Things to Do in Orlando This Summer With Kids (Beat-the-Heat Guide)
Updated June 2026 · 6 min read
Everyone thinks living in Orlando means the theme parks all summer. The reality for us locals? It is hot, the parks are packed, and there is a whole world of cheaper, cooler, lower-stress ways to entertain the kids. Here is how my family actually does an Orlando summer, from totally free to a little treat.
Free and almost-free: splash pads
Splash pads are the MVP of an Orlando summer. They are free, they are everywhere, and toddlers lose their minds in the best way. A few favorites and standouts: Downey Park in East Orlando has a splash playground plus an inclusive playground, El Yunque Splash Pad in Kissimmee has more than 30 features including a giant dump bucket, and there are sprinkler pads at Disney Springs (free to visit) near Earl of Sandwich. Pack water shoes and a change of clothes and you have a whole morning sorted.
City pools and aquatic centers
The City of Orlando runs about 11 public pools, with several open year round and more open June through August for open swim. It is one of the cheapest ways to get real pool time without a backyard pool, and the aquatic centers often have shallow areas perfect for little ones.
Natural springs (my personal favorite)
Wekiwa Springs State Park is about 30 minutes from downtown and stays a constant 72 degrees year round, which feels incredible in July. One local tip: get there before 9am on weekends, because they hit capacity and close the gates. Bring reef-friendly sunscreen and water shoes for the rocky spots.
Water parks for a big day out
When we want the full splashy adventure, Orlando has the best water parks anywhere. Aquatica has the largest collection of water slides in the city plus Turi's Kid Cove for little ones. Volcano Bay has the best wave pool around and the Krakatau Aqua Coaster. And the Disney duo, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, plus Island H2O, round out the slides-and-lazy-river options. These are a splurge, so I save them for a special day and go early.
The local secret: a resort pool day pass
This is the one most visitors never think of. You can buy a day pass to a gorgeous resort pool, lazy river and all, without booking a room. It is my favorite "feels like a vacation, home by bedtime" move, and some passes are cheaper than a water-park ticket. I broke the whole thing down here: how I turn Orlando resort pools into mini vacations.
Turn any of it into an overnight
If the day is going well and nobody wants it to end, I will check for a last-minute hotel night nearby. Here is the app I use to do it without overpaying: how I book last-minute Orlando getaways for way less.
What to pack
Whatever you pick, the day lives or dies by the bag. My full list of sun protection, safe floats, the wipeable tote, and the cooler hack is right here: summer pool and beach day essentials. Traveling further with little ones this summer? My gear and sanity-savers for kids and babies has you covered. You can also grab my water-day picks straight from my Amazon storefront.
Frequently asked questions
What can we do in Orlando summer for free?
Splash pads are the best free option, with parks across Orlando and Kissimmee offering them, plus free sprinkler pads at Disney Springs. City pools are very low cost too.
Where can we swim that is not a theme park?
Natural springs like Wekiwa Springs (a constant 72 degrees), city aquatic centers, and resort pools you can visit with a day pass are all great non-park options.
What is the cheapest way to feel like we got a resort day?
A resort pool day pass. You get the pool, lazy river, and lounge chairs for the day without booking a room, often for less than a water-park ticket.
Janet
Orlando mom of two and the creator behind Planet Janet TV. I share the real staycations, family finds, and deals I actually use here in Central Florida. Come say hi on Instagram.
The pool bag that makes summer easy
Sun protection, safe floats, the wipeable tote, and my favorite cooler hack for water days with kids.
Read the essentials guide →Sources: Mommy Poppins, Orlando Parenting Magazine, Aquatica Orlando. Hours, prices, and capacity change by season, so check each spot before you go.