Must-See Orlando: Unique and Accessible Central Florida Attractions for All Ages

Take your young travelers into the world of beloved cartoon character Peppa Pig at the immersive Peppa Pig Theme Park, located just outside Orlando in Winter Haven. Little ones will love the themed play areas and rides designed for preschoolers and adults to ride together, like Peppa Pig’s Balloon Ride, an aerial carousel. They’ll also get to sing, dance and play with their favorite characters from the television program during the live show Peppa Pig Comes to Play. Many rides and areas are wheelchair accessible, and the entire park is a Certified Autism Center with a sensory guide available for download.

Swim and snorkel in a tropical oasis without even having to leave Orlando at enchanting aquatic theme park Discovery Cove. This all-inclusive day resort features six unique habitats featuring variety of animals. Take a peaceful and refreshing swim at Serenity Bay to see flamingos march across the beach or enter Explorer’s Aviary, home to colorful tropical birds that will eat out of your hand. A highlight of any visit is the once-in-a-lifetime dolphin encounter, which includes one-on-one interaction and time spent learning from animal care specialists. Discovery Cove can also meet a variety of needs, from being a designated Certified Autism Center to offering outdoor wheelchairs and allergen-friendly meals upon request.

From the moment you set foot inside WonderWorks Orlando’s unique upside-down building — an iconic staple of the city’s International Drive entertainment district — you’ll understand why this attraction calls itself “an amusement park for the mind.” Across a sprawling 28,000-square-feet you’ll find more than 100 interactive exhibits in six distinct Wonder Zones, like Space Discovery and Light & Sound. Most exhibits include printed signage to assist guests who are deaf or hard of hearing, and wheelchair rentals are available for a small fee. Thrills include an indoor ropes course and 4D XD simulator ride. Plus, don’t miss Orlando’s longest-running dinner show, The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner.

Connect with nature without ever leaving the city at Harry P. Leu Gardens, often shortened to just Leu Gardens. Stroll through the gardens and displays to admire a wide variety of plants, including a stunning camellia collection, which is among the largest in the USA. Most pathways are paved and easily accessible by wheelchairs, which are available complimentary on a first-come basis. Check the calendar for seasonal community events like holiday-themed displays and movie nights.

For the over-21 crowd, try this unconventional day-spa experience where you’ll enjoy modern ambience and rejuvenating body treatments. Enjoy a soak in a proprietary Beer Soaking Treatment, a blend of relaxing hops and antioxidants, in a private spa room decked out with thermal tubs, an infrared sauna, a hay cooling lounge and complimentary self-serve local beer. Wheelchair-accessible spa rooms with expanded floor space and a large sauna area offer complete relaxation.

About an hour outside Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex at Cape Canaveral displays some of the most exciting treasures in the history of space travel. Interactive exhibits and IMAX movies offer a comprehensive look at the USA’s space-travel legacy. Walk under the massive Saturn V, the largest rocket ever flown through space. If you’re able to time your visit with a live rocket launch, book a jaw-dropping experience that includes dedicated transportation to launch sites and live commentary from a rocket expert. Accessibility services include wheelchairs and motorized scooters for rent, wheelchair-accessible tour buses and theaters and a sensory guide.

Several airports serve Central Florida. Fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO), Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) or Melbourne Orlando International Airport (MLB) and rent a car to explore the area. Within Orlando, the SunRail commuter train provides public ground transportation. The Brightline train connects Orlando to other major Florida cities.