We’ve got things to do in Orlando by the bucket load. Couples, kids, groups, singles, and seniors will all discover something to float their boat. Of course, we have our world-class theme parks that Orlando is famous for, but there’s so much more too..
Discover the delights of other small towns and thriving cities, explore botanical gardens, chill out at water sports, experience eco-tours, airboat rides, horseback riding, aviation, arts & culture, museums, and so much more.
This guide will show you some of the awesome things you can plan on a trip to Orlando.
Let’s dive in and discover some fun!
Things to Do in Orlando:
Adventures
Wallaby Ranch offers Tandem Flights with the most experienced tandem hang gliding pilot in the world. See Florida from a whole new perspective as you glide across the sky. You can make a day out of this trip too and take some time to explore the ranch. There are over 400 acres of scenic woodlands to explore on 15 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails. For the kids, there’s a playground with a sandbox, merry-go-round, trampoline, slide, and monkey bars, plus a Doctor Seuss tree house. There’s a swimming pool to cool down, or a hot tub to heat up.
Revolution Adventures offer a whole range of outdoor adventures. Think Skeet Shooting, Target Archery, Archery Tag, and Trophy Bass Fishing. Plus ATV tours and side-by-side buggies through 230 acres of woodland tracks and dirt trails. And how about the Mucky Duck? This unique amphibious 8-wheel is a great way to explore both dry trails and wetlands. Or take to the 65-acre lake on a Sea Doo
Animals & Wildlife
Swim with Dolphins or Manatees
There are not many places on earth where you can do both. If you want to swim with a dolphin, head over to Discovery Cove. It’s a full day out and is a really terrific all-inclusive day out.
During the cooler months, manatees head towards the warmer waters of Florida’s natural springs. Crystal River, Homosassa Springs and Blue Springs State Park are all great places to view these beautiful aquatic mammals. Crystal River is the only place in Florida you can legally swim with manatees.
Animal Encounters
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge has 4 savannahs that are home to 30 species of African wildlife. There are multiple overlooks where you can observe or talk to cast members. You might see Giraffes, Impalas, Thompsons Gazelles, Waterbuck, Cranes, Flamingos, pelicans, and more. Viewing is open to both visitors and guests.
Wild Florida offers a range of activities including a drive-through safari park, gator park, animal encounters, and airboat rides. There are over 200 native and exotic animals to experience.
Safari Wilderness is set in over 260 acres of pristine wilderness and offers customized safari vehicles. Or you can take camelback, ATV, kayak, or sunset safaris. You can also feed a guinea pig colony or ring-tailed lemurs, or experience a cheetah encounter.
Amazing Animals Inc is a wildlife preserve that is home to over 100 exotic animals. There are birds, reptiles and animals such as a sloth, emu, ostrich, and barnyard critters. You MUST book a tour in advance, as the preserve is not open to the public.
Exotic Animal Experience offers up close and personal interaction with an array of animals. There are lemurs, kangaroos, sloths, monkeys, camels and more. Tours are by appointment only.
Giraffe Ranch offers a variety of animal encounters, including giraffe, otter and lemur feeding. There are also cheetah, rhino and giraffe premium encounters. Plus camel safari tours, segway safari tours and drive-through safari tours.
Central Florida Zoo started life in 1923 with a single monkey! These days, the zoo is home to over 300 animals representing more than 100 species. There are rhino encounters and keeper chats available. Plus there’s also a Barnyard Buddies Children’s Zoo, a tropical splash ground, bungee bounce and an aerial adventure course. Fun for all ages.
Check out our Away from the Crowds guide for full details of the animal experiences mentioned above.
Beaches Near Orlando
We’re right in the middle of Central Florida, so there are no beaches in Orlando!
However, if sunning yourself on a talcum powder beach next to crystal clear water is your idea of heaven, then pack your family and a cooler into the car and head to the coast.
With almost 700 miles of sandy beaches, there’s plenty to go around!
The closest beach to Orlando is Cocoa Beach on Florida’s East Coast. At 60 miles and just an hour’s drive, it’s well worth a visit. As is the pretty Cocoa Village, with its picturesque tree-lined center offering boutique stores and quaint restaurants.
A little further North and another thirty minutes drive is Daytona Beach, one of the few beaches you can still drive your car on.
Head South West and you’ll be rewarded with a past winner of the Best Beach award – Clearwater Beach is just over an hour away, with St Pete’s Beach just a little further.
Fort de Soto State Park offers miles of pristine sandy beaches ideal for sand castles! There are lots of remote and totally unspoiled beaches around Florida too. One of our favorites is Nokomis Beach, South West Florida, not too far from Sarasota.
Entertainment Districts
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is home to 100+ stores, 65+ eateries and 0ver 25 shows, attractions and events. There’s something for everyone and a little touch of Disney magic without the ticket price!
City Walk at Universal Orlando Resort
City Walk at Universal Orlando Resort is nestled between Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios. You’ll find an array of dining options, plus a selection of stores, themed bars and nightclubs and live entertainment. There’s a Cinemark featuring over 20 big screens showing the latest movies, plus Hollywood Drive-In Golf, an 18-hole mini golf course.
Parking at City Walk is free after 6 pm. Free parking is available from 11 am – 6 pm with the purchase of two Cinemark matinee tickets.
Kissimmee Old Town
Kissimmee Old Town is a development of unique stores, restaurants and entertainment all rolled into one. There’s regular live entertainment and karaoke. Plus rides and attractions, such as the Ferris wheel and carousel, and even a haunted manor and magic show.
If cars are your thing, then head over to Kissimmee Old Town for the Saturday Night Car Cruise. There’s a parade of all the cars every Saturday evening with live music from local bands. Cars start lining up from 1 pm in the afternoon, giving you the chance to explore the vehicles and chat with owners. There’s also the Wednesday Night Themed Car Show and Friday Muscle Car Show & Cruise too.
Fun Spot America
Right next door to Kissimmee Old Town is Fun Spot America. You’ll find all your classic attractions such as bumper cars, multi-level go-kart tracks, arcade games and a selection of rides and attractions for adults and kids alike. Plus, the only wooden coaster in Florida to go upside down! For thrill-seekers, there’s the world’s tallest SkyCoaster, standing at 300 feet.
There’s also a Fun Spot America located on International Drive in Orlando. This features similar rides and attractions to the Kissimmee location mentioned above, plus the world’s second tallest SkyCoaster at 250 ft.
I-Drive District
International Drive is a mecca for things to do in Orlando and offers a wide range of attractions, dinner shows, escape games, mini golf, thrill rides, museums, and a ton of fun for all ages.
There are simulated skydiving or helicopter rides for thrill seekers, Ripley’s Believe it or Not and WonderWorks for the weird and wonderful, and Prime Outlets for some serious retail therapy. For sports and activities, head to Top Golf, Andretti Indoor Carting & Games, Dezerland Park,
And when you’ve worked up an appetite, there are over 150 restaurants featuring all kinds of cuisine from all corners of the globe.
Icon Park at International Drive
Icon Park is the entertainment mecca in the heart of International Drive. It features the towering Wheel, standing at 400 feet tall. The Wheel offers observation pods giving you 360-degree views over Central Florida. The Wheel also features 64,000 color-changing LEDs with light shows and special effects.
Also located at Icon Park is Madam Tussauds Orlando where you can strike a pose with the likes of Taylor Swift and Walt Disney. There are several zones featuring History & Leaders, Justice League: A Call For Heroes, Sports, Music Stars, TV Stars, Movie & Film Stars and A-List Party. Plus life-size photo ops – raise a helicopter with SuperMan or slam dunk with Shaq.
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium features an array of water worlds and creatures to explore plus a 360-degree ocean tunnel. The Behind the Scenes Tour is a fascinating glimpse into the daily running of the aquarium and conservation efforts. There are 9 exhibits that will fascinate all ages.
Other attractions at Icon Park include In The Game, a hot spot for arcade fans that also features a 7D Motion Theater.
There’s a wide range of eating options, including celebrity restaurants such as Blake Shelton’s Ole Red and Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips.
Rocket Launches
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting when there’s a rocket launch scheduled, take a trip to Space Coast. There are some great viewing areas and it can be a real fun day out too. Kennedy Space Visitors Complex is also worth a visit.
Check out the Rocket Launch Schedule. and check our Guide to The Best Places to Watch a Rocket Launch.
Shopping
Shoppers will be thrilled by the retail outlets giving endless opportunities to shop till you drop.
There are also two large malls – Florida Mall and Mall of Millenia, both within easy reach and offer a huge array of retail options featuring major stores such as Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.
Premium Outlets has two locations around Orlando is home to almost every designer label you can think of.
The Loop is a 54 acre outdoor shopping and dining complex located just 15 minutes away from Disney. It’s home to over 400,000 square feet of retail facilities as well as a cinema.
If you’re staying in one of our Orlando Vacation Homes, then you have Rolling Oaks Commons and Formosa Gardens Village right on your doorstep.
Sports & Activities
Golf is high on the list of things to do in Orlando. Florida has a staggering 1250 golf courses, more than any other state in the USA. Orlando itself is a golf mecca and has over 100 courses, and 20 Academies and hosts some of the most prestigious golfing events in the world.
Check out our Guide to Golf Courses in Orlando
Dezerland Park is an 800,000-square-foot indoor facility offering an array of things to do in Orlando. It offers thrills and fun for all ages. Karting, bowling, pin ball, an auto museum, games arcade, bumper cars, axe throwing, putting and more.
Main Event features fun, games and experiences for all the family. There’s over 100 interactive video games, high ropes adventure courses, bowling, laser tag, billiards, immersive virtual reality, story rooms, karaoke, mini golf and multiball.
Professional Sports Teams in Orlando
- Baseball: Orlando Magic has been Orlando’s NBA franchise since 1989 and has played in the NBA playoffs 16 times in 32 seasons, and twice went to the NBA Finals.
- Ice Hockey: Orlando Solar Bears are affiliates of the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning and members of the ECHL.
- Soccer: Orlando City SC is the local soccer team
- Women’s Soccer: Orlando Pride is the city’s professional women’s team and are in the National Women’s Soccer League
- Athletics: The UCF Knights represent the University of Central Florida in the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division I.
State Parks & Preserves Near Orlando
Natural beauty abounds in the stunning state parks and nature preserves in Central Florida.
Lake Louisa State Park offers walking trails, fishing, wildlife in abundance, a beach with BBQ grills and picnic facilities and swimming in shallow waters.
Walt Disney was never one to miss an opportunity to preserve or educate and The Disney Wilderness Preserve in Kissimmee does exactly that. In co-operation with The Nature Conservancy, these 11,500 acres of restored wetlands touching the tip of the Everglades ecosystem are home to over 1000 species of plants, animals and birds including bald eagles.
Tibet Butler Nature Preserve has over 3 miles of walking trails along with boardwalks and an observation deck. The Vera Carter Environmental Center offers educational and interactive exhibits and displays.
Lake Kissimmee State Park offers 13 miles of hiking trails through flatwoods and along freshwater marshes. You might see an array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, bald eagles, wild turkeys and bobcats.
De Leon Springs State Park is home to cool clear waters, nature, walking and hiking trails, an abundance of birds and wildlife viewing, boat tours, kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, instructional scuba dives, fishing, boating and more. There’s deep rooted history here too, as well as being one of Florida’s earliest attractions, complete with a water skiing elephant! Sugar Mill Spanish Restaurant offers create-your-own pancakes at your table and a selection of baked goods.
Things to do in Orlando: Theme Parks
The Theme Parks in Orlando are the main draw and the reason most visitors come here. We have 10 major theme parks in total in Central Florida.
Walt Disney World is home to four major parks – Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios. Disney also have two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.
Universal Orlando offers two fascinating theme parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure. Universal is also home The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Volcano Bay is Universal’s water park.
SeaWorld and Discovery Cove are both located in Orlando, while over in Tampa Bay you’ll find Busch Gardens. All are part of the SeaWorld Entertainment Group.
LEGOLand Florida is the perfect place for younger guests to while away the day and let their Lego imaginations run wild.
Finally, Gatorland was the first theme park to open its doors in Kissimmee.
And, when you’ve done all that, you can come back and visit again. You’ll never run out of things to do in Orlando!
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