Orlando’s theme parks get all the hype for families visiting with young children but smart travelers know that there are amazing kid-friendly attractions throughout the city. ICON Park, located on International Drive, is a hub for some of Orlando’s best attractions outside of the theme parks, with wait times and price tags much friendlier for families with toddlers. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is a great option for families visiting Orlando who want enjoy animals up close without long wait times. And, if you are visiting with young children, you’ll want to plan a visit on Tuesday for Toddler Time, SEA LIFE’s special program for toddlers and their parents.

Things To Do at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

It’s easy to miss SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium – in fact, you may have passed it without even noticing. That’s because SEA LIFE is located in ICON Park, which is most famous for being home to The Wheel (the giant observation wheel on International Drive). Although you have to keep your eyes peeled for this attraction, you definitely should not skip it. There are lots of family fun to be had at this attraction, so you’ll want to add it to your list of things to do with your toddler during your Orlando family vacation. Inside SEA LIFE, you’ll find all sorts of amazing creatures that call the ocean home, including:

With regular admission to SEA LIFE, you’ll experience all these creatures as well as two celebrity sea turtles including Chely, the aquarium’s green sea turtle and Ted, a loggerhead sea turtle who helped researchers develop the Turtle Excluder Device that prevents turtles from getting caught in fishing nets. You’ll also have the chance to meet scuba divers, attend interactive presentations by animal experts, and walk through the aquarium’s 360 tunnel – the only one like it in the entire state of Florida.

Toddler Time at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

Although SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is appropriate for kids of all ages, the aquarium also has a special program called Toddler Time. Before the aquarium opens to the general public, Toddler Time gives toddlers and their parents the unique opportunity to learn more about sea creatures. Toddler Time takes place every Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. You are encouraged to arrive early as the program is only a half hour long and late arrivals may miss out on special activities. Each week Toddler Time features a different sea creature theme as well as various age-appropriate interactive activities such as:

• Story time
• Sing-a-longs
• Animal fun facts and/or animal encounters

Through these activities, Toddler Time engages the little ones and hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and conservationists. It’s also a fun way to interact with other toddlers and their parents. The program includes admission to the aquarium, so you and your toddler can continue to explore all the amazing creatures at SEA LIFE. If you miss out on an animal encounter during the program, we recommend venturing to the Rockpool habitats so your toddler can get up close with sea anemones, starfish, or crabs.

Tickets for Toddler Time are available online, so you can purchase them ahead of your visit. Adult tickets are $15 and children’s tickets (for ages 3-12) are $12. Kids 2 and under may attend for free.

Other Toddler-Friendly Activities at ICON Park

After Toddler Time continue to enjoy the animal exhibits at the aquarium or explore the rest of the International Drive attractions at ICON Park. The Pearl Express Train likely already caught your toddler’s eye on your way to the aquarium. This mini train offers passengers a five minute tour around ICON Park. Kids and adults can ride. The train gets a festive makeover during the holiday season, which makes for a great photo opportunity.

The Wheel is also a fun attraction for families with toddlers. A ride on this slow-moving wheel takes about 20 minutes. You’ll ride in a fully enclosed, air conditioned capsule from which you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Orlando. Interactive screens show you key landmarks so you and your toddler can enjoying spotting attractions you may visit on your vacation, including theme parks. Strollers aren’t allowed inside the capsules but ICON Park offers convenient stroller parking near the ride.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum offers a chance to get up close and personal with realistic wax figures of your favorite celebrities and superheroes. You can tour the museum with a stroller, provided it is less than 36” in width. The museum offers some seriously cool photo opportunities, but there are not many interactive displays or hands-on things for toddlers to do, so this attraction might be more appealing for older children and teenagers.

If you are interested, you can purchase a combo ticket that includes The Wheel, Madame Tussauds, and SEA LIFE, or your choice of any two of those attractions. Tickets for the train ride are not included in the combo option and must be purchased directly from the Pearl Express.

An Orlando Hotel for Families with Toddlers

If you are looking for a hotel near SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium at ICON Park, Orlando Hotels 4 Less will help you find the best deals on toddler-friendly hotels. All of our hotels feature family-friendly amenities including mini markets in the lobby, perfect for late night snacks and last-minute essentials like baby sunscreen, and a Kids Eat Free program at our buffet restaurants. Select hotels also have outdoor playgrounds and splash pads that your toddler will love. Many of our hotels are located on International Drive, and are close enough for you and your family to walk to ICON Park. To book your toddler-friendly hotel guestroom, browse our hotels by clicking on the yellow Check Availability button, or call us at 1-866-337-6736 to speak with a reservation agent.