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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>> Cheap Family Fun
>> Orlando Hotels with Waterparks
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: Orlando Family Stage
It has become a tradition for our Editor, Dani Meyering, and her parents to head to Orlando Family Stage for a grandparents outing with their grandson. The productions at Orlando Family Stage are relatively affordable and super kid-friendly.
When you purchase tickets in advance you will receive an email the day before with some helpful reminders, including whether or not the production has an intermission, and how long the show lasts – perfect for planning purposes!
The theater is relatively small, and the parking is free, right outside the theater, making it super easy for grandparents to come along.
Find it: Orlando Family Stage, 1001 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803
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! Orlando Family Stage is across the street from Mennello Museum of Art, and the free sculpture garden!
Best nature activity: Lukas Nursery and Butterfly Encounter
One of the best neighborhoods in Central Florida is Oviedo, and nearby is Lukas Nursery & Butterfly Encounter. Here, little ones can experience the winged wonder of butterflies in a charming butterfly encounter. Walk through multiple greenhouse-style enclosures as butterflies flitter around. Wear bright solid colors like flowers to increase your chances of a close-up butterfly visit.
Find it: Lukas Nursery & Butterfly Encounter, 1909 Slavia Road, Oviedo, FL 32765
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 “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
- Pinstripes Bowling, Bocce, and More
