Family-Friendly Attractions at ICON Park Orlando

There is so much to see and do along International Drive in Orlando, but one of our family’s favorite go-to spots is Icon Park, right in the heart of it all.

ICON Park is a 20-acre, walkable entertainment destination that has more than 40 amazing restaurants, bars, boutique shops, and attractions for the entire family. One great thing about ICON Park is that parking is free. There is a multi-level garage, just steps from all the action.

We have eaten at many of a fabulous restaurant and enjoyed browsing the interesting shops and boutiques within ICON Park, but today I want to talk about the family-friendly attractions at ICON Park.

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The Observation Wheel
Let’s start with the park’s anchor, The Giant Observation wheel, a 400 feet – 40 stories wheel, which is also the largest observation wheel on the United States East Coast. When we went to ride the wheel for the first time, my kids were not so sure about it. I think they were comparing it to a Ferris wheel, but once they got up close and personal with it, they were ready to give it a whirl. The wheel rotates at just one mile per hour, in fact, from the highway I often think it must be at a standstill.

Each capsule has a 15 person capacity, but if you go during off-season and times, it is likely you may get a solo flight in a capsule with your family, at least that has been our experience.

The view from the top is breathtaking as you can see much of Orlando and the surrounding lakes, theme parks, and attractions. On a clear day, you can even spot the East Coast and Kennedy’s Space Center.

The Wheel isn’t the only family fun to be had at ICON Park. There are three other main attractions located at ICON Park including SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando and SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology.

In fact, you can save a little money when you package the attractions together. Click here to explore those ticket options. The great thing about the combo ticket besides saving money is that you don’t have to do everything in one afternoon. You have up to 30 days to use your ticket on the other attractions purchased.

SEA LIFE Aquariums
The SEA LIFE Aquariums is fun for the whole family. Children of all ages will enjoy exploring everything under the ocean. You can watch as fish, sharks, turtles, and eels swim above, beneath, and all around you.

There are dive shows, a color-changing jellyfish wall, a playground area and an area where you can touch a few of the sea creatures. There is so much to do and see and you will walk away more educated about sealife, all while having a blast.

In fact, part of the educational experience includes an activity book that each child will be offered upon entry to the facility. Be sure to stamp each lesson at each station because when you are finished you receive a prize for completing the book. We have been to other SEA LIFE Aquariums throughout the United States, but the one in Orlando is by far our favorite.

Madame Tussauds
I have to admit that going to Madame Tussauds was a highlight of ICON Park for me. I could’ve spent hours in this celebrity wax museum, although they say the average time to go through the exhibit is 45 minutes.

I guess they weren’t expecting a crazy picture-taking family like us. We enjoyed viewing the intricate details of the wax figures and posing for various photo ops with them. Some of the exhibits even have props available for you to really get into the moment.

There are celebrity figures from television, music, sports, film, and history. You can even find the Justice League inside the walls of Madame Tussauds.

SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology
SKELETONS features 500 real skeletons in natural poses and dioramas to demonstrate how an animal moves and interacts with its environment. 

The museum is the latest and largest from the Villemarette family, with the original SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology in Oklahoma City, OK.  The goal of the museum is to serve as a fun & educational experience, where visitors of all ages will gain a deeper appreciation for vertebrate life.

Included in admission, guests receive a scavenger hunt to complete while touring the 40+ exhibits.

Other attractions at ICON Park
There are a few other attractions at ICON Park worth mentioning, although not all are family-friendly.

Little ones can ride a toddler-sized train while older kids and grown-ups brave the 7D Dark Ride Adventure and StarFlyer Orlando, the world’s tallest swing ride.

If you want to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, that’s okay too, there is an arcade on the premises with games for the whole family.

Have you been to ICON Park? If so what was your favorite thing to do there? Please share below.