Here in Orlando, we have a bit of a reputation for non-stop excitement. After all, this is the Theme Park Capital of the World and one of the planet’s most-visited tourist destinations. But Orlando is also home to experiences that seamlessly blend education and entertainment. You can come face to face with spectacular sea life, dive into the wonders of science and technology, and learn all about optical illusions, space travel, and dinosaurs. When you stay at Hotel Landy, our location on Universal Blvd puts you mere minutes away from some of Orlando’s best family-friendly activities, many of which include learning—without sacrificing any of the thrills. 

So, if you’re looking to give your kids memories that also expand their minds, we’ve got some great ideas for you. Here are a few activities and attractions that combine fun and education for youngsters of all ages.

A Center for Aspiring Scientists

Located a short drive north on I-4, the Orlando Science Center has been a must-visit for families for over half a century. Unlike a typical museum where you aren’t allowed to touch the artifacts, this place is all about getting hands-on and learning about science in new ways. Your kids will have a blast as they experiment, build, and explore together in exhibits focused on dinosaurs, animals, planets, engineering, and much more. Whether mixing chemicals, tinkering with tools, catching live demonstrations, or wandering around displays, it’s all about active learning. 

The science center offers fantastic ways to spark your children’s imagination, make memories together, and sneak in some learning—without them even realizing it. If you’re traveling with some smaller scientists, don’t miss KidsTown. This section is specifically designed for children under eight, and features engaging games and activities to get younger kids’ imaginations revved up and ready to explore.

Something for Space Cadets

Just a short drive away from Orlando, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must-visit for space enthusiasts of all ages. It offers an awe-inspiring look at NASA’s space program, and anyone passionate about history and technology will find lots to love. Get a close-up view of the Space Shuttle Atlantis, which took 33 flights to space and is now on display. Considering it traveled 126 million miles during its career, it’s in pretty great shape! Live the sights, sounds, and sensations of liftoff with their Shuttle Launch Experience, a totally one-of-a-kind simulation of the 8.5-minute climb into orbit. Depending on the day, you can even tour the Kennedy Space Center with a real-life astronaut.

Younger kids will enjoy Planet Play, an indoor area where they can hop from planet to planet and play interactive games. Puzzles, exciting missions, and active learning are all on the agenda. Meanwhile, parents can kick back and relax in a comfy lounge offering coffee and other beverages while the kids play on the planets. 

EPCOT: “Where the Impossible Becomes Possible”

A longtime favorite at Walt Disney World, EPCOT was the second theme park built at the resort. The name EPCOT originally stood for “Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow,” a futuristic concept for a city showcasing new and exciting technologies and concepts. Instantly recognizable for its iconic dome structure, Spaceship Earth, EPCOT continues to serve up memorable learning experiences that inspire kids to think beyond what seems possible. 

EPCOT is divided into four sections. World Celebration is home to Spaceship Earth and various festival activities. World Discovery focuses on science, technology, and adventure. World Nature explores the natural environment. And World Showcase features pavilions showcasing the cultures, cuisines, and entertainment of different countries from across the globe. It’s not all science and technology at EPCOT—like all of their parks, this Disney attraction offers plenty of opportunities for kids to meet some of their best-loved characters from movies and television. 

For Fans of the Weird & Wonderful

Your kids won’t believe their eyes at the Museum of Illusions Orlando—and that’s the whole point. This attraction is filled with over 50 wacky and wonderful exhibits that challenge perception and appear to defy reality. 

You and your kids can see a series of illusions like an upside-down living room, swirling vortex tunnel, and even an Ames Room, which makes occupants appear to shrink down to mini versions of themselves. If your kids love all things weird, this is the place for you. Not only will you leave with some amazing photos that are sure to impress, your kids will also have a newfound appreciation for the science behind optical illusions. It’s all located in ICON Park, a jam-packed family destination just three minutes away from our front door.

Wander Around WonderWorks

Here in the Theme Park Capital of the World, we know thrills. But sometimes even thrills can make you think. WonderWorks, located just seven minutes from Hotel Landy, is an “amusement park for the mind” with more than 100 hands-on exhibits that are designed to challenge you and get your imagination fired up. 

It will be obvious when you arrive this place is different—after all, the building itself is upside down. Housed in “a former top-secret laboratory” that landed in Orlando after an experiment gone awry, you’ll enter WonderWorks and immediately pass through an inversion tunnel to get realigned before you begin to explore six Wonder Zones—Extreme Weather Zone, Physical Challenge Zone, Space Discover Zone, Wonder Art Gallery, Light and Sound Zone, and Imagination Lab. Offering 28,000 square feet of “edu-tainment,” your kids will learn a ton and burn some energy at the indoor ropes course, laser tag, and 4D XD Motion Theater.

See the Creatures Under the Sea

Head back to ICON Park to learn about the colorful creatures from the depths of the ocean at the SEA LIFE Aquarium. Kids can come “face-to-fin” with spectacular sea creatures. The aquarium features Florida’s only 360-degree Ocean Tunnel, so you can stroll through and get up close as sharks, turtles, eels, and tropical fish swim all around you. Learn about the incredibly strange anatomy of jellyfish at the Jelly Wall, which is sure to captivate your kids with its neon colors and groovy movements. At the hands-on Coastal Rockpool, guests of all ages can actually touch marine life—imagine the thrill of petting a sea star or anemone. Every exhibit at SEA LIFE perfectly balances fun and science, making it a family favorite for visitors of all ages—especially your aspiring mini marine biologists. 

Dig Up Dinosaurs Together

As a proud Universal Partner Hotel, we always encourage our guests to head over to Universal Orlando Resort to discover all the adventures this spectacular theme park has to offer, from thrill rides to movie-inspired pavilions. It’s also home to entertainment attractions that pull in educational elements. One of the very best is located at Jurassic Park at Universal’s Islands of Adventure, where pint-sized paleontologists can dig for dinos and learn more about prehistoric fossils. 

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set as you enter the Jurassic Park Discovery Centre. It’s an interactive play center with multiple areas where your family can learn about dinosaurs, marvel at towering life-size models and T-rex fossils, and test your dinosaur knowledge with trivia. You can participate in a dig, assist scientists with DNA sequencing, and even witness the hatching of a baby velociraptor. While you’re at Jurassic Park, little kids can also enjoy Pteranodon Flyers, a gentle air glide ride designed just for them, or play the day away at Camp Jurassic, a dinosaur-sized outdoor playground.

Kinetic Fun Right Here at Hotel Landy

Did you know many of the features of Hotel Landy are inspired by a famous mathematician? That’s right, our signature restaurant is a tribute to Émilie Du Châtelet, whose groundbreaking contributions to science paved the way for roller coasters. So, without even realizing it, your kids could be inspired by an important historical mind by spending time at Hotel Landy. And it gets even better—our Kinetic Game Room has motion-focused video games and sudoku walls to offer brainteasers for the whole family, getting your minds working together to solve a challenging number puzzle.

Start Planning Your Kid-Friendly Getaway

Ready to escape for a family vacation filled with thrilling attractions that combine education and entertainment? Explore our rooms and suites to find the perfect accommodations for you and your kids. Make sure to visit our special offers for exclusive Orlando savings.