When most families think of Orlando, their minds immediately jump to the thrill of theme parks and world-famous attractions like Mickey Mouse and Harry Potter. However, there’s a whole other side to the city that offers a more serene, culture-filled experience for families looking to explore beyond the rollercoasters. During our recent trip, we decided to split our time between the iconic theme parks and some of Orlando’s lesser-known gems art, history, and nature that provided a refreshing change of pace.
My eleven-year-old daughter, Georgie, has an undeniable love for all things K-Pop, manga, and of course, theme parks. Yet, on this trip, we found her completely captivated by something unexpected: a vase. Not just any vase, but a stunning Art Nouveau piece at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park. If you’re picturing your own child glued to their phone screen or dodging a museum visit in favor of more thrilling pursuits, think again. The museum, a short drive from downtown Orlando, opened our eyes to a side of the city that many miss an incredible array of art and culture.
The Morse Museum houses the largest collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, the legendary designer known for his iconic Tiffany lamps and intricate stained-glass windows. While Tiffany’s lamps are often copied in American steakhouses, the museum’s collection goes far beyond this, with dazzling stained-glass panels, vibrant vases, and breathtaking jewelry. Georgie’s fascination with a peacock blue and magenta vase was just the tip of the iceberg. Tiffany’s work is not only beautiful but filled with the kind of artistry and craftsmanship that immediately sparks a sense of wonder, even in the youngest of art lovers.
From the museum, we strolled down Winter Park’s Park Avenue, a tree-lined street with chic boutiques, cozy cafes, and gourmet restaurants. We made our way to the Rollins Museum of Art, another treasure in this artsy neighborhood, where the works of Picasso, Matisse, and Salvador Dalí greet visitors. While only a small portion of the museum’s collection is on permanent display, we were lucky to visit during a fantastic portraiture exhibition featuring oil paintings by Thomas Gainsborough and Anthony Van Dyck. The art was a perfect mix of history and modernism, providing plenty of “wow” moments for everyone in the family.
Winter Park is not just about art, though. Its lush landscape is dotted with beautiful lakes, and a boat tour through the area is the perfect way to appreciate its natural beauty. We took a guided pontoon boat tour ($20/£16) through narrow canals lined with towering oak trees and ancient cypress trees, eventually opening up to breathtaking views of grand lakes surrounded by million-dollar mansions. It was a serene and scenic experience, providing a calm contrast to the bustling theme park energy.
The following day, we set off to explore more of Orlando’s public art scene, which spans well beyond the confines of Winter Park. In Downtown Orlando, we met our walking tour guide, Tracy Kuch, who led us through the city’s “Sculpture on the Lawn” program. This public art initiative features large, thought-provoking sculptures displayed on the lawns of buildings like the Orange County Administration Centre. A standout for Georgie was a giant pink bunny by Danish sculptor Gleb Dusavitskiy, made of concrete and mesh. It was whimsical and playful, embodying the artist’s intention to simply make people smile. And judging by Georgie’s laughter, it did just that.
While Orlando is known for its theme parks, the city offers so much more to those willing to look beyond the world of Mickey Mouse and magic. From world-class art museums to tranquil boat tours and outdoor sculptures, there’s a culture-filled side to the city that will inspire both adults and children alike. Next time you’re planning a family trip to Orlando, why not swap a day at the theme park for a cultural adventure? You might just discover a new side of the city that will leave everyone with memories that last long after the trip is over.
