Family-Friendly Ways To Celebrate Your Birthday In Orlando

The Encore Resort Blog

February 1, 2024
February 1, 2024

Planning a birthday celebration with your loved ones can be made easier when you have an exciting destination for the occasion. When it comes to Orlando, Florida, there is no shortage of fun for your whole family.

Many activities in Orlando allow you to get closer to nature through adventurous activities, while others focus more on fun forms of education. Orlando’s world famous theme parks offer a wide variety of rides that meet the thrill requirements for everyone in your group.

Staying with Encore Resort Orlando allows you to create new birthday memories as you start a new year in your life. Here are family-friendly ways to celebrate your birthday in Orlando.

1. Lake Eola Park

People riding on swan boats at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando

While Orlando is full of sources of excitement and entertainment, you will also have ways to take it easy when celebrating your special day. That’s where Lake Eola Park comes in, as this park is perfect for a birthday lunch on a sunny day.

Several shaded areas are available for a picnic, and the food vendors and cafes offer extra snacks for the occasion. You can take a walk on any of the park’s paths if you want to stay active, and if you are visiting with family, kids can have fun at the playground while you enjoy views of the picturesque lake with a fountain.

2. Universal Orlando Resort

Are you a fan of theme parks and want your birthday to be full of thrills? When you stay with Encore, it’s just a quick drive to a variety of parks that have made Orlando a popular vacation destination, such as Universal Orlando Resort.

Rides such as Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit, Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic World VelociCoaster, and The Incredible Hulk Coaster will provide the thrills you need. You can then tour CityWalk for souvenirs and have a birthday dinner at Hard Rock Café.

Group riding the Velocicoaster in Universal Studios Islands of Adventure
© Universal

3. Kennedy Space Center

Space Shuttle Atlantis booster at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Orlando’s attractions come in different shapes and sizes, including those that offer a fun time for fans of science and history. That’s why we recommend a birthday visit to the Kennedy Space Center for those who want to learn more about outer space.

This facility features numerous exhibits and tours that allow you to learn about NASA’s missions and programs in an interactive way. The most popular attraction is the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, which was used for over 30 space missions.

4. SeaWorld Orlando

4. SeaWorld Orlando

Another theme park that offers numerous birthday thrills is SeaWorld Orlando, which is a must for fans of aquatic life. Tours, shows, and interactions allow you to get up close to dolphins, sea lions, beluga whales, orcas, and sharks.

Roller coasters come in different forms, such as Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, Kraken, Manta, and Ice Breaker. Infinity Falls and Journey to Atlantis provide exhilaration through drops into water, and the park hosts several restaurants perfect for a memorable birthday meal.

Pipeline roller coaster at SeaWorld Orlando theme park
© SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

5. Gatorland

Alligator sitting on a bank at Gatorland theme park in Orlando
© Gatorland

Animal enthusiasts who stay with Encore will be able to take a quick drive to Gatorland, especially if you are a fan of alligators and other popular reptiles. Tours are available for alligators, crocodiles, tortoises, and snakes, and you can watch alligators eat and relax in their habitats at night with the Gator Night Shine tour.

Gatorland is also a fun and exciting birthday destination for those who seek outdoor adventure, as you can take a ride through the trees on Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure allows you to ride on off-road monster vehicles for tours of alligators and crocodiles.

6. Disney’s EPCOT

Those who are looking for a balance of excitement and international culture on their special day should visit Disney World’s EPCOT. This is an opportunity to learn about different cultures of the world through attractions and rides.

Explore the magnificence of planet Earth with Soarin’ Around the World before venturing to thrill rides such as Test Track and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. With multiple restaurants inspired by different cultures, it will feel like you are celebrating your birthday in another part of the world.

Father and daughter enjoying Mickey Mouse ice cream bars near Spaceship Earth at EPCOT | Walt Disney World
© Disney

7. Central Florida Zoo

Asian elephants at the Central Florida Zoo

If you are a fan of zoos and wondering what Orlando has to offer, you can take a drive from Encore to Central Florida Zoo. You will be able to see animals both native to Florida and from around the world, including Florida black bears, Amur leopards, cougars, and alpacas.

The zoo also features giraffe feedings and rhinoceros encounters for the chance to get a closer look at these animals. The train ride on The Champion miniature train takes you on a loop around the zoo to see animals and natural Florida landscaping.

8. The Wheel at ICON Park

A great way to make your Orlando birthday vacation with your family a memorable one is with attractions that offer beautiful views of the area. In this case, take a trip to The Wheel at ICON Park, an observation wheel that treats you with such a view at 400 feet in the air.

We recommend taking a ride on The Wheel later in the day so that you can see the sun set and watch the city and theme parks light up at night. Save time for extra rides and a birthday meal at ICON Park.

Family riding on the Wheel at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida
© ICON Park

9. Crystal River

Manatees in the Crystal River

Becoming one with nature while enjoying the company of Florida’s wildlife is possible when you visit Crystal River. Spend your birthday kayaking through the river with the chance to relax next to manatees.

You can go swimming and scuba diving in the Three Sisters Springs for some water fun or to enjoy the peace and quiet away from the city. Make sure to take pictures of the area to add to your vacation photo collection.

10. Disney’s Magic Kingdom

Celebrating your birthday with Disney magic is possible when you save a day for Disney’s Magic Kingdom. You and your family can find thrills through rides such as Tron Lightcycle Power Run and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, with fun, but easier, rides including Pirates of the Caribbean and Jungle Cruise.

You can find souvenirs and gifts at stores such as Crystal Arts and Emporium while you visit your favorite Disney characters. Celebrate your birthday with your loved ones with dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant, and enjoy the magical setting of the classic Disney film, “Beauty and the Beast.”

Mother and daughters riding on the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom
© Disney
Dani Luna spinning a basketball on her finger

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