedestrian paths, playgrounds and beautiful bay views that families will adore. Kids will love the Seattle Aquarium, ferry rides across Puget Sound, and trips to nearby islands. Plus, in summer 2026, Seattle will be buzzing with FIFA World Cup energy! With nonstop flights from Orlando, Seattle is easy to reach and super memorable.

Denver, Colorado and the Rocky Mountains

Denver is your perfect jumping-off point for some of the most breathtaking national parks in America. From here, families can explore Rocky Mountain National Park, check out Colorado Springs, and discover countless alpine towns perfect for summer hiking, wildlife viewing and scenic road trips.

For many Florida kids, this will be their first real mountain experience—think cool air, tall peaks and wide-open nature far from the theme park crowds.

Cancún, Mexico

Cancún is still one of the most family-friendly international beach spots you can reach from Orlando, and you have tons of nonstop flight options. Summer means better value pricing at many all-inclusive resorts, along with kids-club programming, water parks and cultural activities. It’s also when you’ll find marine-life festivals in the surrounding area and seasonal resort celebrations that add extra entertainment for traveling families.

Winter Break Ideas (November–January)

From those classic holiday trips to escapes chasing the warm weather, winter offers endless inspiration for family travel!

New York, New York

Nothing beats New York City during the holiday season. Families can skate right under the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, check out the amazing holiday window displays along Fifth Avenue, and catch Broadway shows perfect for kids and teens. With multiple daily nonstops from Orlando to several NY-area airports, this remains one of the easiest iconic winter trips for families.

Canadian Winter Adventures (Vancouver, Calgary, or Whistler)

If your family craves some serious snow, Canada offers eight world-class winter destinations you can reach with nonstop service from Orlando. Vancouver perfectly blends outdoor adventure with urban culture, and has one of North America’s most celebrated ski villages, Whistler, located close by.

Meanwhile, Calgary is the perfect gateway to Banff and Lake Louise for fun like snowshoeing, skiing and wildlife viewing.

European Christmas Markets: Frankfurt or Munich, Germany

For families dreaming of a storybook holiday trip, Germany’s Christmas markets deliver unforgettable seasonal charm. Frankfurt and Munich transform into festive villages filled with twinkling lights, handcrafted toys, warm pretzels, and traditional music.

These spots also make fantastic home bases for European rail travel during winter break.

Happy 250th Birthday, America!

The United States’ semiquincentennial (250 years) offers families a rare opportunity to experience history right where it happened.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

As the birthplace of American independence, Philadelphia will be the center of national celebrations for America’s 250th birthday. Families can tour Independence Hall, see the Liberty Bell and take part in citywide events tied to July 4, 2026.

A FIFA World Cup match is also scheduled in Philadelphia on Independence Day, which will create a unique blend of civic pride and global sport!

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston’s Freedom Trail, harborfront, and historic neighborhoods make it one of the most immersive history destinations for families. In 2026, the famous Tall Ships will return for Boston Harbor Sail Boston® July 11-16, 2026, alongside expanded July 4 festivities and concerts from the Boston Pops.

Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital will host expanded semiquincentennial ceremonies, museum exhibitions and the largest Independence Day celebrations in its history. Families can stand beneath fireworks on the National Mall while surrounded by monuments that tell the American story firsthand.

Williamsburg, Virginia (via Norfolk or Richmond)

Colonial Williamsburg offers kids the chance to step back into 1776 through reenactments, historic interpreters, and hands-on demonstrations of colonial life. July 4, 2026 features period-authentic celebrations, colonial parades, and fireworks staged beautifully above candlelit streets.

Mapping the Airport Itself: Family Travel at MCO

Orlando International Airport is constantly working to make family travel easier! Look for these helpful features at MCO:

• Parking & Security: You can reserve parking in Garage C (and Terminal A/B Terminal Top Parking reservations are coming soon!). Plus, you can reserve a free security time slot with MCO Reserve.
• Extra Help: MCO also offers concierge services if your family wants extra support from the curb all the way to the gate.
• Kid Comforts: Parents can use dedicated family screening lanes, nursing rooms throughout the terminals, family restrooms and Annie’s Space Sensory Room for children with sensory sensitivities.
• The MCO App: This gives you indoor navigation with location awareness, parking availability, real-time flight updates and more!

Plan your trip at FlyMCO.com!