Universal Islands of Adventure
Visiting Orlando's Islands of Adventure with Kids
Universal's Islands of Adventure in Orlando may seem more like a big kid's (translation: adult's) theme park, but it is actually well suited to kids.
In Orlando, there are many theme parks and attractions that are promoted more heavily for children, especially smaller children. Islands of Adventure, in fact, is one of the more child-friendly theme parks if you know where to go.
The nice thing about Islands of Adventure is that it is a pleasant theme park for walking (with stroller or walking child), and it doesn't take long to make a circuit of the islands. Although there are the expected junkie food option, this theme park also had qiute a few stands and restaurants with healthy options like fresh fruit cups.
Here is a rundown of some of the islands, and what age group it most appeals to:
Island of Seuss Landing - Age 3 and Under
It's nice to see an entire section of a theme park devoted to little ones, and toddlers will enjoy this ode to all things Seuss. This is also the one place on the park that you can get diapers (although they come in an overpriced pack of two diapers, either small or large, with wipes).
Small children will enjoy the Caro-Seuss-el, One Fish Two Fish ride, and the If I Ran the Zoo interactive play area. There are also a couple of gift shops geared to the toddler set on this island, and here you can find impromptu necessities like souvenir sippy cups.
Toon Lagoon - Age 2 to 4
This is another island well suited to smaller children, although many will have no idea who some of these cartoon characters (such as Popeye and Olive Oyl) are. Still, they will enjoy the sense of being inside a comic strip. Small children will elso enjoy exploring the interactive Me Ship, the Olive.
Jurassic Park Island - Ages 5 and Up
I know that is a pretty broad age range, but this island has some attractions that appeal to young children, such as the Jurassic Park Discovery Center, and others that are well suited to older children and teens, such as the Ptaranadon Flyers and the thrilling Jurassic Park River Adventure (don't be tempted to think this is for small children, as T-Rex's jump out at riders and there are some steep plunges).
Marvel's Super Hero Island - Teens and Adults
For thrill-seekers, the Marvel themed island right at the entry provides a high concentration of squeals and screams, including the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Doctor Doom's Fearfall. This is also a spot where kids of all ages can meet spiderman or other superheros.
