10 Great Places to Take Grandparents in Orlando
Calling all Grammys, Poppops, Nanas, and Grandpas: Sunday, September 8, 2024 is Grandparents Day. What’s more, there are lots of great spots to take grandparents in Orlando – and Central Florida.
Whether you’re looking to pack a picnic and head to an Orlando park or treat them to a delicious lunch at a kid-friendly Orlando restaurant, here are 10 best spots to take grandparents for a nice day out in Orlando.
In Case You’re Interested:
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10 Places for Grandparents
Best shopping and dining spot: Promenade at Sunset Walk
Of all the spots in Orlando where you can stroll, dine, and shop all at once, Promenade at Sunset Walk probably has the easiest parking and the least amount of walking. Its easy-to-access location makes it a great spot to have lunch and stroll through some stores, with minimal walking or time in the heat required.
Find it: Promenade at Sunset Walk, 3251 Margaritaville Boulevard, Kissimmee
Best air-conditioned activity: AMC Dine-In Theater at Disney Springs
There are lots of great kid-friendly movies out right now, from Inside Out 2 to Harold and the Purple Crayon. This Disney Springs movie theater is a great place to beat the heat and, at some showings, you can even order food like burgers and pizza right to your seats. The theater is also only a short walk from the Orange Garage parking structure, making it an easy spot to get in and out of.
Find it: AMC Dine-In Theater, 100 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Best museum: Mennello Museum of American Art
Art-loving grandparents will adore this small-but-mighty art museum, whose exhibits provide maximum creativity for minimum walking. The Mennello Museum of American Art has easy parking and is small and easy to navigate. There’s also a beautiful lawn area with plenty of shade for a picnic lunch.
Find it: Mennello Museum of Art, 900 E Princeton Street, Orlando
Bonus idea! Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books
September 6 – December 1, 2024
Orlando Museum of Art
Experience the nostalgia of Little Golden Books with over sixty masterpieces of original illustrations from the Random House archives. Featured in the exhibition are pieces from beloved picture-book classics like The Poky Little Puppy, Tootle, Home for a Bunny, The Color Kittens, I Can Fly, and many more. The exhibition is organized by The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, Abilene, Texas.
Included with admission
Best bowling alley: Splitsville Luxury Lanes at Disney Springs
Another great air-conditioned activity to do on Grandparents Day is bowling, a sport that appeals to all ages and can provide lots of family fun. We love Splitsville because it’s easy to get to from the Orange Garage parking structure at Disney Springs. The bowling alley also has a really nice food menu, so it’s a nice spot to lunch and bowl.
Find it: Splitsville Luxury Lanes, 1494 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista
Best theme park: Peppa Pig Theme Park
It’s easy to park at and get into this small, kid-friendly theme park, making it a nice spot to take grandparents who love watching their kids play, laugh, and splash. There are also plenty of benches, shade, and air conditioning at Peppa Pig Theme Park, so kids (and grandma) won’t completely wear out in the heat.
Find it: Peppa Pig Theme Park, 1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven
Best variety of things to do in one spot: Universal CityWalk
There’s so much for families to do at Universal CityWalk, from mini-golf to a splash pad. While this spot requires a bit more walking than others on the list, it’s worth a mention because no Universal park ticket is required to get in, there are lots of delicious restaurants, and there are activities like an escape room and a movie theater. It’s truly an all-in-one stop for lots of family fun.
Find it: Universal CityWalk, 6000 Universal Boulevard, Orlando
Best easy Disney Magic: Character Dining at 1900 Park Fare
If grandma and grandpa want a bit of Disney magic but aren’t up for the crowds, expense, and heat of the theme parks, consider a Disney character dining experience at one of Walt Disney World’s resort hotels.
The newly re-opened 1900 Park Fare restaurant at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa is a great spot for breakfast or dinner and grandparents can meet (and get great photos with) characters like Cinderella and Aladdin.
Find it: Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista
Best brunch: Southern Gospel Brunch at Dr. Phillips Center
The Southern Gospel Brunch at Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center is a great spot for older kids and grandparents to have some tasty food and make some musical memories.
The two-and-a-half-hour brunch at the Judson’s Live venue within Dr. Phillips Center includes Southern food, juice, coffee, and milk (alcohol is available for an additional purchase fee) and features musical artists who play everything from jazz to rhythm and blues.
Find it: Dr. Phillips Center, 445 S Magnolia Avenue, Orlando
Best “full Florida” experience: Gatorland
If the grandparents in your life have yet to visit Gatorland, it’s a must-do for Floridians that’ll keep everyone in the family entertained for hours.
This quintessential Florida experience includes gator-feeding, giant alligators, playgrounds, a rock climbing wall, splash pads, and more. And yes, for those grandparents who like to buy their grandkids a little treat, there’s an incredible gator-themed gift shop, too.
Find it: Gatorland, 14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
Best Sunday drive: Kennedy Space Center
If you’re looking to take grandma and grandpa on a Sunday drive, consider the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Merritt Island.
Here, you’ll find shows and exhibits, a U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, astronaut encounters, a moonscape, and more. It’s a spot that’s sure to bring nostalgia for the Space Race to grandparents while letting kids live out their space ranger fantasies.
Find it: Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island
Other options for grandparents:
- Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
- Orlando Science Center
- Orlando Family Stage
- Lukas Nursery Butterfly Encounter (shown in featured image)
- Pinstripes Bowling, Bocce, and More
