There are so many Florida theme parks to choose from, with hundreds of rides and attractions to suit everyone in the family. But which ones are best for kids? We’ve rounded up 10 of the best family rides in Florida theme parks to help you plan your must-do list. Let us know if your favourite ride made the cut!
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What’s Your Favourite Ride at the Florida Theme Parks?
#1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (Universal)
For any Harry Potter fans, a Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure park-to-park ticket opens up the full magic. Hop aboard the Hogwarts Express and steam your way from Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station to Hogsmeade. Once you arrive, there are multiple rides to choose from, including our favourite: the adventure ride inside Hogwarts Castle.
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#2. Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin (SeaWorld)
Wrap up warm and enter the icy world of Antarctica on your own moving car at SeaWorld. Choose a wild or mild ride depending on how daring you’re feeling, and see the South Pole through the eyes of a penguin named Puck. Afterwards, visit the real live penguins in their icy habitat and enjoy their antics — great for photos to show friends back home.
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#3. Test Track (Epcot)
Too young to drive on the open road? This is your chance to get behind the wheel and design your own concept car with the whole family aboard. The Test Track ride at Epcot has a few small drops and twists, but is suitable for all ages, and there’s an interactive design zone where kids can build their dream car before the ride begins.
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#4. Loggerhead Lane (Aquatica)
Pack your swimsuit and take a trip to one of our favourite Florida theme parks. Float through an underwater world of exotic tropical fish, taking in the sights from the comfort of your own raft as you glide down Loggerhead Lane in Aquatica at a leisurely pace. So much fun for all ages.
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#5. Shrek 4-D (Universal)
This mini movie picks up after the first Shrek and before the second. Lord Farquaad has returned — in ghostly form — to Far Far Away, and he’s kidnapped Princess Fiona. Shrek and Donkey are hot on his trail, and you’re along for the ride, watching it all unfold from your seat. With OgreVision glasses and a few special effects, you’ll see, hear and feel what’s happening, pulling you into the story like never before. It’s a fun adventure the whole family can enjoy together.
#6. Seven Dwarfs Mine Train (Disney’s Magic Kingdom)
Take a trip through the diamond mines with Snow White and her seven dwarfs — Doc, Sleepy, Grumpy, Happy, Sneezy, Bashful and Dopey. Hop aboard the Mine Train for a ride that twists and turns through the mines, climbing hills and gliding back down — a firm family favourite.
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#7. Sand Serpent (Busch Gardens)
With drops, curves and corkscrew turns, the Sand Serpent coaster in Pantopia at Busch Gardens will thrill the whole family. One of our favourite bits is the view it gives of the whole theme park — the coaster climbs several storeys before bringing you whooshing back down to earth.
#8. Kali River Rapids (Disney’s Animal Kingdom)
The whole family can cool off on this river rapids ride at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Take an adventurous trip down the river and through the rapids into the mysterious forest beyond. It’s a gentle ride with a few splashy surprises along the way, and great fun for all ages.
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#9. Flying School (LEGOLAND)
Climb aboard and strap yourself in for a flying lesson on the suspended Flying School coaster at LEGOLAND. Experience the thrill of letting your feet dangle in mid-air as you soar along the track and wave to your family below.
#10. Shuttle Launch Experience (Kennedy Space Center)
Become an astronaut aboard a shuttle, fuelled and ready to head into space. Hold your nerve as the countdown begins before you’re blasted into orbit — you’ll feel g-forces and speed like never before, and a moment of weightlessness once you reach orbit. See Earth through an astronaut’s eyes at the Shuttle Launch Experience at Kennedy Space Center.
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What are your favourite family rides at Florida theme parks? Leave a comment below and let us know — we’d love to hear from you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Florida theme park is best for younger kids?
Most of the major Florida parks have gentler, family-friendly rides alongside the bigger thrill rides, so there’s usually something suitable whatever age your kids are. Rides like Loggerhead Lane and Kali River Rapids tend to be a gentler introduction, while coasters like the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Sand Serpent offer a bit more excitement for confident riders.
Do I need a special ticket to visit both Universal parks in one day?
Yes — to travel between Universal Studios and Universal Islands of Adventure (including riding the Hogwarts Express between them), you’ll need a park-to-park ticket rather than a single-park ticket.
Are these rides suitable for toddlers?
It varies by ride, so it’s worth checking each park’s official height and age guidance before you go, as restrictions can apply to some of the faster or higher rides.
Do ride line-ups change at Florida theme parks?
Yes, quite often. Parks regularly refresh, re-theme or retire rides, so it’s a good idea to check the official park website close to your visit to confirm which attractions are currently open.
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Before You Go
Florida theme parks are always evolving, with new rides opening and older favourites sometimes retired or refreshed. Before you travel, it’s worth browsing our other Orlando and Florida guides to help plan the rest of your trip alongside your must-ride list.
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