If you’re spending a week or more in St. Augustine, consider setting aside a day or two to explore some of Florida’s most famous family attractions.
Located roughly two hours southwest of St. Augustine, Orlando offers world-class experiences that perfectly complement a beach and history vacation.
From theme parks and aquariums to wildlife encounters and space exploration, these family-friendly attractions make unforgettable day trips.
Walt Disney World Resort
No family vacation guide would be complete without Disney.
Walt Disney World remains one of the most visited vacation destinations in the world and offers four unique theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom
- EPCOT
- Hollywood Studios
- Animal Kingdom
Families can meet favorite characters, enjoy world-famous rides, watch spectacular entertainment, and create lifelong memories.
Why Families Love It
- Attractions for all ages
- Character experiences
- World-class entertainment
- Incredible dining options
- Perfect for first-time Florida visitors
Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando delivers excitement for older children, teenagers, and adults.
Popular attractions include:
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Universal Studios Florida
- Islands of Adventure
- Epic Universe
- Volcano Bay Water Park
Many families staying in St. Augustine choose Universal as their Orlando day trip because of its thrilling rides and immersive themed lands.
Highlights
- Harry Potter attractions
- Roller coasters
- Family rides
- Movie-themed experiences
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
One of Florida’s most unique attractions, Kennedy Space Center allows visitors to experience America’s space program firsthand.
Guests can:
- See real spacecraft
- Explore interactive exhibits
- Meet astronauts
- View launch facilities
- Experience the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit
For many families, Kennedy Space Center becomes one of the most memorable experiences of their Florida vacation.
Perfect For
- Curious kids
- STEM enthusiasts
- History lovers
- Future astronauts
SeaWorld Orlando
SeaWorld combines thrilling rides, marine life encounters, educational exhibits, and family entertainment.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Roller coasters
- Dolphin encounters
- Shark exhibits
- Animal presentations
- Family attractions
SeaWorld continues to be one of Orlando’s most popular family destinations.
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
Located within ICON Park, SEA LIFE Orlando offers an immersive underwater experience featuring:
- Sharks
- Sea turtles
- Tropical fish
- Interactive exhibits
- Florida’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel
It’s a fantastic option for families looking for a shorter Orlando attraction without committing to a full theme park day.
Universal Islands of Adventure
For many visitors, Islands of Adventure is the most exciting theme park in Orlando.
Located within Universal Orlando Resort, this award-winning park is home to some of Florida’s most popular attractions and immersive themed lands.
Families can explore:
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade
- Jurassic Park
- Marvel Super Hero Island
- Seuss Landing
- Skull Island: Reign of Kong
- Toon Lagoon
The park offers an excellent balance of family attractions, immersive experiences, and some of the most thrilling rides in Orlando.
Must-Experience Attractions
Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
Frequently ranked among the best theme park rides in the world, this thrilling adventure takes guests through the Forbidden Forest alongside magical creatures from the Harry Potter universe.
Jurassic World VelociCoaster
One of the most intense roller coasters in Florida, VelociCoaster sends riders racing through Jurassic World at incredible speeds while narrowly avoiding raptors.
Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
A groundbreaking attraction inside Hogwarts Castle that combines storytelling, special effects, and motion-based ride technology.
The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
A longtime fan favorite that blends 3D effects and ride technology into an action-packed Marvel adventure.
Why Families Love Islands of Adventure
- Incredible themed environments
- Attractions for all ages
- Harry Potter experiences
- Family-friendly rides
- Thrill rides for teens and adults
- Some of Orlando’s most immersive attractions
Best For
- Families with older children
- Harry Potter fans
- Thrill-seekers
- First-time Orlando visitors
Local Tip
If you’re planning only one Universal park during your St. Augustine vacation, many families choose Islands of Adventure because it combines Harry Potter attractions, thrill rides, family rides, and iconic themed lands all in one park.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Looking for something completely different?
Medieval Times combines dinner with live entertainment in a castle-like setting where knights compete in thrilling tournaments.
Guests enjoy:
- Live jousting
- Sword fighting
- Horsemanship demonstrations
- Royal pageantry
- Four-course feast
Children especially love cheering for their assigned knight while enjoying the action-packed show.
Perfect For
- Families with children
- Rainy-day activities
- Evening entertainment
- First-time Orlando visitors
Discovery Cove
Many travelers consider Discovery Cove one of the most relaxing and unforgettable experiences in all of Florida.
Unlike a traditional theme park, Discovery Cove offers a limited-capacity tropical paradise where guests can enjoy:
- Dolphin encounters
- Snorkeling among tropical fish
- Lazy rivers
- White-sand beaches
- Exotic bird aviaries
- All-inclusive dining
Because attendance is limited each day, the experience feels far more exclusive and relaxing than a typical Orlando attraction.
Why Families Love It
- Less crowded environment
- All-inclusive experience
- Animal encounters
- Perfect for all ages
Families who love water adventures should also explore our guide to the Best Water Activities in St. Augustine, including dolphin tours, parasailing, private sailing charters, and sunset cruises
Aquatica Orlando
When Florida temperatures rise, Aquatica is one of the best ways to cool off.
Owned by SeaWorld, this award-winning water park offers:
- High-speed water slides
- Wave pools
- Lazy rivers
- Family raft rides
- Children’s splash areas
Many families combine Aquatica with other Orlando attractions during their vacation.
Best For
- Hot summer days
- Families with children
- Water lovers
- Relaxing family fun
Looking for more ways to cool off? Don’t miss our guide to Vilano Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches near historic downtown.
WonderWorks Orlando
Known for its upside-down building, WonderWorks is one of Orlando’s most unique family attractions.
Inside, families discover:
- Interactive science exhibits
- Space exploration experiences
- Virtual reality attractions
- Rope courses
- Laser tag
- Hands-on educational activities
WonderWorks successfully combines learning and entertainment, making it a favorite among families with school-age children.
Why Kids Love It
- Interactive exhibits
- Hands-on learning
- Indoor fun
- STEM-focused experiences
LEGOLAND Florida Resort
LEGOLAND is designed specifically for families with younger children.
Attractions include:
- Interactive rides
- LEGO-themed lands
- Water park attractions
- Family entertainment
Many parents find LEGOLAND less overwhelming than larger theme parks while still providing a full day of fun.
How Far Is Orlando From St. Augustine?
Most Orlando attractions are approximately:
- 105–125 miles from St. Augustine
- About 2 hours by car
This makes Orlando one of the easiest and most popular day trips for families vacationing in St. Augustine.
Local Tip
If you’re staying in St. Augustine for seven days or longer, consider scheduling your Orlando day trip in the middle of your vacation.
Many visitors enjoy spending a few relaxing beach days in St. Augustine before heading to Orlando for a high-energy adventure day.
Final Thoughts
One of the best things about staying in St. Augustine is that you’re close to some of Florida’s most exciting attractions.
Whether your family dreams of meeting Disney characters, exploring outer space, riding roller coasters, seeing marine life, or getting up close to alligators, Orlando offers incredible day-trip opportunities that perfectly complement a St. Augustine vacation.
FAQ
Is Orlando close enough for a day trip from St. Augustine?
Yes. Most Orlando attractions are approximately two hours from St. Augustine, making them ideal for a day trip.
What Orlando attractions are best for families staying in St. Augustine for a week?
Some of the most popular day trips include Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, Epic Universe, Discovery Cove, SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, Kennedy Space Center, WonderWorks, ICON Park, and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.
What is the best Orlando attraction for younger children?
LEGOLAND Florida and Magic Kingdom are two of the most popular choices for younger children.
What is the best educational day trip from St. Augustine?
Kennedy Space Center offers one of the most educational and inspiring experiences in Florida.
Is Gatorland worth visiting?
Yes. Gatorland provides a uniquely Florida experience featuring alligators, wildlife encounters, educational programs, and family-friendly attractions.
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