Witness
a different side
of Orlando

“We live in California, so I understand the lure of theme parks, especially with a toddler in tow,” said Kim. “But you’re really missing out on so much culture when you fixate on only one aspect of a city.”

Instead, the Kim family decided to explore a different side of Orlando, enjoying outdoor attractions and learning more about the city’s Asian American Pacific Islander history and culture.

Mills 50 is a popular neighborhood, largely shaped by Vietnamese immigrants in the 1970s.

"There are gorgeous murals all throughout Mills 50," said Kim. "The area was really walkable and we spent the entire morning looking at artwork!"

For travelers wanting to spend time outdoors, Orlando’s Lake Eola Park offers a wide expanse of grass dotted with contemporary art sculptures, tranquil lakefront views and plenty of wildlife.

“Olive absolutely loved Lake Eola Park,” said Kim. “We visited the park every day of our Orlando trip so she could run around, enjoy the playground and see the ducks.”