The Perfect Getaway: A family-friendly long weekend in Orlando
Whether you’re keen to meet the world’s most famous mouse or spend some time in nature, there’s plenty for all ages to do and see in sunny central Florida.
By Tanvi Chheda | March 27, 2025 (Updated November 10, 2025)
Home to world-famous theme parks, engaging museums, scenic natural landscapes — including more than 100 lakes — and the Kennedy Space Center, Orlando and its surrounding areas have all the makings of a family-friendly destination. Check out our fun-filled guide below for highlights of some of the region’s top attractions.
Friday
Morning
The gang’s all here! Start the long weekend by checking into your home base at Hampton Inn and Suites Orlando-Apopka. Room sizes are generous (no tripping over suitcases, or each other) and guests can book Confirmed Connecting Rooms by Hilton so the whole crew has their space while still staying together. Freshen up, grab a bite and hot coffee from the hotel's free hot breakfast, and get ready to explore Orlando’s top attractions.
Afternoon
Just a short drive from your hotel, the Orlando Science Center comprises four floors of exhibit halls, hands-on labs, theaters, and an observatory. Have your brood launch rockets in the Kinetic Zone, uncover fossils in the Dino Digs section, or step into the cockpit at the Flight Lab, a virtual reality pilot experience. Refuel at the center’s 4Roots Cafe, where you’ll find salads, sandwiches, and more to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Evening
Cap off the day at The Acre, a casual indoor-outdoor multipurpose space that’s perfect for a family dinner picnic. An on-site market sells cheese plates, ciabatta pizzas, wine, craft beer, and more. Inside, you’ll find pinball machines and pool tables. The venue often hosts movie nights and local vendors selling artisan goods, too. Buy a s’mores kit and grab a seat by one of the fire pits for a kid-approved dessert.
Saturday
Morning
While certainly not the only lure, chances are your family came to Orlando for some theme park fun. Grab a filling free breakfast at your hotel and get an early start at the nearby park of your choice. Highlights around the parks include a geodesic sphere with a thought-provoking indoor ride chronicling human progress and advancement, a beloved and scenic journey across continents, as well as rides devoted to your family’s favorite animated movies.
Afternoon
Continue the theme park fun with lunch and more thrilling rides before grabbing dinner. Dining options have significantly improved at the theme parks in recent years, and you can take your pick from a Japanese izakaya (traditional Japanese pub), a Parisian-style patisserie, and more. There’s also an array of full service and fast-casual options, depending on cravings, including sweet treats the whole family will love.
Evening
Return to your hotel and unwind at the outdoor pool. Adults will love the hot tub for a relaxing soak after a long day. When hunger strikes, head to the relaxed, family-owned Caffe Positano nearby, which is beloved by locals for its rustic, home-cooked Italian dishes made from fresh ingredients, including salads, pizzas, and pastas.
Sunday
Morning
Enjoy a casual breakfast at nearby Eggs Up Grill before bringing your crew to Wekiwa Springs State Park, a 7,000-acre (2,833-hectare) natural oasis. Miles of trails can be explored by foot, bike, or even canoe and kayak. Locals often sunbathe and swim at the namesake springs, with year-round water temps at 72 F (22 C), making it a great place to cool off on a hot day.
Afternoon
Come midday, head to the lively Plant Street Market in Winter Garden. Part food hall, part artisan market, this popular hangout spot is also adjacent to award-winning brewery, Crooked Can. Choose from foodie stalls specializing in gourmet mac and cheese, empanadas, brick oven pizza, and more. Purveyors of chocolate, tea, popcorn, honey, and donuts round out the offerings. Afterwards, take a stroll around downtown Winter Garden, stopping in the boutiques and bookshops.
Evening
Take to the sky aboard the Orlando Eye, a 400-foot-tall (122-meter) Ferris wheel at ICON Park, offering a bird’s eye view of the city skyline and surroundings. If you time it right, you may even catch a glimpse of nightly fireworks at theme parks in the distance. From the colorful carousel with its menagerie of animals to Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and numerous dining outlets, the ICON Park complex is a family favorite.
Monday
Morning
Rise early with breakfast for all at your hotel before embarking on the hourlong drive to visit the Kennedy Space Center. Upon arrival, start with a bus tour, offering a thorough overview of the sprawling complex. Then take your time meandering through space shuttle launch sites, astronaut training facilities, moon landing exhibits, and interactive simulators. There are even opportunities to meet and chat with a veteran astronaut.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at the Space Center’s Moon Rock Cafe, which offers a variety of sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and pizza. Go back and check out Space Shuttle Atlantis or the Saturn V rocket if you missed it earlier then swing by one of the shops for official gear and memorabilia that make for the perfect souvenirs. The kids will be buzzing from excitement as you head back toward central Orlando.
Until next time!
It’s time to say goodbye after a weekend full of memory-making experiences for the whole family. No need to be sad, though. Orlando is a full-proof destination for family vacations, so you’ll surely be back to explore even more.
Tanvi Chheda
Formerly an assistant editor at Travel + Leisure, Los Angeles-based Tanvi Chheda has been freelancing for 15 years now. She writes mostly about lifestyle and travel, which often spills into arts & culture, food, design, and more. With two young children, family travel is also a passion of hers. Given her South Asian heritage, she writes about India quite frequently as well (she was born in India and speaks three Indian languages). When not traveling or writing, she enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, AFAR, Virtuoso Life, Four Seasons magazine, Qantas, Inspirato, Invited, Pasadena magazine, OLTRE, and Ciao Bambino, among others.
Explore more of Orlando
Fabulous Florida: Experience the ultimate family escape in Orlando
Embark on the ultimate family escape to Orlando. Enjoy magical theme parks, captivating attractions, and cozy accommodations ideal for creating lasting memories.
Best beaches near Orlando
When you’ve had your fill of Orlando’s theme parks, retreat to the area’s best beaches.
Luxurious escapes: Top resorts in Orlando, Florida
Discover these top resorts in Orlando and enjoy exclusive amenities, dining, and spas. Plan your exclusive escape to Orlando today.
Things to do in Orlando for the weekend: Top events and experiences
Discover the best things to do in Orlando this weekend. Discover top events, family-friendly activities, nightlife, and complimentary experiences, all with Hilton as your home base.
Read more:
Find travel inspiration