Pet-Friendly Activities in Orlando near Disney World

While only service dogs are allowed at the theme parks, there are many pet-friendly activities in Orlando near Disney World! No matter if you’d like to explore nature or find a fun restaurant to enjoy together, you’ll find something here for everyone in your family. Some of our favorite places to experience with our furry family members include the local parks, going on airboat rides, walking through lush gardens, kayaking and canoeing, along with venturing through the different town centers located nearby our vacation rental homes. Keep reading to learn more about all these fun things to do with your dog in Orlando!

Do What the Locals Do: Lake Eola Park

There is so much to do and to see at Lake Eola Park. No wonder why it’s a favorite among the locals! Conveniently located in the center of downtown Orlando, the park offers a .9 mile sidewalk that runs along the edge of the lake and is perfect for a sauntering stroll or a fast-paced jog. Take in the views of the Orlando skyline amidst the colorful grounds, an excellent spot for tossing the frisbee with our canine pals.

Plus, numerous exciting events take place throughout the year here! Check out their website for dates and times to enjoy one of the concerts, movies, or plays at their Walt Disney Amphitheater. The month of May brings their annual Paws in the Park, a fundraiser for local shelters. Many vendors are on-site during the event offering lots of fun for everyone. On Sundays, you’ll find a dog-friendly Farmers’ Market that you won’t want to miss from 10am to 3pm! And, for our human friends, don’t miss the swan-shaped paddle boats that are available to rent for an adventure around the lake!

Enjoy the Pet-Friendly Park: Lake Kissimmee State Park

Lake Kissimmee State Park is an ideal choice for a day of venturing out with your canine best friend as it offers 13 miles of hiking trails, a perfect place for observing abundant plant and animal life, too. White-tail deer, sandhill cranes, and bald eagles are among the many animals and birds you will frequently see while at the park. Visitors also enjoy boating, canoeing, and fishing on the picturesque waters and shores of lakes Kissimmee, Tiger, and Rosalie. Dogs must stay leashed and are not permitted in certain areas. This pet-friendly activity in Orlando near Disney World is currently open daily from 8am to 8pm.

Or, if paved paths and viewing a lighthouse sounds more up your alley, check out Kissimmee Lakefront Park! It’s only a short walk from downtown and is a very pet-friendly area.

Explore the Carnival with Fido: Old Town Kissimmee

Leashed dogs are welcome in this unique 18-acre bricked walking district! The carnival-themed Old Town offers many dining and shopping choices alongside arcade games at the family fun center and amusement rides such as a carousel, ferris wheel, and family roller coaster. So, if you’re looking for a pet-friendly attraction in Orlando near Disney World, this might be the perfect place to visit! It is also host to weekly events, including a car show and cruise on Saturdays.

Go for a Walk: Celebration Town Center

This is 100% one of our favorite pet-friendly activities in Orlando near Disney World! Celebration Town Center is a quaint area that’s fun to explore with your family and pup! There are so many different options for things to do, whether you want to head over to the open-air shopping areas or take a stoll along the water. You’ll even find Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming to pamper your pet! And, for those who love to golf, they can head over to Celebration Golf Course for a round while the rest of the family grabs breakfast or lunch at one of the amazing restaurants!

Experience nature & paddle together: Shingle Creek

Conveniently located inside the Shingle Creek Regional Park, the Paddling Center at Shingle Creek offers a dog-friendly place to rent single kayaks, tandem kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Guided eco-tours take guests and their dogs on a serene trail into a beautiful Cypress Forest, on a wildlife tour, and even offer a Manatee Expedition Tour at Blue Springs State Park. Tandem kayaks and canoes are ideal for up to medium-sized dogs, and puppies and smaller dogs can ride along in one-person kayaks and canoes. All dogs must remain leashed during the excursions. To ensure availability, reservations for rentals are preferred. Picnic tables are available at this rustically-themed venue.

Visit the garden sanctuary: Bok Tower Gardens

A National Historic Landmark that was voted Florida’s Best Garden, Bok Tower Gardens is one of the nation’s most beautiful garden sanctuaries. Opening in 1929, the gardens offer uniquely beautiful vistas for the artist in us all; a place to quietly reflect in nature at its best, to meander the nearly 50 acres of bloom-filled paths, lawns, and trails, or to take a brisk walk alongside our furry family members. It’s suggested that you allow a minimum of 3 to 4 hours to enjoy all that the gardens have to offer.

You can experience these fantastic gardens daily from 8am to 6pm. However, keep in mind that holiday hours potentially vary. Also, as a side note, dogs must remain leashed at all times and are not allowed in some of the buildings.

Discover the Swamp Together: Airboat Tours

Last but not least, this activity through Alligators Unlimited Airboat Nature Tours takes you through Florida’s undeveloped marshlands on a thrilling pet-friendly airboat ride with your adventurous pup. On this six-passenger airboat, you will enjoy an up-close and personal adventure as you take in the sights and sounds of the headwaters of the Everglades on the Kissimmee River. Dogs are welcome on an individual basis, so be sure to let them know that your fur baby is coming along for the excitement when making your reservation. Since the airboats accommodate only six guests, reservations are required.

Ready to experience these pet-friendly activities in Orlando near Disney World?

We’d love to help you start planning your next stay! Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone or email to assist you with all of your travel needs. If you prefer, you can also browse through our massive selection of pet-friendly vacation rentals that are near Disney and all of the activities listed above.