good places to visit in orlando florida

Orlando   Travel Guide

16 Fun Things to Do in Orlando, Florida in 2024

Orlando is the sum of its parts, or rather, parks. The Central Florida city isn't called the "theme park capital of the world" for no reason – it's a top U.S. destination for hours of fun, with more than enough attractions and activities for

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Walt Disney World Resort Walt Disney World Resort

U.S. News Insider Tip : When park hopping, park at Hollywood Studios to limit driving from park to park. From there, you can get to Animal Kingdom by bus, EPCOT's World Showcase via the Friendship Boat or Skyliner and Magic Kingdom from the EPCOT monorail. – Johnaé De Felicis

Excessive, exhausting and expensive, Walt Disney World Resort is above all else enchanting. Composed of four theme parks, two water parks, more than two dozen hotels and the Disney Springs complex, this sprawling property features iconic sights and rides like Cinderella Castle, "it's a small world," Spaceship Earth, Toy Story Land and the Tree of Life. Even Anaheim's Disneyland can't compete, according to some.

Universal Orlando Resort Universal Orlando Resort

U.S. News Insider Tip : Leverage single-rider lines to shorten ride wait times. Multiple rides have this option available on most days, including sought-after attractions like the Jurassic World VelociCoaster and Revenge of the Mummy. – Johnaé De Felicis

Whether you're traveling with little ones, teenagers, friends or your significant other, odds are you'll find something to enjoy at Universal Studios Florida. This sprawling entertainment area features two theme parks, as well as the shopping and entertainment area, Universal CityWalk.

I-Drive I-Drive free

The International Drive area is one of Orlando's most diverse regions to visit. Situated less than 10 miles southwest of downtown Orlando, International Drive features a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment venues, including two outlet malls, Ripley's Believe It or Not! and Pirate's Cove Adventure miniature golf course. Eateries here offer all sorts of cuisines or travelers can enjoy a meal while watching a themed show. For night owls, I-Drive boasts a Cuban-inspired Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, a Howl at the Moon dueling pianos venue, a Señor Frog's restaurant and bar, the world's largest permanent ice bar and more.

Though several former visitors caution that I-Drive tends to get clogged with cars, many said everything one could need is located along this road. Plus, prices here aren't quite as high as those found in the adjacent theme parks.

Popular Tours

One-Hour Airboat Ride Near Orlando

(309 reviews)

from $ 59.13

Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch

(2015 reviews)

from $ 35.00

Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari and Gator Park Admission

(566 reviews)

from $ 34.00

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is an excellent alternative to the city's crowded theme parks. Though it's about 45 miles east of downtown Orlando in Merritt Island, Florida, the space center is worth a visit, especially for those interested in NASA history. Items and exhibits found on-site include the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, NASA's former launch countdown clock, a garden with various rockets, astronaut training simulators and the space shuttle Atlantis. You can also take a tour of the property's facilities, watch space-themed IMAX movies or even have your photo taken with a real astronaut.

Space enthusiasts and families alike will enjoy exploring the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Most former visitors said the site offers tons to see and do, especially if you're looking to kill some time on a rainy day and many recommend spending the whole day there.

Fun Spot America Fun Spot America

Although this amusement park is not as well-known as those found at SeaWorld Orlando , Universal Orlando Resort and Walt Disney World Resort , Fun Spot offers a plethora of rides, including carousels, go-karts, tea cups and Ferris wheels. For thrill-seekers, Fun Spot America features an inverted roller coaster and a wooden roller coaster, the latter being the only one available in the city.

Recent parkgoers say the lines are short, service is excellent and that Fun Spot America is a budget-conscious option for the area. Single-day passes cost $59.95 when purchased online and give visitors access to most rides and the Gatorland-affiliated Gator Spot.

The Mall at Millenia The Mall at Millenia free

Popular brands like Apple and H&M rub elbows with high-end stores like Prada and Versace at the Mall at Millenia. Providing a nice change of pace from the overpriced souvenirs you'd purchase inside one of Orlando's parks, this mall houses approximately 150 stores to browse. It also offers a great way to pass the time on a rainy day.

Several prior shoppers appreciated the Mall at Millenia's assortment of stores, which appeal to an array of budgets. Another plus: the variety of dining options. Everything from grab-and-go eateries in the food court to chain restaurants like P.F. Chang's and The Cheesecake Factory can be found here. There's even a Capital Grille to satisfy shoppers looking to treat themselves to a formal meal.

Harry P. Leu Gardens Harry P. Leu Gardens

Swing by Harry P. Leu Gardens and get a sense of the real Orlando (it's not all thrill rides and character meet-and-greets). This botanical oasis – which sits 4 miles northeast of the city center – offers 50 acres of plants like camellias, roses and azaleas. Plus, there are horticulture classes, permanent and rotating art exhibits and a restored 19th-century home.

Recent visitors said this is a nice change of pace from park-palooza, even when it's not peak bloom season. According to many, the Butterfly Garden is a must-see, especially if you have kids with you. Many visitors remarked on the garden's permanent and visiting exhibits, which added another enjoyable element to the peaceful property.

Orlando Science Center Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center is a place to experiment and learn about all things science. A brief distance from the Harry P. Leu Gardens (about a mile), it's a must-see if you're a science and technology buff.

On-site exhibits include Fusion: A STEAM Gallery, a dinosaur exhibit that uncovers the history of the prehistoric world and Our Planet, Our Solar System. There's also a new nature and conservation exhibit opening in spring 2024, called LIFE. You can even watch educational films and programs at the Digital Adventure Theater or the large, domed screen at Dr. Phillips CineDome.

Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Manatee Adventure

(130 reviews)

from $ 80.00

Orlando Airport MCO and Hotels Private Transfer to Port Canaveral

(115 reviews)

from $ 155.00

30-Minute Airboat Ride, Lunch, Gem Mining and Park Admission

(496 reviews)

from $ 41.57

Discovery Cove Discovery Cove

There are animal encounters and then there's Discovery Cove – a companion site to SeaWorld Orlando where you can get up-close with dolphins, stingrays, marmosets and otters. And since it's a reservation-only park (the park only admits up to 1,300 guests per day), you'll get to interact with the animals and trainers more intimately. Try snorkeling with tropical fish and rays in the park's coral reef or floating throughout the park's lush landscape on the Wind-Away River. If you need a break from the water, dry off on one of the beaches or feed some of the birds in Discovery Cove's Explorer's Aviary. All of these activities are included with your admission as is the use of snorkeling gear, wet suits and lockers. Unlimited food and drinks (including alcoholic libations) are included as well. Keep in mind that while meeting and swimming with dolphins is a main draw here, the experience isn't included in the base ticket.

According to recent visitors, it's this plethora of diverse attractions that make Discovery Cove such a memorable Orlando experience and many also comment on how relaxing the park is to visit. However, a few note issues with customer service and express concerns about animal care.

Orlando International Premium Outlets Orlando International Premium Outlets free

If you enjoy shopping, then no visit to Orlando would be complete without perusing the city's outlet malls. One of the best is Orlando International Premium Outlets. This outlet mall – which is the largest in Florida – houses everything from standard stores (think: Bath & Body Works, Claire's and J. Crew Factory) to high-end retailers like Armani and Coach. And when you need to quench your thirst or satisfy your hunger, a coffeehouse and multiple cafes and snack shops are available.

Shopaholics rave about the retail options (and discounts) offered at Orlando International Premium Outlets. But remember, this shopping mecca is an open-air facility, so it's best avoided on rainy days. Also, parking is notoriously limited here, so consider taking a taxi or riding the bus or I-RIDE Trolley's Red Line to the property.

ICON Park ICON Park

It might not be Disney World , Universal Studios or SeaWorld , but ICON Park just adds to the list of places to eat, drink and be merry in Orlando. It's a popular go-to for family outings and date nights, offering indoor and outdoor fun for all ages, with more than 50 attractions, shops and restaurants with varying cuisines.

The main attraction is the Wheel at ICON Park—a 400-foot Ferris wheel offering stunning views of Orlando. Also on-site is a Madame Tussauds wax museum and a Museum of Illusions outpost. The Sea Life Orlando Aquarium features sea creatures from around the world. And if you're looking for a thrill, take your pick from the 7D Motion Theater, the 8,000-square-foot Max Action Arena or the Great Florida Road Trip Camera Game—a gaming and educational experience on the Wheel that walks you through the history of mid-century Florida. Gamers can also find plenty of fun at the on-site In the Game arcade.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

If you're in the mood to dwell in nature and explore some of the world's most fascinating creatures, consider spending a day at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. The 116-acre zoo houses more than 350 animals and an array of family-friendly attractions. Adventurers can see more than 100 of the planet's species, from grazing giraffes to slithering snakes. Head to Seminole Aerial Adventures for exhilarating thrills, complete with rope bridges, zip lines, swings and more.

Keep your kiddos entertained with a miniature train ride and an animal encounter at the Barnyard Buddies Children's Zoo, where they can meet a llama, pygmy goats and other small animals. To beat the heat, cool off at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground. Themed botanical gardens are scattered across the property; you may spot a few garden dwellers like hummingbirds and butterflies (especially at the enchanting Butterfly Garden). When you get hungry, stop by Graze Kitchen for burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. Or, stop by Swirl for ice cream, churros or popcorn.

Orlando Golf Courses Orlando Golf Courses

If you're not coming to Orlando to explore its theme parks, chances are you've come to visit its links. More than 170 golf courses – many of which have ties to area resorts – can be found throughout Orlando and its suburbs. Walt Disney World Resort offers four courses, while guests who stay at accommodations located on Universal Orlando Resort  grounds receive golf privileges at select fairways.

According to prior visitors, some of Orlando's best greens include the Evermore Orlando Resort (formerly the Villas of Grand Cypress Orlando), the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club Orlando—Grande Lakes and the Waldorf Astoria Orlando , thanks in part to each property's beautiful surroundings and friendly staff. Another favorite: Arnold Palmer's Bay Hill Club & Lodge's Champion, Challenger and Charger links. A few previous visitors of Disney's Magnolia Golf Course expressed that the courses are decently challenging and appreciated the friendly staff.

Kennedy Space Center Adventure with Transport from Orlando

(995 reviews)

from $ 85.00

Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral Admission Ticket

(36 reviews)

from $ 80.25

Manatee Adventure, Airboat, Lunch, Wildlife Park with Transport

(1405 reviews)

from $ 150.00

Lake Eola Park Lake Eola Park free

U.S. News Insider Tip : If you're planning a swan boat outing, you can save up to 40% on boat rental costs by purchasing it through Groupon. On-site, tickets cost $15 per 30-minute rental. – Johnaé De Felicis

Head to Lake Eola Park for a scenic stroll in the heart of downtown Orlando, complete with stunning views of the water, pretty foliage and the Orlando skyline. Its 0.9-mile walking path circles the park's pristine, blue lake, making it the perfect destination for a walk or run (if you haven't exhausted yourself at the theme parks). If your kids need to blow off some steam, take them to the playground.

SeaWorld Orlando SeaWorld Orlando

While Mickey's house and Harry's wizarding world are certainly magical, many vacationers find Shamu's lair equally enchanting. At SeaWorld Orlando, take your pick of rides (including Orlando's tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster, Mako) and an array of shows and exhibits. Others include the Dolphin Adventures show and Sea Lion and Otter Spotlight presentation.

Travelers love SeaWorld's animal experiences, heart-pounding rides and relaxed atmosphere, but some caution that food and merchandise are pricey and lines can be long thanks to massive crowds. Meanwhile, others warned that the park is better suited to older kids as most of the rides do not allow young children. A few travelers also noted issues with customer service.

Crayola Experience Crayola Experience

Have a colorful day at the Crayola Experience, located at the Florida Mall in Orlando. This 70,000-square-foot fun house is reportedly larger than an NFL football field. It's also home to the world's largest Crayola crayon (Bluetiful), weighing 1,352 pounds and measuring 15.6 feet.

Visitors who don't mind getting their hands dirty can create fun and simple craft projects at the Activity Studio. Wrap It Up! provides a space to name, personalize and wrap your own crayon. For little ones, the Crayola Experience features multiple play areas—from Toddler Town to the Color Playground. They can also test their footwork with the interactive Crayola game, Stomp! Skip! Play! There's a packed schedule of ongoing and seasonal live events here as well, like Sensory Sunday and Colorful Christmas. The Crayon Factory Show is particularly neat, showing guests how crayons are made.

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15 Best Things to Do in Orlando

By Paul Oswell

Entertainment looms large in Orlando, and thanks to its globally famous and universally loved theme parks, it's a world leader in welcoming families. Millions of people pass through the various Disney and Universal parks every year, often on their very own trip of a lifetime. Beyond the parks, though, there's a wealth of cultural and educational experiences to be had. Space ages past and present come alive at EPCOT and the Kennedy Space Center, and there's a call to nature at Gatorland and the Disney Wilderness Preserve. Downtown Orlando is often overlooked, but make time for Church Street and the Milk District, not to mention the upscale options at Winter Park. Wondering how much you were missing? Read on for our guide of what to do in Orlando and find out.

Church Street District Arrow

Downtown Orlando is a much-overlooked location, especially given the worldwide fame of its surrounding attractions. The neighborhood dates back to the 19th-century, and some of the period aesthetic remains in the form of wrought-iron balconies and bridges and cobbled streets. You won’t find huge malls; rather, smaller boutiques and independent stores and restaurants that offer an interesting alternative to the chains and global brands dominating most of the city.

Bok Tower Gardens Arrow

Quiet green spaces aren’t the first thing that spring to mind when one thinks of Orlando, but thanks to author and journalist Edward E. Bok, the city has at least one park where quiet contemplation and tranquility reign. Bok Tower Gardens consists of 250 acres of beautifully kept parkland that contains it own nature trail and bird sanctuary. It’s a welcome retreat from the clamor of the theme parks and it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Orlando Science Center Arrow

A hands-on, science-focused museum of sorts has existed here in some form since the mid 1980s, but its modern incarnation opened in 1997. Today the Orlando Science Center is is a huge white building with glass and steel walkways. Across its four floors are eight themed exhibitions that cover a wealth of scientific subjects. The natural world is an especially strong theme, given the importance of the environment in Florida, but there are also dinosaurs and planetary exhibits that will transport minds of all ages to different times and worlds.

Gatorland Arrow

What began as a working farm in the 1950s has since grown into Gatorland, a wildlife attraction in its own right. Unlike the technologically focused parks of most of Orlando, this one has a more rustic, old-fashioned feel, but that doesn’t mean it has any less charisma. It’s now a zoo and sanctuary where you can see alligators up close, whether from the rickety wooden walkways or in a show, from tiny babies to huge adults laying out in the sun or slithering around the swamps and pools that comprise much of the parkland.

CNT Editors

Blane Bachelor

Kyler Alvord

Legoland Florida Resort Arrow

Legoland Florida Resort is the largest of all Legoland theme parks. Beautifully situated on the shores of Lake Eloise, the complex offers a huge array of things to do, with exciting rides, chances to build with Lego bricks, Lego reproductions of cities and landmarks, live shows, and a water park. It’s a playful, hands-on atmosphere that has broad appeal for kids and adults alike.

The Milk District Arrow

The Milk District, built up around the TG Lee milk factory that dates back to the 1920s, has been an up-and-coming neighborhood in downtown Orlando since 2008. Over the course of a decade, businesses moved in and events cropped up. Now the area supports a community of stores, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. There’s a funky, DIY feel to the place, with food trucks, colorful street art, and stores, many converted from the industrial buildings that preceded them.

Icon Park Arrow

ICON Orlando, an entertainment complex, centers around a 400-foot observation wheel—the largest of its kind on the East Coast. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding region; it’s also one of the few places around that lets you ascend that high without also traveling upside down at 50 miles an hour on a coaster. Among the other main attractions are the underwater sights of Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, the celebrity lookalikes of Madame Tussaud’s Orlando, the 450-feet high swings of the Orlando Star Flyer, and the fascinating skeletons of the Museum of Osteology.

Kennedy Space Center Arrow

The Kennedy Space Center was most famously the launch pad for the Apollo 11 mission to the moon in 1969. Today the complex welcomes around 1.5 million visitors a year, and encompasses more than 130 square miles. One of the main draws here is the actual space shuttle, the Atlantis orbiter, which goes hand-in-hand with the Shuttle Launch Experience, an immersive simulator. It’s a comprehensive space experience, with real-life artifacts and spacecraft mixed in with impressive multimedia presentations.

Orlando Museum of Art Arrow

The idea of the Orlando Museum of Art dates back to 1924, but the modern-day facility, with its large, white, rotund exterior, was completed in 1997. The museum presents 10 or 12 onsite exhibitions at a time, and is home to one of the best collections of fine art in Florida. The collection here, which includes 2,400 objects, focuses on American art from the 18th century to the present day and international contemporary art. Paintings and photography are presented alongside textiles, pottery, and mixed media.

Disney Wilderness Preserve Arrow

Part of the price that Disney had to pay to develop so much land was to preserve some of it, and the Disney Wilderness Preserve, a nature conserve, opened to the public in 1992. The park contains around 12,000 acres of lakes and swampland that's home to a diverse selection of animals and plantlife. Interpretive trails wind around the grounds, which feel worlds removed from the clamor of theme parks—like a little a corner of tranquility and natural wonder.

Epcot Arrow

Epcot is actually an acronym and stands for the "Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow." Originally intended to be a utopian version of the future, the park has developed into an educational center and a permanent version of the World’s Fair exhibition. The park's two halves encompass 250 acres; Future World is all about education and entertainment, while World Showcase pays tribute to international cultures. Parents will gain a well-rounded outing and kids will enjoy the interactive nature of the exhibits and, of course, the rides.

Universal Studios Florida Arrow

Once a single park, this facility eventually become two parks and an entertainment complex; Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk are both stand-alone attractions in their own right. Universal Studios itself is a mix of high-octane rides and meticulously rendered movie sets that immerse park guests. It’s a relatively adult-friendly atmosphere, especially compared to the other major parks, but that’s not to say there aren’t plenty of things for kids. The park is also a working movie production studio.

Universal's Islands of Adventure Arrow

As Universal Studios grew, its sister theme park, Universal's Islands of Adventures, came into being. Today, it's a world-class theme park all its own, one with some of the most technologically advanced attractions you'll find anywhere in the world. The "islands" break down into Jurassic Park , The Wizarding World of Harry Potter , Marvel Super Hero, and Seuss Landing. This park is very much focused on rides rather than elaborate shows, making it slightly more appealing to older children and adults.

Disney's Hollywood Studios Arrow

For nearly 20 years, Disney's Hollywood Studios functioned as a working movie and TV production facility. That stopped in 2004, but today it remains a must-see park themed around Disney films. The attractions are a mix of rides and shows, and there’s also a fair amount of interactive, educational experiences. The most popular ride is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror , arguably Orlando’s scariest ride, set in what looks like an abandoned hotel. The high-speed Rock 'n' Roller Coaster is also a crowd favorite.

Magic Kingdom Park Arrow

This world-famous theme park is the quintessential Disney experience, with an army of cartoon characters and 107 acres of rides and attractions that at once create a sense of nostalgia and a vision of the future. Seven "lands" evoke individual eras and themes, from the Wild West to jungle to space, all complimented by rollercoasters, parades, street performers, and the most popular Disney characters brought to life.

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64 Best & Fun Things To Do In Orlando (Florida)

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: June 21, 2020  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

Being one of the most beautiful places to visit in the US , Orlando is a popular vacation destination, packed with tourist places and cool spots to visit – especially amusement parks!

But what is there to do in Orlando besides theme parks?

Is there anything else for the history buffs, the animal lovers, and those at home in nature?

Simply put, the answer is yes!

Here’s our travel guide with our picks for the top 64 fun things to do and places to visit in Orlando, Florida!

Table of Contents

1. Orlando Museum of Art

Ritu Manoj Jethani / Shutterstock

One of the exciting points of interest in this Florida city is the Orlando Museum of Art .

It is the home of a wide range of permanent art collections, from the incredible and much-loved Art of the Ancient Americas to African art, to contemporary pieces.

The museum opened its doors in 1924 in order to encourage love and education regarding art, and it is now one of the region’s main cultural institutions.

Throughout the 20th century, the museum grew and grew, and its architecture gives visitors a glimpse into mid-century aesthetics as created by students of the great Frank Lloyd Wright.

Address:  2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, United States

2. Madame Tussauds

Few could speak of Orlando without discussing Madame Tussauds .

Not too far from the center of the city, Madame Tussauds is the go-to wax museum, sitting right at ICON Park in a prime location next to the big wheel and other exciting offerings.

Madame Tussauds is always updated, with new figures representing famous personalities added regularly, so there’s sure to be someone recognizable to each member of a family.

Many of the figures are so lifelike that they make for incredible photo opportunities, and favorite spot-on lookalikes include Anne Hathaway, Jackie Chan, Justin Bieber, and Oprah Winfrey.

There are also themed portions of Madame Tussauds that allow you to get up close and personal in fun pop culture scenes right from Orlando, such as Justice League: A Call For Heroes, where you can stand among figures of the actors in their superhero garb.

Address:  8387 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

3. Kennedy Space Center

NaughtyNut / Shutterstock

The Kennedy Space Center is one of the most fascinating places of interest near Orlando, Florida.

Since 1968, this has been the main launch center for NASA, which makes it an iconic place that can’t be missed.

Admittedly, it can be difficult to visit the center thanks to the long drive and the need for early arrival, but if you’re in Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center is more than worth the trip.

A bus tour allows you to view the grounds, and a visitor complex is full of interesting things to check out.

There are plenty of activities and exhibits to enjoy at the Kennedy Space Center.

The Space Shuttle Atlantis Exhibit shows off a beautiful shuttle floating in midair, while a Shuttle Launch Experience gives you a chance to feel what it’s like to lift off.

The Vehicle Assembly Building, which is one of the world’s largest buildings, will impress you with its scale and assembly features, too.

Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32899, United States

4. Harry P. Leu Gardens

Jillian Cain Photography / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for more sights to feast your eyes on in Orlando, look no further than the Harry P. Leu Gardens .

These lush botanical gardens were founded by Mr. Leu, an industrialist who built the 50-acre gardens through travel in the 1930s as he brought back exotic, rare, and unique seeds and plants with him.

The gardens aren’t far from downtown Orlando and are a great stop.

The gardens boast semi-tropical and tropical spaces, with shady oaks and camellias providing shade across the pathways.

Different plants begin to bloom all throughout the year, so different visits at different times of the year can get you a completely different landscape!

One of the most fun things to do in Orlando is to go on a guided tour of the gardens and the Leu House Museum.

Of course, with over 230 cultivars and 2,000 plants, there’s no end to the variety of flora that you can view here.

Themed gardens add to the appeal with butterfly gardens, bird gardens, conifer collections, palm gardens, citrus groves, floral clocks, fruit collections, and many more!

Address:  1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, United States

5. Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

mirsasha / flickr

Taking a trip to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is one of the coolest things to do in the vicinity of Orlando’s Winter Park.

The museum itself first came to life in 1942, though it saw its first few decades in a different location. 

In 1957, Jeanette Genuine McKean, the founder of the museum, purchased a wide range of items left behind in the ruined Laurelton Hall, left destroyed after the passing of owner and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany.

With its bigger collection, the museum gained more popularity, and in the 1990s, it made its way over to its current location.

Now, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is among the best and most fun spots in Orlando, Florida for history buffs and anyone who appreciates an old-fashioned aesthetic.

It has the world’s most complete Tiffany collection, ranging from paintings to stained glass, from furniture to jewelry, from mosaics to enamels, and even from lamps to a recreated chapel built-in 1893!

Address:  445 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, United States

6. Blue Spring State Park

U. Gernhoefer / Shutterstock

Blue Spring State Park is among the most well-loved vacation spots in Orlando, and for a reason!

It’s a manatee refuge, and in winter months, it’s a must-see as manatees make their way upwards into the spring in the northern portion of the lively city, leading up to the St. John’s River further into Florida.

Visitors often walk along the boardwalk, which spans about a third of a mile.

From here, it’s easy to see these beautiful, slightly bumbling creatures move along, providing great photo opportunities.

But even in warmer months, Blue Spring State Park is worth a visit.

Water sports of all kinds can be partaken in.

Scuba divers are often seen exploring caves in the spring, swimmers can enjoy crystal clear 73-degree waters year-round, and canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks are available for rent.

There are 51 campsites across the state park, on top of 6 rental cabins and multiple picnic tables.

Address:  2100 W French Ave, Orange City, FL 32763, United States

7. Amway Center

Miosotis_Jade / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Orlando, Florida, as a sports fan, then you simply can’t miss out on watching Orlando Magic in their element.

Amway Center is the home for this basketball team.

This venue hosts 18,846 seats and boasts a tower of 55 meters that is one of the best known landmarks of the city.

There’s also a huge LED screen that faces the highway, showcasing what the game has to offer.

Apart from just competitive, exciting NCAA games, the Amway Center also doubles as a popular venue for concerts.

It has served as a stage for great performers like Sara Bareilles, Khalid, Florence and the Machine, the Black Keys, and even the Jonas Brothers, all just in 2019.

Address:  400 W Church St #200, Orlando, FL 32801, United States

8. Old Town

VIAVAL / Shutterstock

Old Town is located in Kissimmee , a mix of a live amusement park, old-fashioned charm, and a good deal of shopping opportunities.

Kissimmee itself is worth a trip when you’re looking for where to go when you’re in Orlando, but it’s Old Town that is one of the most popular spots in Kissimmee.

Old Town spans about 18 acres wide over four blocks, filled with streets of brick-lined with lovely trees.

It resembles a traditional, old-fashioned look reminiscent of an older Florida.

For excitement, you can head to a magic show, visit the huge 26-meter Ferris wheel, watch a movie at a family movie screening, play at a video arcade, sing your heart out in karaoke, listen to live music, attend a car show, or traverse a haunted house. 

Many places to eat can be found across this little spot, making up some of the 70 outlets (which includes non-chain souvenir and trinket stores) in the streets.

Just a short distance from Disney on Route 192, Old Town has it all.

Address:  5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee, FL 34746, United States

9. International Drive

NavinTar / Shutterstock

No matter where you are in Orlando, you’re never too far from International Drive , which is almost akin to Florida’s version of the Las Vegas Strip.

All of the fun parts of Orlando seem to converge or at least coalesce around this one long road, with the main water parks, theme parks, and resorts only a short distance away.

You’ll never run out of what to see in this leg of Orlando, with multiple spots to check out, including themed restaurants, big tourist draws, hotels, nightclubs, outlet malls, and more.

Better yet, International Drive is still growing and getting bigger year after year.

You can bet that there will be more offerings still to come.

Address: 9150 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

10. Bok Tower Gardens

Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

While you’re looking for things to do in downtown Orlando, why not stop by the Bok Tower Gardens in downtown Lakeland instead?

The majestic Bok Tower – specifically the Singing Tower – rises up above acres of beautiful scenery in the quiet citrus hills of Lake Wales. 

The Singing Tower and its imposing gothic look are undeniably attractive, and it can be fun to stroll through the many acres of manicured, well-kept gardens and winding trails and paths as you listen to carillon concert music or attend the concerts yourself.

The Bok Tower Gardens first came to life in the 1920s under the funding of Edward W Bok, a magazine editor who commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. to turn a huge and barren sandhill into the most beautiful spot in not just Orlando, but the whole country.

With the aid of 1,000 oaks, 10,000 azaleas, fruit shrubs, flowers, palms, and more, it’s hard to imagine the Bok Tower Gardens as the arid stretch they once were.

Address:  1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33853, United States

11. Disney’s Hollywood Studios

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As we all know, a trip to Orlando, Florida is not complete without a visit to a Disney site, and Disney’s Hollywood Studios earns its stop in the top 10 tourist attractions that Orlando has to offer.

The site is themed on golden age Hollywood, with sprinkles of show business, idealized ideas of the fancy city’s magic, and Los Angeles flair all over.

A stroll through Disney’s Hollywood Studios will take you through such mock-up places as Sunset Boulevard, Toy Story Land, Echo Park, and even Hollywood Boulevard.

There are also dedicated spaces like the Animator space, which showcases some of Disney’s most loved animators and the MuppetVision 3D show, which has hilarious and delightful performances in a huge auditorium.

Other places of note are the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror ride, a motion simulator in a 3D Star Wars universe called The Adventures Continue and a half-hour version of a Broadway classic in Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage.

Address:  351 S Studio Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830, United States

12. Discovery Cove

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Discovery Cove is one of the most fun, must do Orlando attractions, especially if you have kids with you on your Orlando trip.

It’s almost like visiting an island resort, but right in Orlando itself.

Discovery Cove is full of exciting and relaxing things that you can do.

You can take dips in pools or lagoons, snorkel or swim with marine wildlife, feed tropical birds in a free-flight aviary, partake in great food and drink, go for a delightful underwater walk, and much more.

Daily attendance is limited, so Discovery Cove is never too overcrowded.

Address:  6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821, United States

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13. Lake Eola Park

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Lake Eola Park is a favorite among the tourist places in Orlando.

It’s one of the best places in this Florida city to go sightseeing.

The serene environment of Lake Eola Park began a long time ago when settlers came by the water their cattle, and now the beautiful centennial Fountain and the soothing atmosphere make for a great stop during an Orlando trip.

Runners, joggers, and people enjoying a stroll often visit Lake Eola Park to unwind, and some head out on paddle boats shaped like swans to join swans in the 23-acre lake.

Here’s a bit of trivia: the lake is actually a sinkhole, though you wouldn’t be able to tell just by looking at it!

The lovely fountain is decorated with LED lights that make for quite a treat when it’s dark out.

The banks are equally attractive, with neatly trimmed grass, pretty flower beds, a paved path, and plenty of trees like cypresses and palms to shade the way.

The Walt Disney Amphitheater sits on the western side of Lake Eola Park, putting on outdoor movies, concerts, and even plays.

Then, on Sundays, the south-east of the park boasts the farmers’ market, which has more than 50 vendors selling wares.

Address:  512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801, United States

14. Fun Spot America

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We all know that Orlando is packed with huge theme parks with big company names, but Fun Spot America is a must-see simply because it brings one back to the more old-fashioned, less corporate type of amusement park.

It provides free admission without skimping on great rides, which makes it among the nicest places to visit in Orlando for some inexpensive excitement.

Some big, much-loved rides in this Florida branch of this theme park are the White Lightning, a wooden roller coaster that has a 20-meter drop and a 44 mile per hour maximum speed, and the SkyCoaster, purchased from MGM Grand Adventures and standing 76 meters high!

Of course, there are also classic rides – fairground rides, games, carousels, bumper cars, go-kart tracks, and much more.

Essentially, there is plenty to be done and enjoyed, even for the whole family!

Address:  5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

15. Cornell Fine Arts Museum

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The Cornell Fine Arts Museum is home to some of the oldest, most revered, and most sophisticated art collections that Florida has to offer.

It’s in the general vicinity of Lake Virginia, situated within the oldest college in the city, Rollin’s College.

More than 5,000 exhibits live and breathe in the George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Fine Arts Museum, including collections of European Old Masters, contemporary American works, archeological artifacts, photographs, and more.

Thomas Moran, Henri Matisse, and even Pablo Picasso have works displayed here.

Interactive events, such as events for kids and scavenger hunts, make Cornell Fine Arts Museum among the most educational and fascinating places to go for adults and kids alike.

A gift shop provides wonderful souvenirs, too.

On top of all that, entrance is free of charge and comes with a half-hour tour!

Address:  1000 Holt Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, United States

16. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

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SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium provides incredible excitement for all ages as the only international aquarium chain-style exhibit in all of Florida.

For lovers of marine life, this might be the best place to head to in the whole city.

As you explore the aquarium, you’ll get treated to a 360-degree underwater “tunnel” for viewing a wide array of marine animals.

Fish, turtles, eels, and sharks swim through the sparkling water, lit just right to give you the sensation of being underwater and walking among the creatures under the sea.

But that’s not all SEA LIFE has to offer.

Dive shows are put on regularly following a timetable, so you can catch interesting showcases.

Presenters dive into the tanks and perform all sorts of demonstrations with the wildlife.

There are also touch tanks where visitors can reach out and feel starfish and other similar creatures.

SEA LIFE also has a celebrity of its own – Ted the sea turtle, known for aiding conservationists in their efforts to help sea turtles break free of nets using the Turtle Excluder Device.

You can visit him while you’re here!

Address:  8449 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

17. ICON Park

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A place you shouldn’t miss while you’re in Orlando this weekend is ICON Park , specifical thanks to its mind-boggling 400-foot tall observation wheel, ICON Orlando.

The wheel isn’t just the tallest in Florida, but the highest across the East Coast, and it’s a mix of luxury and fun that many love.

Each pod in the wheel is air-conditioned and offers a gorgeous 360-degree view of the panorama of the state.

Many people hop in just before sunset so they get to see the stunning city lights, so if you’re planning to go, tonight – or any night! – is preferable.

There are 30 capsules, and each one can fit 15 passengers.

From your bird’s eye view, you’d be able to see the Universal Resort, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, International Drive, and even the Kennedy Space Center if the night is clear!

Address:  8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

18. Walt Disney World Resort

Walt Disney World Resort is probably one of the most famous locations in the world – and likely the biggest reason why you’d be visiting Orlando in the first place!

Located in Florida, the Walt Disney World Resort is really a combination of two water parks and four theme parks in a single place.

If you have a family, visiting it is one of the best things to do in Orlando – it has something for just about everyone.

Visitors can scoot through EPCOT on a Segway, or try out a backstage tour after enjoying the various facilities the parks have the offer.

There are also plenty of resorts and hotels, should you wish to spend the night.

The place is also home to four golf courses, a selection of entertainment and dining options, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Address:  Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL 32830, United States

19. Kelly Park

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Located on the outskirts of Orlando, Kelly Park is at the very peak of the list of tourist attractions in the state.

And it’s not hard to see why – this beautiful park is full of fun opportunities for activities like swimming, camping, and hiking.

There’s even a full-service concession stand for snacks and meals!

Visitors can check out one of the most famous hot springs in Orlando, or go exploring one of the many trails available here.

You might want to ask regulars what to see and do – it may be hard to decide between bird watching or tubing! 

It’s a good idea to go there early to pay the $5 entry fee – the park tends to reach a full capacity of 280 vehicles by mid-morning.

If you’re one of the lucky 50 vehicles enough to get an afternoon pass at the park entrance, you can go in after 1 pm.

Address:  400 E Kelly Park Rd, Apopka, FL 32712, United States

20. Magic Kingdom Park

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If you’re sightseeing in Orlando, why would you miss out on one of the biggest Orlando attractions in the state?

Located in Florida, Magic Kingdom Park is one of the four Disney theme parks available in the region.

This was the original park that started it all.

Designed and planned by Walt Disney himself, this park opened after his death in 1971.

These days, it is home to some of the most famous characters and parades in the world!

Drop by to see the Cinderella Castle that has become the icon of the company, or explore the six different themed lands that make up the park.

When you’re done watching the fireworks, consider dining at the various cafes and restaurants in the park.

Or bring home a souvenir from the themed shops and boutiques!

All in all, this park in Orlando is where dreams come true.

Address:  1180 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32836, United States

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21. Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show

Have you ever considered enjoying a comedy show while having dinner?

This fun comedy show in Orlando, Florida is here to whet your appetite.

Drop by at night to experience a show that places you directly in the center of the action – all while you’re enjoying your dinner.

Hosted by only a single man named Tony Brent, this 90-minute, family-friendly show is a high-energy experience full of improvisational comedy, impersonation, vanishing acts, and even mind-reading.

The show is hosted in a compact venue, which ensures that everyone gets a clear view of the stage.

The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner charges $20 for children and $30 for adult – a ticket price that includes dinner and unlimited beverages.

If you’ve got children with you on your trip to Orlando, consider dropping by this show for dinner!

Address:  9067 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

22. Winter Park

For one of the more unique places to visit near Orlando, consider Winter Park.

This suburban city was originally established near the end of the 19th as a winter getaway for the rich.

These days, it is full of upmarket shops and parks and is home to the Winter Park History Museum.

As befitting its reputation, Winter Park is full of museums and art institutions.

Consider partaking in one of the many cultural activities the city has year-round, or check out all of the museums and lakeside mansions that sprawl across the city’s landscape!

If you think the best use of your time involves staying outdoors, Winter Park is home to a network of canals and lakes that are worth exploring too.

Originally designed to prevent flooding, they now form a much-loved part of the landscape!

23. Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf

For those who love golfing, Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf should top your list of places to see in Orlando, Florida.

With its two eighteen-hole courses and unique challenges, this fun getaway is perfect for anyone who wants to try their hand at premier mini golf.

Its lush tropical vegetation even ensures you will be protected from the harsh Orlando sun!

These themed courses feature all sorts of decorations, from sunken ships, rope bridges, to wooden walkways, waterfalls, and even a pirate dungeon!

Beginners may prefer the more forgiving Captain’s Course, while more technical players might find Blackbeard’s Challenge to be more enticing.

Despite being near the busy International Drive, the courses themselves are quiet and peaceful.

The rates are affordable too, sitting at $11.50 per child and $12.50 per adult.

You can even stay the night at the course if you wish!

Address:  8501 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

24. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

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Besides theme parks, Florida is famous for its marshy spots and mangrove forests- and Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is here to capitalize on that!

Just four hours away from Orlando is the Everglades National Park – a 32-acre lakeside park that is home to all sorts of wildlife, like alligators and turtles!

Visitors get to sit on an airboat skimming above the water at an exhilarating 45 mph, all in the search of Orlando’s native creatures.

Families seeking an adrenaline rush will find these trips to be perfect – though if that is not your cup of tea, you can also consider renting a bike to explore the park instead.

Sunset cruises and private trips are also possible options for those seeking a more intimate experience.

For the more intrepid explorers, there are sessions that allow you to try driving the airboat yourself!

Address:  2001 E Southport Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34746, United States

25. Gatorland

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For most people, trying to wrestle an alligator in Orlando is not a high priority.

But wouldn’t that be the most memorable part of your trip to Florida?

Even if that isn’t your cup of tea, plenty of fun things to do in Orlando still involve alligators – and this wildlife preserve is no exception to the rule!

There are plenty of activities available in Gatorland , which claims to be the “alligator capital of the world”.

Visitors to this preserve in Orlando can opt for the Trainer-for-a-Day program, which allows you to feed baby alligators.

You can also hop onto a 30mph zip-line that crosses over the Nile crocodiles’ enclosure or check out the Floridian snakes up close.

Additionally, Gatorland is home to the world’s largest collection of white leucistic alligators – a rare and unique sight that will surely stick in your mind for years to come!

Address:  14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837, United States

26. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Located in downtown Orlando, Florida is a building that carries a name you might be familiar with – Ripley’s Believe It Or Not .

This “Odditorium” is home to a cool collection of strange oddities and rare items, all contained within a building that covers about 10,000 square feet.

Don’t be fooled by the building’s appearance – it is not actually falling into a sinkhole!

Exploring this building and its sixteen themed galleries is best reserved for a slow, lazy afternoon.

Escape the midday Orlando heat and duck into this building to see items like a vampire killing kit, licorice sticks, a shrunken head, a Tibetan skull, and even a Beyoncé portrait made entirely of candy!

Pictures are allowed in this building, so feel free to take plenty of photos of you and your family during your self-guided tour.

It will certainly make your trip to Orlando worthwhile!

Address:  8201 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

27. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

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Located in Orlando, Florida is Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts – a glass-fronted building that opened in 2014.

Since then, it has played host to a string of award-winning Broadway shows within the confines of its three theatres, in addition to being the home of Orlando Ballet.

If you have a theatre lover in your group and need some activities, consider adding a show to your list of things to do in downtown Orlando.

Thanks to the center staging over 300 shows each year, there is bound to be something for everyone.

If Broadway isn’t your cup of tea, you can still enjoy world-famous comedians, touring record artists, operas, family shows, symphonies, and even dance.

The center also offers visitors plenty of fun opportunities to interact with stage performers – including dance masterclasses and its PechaKucha Nights!

Address:  445 S Magnolia Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, United States

28. Chocolate Kingdom Orlando

Chocolate Kingdom

One of the best things to do in Orlando, Florida is to visit Chocolate Kingdom and check out their interactive tour.

There, you can find out just how chocolate is created – from bean all the way to bar!

Join one of the group tours for a fun adventure through the various sections Chocolate Kingdom has.

Start your journey at the Cacao Tree Greenhouse to learn about cacao beans, before moving through other locales like the Chocolate Museum, Mystery of Chocolate, Mystical River of Chocolate, and Bean-to-Bar Factory.

This 45-minute interactive tour lets you get involved in making your own customized chocolate bar – and you have the option to buy it as a souvenir!

Tours start at 11 am and take place every hour until closing time at 5 pm.

You can choose to book a tour in advance, or simply show up for one of the hourly tours!

Address:  9901 Hawaiian Ct, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

29. Spook Hill

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Still need stuff to do while in Orlando?

Why not drop by Spook Hill for a really neat optical illusion?

Located near Orlando, Spook Hill is rumored to be haunted.

Whether the locals should be trusted remains to be seen, but the optical illusion the hill provides is sure to delight your children!

Spook Hill offers one of the best physical optical illusions in the state.

Simply drive your car up the hill until you find a sign that tells visitors the story of the hill.

Follow the instructions, and behold how your car seems to start moving uphill of its own accord!

Address:  Lake Wales, FL 33853, United States

30. Blue Man Group

The Blue Man Group is one of the many famous Orlando attractions that promises fun, excitement, and entertainment that can’t be found anywhere else.

Hosted by Universal Orlando Resort in Florida, the Blue Man Group is composed of various talented performers from all over the world that participate in the famous Blue Man Show.

Adults and children alike will be amazed by this family-friendly performance, which combines art, science, technology, music, and even laughter to amaze and dazzle audiences.

Not a single word of dialogue is ever uttered, which means that the language barrier is not an issue for anyone wanting to enjoy the show.

In addition to that, Universal Orlando Resort is home to all sorts of bars and restaurants.

This means that you can always enjoy a meal and a drink before, during, and after the performance for the perfect outing with friends at night!

Address:  6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

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31. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival

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Nature lovers, take note – if you’re ever at a loss for where to visit next in Orlando, one of the best events to attend while site seeing in the state is the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival !

This annual festival is hosted in Disney World’s Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida, and is home to some magnificent sights.

As you stroll through the topiary gardens, you will find this festival to be a feast for the eyes.

Over a hundred topiary displays, exhibits, and gardens are available here – with some even shaped like some popular Disney characters!

There are plenty of stalls that sell all sorts of botanically-inspired snacks as well, along with other foodstuffs like sushi and snacks.

Much of the festival is divided into themed sections for different countries, allowing you to experience a wide variety of flowers and plants.

There is even a magical garden for you to explore!

Address: 200 Epcot Center Dr, Orlando, FL 32830, United States

32. Universal’s Islands of Adventure

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If you’ve ever found yourself asking what to do in Orlando, you might want to consider this incredible theme park.

Located in Orlando, Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure promises fun and excitement for the whole family with their themed islands and jaw-dropping rides.

Families and children will enjoy the various attractions that this theme park will provide – from the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park to the fight against evil on Marvel Super Hero Island.

Another core attraction of this park is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which allows fans to step into the world of Harry Potter and its many locales!

As an added bonus, this theme park is connected with Universal Orlando Resort – meaning you can still enjoy the various hotels and spas the resort has to offer, without stepping away from the magic!

Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

33. Randall Knife Museum

Randall Knife Museum

One of the top places to see in Orlando is the Randall Knife Museum .

Located in Orlando, Florida, this museum is dedicated to the knife-making history of the Randall family – a story that began in 1936 when Bo Randall decided to craft himself a knife.

The family-owned business has continued to make knives since Bo Randall’s passing in 1989, fashioning handmade knives that bedazzle enthusiasts – all from a quiet building on Orange Blossom Trail.

Next to the factory is the family home, which houses one of the largest knife collections in the world.

For those who have a love of history, antiquities, and all things sharp – this may just be the destination for you.

The side-by-side museum, factory, and shop is marked by a small sign that’s easy to miss, so keep an eye out for it when you go to visit!

Address:  4857 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32839, United States

34. Orlando Cat Cafe 

One of the fun places to go in Orlando, Florida is the Orlando Cat Cafe .

This cafe is home to all sorts of delicious baked goods and paninis and can be found in the town center.

The unique selling point of this cafe, however, is its cats.

You’re invited to buy a cup of coffee or tea, a pastry, and then sit down in the main dining portion and watch the cats lounging about from behind the protection of the glass.

This is perfect for those who want to enjoy the company of a cat but may have allergies.

When you’re ready to play with them, simply pay a small fee to enter the cat space for your destressing session!

If you happen to fall in love with any of the cats in the cafe, there is some good news for you.

All the cats come from SPCA Florida, meaning that they are adoptable and in need of a loving home!

Address:  532 Cagan Park Ave suite 201-203, Clermont, FL 34714, United States

35. IFly Orlando Indoor Skydiving

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If you’re an adrenaline junkie, pay close attention.

One of the best things you can get in Orlando is a simulated skydiving experience – all in the safety of the iFly Orlando Indoor Skydiving center!

The innovative wind-tunnel technology makes the experience safe for children as young as 3 – though you will still need the proper equipment and training.

Luckily, both will be provided in the form of a flight suit, a helmet, a pair of goggles, and a personal flight instructor.

Guests will be taught proper body positioning before entering the wind tunnel – with an instructor in tow for continued guidance.

The actual skydiving simulation only lasts 60 seconds, but you can choose a package that lets you go into the wind tunnel multiple times.

For first-timers, the total experience from beginning to end will last an average of an hour and a half.

Address:  8969 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

36. Wekiwa Springs State Park

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One of the must-see Orlando destinations includes the Wekiwa Springs State Park – a wilderness reserve that spans 7,000 acres and is home to the source of the Wekiva River.

Known to never have been rerouted or dammed, the pristine waters of this 16-mile river promises all sorts of kayaking and canoeing fun!

For those who would rather spend some time relaxing, other points of interest include the famous spring.

Fed by two sources, the spring contributes an astonishing 163 million liters to the might of the river.

Visitors can also take a dip in the half-acre pool, which stays at a comfortable 71°F all year round.

The park is also home to the undergrowth and woodlands famous to Orlando, which visitors should consider checking out if they’re interested in seeing the alligators that are native to Florida!

Address:  1800 Wekiwa Cir, Apopka, FL 32712, United States

37. Lakeridge Winery and Vineyard

Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

This bit of fun is best left for adults.

While Lakeridge Winery and Vineyard doesn’t promise the usual high-energy excitement you’d expect of Orlando destinations, it still showcases a side of Florida that is just as incredible.

Located on a sprawling country estate, the premium winery is surrounded by 80 acres of beautiful scenery.

Visitors can go for free wine-tasting tours 7 days a week, and attend all sorts of wine-related festivals hosted at Lakeridge year round.

And who knows – maybe you’ll learn something about wine, and go home with a bottle of premium vintage to enjoy as a result!

Address:  19239 US-27, Clermont, FL 34715, United States

38. Orlando Science Center

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If you’re coming along with kids, taking a trip to the Orlando Science Center isn’t just educational, but also a cool experience that people of all ages are sure to love.

A wide range of exciting, jaw-dropping exhibits showcases all things scientific in fun and engaging ways.

This science center is privately owned and is akin to a museum.

Its life began in Florida 1955, though it is its mid-90s expansion that really brought it more fame, and it’s now one of the top things to do in Orlando.

Each admission also comes with shows that you can watch at the 3D Adventure Theater or the Dr. Phillips CineDome.

Each portion of the science center provides something interesting.

On Level 1, you’ll find NatureWorks, which promotes a healthy recreation of the natural habitats of Florida, including beautiful coral reefs full of fish, mangroves full of reptiles, cypress swamps, and more.

Then, on level 2, there is the Kinetic Zone, which is packed with hands-on exhibits discussing concepts such as magnetism, gravity, and electricity. 

Higher up on level 4 is Our Planet, an interactive exhibit that illustrates the Solar System in all its weird and wonderful glory, even providing Hubble Space Telescope images straight from NASA!

The same floor also has DinoDigs, which allows kids to dig through a giant pit to find fossils of all kinds!

Address:  777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803, United States

39. Mennello Museum of American Art

If you’re a fan of art and history, the Mennello Museum of American Art is one of the Orlando attractions you shouldn’t miss.

It has some of the most loved paintings and is marked with prestige and fame, including a famed permanent collection of Earl Cunningham, a self-taught artist whose works are showcased beautifully in this Orlando museum.

It’s not just paintings at this museum, though.

Drawings, statues, and even hand-blown glass are carefully arranged throughout the premises.

Seasonal exhibits, such as the Folk Art Festival, add livelier flavor during certain times of the year, and regular free admission days are available for families every second Sunday, complete with a make-and-take crafting space.

The museum also offers a nice gift shop that shells jewelry, crafts, memorabilia, souvenirs, and books.

The Mennello Museum of American Art also offers a slice of paradise outside, merging with the paths of the Orlando Urban Trail.

This “paradise” is none other than The Sculpture Garden, which is packed with statues and sculpted art of all kinds decorating and hiding among the foliage, flora, and natural beauty.

Don’t forget to check out The Mayor, a Spanish moss-covered oak tree that is 350 years old!

Address:  900 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803, United States

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40. Nona Adventure Park

It can get pretty hot in Orlando, Florida – and the Nona Adventure Park is one of the most loved of Orlando’s fun tourist attractions to help beat the sweltering heat!

The water park features a huge inflatable obstacle course that is essentially a way to float and have a blast at the same time.

Close to the water course, you can find a cable park, which takes you through a pulley system-based wakeboard that lets you hit the surf in an amazing way.

The cable park has two tracks – one for beginner to intermediate wakeboard surfers, and one for experienced riders who aim for the challenge of a 36 mph speed over 750 meters! 

If you need to return to land, there’s a bistro to dine at and a climbing tower to bring you above ground for a bit.

It’s not far from the airport, either, so it’s a great stop that’s not hard to get to.

Address:  14086 Centerline Dr, Orlando, FL 32827, United States

41. Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

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The Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is a wildlife haven packed with 440 acres of sights to see, and it’s among the greatest places to check out in Orlando for nature-lovers.

Made up of wilderness biomes including pine flatwoods, marshes, cypress swamps, scrub, and bay swamps, the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve boasts 3.6-mile hiking trails and beautiful flora and fauna all around.

All sorts of animals can be found in this nature preserve year-round, including bald eagles, American alligators, ospreys, river otters, eastern screen owls, and gopher tortoises.

The variety of fauna really makes it feel like you’re no longer in Orlando!

While you’re in this lovely place of tranquility in Orlando, you should also stop by the Vera Carer Environmental Center, which provides information regarding the wildlife of the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve, interactive and live displays, and even taxidermies!

Address:  8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836, United States

42. The Florida Mall

Orlando is surprisingly somewhat known for its good shopping opportunities, and one such opportunity lies in The Florida Mall .

This huge shopping complex is one of the largest one-story shopping centers not just in Orlando, but in all of America – and this makes it among the highest on the list of things to see for shopaholics!

The mall covers over 167,000 square meters of land, with over 250 outlets for dining and retail.

Popular chain stores like H&M, Zara, Macy’s, and Victoria’s Secret all have homes here, but there are also exclusive shops to add to the fun.

These exclusive stores include The Disney Store, the American Girl doll shop, Carlo’s Bakery, and M&M’s World.

Food offerings are also great here.

You can find virtually every type of cuisine, ranging from fast food like Five Guys to foreign meals like the Hocca Bar for Brazilian food and outlets for sushi.

There’s a reason this shopping complex attracts over 20 million visitors on an annual basis, after all!

Address:  8001 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809, United States

43. Ocala National Forest

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Visiting the Ocala National Forest is a definite must-do while you’re in Orlando, especially if you’re a big nature-lover.

When it comes to vacation spots, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one in Florida that can surpass the wonders of the natural landscape of the forest, spanning 383,000 acres and boasting over 600 springs, lakes, and rivers. 

This Orlando site offers a number of exciting ventures, allowing visitors to go horseback riding, snorkeling, swimming, and diving, as well as the normal, simple acts of cycling and hiking.

Trails can be very fascinating, and there are more than a hundred to traverse, including ones that go past homesteads from the 1800s and some that pass by sinkholes.

One of the best parts of Ocala National Forest is the Alexander Springs Recreation Area, which promises 72-degree waters no matter what time of year it is.

Beautiful flora in the form of cabbage palms, maple trees, and sweetgum trees surround these springs, making for a lovely and serene environment.

There is also the Salt Springs Recreation Area which, true to its name, has a spring filled with salty water, naturally formed from fissures formed deep in the earth. 

Address: 40929 State Road 19, Umatilla, FL 32784, United States

44. Celebration

John Sternbergh Photography / Shutterstock

Celebration is a rather unique name for a town, and its title is rooted in fascinating history.

The Walt Disney Company intentionally designed this small town to form a quaint, quiet community that gives Orlando visitors a taste of small town, old-fashioned America, right near all the theme parks!

Upon strolling through this special Florida town, you’ll find architecture reminiscent of the pleasant wonder of classic Disney movies, specialty boutiques and dining establishments, and even some special events that are among the many fun things to do in Orlando.

Though there is no obvious link between Celebration and Disney, the whimsical air and nostalgic atmosphere certainly do it plenty of favors!

45. Crayola Experience

Crayola Experience Orlando

Nestled in the depths of The Florida Mall in Orlando is Crayola Experience – an indoor theme park named after the famous crayon brand itself!

Here, you will find 26 different hands-on activities that are sure to fascinate young children – for example, coloring at the Ultimate Coloring Station!

There are still plenty of points of interest for older members of the family too!

Kids and adults alike can try their hand at painting with melted crayons, or check out the Color Magic augmented reality displays to see how you can bring your own artwork to life.

The theme park is also home to Bluetiful – the largest crayon in the world!

While there’s plenty of souvenirs and memorabilia available at the Crayola Store, the best possible gift you can probably get for yourself is your very own personalized Crayola crayon!

Just ask the resident crayonologist for help, before leaving the place with a one-of-a-kind crayon!

Traveling around Florida? Check out our lists of fun things to do in Miami  & things to do in Saint Augustine !

46. Global Convergence Sculpture 

Global Convergence Sculpture

Staring at a sculpture isn’t most people’s idea of a fun time, but the Global Convergence Sculpture located in Orlando, Florida may be the most favorable exception to the rule.

Transparent blue panels line this aluminum globe to give it the appearance of an aquarium.

Each panel is individually lined with printed fish designed to look exactly as they do in life.

Together with the shifting light patterns projected onto the inside of the sculpture with internal LED lights, and the entire “aquarium” almost seems alive with a school of native shoal bass.

It’s important to note that this freshwater fish will vanish should the environment take a turn for the worse.

As a result, the goal of this sculpture – and several others like it – is to raise awareness on the need for sustainability and environmentalism.

So if you ever ask “What to do” while in Orlando, why not check out this incredible sculpture to appreciate its message?

Address: 65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801, United States

47. American Ghost Adventures

There’s plenty of ghost stories to be found throughout Florida – and Orlando is no exception.

So it should be no surprise that American Ghost Adventures exists to capitalize on this history.

Join one of their eight “Ghost Adventure” tours, where you will be led by local guides through famous cemeteries and dark city streets.

Two of these interactive ghost tours are located in Orlando itself!

One of them is a walking tour, while the other is a tour of a haunted pub.

Tour guides are often knowledgeable experts on the paranormal, and may even ask you to help them “communicate” with all sorts of presences as an interactable part of the experience.

Several types of tours are available, from family-friendly ones to private tours.

There is even an at-home “investigation”, should you want such an option!

All in all, this is an experience you won’t want to miss while in Orlando.

Address:  129 W Church St 3rd floor, Orlando, FL 32801, United States

48. Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe

Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe

If you’re Catholic, then this church may already be on the top of your list.

Even if you aren’t religious, it is undeniable that one of the best tourist attractions in Orlando is the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe .

Consecrated in 1979 to service the massive influx of tourists into Florida after the opening of Disneyworld in Orlando, the church is a beautiful Roman-style building flanked by large naves and decorated with an arcade of arches.

It is also capable of seating 2,000 worshippers at once.

If you’re not too interested in attending service, the church also has a Shrine Museum full of various paintings and statues that date back from the 1500s.

There is also a lovely rosary garden for you to spend a quiet moment in, should you wish to do so.

Address:  8300 Vineland Ave, Orlando, FL 32821, United States

49. Legoland Florida

Rob Hainer / Shutterstock

Some of the most famous Orlando attractions are theme parks.

So if you’re already in Florida and are looking for fun, it’s likely you’ll be already considering Legoland Florida – and for a good reason! 

Originally the Cypress Gardens, this 150-acre theme park still retains its historical landscaping and is full of green spaces.

The park itself is split up into multiple lands that are crammed full of shows and rides.

Visitors can check out scale models of famous monuments and landscapes – from the Kennedy Space Center to locations in the Star Wars universe!

Kids between the ages of 6 and 13 will enjoy learning how to drive in Legoland’s Driving School, while families will enjoy the welcome respite Legoland Water Park offers from the heat!

Address:  1 Legoland Way, Winter Haven, FL 33884, United States

There’s more to Florida! Check out some cool things to do in Sarasota  & things to do in Pensacola !

50. Escapology Orlando

Escapology Orlando

If you’re looking for a fun thing to do in Orlando this weekend, Escapology Orlando is a must do.

Escapology tests your puzzle-solving and lateral thinking with its 6 game rooms.

All rooms are historically themed and set in various locations, and carry their own stories – from trying to solve the Cuban Missile Crisis to dealing with a shootout in Arizona!

Each room can handle 2 to 6 players and is ranked by difficulty.

Larger groups can split themselves into two smaller groups and challenge each other on who is the faster problem solver!

Players who struggle with puzzles need not worry – each group is given the option to ask a Game Master for help at any time.

It’s a good idea to book online, as walk-in prices tend to be a little more expensive.

Prices start at $26 for a shared session, while private sessions will start at $30 instead.

Address:  11951 International Dr c3, Orlando, FL 32821, United States

51. Universal Citywalk 

When it comes to Florida, the first thing you would think of is retirement homes.

Today, however, the state is famous for a plethora of attractions – especially if you are to visit Orlando!

Universal CityWalk may be a gateway to the more famous Universal Studios, but it is so much more than that.

This district is jam-packed full of dining and shopping experiences – and unlike Universal Studios, the entry cost is the low price of free!

In addition to that, plenty of events and festivals are hosted here throughout the year, so be sure to check the calendar.

When you’re done having a meal at one of the various cafes and restaurants that line this place, stick around to check out the many fascinating and exciting spots that Citywalk offers.

The famous Blue Man Group performs here, and you can easily check out one of the many nightspots that stay open until 2 am.

If that’s not quite your speed, perhaps consider trying mini-golf here instead!

52. Tupperware Confidence Center

Tupperware Confidence Center

Checking out a building dedicated to Tupperwares doesn’t seem like one of the best things to see in Orlando, Florida – but the Tupperware Confidence Center is more than just a Tupperware museum.

It is also dedicated to celebrating the women pivotal to its history and features a tribute to Brownie Wise – the woman responsible for making Tupperware the household name it is today.

As a result, visitors to the Tupperware Confidence Center will be greeted by its campaign to empower women, and the story of how the product was sold and got famous.

The museum also showcases the history of the containers and the vintage machinery and products made throughout history.

Entry is free for everyone, and the museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm, so there’s plenty of time to check it out without needing to pay a cent all week, even this weekend!

Address: 14901 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837, United States

53. Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens

Orlando has a lot more to offer besides theme parks – like this cool garden!

The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is full of sculptures that were produced by sculptor Albin Polasek across the entirety of his lifetime.

Visitors to this property in Orlando, Florida will be able to explore the beautiful landscapes and the sculptures found all over the place.

There is also a butterfly garden to explore, in addition to the property’s two water gardens.

Consider booking a guided tour to get the full experience and history of the place!

You can also explore the historical home of the sculptor himself, which has since been changed into a museum.

It’s also a pretty good idea to be a regular visitor – the exhibitions in the galleries are always showcasing new artwork, so there’s always something new to see!

Address:  633 Osceola Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, United States

54. Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp

Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp

Believers of the metaphysical, take note – one of the top Orlando attractions you can find is the Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp – bearer of the title ‘World’s Psychic Capital’.

Located just half an hour away from Orlando by car, the camp was originally founded by George P. Colby.

Despite being open to the public, the camp is really a small residence of psychics and mediums – about 55 houses are private.

Nevertheless, it is home to an assortment of workshops and classes that are designed to help you get in contact with your spiritual side.

You can even stay the night if you so wish!

So if you’re looking for a fun, quirky experience in Orlando, why not get a psychic reading from this place?

Address:  1112 Stevens St, Lake Helen, FL 32744, United States

55. The Holy Land Experience

Francisco Henriquez / Shutterstock

Religious or not, you gotta admit this is a cool experience to get in Orlando of all places. The Holy Land Experience is a theme park that strives to recreate the biblical experience – all within Florida, where it’s an easy drive away from Orlando.

Stepping into the theme park instantly transports visitors into a recreation of 1st century Judea, crammed full of what owners and operators that the Trinity Broadcasting Network claims to be exact replicas of important locations and structures from the Holy Land.

Key points of interest include various temples, the Qumran Dead Sea Caves, the Wilderness Tabernacle, and even a model of Jerusalem!

Locations aside, there’s also plenty of things to do here – reenactments and performances abound, from participating in a recreation of The Last Supper to reenactments of Jesus’s crucifixion.

Whatever you choose to do, it is sure to be an interactive learning experience!

Address:  4655 Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32811, United States

56. Revolution Off Road

Revolution Off Road

Looking for fun in Orlando and you want to do it tomorrow, with no further planning?

Revolution Off Road promises you an afternoon filled with adrenaline, mud, and a whole lot of excitement – all just 22 miles away from Orlando itself!

This off-road motor venue in Florida sprawls across 230 acres and is full of various trails you can drive down in a dune buggy, all-terrain vehicles, or even an ARGO amphibious vehicle.

There are no drivers for you here – it’s just you racing against your friends as you speed across the countryside!

If getting dirty isn’t on your to-do list, there’s plenty of other things you can do too!

Try bass fishing in their private lake, or take up some archery lessons.

Clay shooting is available too if you’re interested.

And they provide all the equipment, so you don’t have to bring your own!

Address:  4000 FL-33, Clermont, FL 34714, United States

57. The Mall At Millenia

You wouldn’t think that visiting a shopping mall would be so high up on the list of best things to do in Orlando, but this one may change your mind.

Originally opened in 2002 as the first upscale mall in Central Florida, The Mall at Millenia still maintains its status as the go-to shopping destination for premium brands in Orlando.

Brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Emporio Armani, Versace, and even Yves Saint Lauren can be found in this architecturally dazzling mall.

This place isn’t just for the elite, however – common mainstays like H&M can be found here too, alongside more common brands like Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and even the first Macy’s in Orlando.

Even if you’re not interested in buying something, the building is still worth paying a visit.

With its beautiful fountains and gorgeous glass ceilings, the mall itself is physically a sight to behold too!

Address:  4200 Conroy Rd, Orlando, FL 32839, United States

58. The Vanguard

The Vanguard

If you’re in Orlando tonight and you need a nighttime outing for adults, then your most reliable and exciting bet is The Vanguard .

First known as Firestone Live and later as Venue 578, The Vanguard is a nightclub that has made itself in what was once an old tire store.

The nightclub is famous for three things – its incredible sound system, the various entertainment events and music festivals it hosts, and the concerts it holds.

Every year, the venue plays host to over a hundred concerts – and some of them are concerts of well-known artists like Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, and Busta Rhymes!

You don’t have to stay put here when you start getting bored with the music, either.

Music lovers will be pleased to know there are at least two more music options you can visit when you’re done with The Vanguard!

Address:  578 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, United States

59. Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

KLiK Photography / Shutterstock

Trawling through downtown Orlando in search of some fun activities?

Look no further than the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens !

The zoo itself is home to over 500 animals spanning across 205 different species, like llamas, lizards, giraffes, rhinos, and even leopards!

Even without the animals and the various opportunities to learn about them, the Central Florida Zoo has plenty to do and to see.

Consider checking out the aerial adventure course, or tramping about in the splash ground to cool off.

There is also the Barnyard Buddies Children’s Zoo, a petting zoo that is perfect for younger children hoping to feed and pet-friendly animals.

The zoo also houses an insect zoo and a herbarium, which itself is home to the largest venomous and non-venomous snake collection in the southeast.

And this whole experience is only 20 minutes away from Orlando itself!

Address:  3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771, United States

Looking to explore even more? Check out some amazing things to do in Gainesville  & things to do in Jacksonville !

60. Jack Kerouac House

Jack Kerouac House

Every travel guide for exploring Florida will include the Jack Kerouac House – and for a very good reason.

Located in Orlando, this house marks the last home of the famous poet and writer, who spent his final years penning one of his most iconic works – The Dharma Bums.

Since then, the Friends of Jack Kerouac group have gained ownership of the house, and run it as a free residency for writers under the Kerouac Project.

Writers can live here expense-free while working on their projects, in honor of Jack Kerouac himself.

Many fans still consider this home a pilgrimage site, so you’ll see plenty of them around as they drop by to pay respects.

It is definitely worth paying this Heritage Site a visit while you’re traveling in Orlando – after all, this is an important cultural landmark for writers!

Address:  1418 Clouser Ave, Orlando, FL 32804, United States

61. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition Orlando

Is a slow, self-guided tour through a museum your idea of a fun time?

Then the Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition should definitely be on your list of top things to do in Orlando!

Opened in Orlando, Florida on the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster, this exhibition showcases over 400 artifacts that have been successfully recovered from the wreck.

This includes a 3-ton piece of the ship’s hull itself!

If staring at artifacts don’t catch your fancy, the exhibition also has 17 galleries that contain exact replicas of the Titanic’s decor.

Some key sites include the Boiler Room, the Grand Staircase, the Promenade, and the First Parlour Suite.

The tours themselves are immersive, guided by actors playing the roles of actual crew members and passengers.

And to cap off the whole experience, you get a chance to touch a frozen chunk of iceberg yourself just to see how cold it was – all within Orlando!

Address:  7324 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

62. Orlando Balloon Rides

Orlando Balloon Rides

Not everyone is interested in going out at night, so just what kind of fun can you still have if you want to keep your Orlando experience strictly a day trip?

Enter the Orlando Balloon Rides – an experience that may become the highlight of your trip to Florida!

Since its establishment in 1985, this hot air balloon operator has provided incredible rides to anyone who wants to soar 1,000ft into the sky.

Some of the things to see on this hour-long ride includes both the cityscape and surrounding region, as well as all sorts of theme parks, orange groves, and swamp forests.

The balloon rides are available every single day of the year – but if you have a specific date in mind, it’s best to book it in advance.

The flights will also be canceled if the weather doesn’t meet safety conditions, so make sure to stay on top of your flight’s status.

Address:  5010 US-27, Clermont, FL 34714, United States

63. The Escape Game Orlando

The Escape Game (Orlando)

Looking for cool places to go in Florida ?

Have a penchant for solving puzzles and challenges?

Why not check out The Escape Game Orlando for 60 minutes of adventure?

You can even get a pin upon completion as a present!

Thanks to its transformative environments, players are thrown immediately into the heart of a tactile story and challenge.

Finding clues and trying to escape will test you and your friend’s lateral thinking and problem-solving skills – along with your ability to communicate and work together as a team!

Don’t worry if solving puzzles isn’t your strong suit, however – The Escape Game Orlando offers various rooms of varying difficulties, so you can just choose your own challenge level.

Additionally, most rooms are designed for a team of 2 to 8 players, so this is a good activity to try out with a group of friends!

Address:  8145 International Dr #511, Orlando, FL 32819, United States

64. WonderWorks

Carlos Rios / flickr

Still hunting down a list of fun things to do in Orlando?

This exciting indoor amusement park should be at the peak of that list – especially if you have children!

Located in Orlando, Florida, this amusement park catches the eye from the getgo with its strange design.

After all, it’s not very often you see a building that appears as if it were turned upside down!

According to WonderWorks ’s story, this building is both the laboratory and home of Professor Wonder, who got caught up in a tornado vortex when an experiment went wrong.

This building – and the man himself – then got transported to this location from the Bermuda Triangle, and is now home to all sorts of interactive scientific exhibits!

Many of these exhibits are arranged into six “Wonder Zones”.

Each one covers some scientific themes and educates participants through all sorts of simulations and exhibits.

What better way to understand physics than to design your own rollercoaster, after all?

Visiting other parts of Florida? Why not check out some of the best things to do in Key Largo  & some of the fun things to do in Fort Myers ?

Start Planning Your Trip To Orlando

Orlando is full of some of the best places to go on vacation and some of the best tourist attractions that you can find in Florida, even besides Disney.

Whether you plan a trip to the city today, tomorrow, this weekend, or next month, we hope that this list of the top spots in our guide for where to go on an Orlando vacation has helped you discover all the wonders that it has to offer! 

Things to Do in Orlando, FL - Orlando Attractions

Things to do in orlando.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Florida Center
• International Drive
• Lake Buena Vista
• Downtown Orlando
• Doctor Phillips
• Celebration
• Hunters Creek
• Florida Mall
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Universal Islands of Adventure

2. Discovery Cove

3. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

4. Magic Kingdom Park

5. Universal Studios Florida

6. Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

7. Fun Spot America

9. Disney Springs

10. SeaWorld

11. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

12. Disney’s Hollywood Studios

13. Orlando International Premium Outlets

14. International Drive

15. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

16. Harry P. Leu Gardens

17. Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe

18. Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets

19. Lake Eola Park

20. The Florida Mall

21. Kia Center

22. Cinderella Castle

23. Aquatica

24. Disney's Boardwalk

25. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

26. Pandora – The World of Avatar

27. Exotic Animal Experience

28. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

29. Madame Tussauds Orlando

30. Tree of Life

What travelers are saying.

16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Orlando, FL

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Lana Law Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

The city of Orlando is located in one of the world's most visited tourist regions and attracts tens of millions of visitors from across the globe every year. The big draw? Well, in addition to having year-round near-perfect weather where even the winters are mild, this bustling city just so happens to boast some of Florida's top tourist attractions : Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld Orlando, and Universal Resort.

The establishment of these mega-amusement parks has encouraged countless other investors involved in the travel and leisure sectors, and today there are limitless hotels, motels, and resorts in Orlando and the Kissimmee area to choose from. These, along with the many thousands of restaurants, dozens of golf courses, and numerous other attractions and things to do in Orlando, all add up to prove that Walt was right when he took a gamble on the city back in 1971.

While many people think of Orlando as only a family destination dominated by activities targeted at children, adults will find plenty to keep them entertained as well. Attractions like the Harry P. Leu Gardens make for nice escapes, and the Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral is within easy reach of the city.

Whatever you plan on doing while you're here, be sure to discover the best of this area with our list of the top attractions in Orlando, Florida.

1. Walt Disney World Parks

2. universal theme parks, 3. seaworld orlando, 4. discovery cove, 5. disney's typhoon lagoon & blizzard beach water parks, 6. universal's volcano bay water theme park, 7. day trip to kennedy space center visitor complex, 8. gatorland, 9. disney springs, 10. lake eola park, 11. orlando science center, 12. harry p. leu gardens, 13. icon park, 14. winter park, 15. celebration, 16. exotic animal experience, where to stay in orlando for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to orlando, orlando, fl - climate chart.

Walt Disney World Resort is Florida's most popular family attraction and has been ever since the Magic Kingdom opened its gates to the public back in 1971. Since then, the resort, usually referred to by guests simply as Disney World, has grown tremendously. It encompasses four theme parks, two water parks, a shopping and entertainment district, a sports complex, an extensive boardwalk, as well as numerous Disney-owned accommodation options.

Of its four parks, Magic Kingdom Park is the most iconic, with Cinderella's Castle standing at the center of the park. If you've not been to Magic Kingdom for a few years, you may want to make it a priority next time you're in Orlando. In addition to major refurbishments and upgrades to many of the classic children's favorites, a number of newer rides aimed at older audiences have been added, including the state-of-the-art TRON Lightcycle / Run, one of the world's fastest roller coasters.

Epcot's Spaceship Earth geosphere stands at the entrance of this exposition-style park, which includes Future World and the World Showcase, an around-the-world experience that gives visitors a chance to peek at different cultures. While traveling the world and visiting the 11 pavilions dedicated to each participating country, you can meet popular international Disney characters like Mulan, Belle, and Mary Poppins.

Disney's Hollywood Studios park gives you the opportunity to see into the world of movie magic, with exciting stunt and special effect shows. It's here you can also enjoy thrilling new film-themed rides like the Star Wars -inspired Star Tours and Rise of the Resistance, and for younger audiences, the epic Toy Story Mania.

The Kilimanjaro Safari experience at Animal Kingdom is an amazing way to see African animals run free in a natural habitat, and the massive Tree of Life makes the perfect backdrop for family photos. Also worth a ride and the sometimes lengthy line-ups, Expedition Everest is an exciting roller coaster ride that even ends with a Yeti encounter.

Fireworks and parades are nightly events throughout the parks, and there are special events held at each, year-round. Although lines for the top attractions and rides can be notoriously long, there are options available that can help you get the most out of your visit.

Disney's many resort hotel complexes make the experience complete and offer a full range of themed destinations, from budget accommodations like Disney's Pop Century Resort to the Port Orleans Resort ( Riverside or French Quarter ) to the shopping, restaurant, theater, and music experiences awaiting you in Disney Springs. Another big plus is that beginning in 2024 guests at Disney resorts will once again benefit from perks such as early entry, extended evening hours, and those excellent Disney Dining Plans. Yeah!

Authors' Tips: If you're planning on visiting multiple parks, allow at least a day for each. A little advance planning can go a long way, too, so be sure to arrive with a short list of must-ride attractions for each using the handy free park maps to plot an itinerary. And make use of Disney's Genie Service , a handy online itinerary tool, to help plan your day, including providing faster access to your must-do rides. Purchasing multi-day, all-park passes are another good idea and offer significant savings the longer you plan on staying.

Consisting of three individual parks, Universal Orlando Resort has in recent years certainly upped its game as a challenger to Disney's theme park supremacy. The addition of new rides and attractions within each of the parks – Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay – has certainly helped, and these days you can easily spend as much time exploring Universal's rich world of characters as you can Disney's.

Universal Studios Florida is the original and is a combination theme park and working studio that was designed in consultation with Steven Spielberg to give visitors an interactive experience with the filmmaking industry. While it's popular with all ages, its numerous thrilling roller coasters and wet rides ensure its reputation as one of the best places to visit in Florida for those traveling with teenage kids.

Universal's Islands of Adventure has eight uniquely themed zones that are each dedicated to a film franchise. These include Seuss Island, The Lost Continent, Toon Lagoon, Jurassic Park, Skull Island: Reign of Kong, and Marvel Superhero Island.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is the park's newest addition. This wonderful area of the park remains true to the magical world created by J.K. Rowling, complete with Hogwarts Castle, the Hogwarts Express, and even Hogsmeade when you're thirsty. Diagon Alley extends into the Universal Studios park, where visitors can join Harry's escape from Gringotts bank.

If you're keen on taking as many rides as possible in the shortest time, consider investing in the Express Pass. This handy add-on allows you to zip to the front of the line once per attraction.

Universal Studios also has regular events and celebrations suitable for the whole family. City Walk , also part of Universal, is a huge entertainment complex featuring dining, shopping, movies, and other entertainment options throughout the day and night.

Location: Universal Blvd, Orlando, Florida

SeaWorld Orlando is known for its massive aquariums, dolphin and whale shows, touch pools, and many exciting rides. Although guests may no longer feed the dolphins, you are still able to reach into the interactive Dolphin Cove pool and pet these beautiful, intelligent creatures. Also fun are the Dolphin Encounters where you get to spend time with a trainer as they interact with the creatures in their care.

Those who want to get even more hands-on can sign up for an up-close tour with the dolphins, killer whales, sea lions, penguins, or sharks. Other special tours include a behind-the-scenes look at SeaWorld operations and tours of the manatee rehabilitation center or the dolphin nursery, where the park's youngest dolphins are cared for.

In addition to the plethora of sea life, the park has many exciting rides for all ages, including several water rides that are refreshing on a hot Florida day. The park's most popular thrill rides are its roller coasters, including the Mako hyper coaster, the Manta Coaster, and the Kraken Virtual Reality Coaster.

If you find yourself in the park on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday night you'll be treated to an impressive fireworks display. Special fireworks displays are also presented on holidays including July 4.

Address: 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, Florida

Located next to SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove is one of the area's premier attractions. Visitors to the park can interact with ocean life in a more natural setting, including snorkeling along a coral reef, exploring underwater with a full dive helmet, wading among stingrays, and swimming with the dolphins.

There's also a large aviary on-site where you can interact with exotic birds and a relaxing lazy river that you can explore and snorkel in. There's also a tropical swim area where you can splash in the pools or relax in a lounge chair on the sandy beach.

Available to purchase are all-inclusive or one-day passes. Due to the extreme popularity of Discovery Cove, it's best to book a reservation well in advance during peak season.

Address: 6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, Florida

Typhoon Lagoon is Disney's biggest and most popular water park . Inside, you'll find a wide variety of attractions for all ages, including kiddie rides and swimming and splash areas, like Ketchakiddee Creek, a play area designed for young children.

Surfers will love the huge wave pool, and those who want to give it a shot can sign up for surfing lessons. Other attractions include a peaceful ride along the lazy river, whitewater adventures on Miss Adventure Falls, and thrill rides like Humunga Kowabunga. In addition, multiple waterslides are located throughout the park for various age levels. There's even a sandy beach where kids can play while parents relax.

Author's Tip : If there's a little wiggle room in your waterpark budget, consider stepping your Disney experience up a notch with a beach hut rental. These family-sized shady "shacks" come with cushioned seating, a fan, a cooler with unlimited water, and even attendant service. It's even better if combined with the special after-hours ticket which allows a limited number of park guests to linger for up to three hours after everyone else leaves. Sure, these extras are a little pricey, but they certainly up the fun quotient.

Address: 1145 East Buena Vista Boulevard, Orlando, Florida

Opened with great fanfare in 2017, Volcano Bay Water Theme Park is Universal's newest attraction and replaced the original Wet 'n Wild. Like the other area theme parks, there are play-and-stay options available for those who want to truly immerse themselves in the experience.

Krakatau sits at the center of the park and houses the popular Aqua Coaster thrill ride. Waturi Beach faces the volcano, where guests can relax on a sandy beach and swim in the large wave pool. Here, guests can use one of the provided lounge chairs, upgrade to padded loungers, or even rent a cabana.

Exciting park attractions include huge waterslides, tubing, and thrill rides. There are also plenty of areas dedicated to younger guests, including a zero-entry wading area.

As an added convenience, the park has introduced the TapuTapu, a waterproof wearable device that allows guests to electronically get "in line" for one ride at a time, and then spend their wait time relaxing instead of standing in the hot sun in a line. The device is free and given to each guest upon arrival.

If you download the app prior to your visit and enter your credit card information, you can also charge food and beverage purchases with just a tap of your TapuTapu.

Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, Florida

About an hour's drive away, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is one of the most popular day trips from Orlando . A visit here allows you the unique opportunity to see one of NASA's best-known operations centers.

Be sure to visit the Heroes and Legends exhibits, which introduce you to the lives and careers of those who made the space program possible, from engineers to early space explorers. This also includes the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, as well as the Rocket Garden, where you can see the rockets from some of NASA's most famous flights, including the Apollo and Gemini programs.

One of the major highlights is the exhibit showcasing the original Space Shuttle Atlantis . Standing mere feet away from this iconic machine and seeing the scars of flight and reentry is spellbinding. Over 60 exhibits provide information about the space shuttle and the program overall.

Other exhibits include lunar exploration, mock astronaut training, the shuttle launch experience, and an IMAX theater. If you time your visit right, you can even watch launches from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.

Since it opened in 1949, Gatorland has welcomed millions of guests through its famous gates to see the thousands of alligators, crocodiles, and other reptiles on display, some of which perform in daily shows and demonstrations. The "Alligator Jumparoo" show and "Gator Wrestlin'" are two examples. The facility is also home to rare white leucistic alligators.

A small train follows a set route around the grounds, and an observation tower provides views of the breeding marsh and surrounding region. One of the more recent additions to Gatorland are two ziplines: the Screamin' Gator and the Gator Gauntlet. The courses run above the alligator and crocodile pens.

For the less adventurous there is still the self-guided swamp walk, and on hot days, kids will enjoy the Gator Gully Splash Park. And before you leave, be sure to grab a selfie posing in the jaws of the park's original giant alligator at the attraction's entrance.

Address: 14501 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida

While paying a visit to Disney Springs (formerly Downtown Disney before a major rebrand and facelift) is undoubtedly one of the top free things to do in Orlando, it can easily turn out to be an expensive diversion from the theme parks. Why? Well, while this exquisitely designed entertainment, dining, and shopping district is free to wander, the temptations to dive into the purse or reach for the wallet are plentiful.

For shoppers, the urge to splurge will strike in the Town Center area. Looking like it could be located on the Mediterranean, this tree-lined area of Disney Springs is home to numerous chic fashion stores from leading brands such as Anthropologie, Coach, and Johnson & Murphy. All told, there are more than 103 places to shop (and spend) here.

Traveling with kids? Then you'll no doubt take them shopping in the iconic World of Disney store, just one of the numerous Disney-specific shopping destinations here. Add to this a huge LEGO store, Build-a-Dino, and the ultimate little princess outlet, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and leaving Disney Springs empty-handed is all but impossible.

Then there's the dining and entertainment. Disney Springs boasts 64 dining options from fast food to fine dining, and 25 unique attractions including the incredible Vintage Amphicars Cirque du Soleil, which has a permanent home here. So sure, you can visit for free, including the parking... but will you want to?

Authors' Tip : If you're planning on a sit-down meal in Disney Springs, you better make sure to have made a reservation. While walk-ins are occasionally available, you'll likely not otherwise get a meal when you want it, where you want. Disney Springs offers an excellent online reservation system that's easy to use and saves a lot of disappointment.

Address: 1486 Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Situated in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a must-do for those wanting to experience just a little of what this dynamic city has to offer outside of the theme parks. Originating as a sinkhole before being landscaped and turned into a public park in 1888, it's a surprisingly large green space, with plenty of fun things to do.

A highlight of a visit is strolling along the nearly mile-long paved pathway that circles the lake. Along the way, you'll pass families enjoying rides in swan-shaped paddleboats, as well as the real swans who live here, and the Walt Disney Amphitheater, with its regular roster of live music performances. Bring a picnic, or grab a take-out from one of the restaurants and enjoy a great lunch al fresco.

Authors' Tip: Getting to Eola Park from the Orlando theme parks requires traveling along the often congested Interstate 4. It's the only direct route for the theme parks in the south of Orlando and travels right through the city center. If you've got time-sensitive events to attend at places like the Amway Center , a dinner in Winter Park – or even the excellent Orlando Farmer's Market , held each Sunday from 10 am to 3 pm – plan accordingly and allow plenty of additional time, just in case!

Address: 512 East Washington Street, Orlando, Florida

The Orlando Science Center showcases several branches of science, from mechanics to biology and applied technology. Among a variety of themed exhibits, the top favorite is often "Kids Town." Kids Town is available to children under 48 inches tall and is full of interesting and stimulating interactive exhibits.

Also worth experiencing are the laser shows and large-format films at the Dr. Phillips CineDome. In addition to the exhibit galleries, the Science Center presents touring exhibits from across the country.

It's worth noting that this world-class attraction is located in Orlando's superb Loch Haven Cultural Park , a lovely green space that's a delight to explore on foot. Established as a cultural hub for the city, it features numerous walking trails that connect other major attractions, including the Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Repertory Theater, Orlando Fire Museum, and the Mennello Museum of American Art and Sculpture Garden.

Address: 777 East Princeton Street, Orlando, Florida

If you are feeling a bit overstimulated with all the noise, crowds, and action at the theme parks and need a dose of nature, head a short distance from downtown Orlando to the beautiful Harry P. Leu Gardens . Spread out over 50 acres are ponds, fountains, and gardens, with walking trails winding their way through the various areas.

Highlights of your visit should include a stroll under moss-draped camphor and elm trees and a visit to the extensive rose gardens. Also, don't miss the large collection of palms and bromeliads.

Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, Florida

Spread across 20 acres on International Drive, ICON Park is an interesting mix of open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment, and includes a number of great attractions suitable for all ages. Anchoring the site is the huge Wheel at ICON Park , a 400-foot-tall Ferris wheel that offers incredible views over the area. It's especially impressive at night when the wheel is illuminated by 64,000 lights that regularly change color.

Other fun things to do here include visiting the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Orlando waxworks, as well as riding the Orlando StarFlyer , billed as the tallest swing ride in the world . For toddlers, a ride around the park on the Pearl Express is a must, while teens will love the on-site arcade.

Address: 8375 International Drive, Orlando, Florida

A visit to the city of Winter Park, an easy 15-minute drive from downtown Orlando, is definitely worthwhile. Not only is this leafy district home to some of the best luxury shopping along ritzy Park Avenue and in Winter Park Village , but it's also home to a number of first-rate dining opportunities (Boca Winter Park is a must for fine dining).

For culture vultures, you're spoiled for choice. Winter Park is home to a number of world-class art galleries, most notably the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, which focuses on the unique glass art of Louis Comfort Tiffany; the Cornell Fine Arts Museum, which features both contemporary and antique artworks; and the delightful Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens.

The city also added a state-of-the-art events center in 2021, a stunningly designed structure that also houses the city library. Add to this a number of excellent museums such as the Casa Feliz Historic Home, along with beautiful parks and gardens (Mead Botanical Garden is a must-visit), and you can easily spend the best part of a day exploring Winter Park.

Although master-planned by Disney and located just a short distance from Walt Disney World, the community of Celebration has a very distinct character. Now completely independent of the company that started it all in 1996, Celebration makes for a fun diversion from the surrounding theme parks and hustle-bustle.

Start your journey by parking as close as you can get to the Town Center district; there's plenty of street parking in and around this commercial hub. Explore the stores here, then grab a tasty treat from Fortuna Bakery & Café or Le Macaron, then score a lakeside seat, kick back, and relax. It's a great place to get in some people-watching, too, as well as spotting the occasional (small!) alligator.

Refreshed, head for the pathways that circle and connect the various neighborhoods in Celebration. There are even a number of interesting boardwalk sections through the marshland. And don't be shy to follow any of the offshoots leading to the luxurious homes that line the lake, too. Definitely time well spent.

Orlando's Exotic Animal Experience offers visitors the chance to have personal encounters with some of the world's most interesting animals. Residents at the park include several species of kangaroos and lemurs, owl monkeys, kinkajou, deer, and two-toed sloths.

All visits are by reservation only, and guests have the choice of a group experience, private visit, and special packages that allow them to spend extra time with the animals. There is also a "Simply Sloths" option for those who want to spend all their time hanging out with the world's most adorable critters.

Location: Quinlan Street, Orlando, Florida

Most first-time visitors to Orlando come to visit the famous theme parks: SeaWorld, Walt Disney World, and Universal Studios, about 10 to 20 miles from the downtown area, traffic depending. A short drive from the theme parks, the popular tourist area around International Drive is home to large outlet malls, water parks such as Wet 'n' Wild, and other tourist attractions. Below are some highly-rated hotels, with swimming pools, in convenient locations for visiting Orlando's top tourist sites and outlet shopping malls:

Luxury Hotels:

• Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort , in a gated community at the namesake theme park, ensconces guests in serene rooms and suites with views of the fireworks and an array of enticing spa services.
• Waldorf Astoria Orlando is another top luxury option, a five-minute complimentary shuttle ride from Walt Disney World. Guests can use the facilities at the more affordable yet still top-notch Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek next door, including a three-acre lazy river pool and waterslide.
• Also close to the Disney theme parks, as well as outlet shopping malls, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress is another family-friendly and more affordable luxury option.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• A free shuttle whisks you to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure from Drury Inn & Suites , a good value mid-range option.
• Close to Walt Disney World and outlet shopping, Marriott's Cypress Harbour has two-bedroom suites and villas with fully-equipped kitchens that are great for families, while Homewood Suites Orlando/International Drive/Convention Center sits in a convenient location 15 minutes by car from Walt Disney World and only 10 minutes by car from Universal Studios and SeaWorld.

Budget Hotels:

• In a fantastic location, about four minutes by car from Walt Disney World, Hampton Inn Orlando/Lake Buena Vista offers great value with free parking and a complimentary shuttle to the park.
• From the Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Near Universal Orlando Resort, you can take advantage of the free shuttle to Universal Studios or walk to the park in about 15 minutes, and the Comfort Suites near Universal Studios offers large, clean rooms within walking distance of restaurants.
• Multi-Day Universal Park Passes : To get the most flexibility out of your visit to Orlando, residents of the U.S. and Canada can purchase Universal Orlando Tickets that are good for entrance during a seven-day period of your choice. Options include two-, three-, and four-day passes for the two main parks or for all three, including Volcano Bay.
• Helicopter Tour: One of the most unique ways to see Orlando and the surrounding area is from the air. A Helicopter Tour from Walt Disney World Resort Area offers a chance to gain a bird's-eye view of the theme parks and get a true picture of their size and layout.
• Day Trip to Kennedy Space Center: One of the biggest attractions in Florida can be easily visited on the Kennedy Space Center Day Trip with Transport from Orlando . This comprehensive tour allows plenty of time to explore the many exhibits at this large complex and includes IMAX films, a tour of NASA's Launch Headquarters, a private tour of the Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit, and hotel pickup and drop-off. For a slightly shorter and more economical tour with fewer perks, try the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral Tour .

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The 20 best things to do in Orlando right now

Theme park thrills and gorgeous gardens fill the best things to do in Orlando, Florida's magnificent City Beautiful

Orlando is a city of thrills, and we aren’t just talking about the rollercoasters. Theme parks understandably take top billing in the City Beautiful, but there is more to this place than being hurled around the tracks at alarming speeds or rubbing elbows with Mickey and Minnie. The best things to do in Orlando will have foodies salivating, nature lovers in raptures, and culture vultures circling. In less flowery language, that means brilliant restaurants, gorgeous gardens, and fascinating museums .

Temperatures can hit sweltering highs here in summer, and it can be tempting to spend all day in the pool, and there is nothing wrong with that. There are some fabulous water parks here, after all. Orlando is packed with adventure and excitement, with relaxation around the corner if a deeper breath is required. These are the best things to do in Orlando, Florida.

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Best things to do in Orlando

1.  Walt Disney World Resort

• Theme parks

Walt Disney World is probably the number one thing people who travel to Orlando want to see. The spacious resort has four theme parks, two water parks, a dining and shopping district, and over 20 on-site, Disney-owned hotels. There's always something new to see here, including the Cirque du Soliel show Drawn to Life at Disney Springs and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind at EPCOT. The latter features the first reverse launch of any Disney coaster! Do you dare?

2.  Dr. Phillips Center For The Performing Arts

• Music venues
• Downtown Orlando

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is the spot in Orlando for live music, broadway shows like  Hamilton  and tons of family-friendly entertainment. Kids will love movie nights with family-friendly flicks like  Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,  while movie and music buffs will want to look for movies in conjunction with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, who will play the score live while you watch the film. The Dr. Phillips Center is also the home of the Orlando Ballet, brilliantly performing in shows like  The Jungle Book  and  The Nutcracker .

3.  Universal Orlando Resort

• Turkey Lake

Universal Orlando Resort is known for its impressive Harry Potter and Jurassic Park-themed areas, and while both are great for families, adults looking to cool off and enjoy the summer days ahead will want to go to Universal's Volcano Bay. You can lounge near the wave pool with a towering volcano over the water's edge or grab a colorfully swirled Waturi Fusion ice cream cone. No matter what you do at Universal, a fun-filled day is all but guaranteed.

4.  Lake Eola Park

• Parks and gardens

Take a relaxing stroll around Lake Eola and Lake Eola Park, located in the heart of downtown Orlando. The walk around the lake takes just under one mile, and along the way, you'll take in picturesque views of the downtown skyline. Want to be on the water? Rent swan paddle boats and get out there with the live swans. The Walt Disney Amphitheater is also inside the park, a gorgeous arena hosting live concerts, movies, and performances.

5.  Harry P. Leu Gardens

For those looking for a bit of outdoor adventure without getting into the Florida swamps, check out the Harry P. Leu Gardens. The stunning, walkable garden boasts 50 acres of beautiful flora and fauna just a few minutes drive from downtown Orlando. Donated to the city in 1961, locals and visitors have made the most of this stunning space ever since. The garden also hosts movie nights for families and educational seminars on various topics throughout the year.

6.  Orlando Magic Basketball

Head to the Amway Center downtown to see the Orlando Magic make some ... well ... magic. Games are typically a few hours. And if you're dragging along anyone who doesn't love basketball, there is plenty of family entertainment between plays and during commercial breaks for this to be a fun night for all. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there—the area around the Amway can get very congested on game nights, and you don’t want to be late for the tip-off.

7.  Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center has been amazing kids (and adults) of all ages for over six decades. The hands-on museum covers four floors and has dozens of interactive exhibits, labs, theaters, and workshops. Kids will love learning about everything from dinosaurs to sustainability (let's be honest, so will moms and dads). Those looking for even more hands-on experiences can book personalized adventures (held in small groups) or get in touch with their creative side at the Makerspace.

8.  Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

History and architecture combine for one relaxing experience on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. The tour takes you through the lakes and byways of Winter Park to see some of the historical homes of the area, as well as the wildlife that calls Florida home. The boat tour is about an hour long, and you can bring your own food and drink, so grab a coffee and pastries from one of the many shops nearby, and don't forget to offer something to the captain! 

9.  Winter Park Farmer's Market

Every Saturday, local vendors and artisans set up shop at the Winter Park Farmer's Market, located at Central Park West Meadow. From 8am until 1pm locals and visitors browse the stalls and collect all sorts of yummy items. The market has an abundance of vendors ranging in style and offers from beef jerky and lemonade to plumerias and fish dip. This is also a great spot to get locally-grown produce or try a local food truck for lunch! 

10.  Discovery Cove

• Zoo and aquariums

If you only visit one water park in Orlando, we implore you to make it to this one. Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive water park where you can get up close with dolphins, sharks, rays, and tropical fish while basking in the warm Florida sun. Only a limited number of guests are let in each day – which means you can get more done — and add-on experiences like a morning flamingo walk or playtime with otters make the day extra special. We also love this park because the breakfast and lunch buffets are filled with delicious items that will keep you fueled for all that splashing.

11.  Food festivals

• Wildlife centers
• Meadow Woods Cove

There's always something fun to eat in Orlando. In the fall, the city hosts  Magical Dining Month , where you can get a three-course meal at participating restaurants and support a local charity. In the spring, look out for  Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort  and, come October, the  Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic  at Walt Disney World. At all times, you'll find food truck rallies throughout the city and sometimes even a festival based on specific foods like donuts or Spanish tapas.

12.  Peppa Pig Theme Park

The adorable Peppa Pig Theme Park is geared towards preschool-aged kids and packed with vibrant colors and attractions that don't have a height requirement. The park is a great half-day park if you're already visiting LEGOLAND Florida or willing to drive from Orlando to nearby Winter Haven. Or if you are a massive Peppa Pig fan, obviously. The only thing to watch out for here is the long lines at the single restaurant at the park. If you don't want to wait for food, you may want to consider bringing your own with you. 

13.  Orlando City Soccer Club

• Markets and fairs

Don your finest purple and gold and cheer on The Lions at Exploria Stadium in downtown Orlando from April through November. If you don’t have anything to wear, check out the Orlando City Team Shop on West Church Street. Ticket prices here start as low as $17, making it a fun weekend activity that won't break the bank. 

14.  The Escape Game Orlando

Escape rooms are still wildly popular, and The Escape Game Orlando is a fabulous example of the hour-long thinking experience. Who knew the fear of being stuck somewhere could be so exciting? There are plenty of games to choose from here, including one based on a sunken undersea lab that needs help. The games range in difficulty and the number of people they can contain, so check out all your options before booking. 

15.  Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

Did you know Orlando is where you can find the headwaters of the Everglades? That’s right, and in the marshy swamp area, you can take an airboat ride through the tall grasses and deep waters to see some of natural Florida that hasn’t been inhabited by animated animal characters (yet). The Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures take you through the headwaters on an adventure that lasts 30 minutes or one hour. Throughout the tour, you’ll see animals like turtles, alligators, fish, and various birds that make up the delicate ecosystem of the headwaters.

16.  The Crayola Experience

Families looking for kid-friendly fun shouldn't miss this colorful experience. See how crayons are made, experience hands-on activities, and do a few craft projects before creating your very own Crayola crayon color. Each activity is designed with little and big kids in mind—meaning everyone in the family will have an equally good time unless one of you is seriously into crayons. That person will be in heaven, colorful heaven. The experience has extended hours in the summer, which is great news for families who want pool time in the afternoon but do something fun outside of their home or hotel after dinner. 

17.  LEGOLAND Florida Resort

This LEGO-centric theme park is known for kid-friendly rides featuring LEGO characters and a LEGO Pirate Island Hotel that is a swashbuckling good time for the entire family. LEGOLAND Florida Resort continues to bring new entertainment to the park. LEGO never stands still, after all. Is that the saying? Who knows, but this place is barrels of fun. Don't leave the park without trying the iconic apple fries, which are fried apple sticks tossed lightly with cinnamon. Missing out on them is borderline criminal.

18.  SeaWorld Orlando

• Science and technology

This exciting theme park is filled with water creature-themed coasters, animal exhibits and encounters, and an adorable Sesame Street-themed area for kids. The thrilling Ice Breaker rollercoaster features four launches, including a reverse launch into a beyond-vertical drop that will take your breath away. Throughout the day, you can also see shows and live entertainment featuring animals and learn about the natural behaviors of sea life. 

19.  Plant Street Market

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20.  Walt Disney World Golf

Walt Disney World has three 18-hole golf courses and one nine-hole walking course for anyone looking to hit the fairways rather than hang out with Goofy, Donald Duck, and the rest. Disney’s golf courses are open to the public, meaning you don't have to be a guest at Disney or have a theme park ticket to tee off. Disney and Golf might not be obvious bedfellows, but anything can happen here.

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Orlando — Theme Park Capital of the World — continually amazes visitors with new things to see and do. Home to the world’s most celebrated  theme parks,  five major  water parks , and more than 100 incredible  attractions  and open-air  ecotourism adventures , we present so many unforgettable ways to have fun that it’s not unusual to feel overwhelmed by the choices — in a good way.

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The fact is, it takes 121 days to experience everything Orlando has to offer, which means you won’t be able to see them all on your first visit … or your second, third, fourth and beyond. We know you want to have the best possible adventures while you’re here, though, and that your time is valuable. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a guide to Orlando theme park rides and other attractions you’ll want to enjoy at least once in your lifetime.

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After you’ve checked these off your bucket list, we have countless other unique experiences in store for you — and of course, nothing’s stopping you from repeating these standouts to your heart’s content. There’s never a wrong way to have fun in Orlando.

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The Best Things to Do in Orlando (Spoiler: There's More Than Just Theme Parks)

There are endless ways to have fun in this popular city.

Whether you're visiting on business or spending a family vacation in Orlando, the city has something for every preference and budget. You can visit serene lakes and explore the great outdoors, before dining at popular restaurants and having a ball at bustling entertainment complexes. And, of course, there are the rides, thrills and character experiences that deserve spots on your bucket list. Orlando also caters to all ages, making it ideal for a kid-friendly trip or an adults-only getaway.

Ahead, you'll find our top picks for the best things to do in Orlando, organized by theme parks (we can't leave them out!), shopping and dining, animal encounters, outdoor excursions and arts and entertainment.

Celebrate the magic of Walt Disney World Resort.

Let's start with the obvious: Between its four theme parks, two water parks, dozens of lodging options and more, there are plenty of ways to make a Disney vacation your own. And though Walt Disney World is huge, it's easy and fun to ride the complimentary transportation, like monorails, boats and the Disney Skyliner — a unique gondola system. From rides, shows and parades to character interactions and dining experiences, fans of all ages can experience their favorite Disney movies in real life.

Experience the epic Universal Orlando Resort.

Home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal's Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios are can't-miss destinations for fans of the beloved franchise. Even those unfamiliar with the series are blown away by the rides and breathtaking scenery. Other spots include Jurassic Park, Marvel Super Hero Island, Toon Lagoon and Seuss Landing — along with attractions for Despicable Me and Transformers . You can purchase either one- or two-park tickets, with the second allowing you to visit both locations in one day.

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Splash your way through SeaWorld Orlando.

SeaWorld stands out for combining high-thrill coasters, water rides, animal experiences and Sesame Street Land — all in one amusement park. There's truly something for everyone: The rides are perfect for thrill seekers, the Sesame Street attractions are hits with the little ones and the animal presentations and viewing areas will excite the entire family.

Delight your kids at Legoland Florida.

Though it's not technically in Orlando, Legoland is worth the 45-minute drive to Winter Haven from the area's main theme parks — especially if you've got a Lego lover in your family. The rides, climbing areas and hands-on building opportunities are designed specifically for kids, while the attractions are based on the various Lego franchises, like Lego Ninjago, The Lego Movie and even Lego Duplo for the younger crowd.

Bring little ones to the Peppa Pig Theme Park.

Located right next to Legoland, fans of Peppa Pig can enter her world through rides, playgrounds and character meet-and-greets. There's even a splash area with fake muddy puddles so you can jump up and down like Peppa and her friends. And if you need to take a break and unwind, head to the cinema to watch episodes of the show.

Let loose at Fun Spot America.

This amusement park is all about the rides, with less theming than the big-name parks in Orlando. Not to mention, the tickets are a fraction of the price. Its attractions include thrill rides, roller coasters (including the only wooden coaster in Orlando), go-karts, kiddie rides, splash pads and a Gator Spot to view alligators and other wildlife.

Browse luxury stores in the Mall at Millenia.

With over 150 stores and restaurants, Orlando's Mall at Millenia combines luxury designer boutiques — like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel and more — with popular retailers (H&M, Lululemon and Sephora, to name a few) and restaurant chains. You can opt for a complimentary personal stylist to help you shop, and there's even an onsite tailor for alterations.

Roam and revel in The Florida Mall.

Orlando's largest shopping center is conveniently located 15 minutes from the airport, making it an easy place to stop on your way in or out of town. There are over 250 shops, dining options and entertainment experiences. Besides the stores that are attractions themselves (including American Girl!), there's an interactive Play Park for kids and an expansive Dining Pavilion — an upgrade from a typical mall food court.

Snag great deals at the Orlando outlets.

If you're looking to find bargains during your stay, you're in luck: There are two Orlando Premium Outlets featuring hundreds of popular brands to shop. The Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets , geared more towards upscale designers, are located right between Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando. The Orlando International Premium Outlets , located closer to Universal, are larger with more stores and dining options.

Eat and shop by the water at Disney Springs.

Formerly known as "Downtown Disney," this shopping district was rebuilt to include a mix of popular stores, restaurants from famous chefs, themed dining experiences and, of course, plenty of Disney stores to buy unique souvenirs without having to shop in the parks. It's broken up into four connected sections: Marketplace (with kid-friendly Disney stores), Town Center (with dining and retail stores), The Landing (with waterfront restaurants) and West Side (with more entertainment options).

Enjoy popular bites at Icon Park.

This district is home to lots of entertainment venues, but if you're looking for shops and restaurants, you'll find plenty of casual options. Choose from chains like Shake Shack, Outback Steakhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings and more — or try Wheelhouse Market for local favorites, like Old Town Tacos. There are also plenty of gift shops for souvenir hunting.

Grab a cookie (or four!) at Gideon's Bakehouse.

If you haven't tried a cookie from Gideon's, you don't know what you're missing. They're handmade in small batches, and, as a result, they're giant, soft and rich in flavor. The bakery's cake slices and flavored cold brew drinks are also big hits. You can pick them up at two locations: the original in East End Market and a newer one in Disney Springs. Though it's worth the wait in the potentially long lines to try them, you can place an advance order for pick-up exclusively at the East End Market location.

Dine and play at the world's largest McDonald's

You might not consider McDonald's a unique place to visit during your travels, but this one is like no other. Located near the major theme parks, this giant spot — known as "Epic McD" — offers its regular menu along with rare gourmet options, like sandwiches, pastas, pizza and more. And it's not just for eating: There's also a massive arcade with over 100 games and a giant PlayPlace for climbing and sliding. Not to mention, it's open 24/7, 365 days a year.

Sip and savor at Pointe Orlando.

For a night out that's geared more towards grown-ups, this dining district offers popular restaurants with a range of cuisines for every taste. Most venues offer a happy hour in the early evenings, plus there are various forms of entertainment, like a comedy club and movie theater. If you're in town for a conference, it's located right across the street from the Orange County Convention Center.

Unwind at Universal CityWalk.

This massive entertainment center is located right in front of the entrances to the Universal theme parks, so you don't need to pay admission to enter. It's best known for its dining and nightlife; in fact, its restaurants and bars are popular for locals, not just those visiting the resort. Popular chain restaurants include Hard Rock Cafe, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and more.

Shop with the locals on Park Avenue.

This charming cobblestone street is a favorite among Orlando residents. Located in Winter Park, a less touristy area in northern Orlando, it's filled with some of the best shopping and restaurants in the city. You'll find plenty of sidewalk cafes, fine dining spots, boutiques and specialty stores, along with museums and parks for more exploring.

Feel nostalgic in Old Town.

Just south of the theme parks is this family-friendly entertainment complex that's made to look like a classic Florida town. There are brick streets filled with restaurants, shops and throwback attractions, like a carousel and Ferris wheel. It's also known for parading classic cars down the roads each weekend, along with special events — from live music to car shows.

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Places to visit in orlando.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Florida Center
• International Drive
• Lake Buena Vista
• Downtown Orlando
• Doctor Phillips
• Celebration
• Hunters Creek
• Florida Mall
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Universal Islands of Adventure

2. Discovery Cove

3. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort

4. Magic Kingdom Park

5. Universal Studios Florida

6. Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

7. Fun Spot America

9. Disney Springs

10. SeaWorld

11. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

12. Disney’s Hollywood Studios

13. Orlando International Premium Outlets

14. International Drive

15. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park

16. Harry P. Leu Gardens

17. Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe

18. Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets

19. Lake Eola Park

20. The Florida Mall

21. Kia Center

22. Cinderella Castle

23. Aquatica

24. Disney's Boardwalk

25. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

26. Pandora – The World of Avatar

27. Exotic Animal Experience

28. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

29. Madame Tussauds Orlando

30. Tree of Life

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Home » North America » Orlando

12 BEST Places to Visit in Orlando (2024)

An immensely popular tourist destination in Florida’s Orange County, Orlando attracts huge numbers of visitors throughout the year. Famous for theme park fun, the city and its surrounds offers myriad experiences for an action-packed vacation in the sunshine.

You may think that Orlando is just about theme parks and mainly a family holiday destination. Furthermore, spending day after day at theme parks can quickly become expensive. These thoughts can lead couples and groups of friends to look elsewhere for their perfect vacation destination.

We’re here to show you that this simply isn’t true! While the cool attraction parks aren’t just for families, you’ll also find an abundance of other ways to fill your time. It’s a diverse destination with something to please everyone. Our list of the best places to visit in Orlando highlights the many awesome experiences that await visitors. We’ve also included budget-friendly options to help you to stretch your holiday fund farther.

After seeing the best places to visit in Orlando, we’re confident you’ll be adding it to your bucket list!

In a hurry? Here’s my top neighborhood for first timers:

These are the best places to visit in orlando, faq on the best places to visit in orlando, have fun at the best places to visit in orlando.

Southwest Orlando

Southwest Orlando is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. It’s where you’ll find a handful of world-famous theme parks, including Universal Studios, Epcot and Walt Disney World, and many others.

• Learn all about bones at the SKELETONS: Museum Of Osteology
• Satisfy your sweet tooth at Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
• See wax statues of your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds Orlando

And now, useful information covered, here are the best places to visit in Orlando!

Before you embark on your tour, be sure to check out where to stay in Orlando first. It’ll make the task of finding accommodation in this sprawling city filled with unique yet equally magical neighbourhoods a little easier!

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#1 – The Magic Kingdom – Awesome place to visit in Orlando with kids!

• Busiest theme park in the world
• Come face to face with cool Disney characters
• Various fun rides and shows
• Awesome parades and firework show

Why it’s awesome: Part of the larger Walt Disney World Resort, the Magic Kingdom is one of the most famous places in Orlando. An Orlando must-do for most families, it is the most-visited theme park on the planet. Open since 1971, the incredible park is themed around characters and scenes from Disney creations. It has six different themed areas, each with a fabulous selection of rides, shows, shopping outlets, and places to eat and drink. Disney characters stroll through the park and there are fantastic photo opportunities. The lively and jolly parade and spectacular firework show over Cinderella’s Castle are among the many highlights.

What to do there: Start your magical day by being greeted by Mickey and co as they open the park with a stroll along Main Street USA. See the interesting buildings in this section of the park, representative of different parts of the country, small-town America, and Walt Disney’s childhood. Shop for souvenirs, feast on tasty fare, and ride the Main Street Vehicles.

Catch the Wat Disney World Railroad around the park to save your leg power and discover the many delights in the park’s other cool areas. Travel the world in Adventureland, enjoying attractions like The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, the Jungle Cruise, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

Have fun in the medieval-like Fantasyland, with smaller areas dedicated to The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and others. Watch the delightful Mickey’s PhilharMagic show, experience It’s a Small World, and giggle on rides like the Mad Tea Party, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, the Seven Dwarf’s Mine Train, and Under the Sea—Journey of the Little Mermaid. In Tomorrowland, you’ll find iconic rides like Space Mountain and Astro Orbiter, along with others like Stitch’s Great Escape, Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin, and the Tomorrowland Speedway.

Stride into the American Old West in Frontierland, home to Splash Mountain and the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, and experience America’s colonial period at Liberty Square, home to the Haunted Mansion and the Muppets show.

Basically, there’s too much to see here. Stay in an Airbnb nearby to cut down on travel costs for multiple visits.

If you want to stay somewhere quieter but still close to all the top Orlando attractions, consider staying at a vacation rental in Kissimmee just a few miles South of Orlando. There are many great things to do in Kissimmee as well.

With a Orlando City Pass , you can experience the best of Orlando at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

#2 – Harry P. Leu Gardens – A beautiful outdoor place to visit in Orlando

• Diverse plants from all around the world
• Scenic and peaceful
• Pretty lake
• Interesting historic museum

Why it’s awesome: The scenic Harry P. Leu Gardens were established in the 1930s, with a couple planting many exotic plants from across the world in their private grounds. Now open to the public, the pretty gardens contain tropical and sub-tropical species. Covering some 50 acres (20 hectares), there are lakes, beautifully landscaped areas, statues, and shaded pathways.

There’s a historic home (now a museum) at the centre of the gardens, lovingly restored to show what life was like in times gone by. It’s among the best outdoor attractions in Florida and is especially great for couples looking for a romantic air and peaceful vibe in nature.

What to do there: Explore the different enchanting sections of the stunning gardens, taking time to inhale the heady aromas in the Citrus Grove, learn about the medicinal, culinary, and other uses of certain plants in the Herb Garden, watch wildlife in the Native Wetland Garden, and absorb the serene air in the White Garden.

Admire the vibrant colours in the Rose Garden and Annual Garden, see the Ornamental Grass Collection, observe colourful butterflies and lovely hummingbirds in the Butterfly Garden, and wander the trails to see bananas, azaleas, bamboo, conifers, tropical fruits, ferns, palms, vines, magnolias, and more.

The 15-metre (50-foot) Floral Clock is eye-catching and the Doves of Peace statue is a great photo stop. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around Lake Rowena and soak up the views from the boardwalk and gazebo at the Wyckoff Overlook. Visit the museum and cemetery for a step back in time and go to the Garden House to purchase souvenirs, see art, and browse in the botanical library.

As you’ll be outside, be sure to have mosquito repellent handy. Knowing how to keep mosquitoes away while traveling in Florida is a key survival skill!

#3 – Kennedy Space Centre – A very cool place in Orlando to go for a day

• Learn more about space exploration
• Meet astronauts
• See fascinating equipment and space vehicles
• Interactive adventures

Why it’s awesome: One of the most famous places in Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center is one of the world’s leading places for space explorations. The NASA facility has seen many significant events, including a number of Apollo missions, the launch of the Skylab space station, and Space Shuttle flights. The huge facility offers public tours where visitors can gain fascinating insights into space programs, challenges, advancements, and future goals. Many people are unaware that the area is also a significant wildlife sanctuary, home to creatures like bald eagles, snakes, manatees, alligators, and Florida panthers.

What to do there: There are various tours and attractions to choose between, letting you experience the awe-inspiring space centre in a way that suits you. Pay homage to renowned space explorers at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, take a bus tour of the facility and visit the Apollo / Saturn V Center, experience a shuttle launch at Space Shuttle Atlantis, be amazed by a 3D space film at the IMAX cinema, learn more about NASA’s work, see the Space Mirror Memorial, and take a tour of the Rocket Garden.

Other cool programs include dining with an astronaut, chatting with space explorers, peering through space telescopes, and taking part in activities like the Journey to Mars, Cosmic Quest, and Science on a Sphere. Let kids have fun at the space-themed Children’s Playdome, pickup souvenirs, and enjoy a meal in one of the brilliant eateries.

#4 – Skeletons: Museum of Osteology – Quite the quirky place in Orlando!

• Unusual and unique museum
• See many skeletons
• Learn how bones are cleaned to be displayed
• Quirky gift shop

Why it’s awesome: Visiting Skeletons: Museum of Osteology is one of the most unusual things to do in Orlando. One of just two museums dedicated to skeletons around the USA (the other located in Oklahoma), the quirky Orlando museum opened in 2015. Founded by Jay Villamette, an expert on skulls, it houses more than 500 authentic skeletons of animal. Some remains are of rare creatures. Visitors can also learn more about the long, detailed, and painstaking process that has to go into cleaning, identifying, and displaying bones.

What to do there: Watch in fascination as dermestid beetles perform their work. A vital part of the bone-cleaning process, the small beetles munch their way through skin and tissue to completely strip bones bare. Discover how bones are then bleached before arranged to form a complete skeleton. Of course, the highlight is seeing the huge collection of skeletons on display in the unusual museum.

See a full skeleton of a large elephant, a tiny skeleton of a bat, and everything in between … from gorillas and monkeys to rhinos, birds, and dogs. The Komodo dragon remains are among the more unusual specimens. You can purchase offbeat souvenirs in the gift shop and have a meal before you leave.

#5 – Holy Land Experience – One of the most religious places to see in Orlando

• Bible-themed attraction
• Step back in time
• Amazing performances
• Striking reproductions of the Holy Land

Why it’s awesome: Open since 2001 and founded by a Russian-born Jew who became a Christian minister, the Holy Land Experience is both one of the most religious and one of the most unusual things to do in Orlando. The large biblical-themed attraction park seeks to transport visitors back to the Holy Land and learn more about the life and times of Jesus Christ. Features have been designed to replicate those from the past and there are daily shows to bring scenes further to life. The interactive attraction helps to bring the Bible to life like nowhere else.

What to do there: Take a giant leap back through history and experience the energy of Jerusalem circa 66 AD. The realistic replica shows the streets that Jesus once roamed, where he performed various miraculous feats, and where he ministered to the faithful. Listen as a knowledgeable speaker brings past events to life. See a huge assortment of religious artefacts in the Sciptorium, marvel at the stunning Great Temple, and enjoy the wonder of the Wilderness Tabernacle.

Watch live shows that include an interactive Roman soldier training camp, the sad story of Mary Magdalena, a visit to Lazarus’s home, and the tale of David—The King of Jerusalem. Take younger guests to the Smile of a Child Adventure Land for fun and activities.

#6 – Maitland Art Center – A great place to visit in Orlando if you are alone/traveling solo

• Fabulous building
• Beautiful grounds
• Eye-catching artwork
• Artists’ colony

Why it’s awesome: Established in 1937, the Maitalnd Art Center is one of the things to do in Orlando for anyone interested in striking art from the 20th century. The building itself is an architectural and artistic gem, now featured on the National Register of Historic Places and one of just a few examples of fantasy buildings remaining in the southern part of the USA.

Constructed in a Mayan Revival style, the grounds are reminiscent of a stunning Mexican Mayan temple complex, complete with hand-crafted carvings that display symbols from Mayan and Aztec civilisations. The centre attracts many artists looking for a peaceful place to unleash their creativeness, and the museum houses a number of interesting contemporary works.

What to do there: Explore the gorgeous grounds and lap up the striking details. Visit the restful chapel (added to the complex for the designer’s mother), see artists at work, and relax in the shaded courtyard. Join inspiring workshops, listen to art-focused lectures, take art classes, and learn more about modern art movements. You can also see the collection of works in the gallery, including pieces by the centre’s founder.

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#7 – Presidents Hall of Fame – An unknown (but awesome!) place to see in Orlando!

• Offbeat attraction in Orlando
• Waxworks of US presidents
• Detailed models of famous buildings
• Historic items

Why it’s awesome: Among the lesser-known and lesser-visited attractions in Orlando, the Presidents Hall of Fame started life as a small roadside attraction. In operation since the 1960s, it’s definitely one of the city’s more niche attractions. It began as an exhibition of wax models of all of the presidents of the USA and has since expanded to include waxworks of the first ladies, replicas of famous landmarks from around the nation, and animatronics. Exhibits are detailed and much work has gone into their design. It’s a fantastic place to get great photos and have a break from theme park fun.

What to do there: See life-like figures of all US presidents and first ladies, take lots of pictures, and get many cool selfies. It’s not every day that you get the chance to come face to face with historical figures! Step into a replica of Abraham Lincoln’s bedroom and see various political artefacts from throughout the years. Marvel at the large hand-made replica of the White House—it took thousands of hours to plan, design, and build, and has amazing features like working television sets, accurate furnishings, and opulent chandeliers.

#8 – Orlando International Premium Outlets – A great place in Orlando if you love to shop!

• Cut-price shopping
• Numerous shops and brands
• Plenty of places to eat and drink
• Popular place

Why it’s awesome: Looking to indulge in some serious retail therapy while visiting Orlando? Check out Orlando International Premium Outlets . Located at the end of the buzzing International drive, the popular shopping centre is designed like a typical strip mall, providing lots of space and attractive details. There are some 180 stores selling goods from many well-known designers and brands. Even better? As an outlet centre, the prices are often significantly lower than what you would expect to pay elsewhere.

What to do there: Prepare to give your credit cards a healthy workout and get ready to shop till you drop. Browse in a large selection of stores, with goods including all the latest fashions, footwear, sporting accessories, jewellery, toiletries and perfumes, home items, electronics, luggage, sunglasses, and much more. Shops include H&M, GAP, Calvin Klein, Samsonite, Justice, Coach, Puma, Vitamin World, Invicta, Reebok, Quicksilver, Bose, Diesel, Timberland, and Victoria’s Secret. And, that’s just a small selection! Stop for a break in one of the cafes and restaurants and refuel, ready to hit the shops with gusto once again.

#9 – Epcot – Cool place to see in Orlando with friends!

• Theme park aimed at adults
• Futuristic, informative, and educational
• Inspires the imagination
• Interactive activities

Why it’s awesome: Another theme park at Orlando’s Walt Disney World Resort, Epcot is geared more towards adults. It celebrates human achievements, with a focus on world culture, nature, and technological advancements. Futuristic and exciting, the park opened in 1982. Spaceship Earth, the large geodesic dome, is among the major landmarks in Orlando. There’s an assortment of rides, shows, demonstrations, and other activities, and the array of restaurants means that’s no need to go hungry.

What to do there: Step into Spaceship Earth and discover various methods of communicating through the ages, from early cave paintings up to the smartphones and internet of today. Also within the area of Future World, learn more about the oceans at SeaBase, travel through the skies at Mission: Space, discover various ecosystems at Living with the Land, experience life as a secret agent, have a go in a hang gliding flight simulator, and have fun with a variety of interactive activities.

Continue to World Showcase where you can delve into diverse world cultures, sample cuisine from across the globe, and learn more about different landscapes and traditions. Highlights include the Scandinavian-themed Frozen Ever After ride, the House of the Whispering Willows, O Canada!, the American Adventure, and Reflections of China. See African American art in the American Heritage Gallery, Moroccan gems in the Gallery of Arts and History, and traditional Mexican crafts in the Mexico Folk Art Gallery.

Snap pictures with various Disney characters, including Mulan, Mary Poppins, Anna and Elsa, Jasmine, Snow White, and Minnie Mouse. Watch amazing acrobats, hear Japanese drumming, see a juggler in full swing, rock out to covers of popular British tunes, feel the pulsating energy created by a mariachi band, and much more.

#10 – Lake Eola Park – One of the most incredible free places to go to in Orlando

• Lovely lake and park
• No admission fee
• Leisure and relaxation
• Weekly farmers’ market

Why it’s awesome: Conveniently located in downtown, Lake Eola Park is among the natural and peaceful hotspots in Orlando. Popular with locals and tourists alike, there’s no charge to enter the pretty lake park. The lake is actually a sinkhole, and a track runs around the perimeter. Various events are hosted in the park, including a weekly farmers’ market. There are several leisure and relaxation activities for visitors to enjoy and the park provides great views of the downtown skyline.

What to do there: Stoll or jog along the lakeside trail as you soak up the vistas. Alternatively, take to the waters in a charming swan boat. See the lovely fountain—be sure to return in the evening time too when the fountain is beautifully illuminated through a range of colours. Relax on the grass or on a bench and enjoy the shade of an overhanging tree. There’s plenty of space for little ones to run and play and let off steam.

#11 – Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe – A great place to see in Orlando if you love architecture

• Active place of worship
• Religious air
• Peaceful garden
• Attractive architecture

Why it’s awesome: The serene and spiritual Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe was built in the late 1970s to provide a place of Catholic worship for tourists visiting Orlando. While still an active place of worship, it has also become a mainstay on many people’s Orlando itinerary. As well as the main pale-coloured church building the site also has two smaller outside chapels, the Shrine Museum, the tranquil Rosary Garden, and an on-site souvenir shop.

What to do there: Enjoy the peace and quiet within the sacred building and admire the architecture and religious art. You can attend Mass to keep up with your religious practices if you like. Sit for a while in contemplation and prayer in the lovely Rosary Garden and see the religious art and artefacts from around the world displayed in the Shrine Museum. Visit the Outdoor Chapel and the shrine to see large statues of Mary and the baby Jesus.

#12 – Orlando Science Center – A fascinating educational place to visit in Orlando

• Learn more about science and technology
• Two large cinemas
• Interactive experiences
• Good for people of all ages

Why it’s awesome: One of the best places to visit in Orlando to learn more about science, technology, and the world, Orlando Science Center is great for curious minds of all ages. It has a range of permanent exhibitions in addition to numerous temporary displays. Interactive features help visitors to really dig deeper into scientific workings and understand more. The centre hosts various events throughout the year, including the Science of Wine and Otronicon. There are two large cinemas within the centre too.

What to do there: Visit the Our Planet exhibition to discover more about life on Earth, including the biosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere. You can see what it would feel like to be in an earthquake or a hurricane, experience conditions inside a cloud, and learn more about weather forecasting. Travel back in time at Dino Digs, complete with replica fossils and bones, appreciate links between science and art at Fusion, and get hands-on to create your own items in the Kinetic Zone. In Nature Works, learn more about native creatures that call Florida home as well as those from other places around the world.

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Find out what people want to know about the best places to visit in Orlando

What are the best places to visit in Orlando with family?

Aside from the theme parks, the Kennedy Space Centre is a cool and educational place to spend the day with the family.

What is a good place to visit in Orlando for adults?

Orlando is famous for its theme parks, but Epcot is one theme park aimed at adults.

What is a good place to visit in Orlando near the airport?

A good attraction near the airport is Gatorland.

What is a cool place to visit in Orlando at night?

Lake Eola Park is a really nice place to visit at night when the lights illuminate the area.

When it comes to days at joy-inducing theme parks, other hotspots in Orlando include Islands of Adventure and LegoLand. Get up close with diverse creatures at Animal Kingdom, SeaLife Aquarium, Safari Wilderness Ranch, Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge and Education Center, SeaWorld, and Gatorland. Prepare to be blown away by the curiosities contained within Ripley’s Believe It or Not!.

Enter the world of movies at Hollywood Studios and Universal Orlando, come face to face with all your favourite celebrities at Madame Tussauds, admire art at the Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, ride the Orlando Eye, and learn more about the ill-fated ship at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.

There are plentiful museums around Orlando, great for rainy days or times when the heat outside is too much to take. They include Orlando Fire Museum, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida, Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum, Orlando Auto Museum, and the National Guitar Museum.

Beat the heat and cool down at Typhoon Lagoon and Discovery Cove, and have a thrilling adventure at Forever Florida, Orlando Tree Trek Adventure, and Boggy Creek Adventures. The upside-down WonderWorks is tons of fun for kids. Shop, dine, relax, and enjoy the diverse entertainment at Universal CityWalk and Disney Springs, and spend time in the great outdoors at Wekiwa Springs State Park.

We’re sure these best places to visit in Orlando will inspire you to visit … so, what are you waiting for?!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Colleen Kinsey

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Florida!

18 Best Day Trips From Orlando Worth The Effort

July 27, 2020 //  by  Florida Trippers

Are you looking for the best day trips from Orlando? This guide has all of the day trips from Orlando that are worth the time and effort.

Orlando is by far the most visited city in all of Florida. While many come and stay for the popular theme parks, others simply make Orlando a stop on their exciting Florida road trip .

If you’re looking to escape the city for a bit, there are many possible day trips from Orlando that are absolutely fantastic. You can watch rockets launch into the sky, swim around with manatees in pristine hot springs, and embrace Cuban culture in the heart of Miami during your day trips from Orlando.

Best Orlando Day Trips Within 1 Hour

Rock springs run state reserve.

Rock Springs Run State Reserve , also known as Kelly Park, is filled with lush greenery, making it the perfect place to get away from the crowds of Orlando. Bike, hike, mountain bike, or horseback ride for miles along the many trails winding throughout the reserve.

If you’re itching for a more intense adventure, you can actually kayak from Rock Springs Run State Reserve all the way to Wekiwa Springs State Park.

To get to Rock Springs Run State Reserve from Orlando, it takes just over half an hour by car.

For more tips on visiting Kelly Park and Rock Springs, you can READ OUR POST!

Kennedy Space Center

Florida has the special honor of being home to the Kennedy Space Center, the most well-known NASA base. And you can visit this space-centric attraction!

While at the Kennedy Space Center, you can enjoy a slew of activities and attractions. Visit the U.S. astronaut hall of fame, roam through the rocket garden, learn about the Hubble Space Telescope, and even feel like an astronaut during the shuttle launch experience ride.

To get to the Kennedy Space Center from Orlando, it takes about 50 minutes by car. As an alternative, you can take a tour that includes transportation from Orlando .

Book Here: Kennedy Space Center Admission Ticket

Book Here: Kennedy Space Center Tour With Transportation From Orlando

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs State Park is one of the closest Orlando day trips. With minimal driving, you’ll be able to reach this relaxing gem. You can enjoy any of the amazing activities that you can do at most Florida springs, including swimming, fishing, hiking, wildlife spotting, and horseback riding.

Just as you can kayak or canoe from Rock Springs Run State Reserve to Wekiwa Springs State Park, you can also reverse the route. You can travel between these two beautiful state parks over the course of three miles of kayaking, although you can enjoy kayaking adventures that are anywhere from a mile to ten miles.

To get to Wekiwa Springs State Park from Orlando, it takes about 20 minutes by car.

Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach is primarily known for two things: the beach and the Daytona International Speedway. Both of these activities make Daytona Beach one of the coolest day trips from Orlando.

Daytona Beach is filled with soft sand, warm sunshine, and blue waters. In the summer after sunset, this beach also becomes home to the Daytona Bandshell Concert Series, making it a great place to catch some fantastic music. But don’t let the famous Daytona Beach be the only beach you visit in this town! Do a little exploring and see if you can find a more peaceful, under-the-radar beach.

If you’re not in Daytona for the beaches, you’re probably there for a race at the Daytona International Speedway. This racetrack is the home of the esteemed Daytona 500, the most famous NASCAR race. If you’d like to watch this race, be sure to buy your tickets in advance, because they get snatched up quickly!

To get to Daytona Beach from Orlando, it takes 50 minutes by car or an hour and 45 minutes by bus.

Canaveral National Seashore

It quite a rare feat to find an expanse of land that has remained relatively untouched, but Canaveral National Seashore might just fit the bill. With 24 miles of beautiful beach, this national park was established in 1975 to protect this one-of-a-kind natural landscape.

Since Canaveral National Seashore has been closed off to development for so long, many wild animals have flocked to it. It’s not uncommon to see turtles lounging on the seashore, alligators crawling around during your drive in, or bald eagles cruising across the sky. While there, you can keep an eye out for these elusive animals or simply enjoy the sunny, shell-filled seashore.

To get to Canaveral National Seashore from Orlando, it takes 55 minutes by car.

Blue Springs State Park

Blue Springs State Park is one of the few day trips from Orlando where you may be able to see manatees! These gentle sea creatures are often found in Florida’s springs, which is quite a unique experience.

While swimming or snorkeling with the manatees is not allowed, you can take a kayaking tour to see these manatees! Please remember to keep your distance for both your safety and the safety of the manatees.

To get to Blue Springs State Park from Orlando, it takes 40 minutes by car.

Book Here: Blue Springs State Park Kayaking Manatee Encounter

Best Orlando Day Trips Under 2 Hours

Cocoa beach.

Cocoa Beach is often referred to as one of the best beaches in Florida. And it also happens to be a surfer’s paradise. While enjoying the beach, soaking up the sun, and surfing the waves are among the most popular things to do in Cocoa Beach, there are plenty of other water- and surf-related activities to do in this sunshine-filled town. Stroll around the Cocoa Beach Pier, wander through the largest surf shop in the world, or even explore the Florida Surf Museum.

To get to Cocoa Beach from Orlando, it takes one hour by car or two hours and 40 minutes using public transportation.

Bok Tower Gardens

Be sure to add the Bok Tower Gardens to not only your list of day trips from Orlando, but simply to your list of things to do in Florida ! That’s just how amazing this 200-acre botanical garden is.

There are two main highlights of the Bok Tower Gardens: the gardens and the Singing Tower. There are hundreds of plant species that fill the gardens. Many of them are seasonal, which means that no matter how often you visit, the gardens will always look a little bit different.

The Singing Tower may be the real highlight of the Bok Tower Gardens. Standing at 150-feet tall, this tower emits beautiful music played by a musician inside the tower who controls 60 different bells!

To get to the Bok Tower Gardens from Orlando, it takes an hour by car.

John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art

Situated in Sarasota, the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, typically referred to as “The Ringling,” is the official state art museum of Florida. Because of this title, The Ringling is home to thousands of pieces of amazing artwork.

With all of these pieces, The Ringling is able to showcase the work of innovative artists. Some of the most well-known include Benedetto Pagni, Marcel Duchamp, Nicolas Poussin, and Benjamin West.

To get to the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art from Orlando, it takes just under two hours by car. If you plan to visit, don’t forget to check out our Tips For Visiting The Ringling Museum!

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is one of the hidden gems of Florida . This natural-spring-turned-mermaid-attraction is definitely one of the most unique day trips from Orlando.

While the one-of-a-kind mermaid show is the highlight of Weeki Wachee, there are a bunch of other activities to enjoy. You can also take a boat tour, dive into freshwater caves, zigzag down the slides at the water park section, or simply swim throughout the turquoise spring.

To get to Weeki Wachee Springs State Park from Orlando, it takes an hour and a half by car.

Crystal River

The city of Crystal River is known for Three Sisters Spring, one of the prettiest springs in Florida and one of the best places to see manatees! While most manatee-spotting places require you to stay out of the water or in a boat, you can actually swim with the manatees in Crystal River.

But manatee-sighting isn’t all that Crystal River has to offer. Try your hand at scalloping, savor delicious ice cream from one of the many ice cream parlors, or hop aboard a jet ski.

To get to Crystal River from Orlando, it takes an hour and a half by car. As an alternative, you can take a tour that includes transportation from Orlando.

Book Here: Crystal River Manatee Swim Day Trip From Orlando

St. Augustine

St. Augustine has an extensive history that makes it one of the coolest day trips from Orlando. Established in 1565 by Spanish explorers, St. Augustine is the oldest European settlement in the U.S.

Due to its history, many of the things to do in this town are history-related. Visit the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, check out Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, or pop into the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum. If you’re looking for a few activities that aren’t history-centric, shop around George Street or enjoy the sun and sand at St. Augustine Beach.

To get to St. Augustine from Orlando, it takes an hour and 40 minutes by car or two hours and 20 minutes by bus. As an alternative, you can also take a tour that includes transportation from Orlando .

Book Here: St. Augustine Hop-On Hop-Off Tour From Orlando

Alexander Springs

Situated in Ocala National Forest, Alexander Springs is one of the most pristine springs in all of Florida. As a matter of fact, the waters in this particular spring are so clear that it has become a popular spot for local photographers to capture underwater shots.

If you’re hoping for a little adventure, consider tackling the Alexander Run. This six-mile canoe run is filled with Florida wildlife, including alligators and turtles!

To get to Alexander Springs from Orlando, it takes just over an hour by car.

Best Orlando Day Trips Over 2 Hours

Ginnie springs.

If you’re looking to cool off from the hot Florida sun, Ginnie Springs is one of the best day trips from Orlando for that. You can do all of the usual spring activities, including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, cave diving, and kayaking, at this breathtaking teal spring. But the most exciting activity at this spring may be tubing, as there are only a handful of Florida springs that allow this fun activity.

To get to Ginnie Springs from Orlando, it takes just over two hours by car.

Captiva Island

There’s nowhere else in Florida that’s quite like Captiva Island. While, yes, there are of course beaches and islands found throughout the Sunshine State, Captiva Island has a zesty personality that isn’t found anywhere else in the state. After all, where else can you find a museum solely dedicated to shelling or a restaurant that celebrates Christmas all year round?

To get to Captiva Island from Orlando, it takes three and a half hours by car.

Edison And Ford Winter Estates

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates once served as the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, two of the most noteworthy American inventors. While in the past these estates were where many famous inventions were concocted, today they are a historical museum and botanical garden.

While at the estates, you can tour the historic homes, weave through the blooming gardens, and even peek into the laboratory that was once used by Edison and Ford.

To get to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, it takes just under three hours by car.

As a city filled with culture and sunshine, Miami is packed with things to do. As a matter of fact, many people extend their day trip to Miami to a weekend in Miami .

If you’re hoping to immerse yourself in the culture, head to Little Havana. Sip on a cup of Cuban coffee, play a game of dominos with the locals at Maximo Gomez Park, or check out one of the many live performances.

As an alternative, you can enjoy the sunshine at South Beach, one of the most iconic spots in all of Miami. And when you’ve finally had your fill of fun in the sun, head to Espanola Way for some of the best food and music in town!

If you’d like to see as much as possible in a short amount of time, consider taking a Miami sightseeing cruise . While you won’t get to see everything up close, you will be able to catch a glimpse of everything you’d like to see.

To get to Miami from Orlando, it takes three and a half hours by car.

Book Here: 90-Minute Miami Sightseeing Cruise

Everglades National Park

When people think of Florida, one of three things comes to mind: the theme parks, the beaches, or the Everglades. The Everglades National Park in South Florida is a protected piece of land about 20% of the everglades in Florida.

The most popular thing to do in the Everglades is take a wildlife viewing tour . While alligators are the most popular creatures found in the Florida Everglades, keep your eyes peeled for manatees and Florida panthers.

To get to the Everglades National Park from Orlando, it takes three and a half hours by car.

Book Here: Everglades National Park Airboat Tour

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[…] Since the Alfond Inn is located in Orlando, there is a veritable smorgasbord of offerings for dinner so check out our posts on the Best Restaurants in Orlando and Best Day Trips in Orlando! […]

• Last Updated On
• October 23, 2023

29 Fun Things To Do In Orlando With Kids: The Best Family-Friendly Attractions!

As the world’s theme park capital, it can’t be denied that Orlando is a perfect place to play and learn.

Although Orlando is oozing 24/7 fun with its many themed parks, resorts, and attractions, picking one will take a lot of work.

As a parent, I know how it feels.

But no worries.

As an experienced traveler, parent, and writer, I have the enthusiasm to find a place for my family to have endless fun and priceless memories.

With my adventurous spirit, I get the hang of finding the most fun places to go and am now sharing my knowledge to help you.

For your convenience, I reviewed and considered the most fun things to do in Orlando with kids.

I’ve scoured and compared the best attractions based on their affordability, accessibility, educational value, and pleasure.

So, start planning your trip and check out my recommendations below.

Fun Things To Do In Orlando With Kids Compared 

Orlando has tons of fun activities, from themed parks to resorts. 

Your guides to the most special family-friendly activities in Orlando are on the list.

Editor’s Choice

Kennedy Space Center

Take your children to an experience where they can play and unlock their potential in downtown Orlando at Kennedy Space Center.

• Age Compatibility: Preschoolers (4-5 years old)
• Educational Value: 5/5
• Fun Factor: 5/5
• Accessibility: 4/5
• Affordability: 4/5

#2nd Best Choice

Tree Trek Adventure Park

For thrill-seekers, Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is an ever-evolving aerial obstacle course that takes them far above the ground in a natural pine forest.

• Age Compatibility: Young Children (6-9 years old)
• Educational Value: 4/5

#3rd Best Choice

WonderWorks Orlando

WonderWorks Orlando has over 100+ hands-on science exhibits, laser tag, a ropes course, and a 6D motion ride within 28,000 square feet of “edutainment”.

Here are fun activities in Orlando with kids.

1. Kennedy Space Center (Editor’s Choice)

Space Commerce Way Merritt Island, FL 32953 (855) 433-4210 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Ratings Criteria

• Making dreams into reality for kids 
• Very educational and informative 
• Space exploration is quite costly

Take your children to an experience where they can play and unlock their potential in downtown Orlando at Kennedy Space Center .

Endure, discover, and explore this cutting-edge innovative space center and experience what it feels like to be in space.

Upon entering, your kid’s eyes will glow as they enter the spaceport, taking an unforgettable journey in the universe.

They have several space journeys, such as  Daring Explorers, Cosmic Wonders, Uncharted Worlds, and more.

Your Little Explorers should be at least 39 inches or 99 centimeters tall to ride.

What are you waiting for?

Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime that your kids will thank you for.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Rosen Plaza Hotel Orlando Convention Center

Related: Best Orlando Resorts & Hotels for Families

2. Tree Trek Adventure Park

7625 Sinclair Rd Kissimmee, FL 34747 (407) 390-9999 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Experience the natural beauty of nature while playing
• Improves fitness level through play activities
• Younger kids might be unable to move in fear

Is thrill-seeking what you’re after?

This is the perfect site for friends and family!

You’ll get to swing on Tarzan ropes, test your grip strength in climbing ladders 50-feet up, leap into hanging nets, cross wobbly suspended bridges, and navigate through swinging logs (don’t worry, there will be harnesses strapped to you so even if you’re several feet off the ground, you’re totally safe.)

Challenge your kids to find their balance on the Hanging SkateBoards, or take it easy and enjoy the view as you soar through trees on giant zip lines.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Reunion Resort & Golf Club

Related: Best Restaurants in Orlando

3. WonderWorks Orlando

9067 International Dr Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 351-8800 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

• Unique, fun-filled, and mystical theme park
• The attraction combines education and entertainment
• Some facility malfunctions

Imagine yourself entering outer space.

Fantastic, right?

Isn’t it amazing?

At this amusement park, you’ll discover and explore the scientific gadgets that will broaden your little tyke’s imagination. 

As dreamy as it may be, this magnificent space experience makes your child’s dream, even yours, into reality. 

Setting foot in this amusement will expand your horizons while exploring the Six Wonder Zones and other featured exhibits.

Hailed as one of the perfect places for family fun, this WorderWorks will turn your world upside down.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

Related: Best Things to Do in Orlando

4. Museum of Illusions

8375 International Drive Icon Park Orlando, FL 32819 (833) 276-9182 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Let your imagination run wild, learn, and be illuminated with illusions that feel like magic, an excellent alternative to Kennedy Space Center and Wonderworks.

If you’re going to have a good time with your friends, or want to post your next Instagram picture, you’ll want to stop by this next location first.

The Museum of Illusions has sites in more than 20 countries and is known for bringing optical illusion to life via mind-blowing, walk-through displays that challenge visitors to think beyond the box all the time.

Take advantage of the excellent picture opportunities that these delightfully unsettling locations provide by carrying your handy phone with you at all times.

Get creative with your poses as you go from room to room, and have a good laugh when you see the results in your photo gallery.

The pictures are going to turn out wonky, funny, and sometimes confusing, but definitely super cool.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge

5. Madame Tussauds

8387 International Dr Orlando, FL 32819 (855) 450-0581 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The Madame Tussauds Wax Museum has been popular ever since it came to Orlando.

The next best thing to meeting, greeting and clicking that mandatory selfie is to stand by the wax figure of your favorite personalities be they musicians, athletes, actors or sports heroes.

Detailed exquisitely, these captivating figures are placed neatly in themed sections.

You can even stand next to your favorite superhero, be it The Flash, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, Superman, Batman or Aquaman.

It must be part of your things to do today even if all you have is an hour to spare.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Universal’s Loews Portofino Bay Hotel

Related: Things to Do Near Orlando

6. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

6000 Universal Blvd Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 363-8000 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you are a Harry Potter fan, then a trip to Orlando, Florida, will be incomplete without entering the magical world of Hogwarts.

Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida have done amazing work in recreating the thrill and magic of this iconic fantasy series to transport you to the world of Potter.

You can explore the streets of Diagon Alley to face the dangers that lurk far beneath Gringotts bank.

Or you can visit the village of Hogsmeade and even step into the portals of Hogwarts castle for an awesome journey through the skies.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Universal’s Hard Rock Hotel®

Related: Free Things to Do in Orlando, FL

7. Blue Man Group Show

Orlando, FL 32819 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you are looking for pure entertainment, don’t miss the Blue Man Group, which is a family-friendly show that blends a dash of comedy, theater and concert to keep you hooked.

A part of the Universal Studio event, you will get them all — music, color, and pure energy The show is a jam session on a custom made, drumbone percussion instrument.

You will not even know how quickly 20 minutes flew by and you will ask for more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Related: Dinner Shows in Orlando

Also See: Things to Do in Jacksonville with Kids Things to Do in Daytona Beach, FL with Kids

8. Kelly Park

400 E Kelly Park Rd Apopka, FL 32712 (407) 254-1902 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Kelly Park ‘s lush, green landscape has many attractions.

Rock Springs Run in the park is an oasis amidst the oppressive subtropical climate where water flows from a crevice at the bottom that you can see if the light is right.

The water can appear crystal blue in places.

It is one of the best places for family fun as you can go camping, hiking or swimming or just relax on a float trip.

Tubing is another popular activity here.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando-Apopka

Related: Fun Things to Do in Orlando at Night

9. Orlando Watersports Complex

8615 Florida Rock Rd Orlando, FL 32824 (407) 251-3100 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

One of the best things to do in Orlando with the kids is go wakeboarding and paddleboarding in the area’s very first Aquapark, the Orlando Watersports Complex.

Wakeboarding is surfing, water skiing and snowboarding rolled into one and a very popular option, or you can go SUP’ing, which is more laid back.

If you are feeling a little lost, there are training sessions you can sign up for and have fun as you learn.

You can climb on bouncy, floating inflatables and have a great time with your young ones.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Florida Hotel & Conference Center in the Florida Mall

10. Crayola Experience

8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809 (407) 757-1700 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

One of the best places for family fun, your young ones can unleash their creative talent in this colorful world of Crayola Experience.

You can let your little bundle of joy name and wrap her very own Crayola crayon and explore the making of the crayons in a live manufacturing show.

This is made fun by the animated crayon friends Scarlet and Turk who will explain the process with the resident Crayonologist.

You can also shop from the largest selection of Crayola products at the retail store and get some souvenirs.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes

11. The World of Chocolate Museum

11701 International Dr #400 Orlando, FL 32821 (407) 778-4871 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

The first chocolate museum of its kind, this is one of the best things to do with the kids in Orlando.

Watch them scream with joy when they see 25 solid chocolate sculptures up to 6 feet tall!

Even older visitors will enjoy the wine and chocolate pairings.

Don’t miss the museum tour where you will also get a complimentary tasting of gourmet chocolates from around the world!

Pastries and gelatos are added attractions.

The little ones can also learn about the history of chocolate.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Near Disney

Also See: St. Augustine Attractions for Kids Things to Do in Cocoa Beach, FL with Kids Kids Activities: Vero Beach

12. Slingshot

7001 International Dr Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 440-2998 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

For one of the most heart-stopping rides, visit the Slingshot in Orlando, Florida.

A gigantic box called the Spring Machine storing over 40 tons of energy is groaning, a launch tilts back and you feel yourself reclining.

And just one twang later, you are off.

Considered one of the best and most exciting vertical amusement rides available today, the Slingshot rides at 160 kilometers per hour to a 100 meters height, powered by a patented spring propulsion device and propels the passenger capsule more than 150 meters high.

Ride only if you have the stomach for it!

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Universal’s Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Related: Things to Do in Tampa with Kids

13. Universal’s Islands of Adventure

Universal Blvd Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 224-4233 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Rated as #1 Amusement Park, Universal’s Island of Adventure is a complete package with superheroes, magical creatures, a school of witchcraft and wizardry, dinosaurs and more.

The rides are exciting and unique, giving you a high adrenaline rush.

Replete with the works, this is the best place for family fun.

Theme parks, live shows, water parks, encounters with animals and more make this ideal holiday for the entire family.

You can have group gatherings and book yourself into one of the holiday homes or resorts also available here.

14. Discovery Cove

6000 Discovery Cove Way Orlando, FL 32821 (407) 513-4600 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Even with a 4 year old, you will find Discovery Cove one of the best places to spend a leisurely day in Orlando, FL.

Located on the outskirts of the city, you can swim with the dolphins through the coral reef and be within touching distance of colorful starfish.

Oh, is that a manta ray next to you!

Don’t worry, a glass wall separates you, but you can see sharks and it’s a thrilling experience you will never forget.

The white, sandy beach in the park is a lovely sight where you can spend some time relaxing, watching the exotic birds fly around.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes

Related: Best Beaches Near Orlando, FL

15. Fun Spot America

5700 Fun Spot Way Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 363-3867 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

See your world turn upside down with Headrush 360, a heart-stopping ride.

Or opt for the saner ferris wheel.

Bump along in multi-level go-kart tracks, jump into a wooden roller coaster, let your kids do some safe rides or just hop over to Gator Spot, housing around 100 young alligators, including a rare white species.

There is something for everyone in this country fair-like amusement park with different levels of challenges, making this one of the best places to visit with the kids.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hilton Orlando

Also See: Kid Friendly Things to Do in Amelia Island Things for Kids to Do in Melbourne Things to Do in The Everglades for Kids

16. Escape Effect Escape Room Orlando

11701 International Dr #420 Orlando, FL 32821 (855) 426-3372 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Locally-owned and operated, Escape Effect Escape Room Orlando is an incredible way to spend quality time with your kids while having a blast.

Offering various themes and customizable adventures, you’ll have fun while being challenged but won’t get stuck searching for clues.

Just like a great quality theme park, Escape Effect Escape Room Orlando is designed and built in-house giving visitors the right amount of fun and mystery, as well as the friendliness of a small business.

You can experience four unique and customizable adventures.

Check out their well-known 2-hour escape room, A Knight To Escape.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: TRYP by Wyndham Orlando

Related: Fun Things to Do in Florida with Kids

17. Sea Life Orlando Aquarium

8449 International Dr Orlando, FL 32819 (855) 450-0680 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

One of the best things to do in Orlando with kids is to take them to the aquarium filled with sea creatures.

From magnificent sharks to colorful clownfish and inquisitive sea turtles, you can see rare, endangered and rescued sea creatures up close.

You can watch them being fed or sign up for the dive shows where the divers interact with these incredible animals.

If you are traveling with your toddlers, don’t miss the Toddler Time every Tuesday.

With activities such as story time and Sing-A-Long, you will have a tough time getting them away.

Related: Mini Golf in Orlando

18. Oviedo Recreation Gym

148 Oviedo Blvd Oviedo, FL 32765 (407) 971-5565 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Take your kids on a rock-climbing adventure indoors where they can feel like explorers and scale big.

Rec Rock is a great spot for novice climbers, aged 5 and up, to get their first taste of the sport in a safe setting.

It’s important that they experience what it’s like to climb so they can train their bodies at an early age while having fun.

Located in Oviedo Gymnasium, it boasts a 40-foot high face with a variety of difficulty levels.

The instructors will let you know what level you or your kid will be in, so you can have fun without the pressure of not being able to clear a level or not.

There will be an instructor, so don’t worry about your kids being put in danger; let them climb to their heart’s content.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando East – UCF Area

19. Gatorland

14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837 (407) 855-5496 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

They are fierce, scary and intriguing.

Learn all about alligators and crocodiles at Gatorland—home to these reptiles of all sizes, right from babies known as grunts to 14-foot monsters.

You can also see the largest collection of very rare white leucistic alligators.

But that’s not all, you can also enjoy seeing free-flight aviary, visit the petting zoo and watch one-of-a-kind animal shows, thrilling Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and the new Stompin’Gator Off-Road Adventure!

So if you are looking for places for family fun in Orlando, Florida, you know where to go.

8969 International Dr Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 337-4359 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Is skydiving something you’ve always wanted to try?

You can do it inside, and it’s safer for the kids to play with as well, so why not?

You can do all that and so much more at iFly, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this one.

If you love skydiving but have a fear of heights, this is the gem to check out.

Experience the exhilaration of free-falling through the air in a safe environment with their state-of-the-art vertical wind tunnels and high-quality safety gear.

They also provide STEM Field Trips, in which your children learn about the fundamentals of science and technology, all while pumping themselves up for the thrill that will come after.

It’s a great option for a fun activity to do with your kids if you’re throwing an amazing birthday party, or just bored on a weekend and want something that’ll help you bond with your family more.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Orlando

21. I-Ride Trolley Service

7081 Grand National Dr #105 Orlando, FL 32819 (407) 354-5656 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

There are plenty of things to do on International Drive with kids, which is a popular route to all the parks and home to many other Orlando attractions itself.

Day or night, there’s always something going on with world-class attractions, entertainment, dining, and shopping fun for the family, and this is the easiest way to navigate if you’re looking to explore more conveniently (and more fun for the little ones who love trains.)

International Drive Orlando’s unique and easy I-Travel Trolley service allows you to relax and ride along the miles of pleasure that make up the International Drive Resort area, and there’s so many beautiful sights to see along the way.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Club Wyndham Orlando International

22. Wekiwa Springs State Park

1800 Wekiwa Cir Apopka, FL 32712 (407) 553-4383 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Swimming in pure water is a wonderful way to relax and unwind.

It’s fun for youngsters to play in the water year-round at Wekiwa Springs, where the temperature of the water is a pleasant 72 degrees almost all year round.

In the spring, a picnic on the grassy hill is the ideal way to spend the day relaxing and soaking up the sunshine, and a great, calming way to enjoy a sandwich or two.

Originally known as Clay Springs after the landowner who discovered it in 1860, Wekiwa Springs has long been a popular tourist destination, so it may become a little busy at times.

Try to come earlier or during the weekdays if you’ve got nothing else to do.

If you go at the appropriate time, you can enjoy the whole area to yourself with friends and family.

There is no lifeguard on duty here though, so you have to keep an extra eye on the young ones at all times.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Orlando – Apopka, an IHG Hotel

23. Peppa Pig Theme Park

Legoland Way Winter Haven, FL 33884 (833) 451-8004 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

Peppa Pig Theme Park at LEGOLAND® Florida Resort mixes interactive rides and themed playgrounds with character performances and an indoor theater to create the perfect day for kids.

From their first family roller coaster ride and free fair games to an all-terrain course where they pedal trikes along a sensory-rich route and a colorful splash pad celebrating “muddy puddles” leaping fun, every aspect of the lovely new park is designed with preschoolers in mind.

Together with Peppa and her pals, your family will laugh, snort, and make new memories as you enjoy this little show come to life in this super fun theme park.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: LEGOLAND® Florida Resort

24. LEGOLAND Florida Resort

1 Legoland Way Winter Haven, FL 33884 (888) 690-5346 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re hunting for fun things to do in Orlando with kids, LEGOLAND Florida Resort should top your list.

It’s a LEGO wonderland that goes beyond the bricks.

You get not just one, but two theme parks and a water park, all rolled into one epic adventure.

The resort even offers three fully-themed hotels, each a quick walk from the action.

Whether you’re a LEGO newbie or a master builder, there’s something for everyone.

From thrilling rides to interactive exhibits, it’s a family vacation dream come true

25. Universal Studios Florida

Universal Studios Florida is a paradise for TV and movie buffs.

The park transforms your screen favorites into real-life experiences through thrilling rides, live shows, and character meet-and-greets.

Kids will love the adrenaline-pumping rides inspired by blockbuster films and iconic TV shows.

Whether it’s getting caught in a high-speed chase with the Transformers or exploring the magical world of Harry Potter, there’s no shortage of excitement.

Parents can unwind at themed restaurants or enjoy live performances like stunt shows.

With all these incredible features, it’s a shoo-in on our list of fun things to do in Orlando for kids.

Universal Studios Florida is best suited for kids aged 8 and up.

26. Disney’s Magic Kingdom

Bay Lake, FL 32836 (407) 939-5277 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re looking for more magical things to do with kids, Orlando has more to share.

Magic Kingdom is a wonderland for younger kids, featuring whimsical rollercoasters and enchanting parades.

The park brings fairy tales to life, offering a magical experience for the entire family.

From flying through space on Buzz Lightyear’s ride to sailing with pirates, Magic Kingdom is a playground of imagination for kids.

Don’t miss the character parades that bring smiles to faces, both young and old.

Magic Kingdom is perfect for all ages but is especially magical for kids aged 3 to 12.

Some areas, like Fantasyland, are particularly geared towards younger children.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Grove Resort & Water Park Orlando

27. Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Bay Lake, FL 34747 (407) 939-5277 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re looking for more indoor kids activities, Orlando, Florida has a magical experience in store for you, too.

Hollywood Studios is the go-to for film aficionados.

The park offers immersive experiences from Star Wars to Toy Story, ensuring non-stop entertainment for the family.

Kids can step into the worlds of their favorite movies, whether it’s wielding a lightsaber in Star Wars or joining Woody and Buzz in Toy Story Land.

Grown-ups will love the dining experiences that transport you straight into classic films.

The attractions are so engaging that you’ll lose track of time, making it a standout among our list of Orlando kids activities.

This park is great for kids aged 6 and up, especially those who have a love for movies.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Walt Disney World Swan

28. Disney’s Epcot

Bay Lake, FL (407) 939-5277 Visit Website Social Media Open in Google Maps

If you’re in the Orlando area and looking for “things to do with kids near me”, Epcot is an excellent choice.

It offers a journey through space, oceans, and 11 different countries—all without leaving Orlando.

Older kids and adults will love designing virtual cars or diving into ocean adventures.

The park’s World Showcase offers a culinary trip around the globe, which parents will especially enjoy.

Epcot is best enjoyed by kids aged 10 and up, as well as adults.

The park’s attractions are more intellectually engaging and less about thrills.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort

29. Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is a safari adventure right in Florida.

From close-up animal encounters to thrilling rides, it’s a celebration of the natural world.

Kids can go on guided safaris, explore nature trails, or take a raft ride through a jungle landscape.

Parents will appreciate the educational aspect, as the park offers a unique look at wildlife conservation.

Don’t miss Pandora, the World of Avatar, for an otherworldly experience.

Animal Kingdom is one of the most kid friendly things to do in Orlando but is particularly engaging for kids aged 5 and up.

The park offers a mix of educational and thrilling experiences, making it versatile for families.

Recommended Hotel Nearby: Homewood Suites By Hilton Orlando Flamingo Crossings, FL

Activity Guide

Comparing attractions: which one is right for you.

While weighing upon which place to go, consider its educational impact that indulges interest and pleasure.

For comparison, Kennedy Space Center offers exciting educational space adventures that kids will surely like.

On the contrary, Tree Trek Adventure Park has an evolving aerial obstacle course to indulge and thrill your kids for a unique adventure.

Both educational and adventurous attractions bring smiles to my kid’s faces.

Your little ones will have a blast at WonderWorks Orlando, with many attractions, hands-on science exhibits, and 6D motion rides.

For something enjoyable, magical, and educational, the Museum of Illusions is a great option.

In our escapade, our family’s playtime has never felt so good.

With all the fun going on, even you can unleash your inner child.

How I Picked The Activities

When it comes to finding the best activities for your family in Orlando, I understand the importance of thorough research and reliable recommendations. 

That’s why I made it my mission to go the extra mile and gather all the necessary information to bring you top-notch attractions.

To ensure the utmost quality, I personally experienced some of these attractions first-hand. 

I stepped into the shoes of a curious adventurer, exploring Orlando’s family-friendly hotspots and immersing myself in the excitement. 

This hands-on approach allowed me to see these attractions through the eyes of a family, ensuring they meet the standards we all desire.

But I didn’t stop there. 

I delved into the vast realm of reviews, diving deep into online platforms to get a pulse on what other families had to say. 

Their candid feedback helped shape my understanding of each attraction’s strengths and potential areas for improvement. 

It was like tapping into a treasure trove of insider information.

To eliminate bias, I sought out the wisdom of locals and fellow families who have had their fair share of Orlando adventures. 

Their first-hand accounts provided invaluable insights and recommendations, helping me compile an unbiased list of the finest attractions. 

Their voices became the guiding light in my selection process.

Our Rating Method 

I rate these activities based on the following criteria: 

• Age Compatibility: I use this criterion to assess the ideal age range for each attraction. Is this activity suitable for toddlers, preschoolers, or young children? Will teenagers and tweens enjoy this attraction? I ask myself these questions whenever I assess age compatibility. 
• Educational Value: This is used to evaluate the educational benefits that the activity offers. Does the activity provide learning opportunities to children? Does it teach them lessons in science and history? I ask myself these important questions when rating the activity’s educational value. 
• Fun Factor: This measures the level of excitement, engagement, and enjoyment that the activity offers. Is it engaging and enjoyable for kids? Will it create memorable and positive experiences for families? These questions are important whenever I rate the activity’s fun factor. 
• Accessibility: This measures how accessible the activity is for families. Is it wheelchair accessible? Is it easily accessible by public transportation? Does it have ample parking space? I consider these factors when evaluating the accessibility of every activity. 
• Affordability: This assesses the value of money provided by the activity. Are the admission fees reasonable? Does it offer deals or discounts for families? I use these questions to evaluate the affordability of every attraction.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is orlando good for families.

Orlando is a dream destination for families. Known as the “Theme Park Capital of the World,” it offers a multitude of attractions, including Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, providing endless entertainment, fun, and magical experiences for both kids and adults alike.

What Is The Best Park In Orlando For Small Kids?

Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World is often considered the best park in Orlando for small kids. Its enchanting atmosphere, age-appropriate rides like Dumbo the Flying Elephant, character meet-and-greets, and colorful parades create a magical experience that delights young children and fuels their imagination.

Fun Things To Do In Orlando With Kids: Reddit User Recommendations

Which theme park in Orlando to take my 4&5 year old boys that is not Disney? by u/baguetteMD in Themepark

When it comes to fun things to do in Orlando with kids, there’s one attraction that has captured our hearts and taken the crown as our top choice: Kennedy Space Center. 

Get ready for an out-of-this-world experience that will leave your family with unforgettable memories.

Let me give you something to picture out: imagine the sheer wonder in your children’s eyes as they enter this extraordinary space haven. 

At the Kennedy Space Center, dreams of cosmic exploration become a reality. 

It’s a place where science, imagination, and pure excitement collide.

While the Kennedy Space Center reigns supreme, we want to ensure you have various options to suit your family’s preferences and interests.

For those seeking an exhilarating outdoor adventure, look no further than the Tree Trek Adventure Park. 

This captivating aerial obstacle course allows kids to connect with nature while improving their fitness levels through engaging play activities.

And as we moved from one course to another, I got to witness my kids’ natural intuition and judgment.

I let my kids do whatever activity they wanted, and seeing their excitement made me feel closer to them.

Indeed, it’s an opportunity for them to challenge themselves and conquer new heights amidst the natural beauty of Orlando.

If you’re craving a blend of education and entertainment, WonderWorks Orlando is the place to be. 

Step into a world of hands-on science exhibits, laser tag, and a mind-bending ropes course.

With over 100 interactive exhibits, this amusement park will expand your horizons and ignite your child’s imagination.

After our trip, my kids won’t stop talking about the challenges they faced during those activities.

So yes, prepare yourself for a whole lot of adventure and fond memories.

I assure you that there are tons of fun things waiting for you and your kids here in Orlando.

I visit Universal Orlando several times a year. Here are my top 10 tips for first-timers.

I’ll never forget walking out of Universal Islands of Adventure in 2022, drenched from head to toe after riding Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barge . 

It was my first trip back to Universal Orlando Resort in years, and I learned some things the hard way, which I gladly shared with fellow travelers, hoping that they’d avoid my mistakes .

Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to visit the Florida resort several times a year. And while I stand by my earlier tips, I’ve learned a few others.

Here are my top tips for first-timers visiting Universal Orlando.

1.  Stay on property

From RV parks to vacation rentals, there’s no shortage of places to stay in Central Florida, but it can pay to stay on property when visiting Universal Orlando. Not only are prices comparable to off-property hotels with Endless Summer Surfside and Dockside starting at $99 a night, but all of Universal’s resort hotels offer 30 minutes of early entry to select parks, which vary depending on time of year. 

They also provide free resort transportation, so you can get back to your room fairly quickly after a long park day or for a midday break. That free transportation can be clutch in the mornings, particularly at pricier Loews Sapphire Falls , Loews Royal Pacific , Loews Portofino Bay , and Hard Rock Hotel , which offer water taxis that drop you off closer to the parks than you can get arriving by car or bus. Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Aventura Hotel guests can walk over to Sapphire Falls for water taxis, but the extra time and steps added may make it not worth skipping the resort shuttle bus.

Walking paths are also available to the parks from every resort hotel except the Endless Summer ones. Cabana Bay guests also have a dedicated walking path to Universal’s Volcano Bay water park.

Guests staying at Royal Pacific, Portofino Bay and Hard Rock also get free Universal Express Passes , which dramatically cut waits for most rides and normally start at $79.99 per person. Free package delivery is also available to all resort hotels, if guests don’t want to lug park purchases around all day.

Epic Universe details revealed: What's coming to Universal Orlando next year

2. Buy a popcorn bucket

Snacking at the parks can get expensive. Guests are welcome to bring their own snacks, but there’s one crowd-pleaser that won’t break the bank. 

A plain popcorn bucket costs a little over $12, and you can keep getting refills throughout your trip. Refills cost around $2 each, making popcorn among the cheapest, most shareable snacks on property. On our last trip, my family and I got multiple refills for the price of one pretzel with cheese dip.

3.  Bring a light, refillable water bottle

Staying hydrated is always important, particularly on hot park days. 

You can fill water bottles with free ice-cold water at any of the many Coca-Cola Freestyle machines across the property. Cups of ice water are also available for free anywhere dispensed soft drinks are sold.

Leave big double-walled stainless steel tumblers at home. Not only will they feel heavy, carrying them around all the day, but if they aren’t leak-proof, they’ll make a mess when you tip them on their sides to fit in lockers for thrill rides.

4. Bring a medium-sized bag to carry your stuff

Numerous attractions, from Jurassic World VelociCoaster to Men in Black Alien Attack , require guests to store loose articles in lockers provided for the duration of the ride. 

I previously recommended keeping most of your things together to avoid having to empty every pocket each time. That’s still true, but I want to add a caveat on size. 

The free lockers aren’t very big. They can fit a Loungefly-style mini backpack or empty popcorn bucket, if you squish them down, but they’re not large enough for packed full-size backpacks. Keep that in mind unless you want to pay for larger lockers.

5. Bring ponchos

Ponchos don’t take a lot of space and can save you from getting soaked like me on Popeye & Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barge, Dudley Do-Right’s Rip Saw Falls , and Jurassic Park River Adventure .

Even if you skip water rides, ponchos are good to keep on hand for rainy park days.

6. Use single-rider lines 

Many attractions have a single-rider lane. If you’re traveling alone or don’t mind your party being split up, you can save time using the single-rider lane, if it’s open. They’re not always offered.

It doesn’t guarantee a short wait, but it’s usually shorter. On our latest trip, my middle schooler still waited at least 45 minutes for The Incredible Hulk Coaster and an hour for Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit . That was about as long as the regular standby wait for Hulk but shorter than the standby wait for Rip Ride Rockit.

The following attractions have single-rider lanes, though availability varies.

Universal Studios Florida

• E.T. Adventure
• Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts
• Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit
• Men in Black Alien Attack
• Revenge of the Mummy
• The Simpsons Ride
• Transformers: The Ride-3D

Universal Islands of Adventure

• Doctor Doom's Fearfall
• Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls
• Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure
• Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
• Jurassic Park River Adventure
• Jurassic World VelociCoaster
• The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man
• The Incredible Hulk Coaster

7. Use child swap 

If someone in your party doesn’t meet ride requirements for an attraction or simply wants to sit it out, you can ask for a child swap. It’s particularly helpful for families with young children because it allows parents and caregivers to take turns riding the ride and staying with whoever is sitting it out.

On our most recent trip, my youngest didn’t want to ride Hagrid’s Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure , so we all waited in line together, but then she and I peeled off to a designated waiting room while my middle schooler and mother-in-law went on the ride. When they were done, my mother-in-law stayed with my youngest while I went on the ride. My middle schooler lucked out, getting to ride it twice.

Not all attractions have waiting rooms, but they all offer swaps. Just let team members know you need one.

8. Take breaks

Theme parks can be exhausting. Not only are you on your feet all day, but they can be loud, crowded and overstimulating. 

When possible, I like to plan for at least one sit-down meal in the day. This way, I can take my time and recuperate in air conditioning away from crowds. I’ll typically splurge on one table-service meal, but there are several medium-priced, quick-service restaurants across both theme parks where you can grab a lighter snack and relax.

Really, any cool spot where you can sit down works. Knockturn Alley in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Florida is always refreshing, though dark. Jurassic Park Discovery Center in Islands of Adventure is a great place for kids to explore while adults unwind. 

9.  Watch the shows

Rides get a lot of the love, but Universal Orlando’s live entertainment is top tier. You can find showtimes on the free resort app or simply stop to watch performances you stumble across while roaming the parks.

The only year-round shows with dedicated seating are at Universal Studios Florida: Animal Actors On Location! , The Bourne Stuntacular , and Universal Orlando’s Horror Make-Up Show, which is more funny than scary.

10. Let little ones stretch their legs

There are several play areas across both theme parks for little ones to burn off energy.

This summer, a new DreamWorks Land will open at Universal Studios Florida with a “Kung Fu Panda”-themed play area.

At Islands of Adventure, kids can explore Camp Jurassic in Jurassic Park, If I Ran a Zoo in Seuss Landing, and Me Ship, The Olive in Toon Lagoon. There are also splash pads and water features across Toon Lagoon; just make sure to either bring swimsuits or backup clothes for those.

Bonus: Don’t sleep on Volcano Bay

You’ll definitely want to pack swimsuits if you’re heading to Volcano Bay, which regularly ranks among the best water parks in the country and adds a completely different experience to vacations.

It’s themed like a tropical paradise, with plenty of trees and an iconic volcano that houses multiple water slides. The water park can get crowded, but you never spend too much time standing in line because every guest gets a Tapu Tapu wearable bracelet that lets them join one virtual queue at a time. 

Single-day tickets start at $80, which is considerably less than the $119 starting price for guests age 10 and up at Universal Studios Florida or Islands of Adventure, but still not cheap. However, if you’re already planning to buy multi-day tickets for both theme parks, tacking on Volcano Bay is not much more.

Solar eclipse weather forecast in Florida for Monday, April 8, and best time to view it

The  Great American Eclipse 2024  is less than 24 hours away.

While Florida isn't in the path of totality, viewers in the Sunshine State will get to see a partial eclipse: Just make sure to wear your  safety glasses !

The partial eclipse will take place roughly 12:35 p.m. CDT through 4:20 p.m. EDT. The peak will happen about 1:55 p.m. CDT in Pensacola and 3:02 p.m. EDT on Miami Beach.

Here's the latest weather forecast on what to expect.

Will clouds block Florida's view of Monday, April 8, 2024, eclipse?

Parts across the country risk cloudy weather during the eclipse, but not Florida, according to AccuWeather reports.

From Missouri and Kansas southward into central and east Texas, it's likely to be cloudy with showers and perhaps some thunderstorms.

"Other areas with poor viewing conditions will be from Wisconsin westward through South Dakota and Nebraska to Washington and Oregon," AccuWeather long-range meteorologist Joe Lundberg explained.

There is also a concern that a band of clouds will move across western/central Pennsylvania and New York around the time of the eclipse, Pastelok said. "There is even a possibility of a passing shower. This could lower viewing opportunity for a couple of hours."

➤ Where will clouds spoil the eclipse?

National Weather Service Florida forecast for Monday, April 8, 2024, solar eclipse

Here's the forecast for Florida as of Sunday from the National Weather Service.

As of now, the best chances for the clearest skies look to be in Naples.

• Pensacola : Mostly sunny.
• Fort Walton Beach: Mostly sunny.
• Panama City: Mostly sunny.
• Tallahassee : Mostly sunny.
• Jacksonville : Mostly sunny.
• Gainesville : Partly sunny.
• Daytona Beach: Partly sunny.
• Melbourne : Partly sunny.
• Orlando : Mostly sunny.
• Lakeland : Partly sunny.
• Vero Beach : Partly sunny.
• Fort Pierce : Mostly sunny.
• Stuart : Mostly sunny.
• West Palm Beach: Partly sunny.
• Miami : Mostly sunny.
• Naples : Sunny.
• Fort Myers : Mostly sunny.
• Sarasota : Mostly sunny.

NOAA's precipitation outlook for Florida

Have some fun as you take our eclipse quiz to see how much you know.

April 8: A special day

Can't see the quiz? Open in a new browser .

Countdown clock to 2024 solar eclipse

What time will the solar eclipse be visible in florida.

While Florida isn't in the path of totality, residents will be able to see a partial eclipse. Here's  when you can watch  the eclipse from any Florida location.

Click on your location in the map to see:

• When the eclipse starts at your location
• What the maximum coverage will be
• What time maximum coverage will occur
• When the eclipse ends at your location
• Chances for clear skies based on historical averages for April 8

Roughly speaking, the peak of the eclipse will happen about 1:55 p.m. CDT in Pensacola and 3:02 p.m. EDT on Miami Beach.

Can't see the map?  Open in a new browser.

➤  See exact times to go outside to see the eclipse across Florida

Interactive map: Enter your ZIP code to see the best times to view the eclipse across Florida

Can't see our graphics? Click here to reload the page.

Enter your ZIP code to see:

• When the eclipse starts at your location.
• When the peak coverage will be.
• What the peak coverage will be.
• When the eclipse ends.
• How long the partial eclipse will last.
• How are you are from the path of totality.

The time lapse graphic shows what the eclipse will look from Orlando.

Will solar eclipse be visible in Florida? How much will you see? Enter ZIP code for answers

The 2024 solar eclipse is five days away.

For those still unsure, or have been focused on other news, Florida won't see a total eclipse where the moon totally blocks the sun, but will see a partial eclipse on April 8. How much of the sun will be blocked depends on where you are in the state.

Enter your ZIP code to see specifics on what you will be able to see from any Florida location, along with when the eclipse will start, end and maximum coverage of the sun.

Countdown clock to 2024 solar eclipse

What time will the solar eclipse be visible in florida.

While Florida isn't in the path of totality,  residents will be able to see a partial eclipse.  Here's  when you can watch  the eclipse from any Florida location.

Click on your location in the map to see:

• When the eclipse starts at your location
• What the maximum coverage will be
• What time maximum coverage will occur
• When the eclipse ends at your location
• Chances for clear skies based on historical averages for April 8

Roughly speaking, the peak of the eclipse will happen about 1:55 p.m. CDT in Pensacola and 3:02 p.m. EDT on Miami Beach.

Can't see the map?  Open in a new browser.

➤  See exact times to go outside to see the eclipse across Florida

Interactive map: Enter your ZIP code to see when the eclipse starts, peak coverage, when it ends

Can't see our graphics? Click here to reload the page.

Enter your ZIP code to see:

• When the eclipse starts at your location.
• When the peak coverage will be.
• What the peak coverage will be.
• When the eclipse ends.
• How long the partial eclipse will last.
• How are you are from the path of totality.

The time lapse graphic shows what the eclipse will look from Orlando.

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Pineville, best viewing location in Florida

All times are local.

• Start: 12:36 p.m.
• Peak: 1:55 p.m.
• End: 3:13 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 78.6%
• Total time: 2 hours 37 minutes

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Pensacola

All times are local. ZIP code 32501.

• Start: 12:35 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 76.6%

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Fort Walton Beach

All times are local. ZIP code 32547.

• Start: 12:37 p.m.
• Peak: 1:56 p.m.
• End: 3:14 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 75.4%
• Total time: 2 hours 36 minutes

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Panama City

All times are local. ZIP code 32401.

• Start: 12:38 p.m.
• Peak: 1:57 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 72.2%

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Tallahassee

All times are local. ZIP code 32301.

• Start: 1:42 p.m.
• Peak: 3 p.m.
• End: 4:16 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 70.1%
• Total time: 2 hours 34 minutes

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Jacksonville

All times are local. ZIP code 32034.

• Start: 1:48 p.m.
• Peak: 3:05 p.m.
• End: 4:20 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 65.2%
• Total time: 2 hours 32 minutes

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in St. Augustine

All times are local. ZIP code 32080.

• End: 4:19 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 61.8%
• Total time: 2 hours 31 minutes

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Gainesville

All times are local. ZIP code 32601.

• Start: 1:45 p.m.
• Peak: 3:03 p.m.
• End: 4:18 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 63.4%

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Ocala

All times are local. ZIP code 34470.

• Peak: 3:02 p.m.
• End: 4:17 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 61.4%

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Leesburg

All times are local. ZIP code 33585.

• Maximum coverage: 59.8%

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Daytona Beach

All times are local. ZIP code 32114.

• Peak: 3:04 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 59.3%
• Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Melbourne

All times are local. ZIP code 32901.

• Maximum coverage: 54.7%
• Total time: 2 hours 29 minutes

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Vero Beach

All times are local. ZIP code 32960.

• Maximum coverage: 52.8%
• Total time: 2 hours 28 minutes

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Orlando

All times are local. ZIP code 32789.

• Start: 1:46 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 57.9%

All times are local. Timing of 2024 solar eclipse at Disney World

All times are local. ZIP code 32836.

• Maximum coverage: 57.6%

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Lakeland

All times are local. ZIP code 33801.

• Start: 1:44 p.m.
• Peak: 3:01 p.m.
• End: 4:15 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 57.2%

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Winter Haven

All times are local. ZIP code 33839.

• Maximum coverage: 56.6%

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Fort Pierce

All times are local. ZIP code 34946.

• Maximum coverage: 52.2%

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Stuart

All times are local. ZIP code 34957.

• Maximum coverage: 51.1%
• Total time: 2 hours 27 minutes

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in West Palm Beach

All times are local. ZIP code 33401.

• Maximum coverage: 49.1%
• Total time: 2 hours 26 minutes

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Naples

All times are local. ZIP code 34102.

• Start: 1:43 p.m.
• Peak: 2:59 p.m.
• End: 4:12 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 50.6%

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Miami

All times are local. ZIP code 33101.

• Start: 1:47 p.m.
• End: 4:13 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 46.2%
• Total time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Key West

All times are local. ZIP code 33040.

• Peak: 2:56 p.m.
• End: 4:09 p.m.
• Maximum coverage: 45.5%

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Fort Myers

All times are local. ZIP code 33901.

• Maximum coverage: 52.3%

Timing of 2024 solar eclipse in Sarasota

All times are local. ZIP code 34230.

• Maximum coverage: 56.1%

What are the best places in Florida to live? These neighborhoods are on this list

Are you planning a move anytime soon? Or just want to feel a sense of pride about the area you live in?

Niche recently releases its annual report of the  “Best Places to Live in America ,” seeing three Florida neighborhoods place within its top 10 slots.

Niche experts ranks places to live based on a variety of categories, such as cost of living, schools, diversity, health care, crime statistics and recreational activities. It also ranked neighborhoods, suburbs, and cities to determine the best places to live.

“It provides people with the tools and information they need to discover their best-fit options based on whatever they value most,” Zach Chatham, PR manager at Niche, said to Forbes . “It’s a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about what a place is really like, whether that be to visit on vacation or to call home when moving.”

Where is the top place to live in Florida?

Located in Tampa, the neighborhood of Uptown saw the fourth slot on Niche's overall list. It has a population of 2,428 residents.

"Uptown is in Hillsborough County and is one of the best places to live in Florida. Living in Uptown offers residents a dense urban feel and most residents rent their homes," Niche writes. "In Uptown there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Uptown and residents tend to have moderate political views."

The median home value within Uptown is $278,210, with renters paying $2,130 per month. The median household income is $80,431.

As for schools, Niche notes the public schools in Uptown are highly rated. Families with children make up 4% of the neighborhood's population.

What are the top 10 places to live in Florida?

Following Uptown's first-place slot on the list, here are the other top Florida neighborhoods on the list:

Hyde Park, Tampa

• Population: 2,219
• Median household income: $133,738
• Median home value: $621,272 (39% own)
• Median rent: $1,977 (61% rent)
• Top public schools: Dr. Kiran C. Patel High School (grade A), Bell Creek Academy High School (grade A), Tampa Bay Technical High School (grade A)
• Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Carrollwood Day School (grade A+)

Harbour Island, Tampa

• Population: 4,185
• Median household income: $156,929
• Median home value: $497,689 (45% own)
• Median rent: $2,323 (55% rent)
• Top private schools: Berkeley Preparatory School (grade A+), Tampa Preparatory School (grade A+), Academy of the Holy Names (grade A+)

Audubon Park, Orlando

• Population: 3,658
• Median household income: $108,265
• Median home value: $422,598 (84% own)
• Median rent: $2,031 (16% rent)
• Top public schools: Winter Park High School (grade A+), Orlando Gifted Academy (grade A), Cornerstone Charter Academy High School (grade A)
• Top private schools: Trinity Preparatory School of Florida (grade A+), Lake Highland Preparatory School (grade A+), The First Academy (grade A+)

Palma Ceia West, Tampa

• Population: 1,542
• Median household income: $133,278
• Median home value: $579,854 (67% own)
• Median rent: $1,132 (33% rent)

North Quarter, Orlando

• Population: 1,637
• Median household income: $63,037
• Median home value: $231,886 (12% own)
• Median rent: $1,662 (88% rent)
• Top public schools: Orlando Gifted Academy (grade A), Cornerstone Charter Academy High School (grade A), Laureate Park Elementary School (grade A minus)

Baldwin Park, Orlando

• Population: 15,332
• Median household income: $151,007
• Median home value: $689,848 (43% own)
• Median rent: $2,245 (57% rent)
• Top public schools: Winter Park High School (grade A+), Cornerstone Charter Academy High School (grade A), Laureate Park Elementary School (grade A minus)

Virginia Park, Tampa

• Population: 5,894
• Median household income: $175,591
• Median home value: $677,083 (88% own)
• Median rent: $1,552 (12% rent)

Courier City/Oscawana, Tampa

• Population: 3,042
• Median household income: $140,335
• Median home value: $559,721 (41% own)
• Median rent: $2,143 (59% rent)

Lancaster Park, Orlando

• Population: 1,254
• Median household income: $152,300
• Median home value: $457,781 (67% own)
• Median rent: $1,192 (33% rent)
• Top public schools: Cornerstone Charter Academy High School (grade A), Laureate Park Elementary School (grade A minus), Audubon Park School (grade A minus)

What is the top place in the entire country?

Niche determined that Colonial Village , a neighborhood in Arlington, Virginia, is the top neighborhood in the country.

"Colonial Village is in Arlington County and is one of the best places to live in Virginia. In Colonial Village, most residents rent their homes. In Colonial Village there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks," the description writes.

Located in Arlington County, the neighborhood holds a population of 2,992. The study shares that 71% of residents own their home, seeing a median home value of $418,858. Renters typically pay $2,037 per month.

See the top 10 neighborhoods across America, according to Niche

• Colonial Village, Virginia
• Carmel, Indiana
• Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania
• Uptown, Florida
• Cinco Ranch, Texas
• Hyde Park, Florida
• Evergreen Park, California
• Radnor/Fort Myer Heights, Virginia
• Harbour Island, Florida
• College Terrance, California

Where to see the solar eclipse in Florida? Here's an event list and a link to live coverage

The total solar eclipse  takes place on Monday, April 8.

While you might already have your eclipse glasses ready to go — take care to watch out for fake glasses — you might still be looking for the perfect place to view the major celestial event .

While Florida isn't within the path of totality , astronomy clubs and institutions across the state are holding events for residents to catch a glimpse of the eclipse (safety behind glasses, of course.) Here's where to find these events and what to know before the big day.

When is the total solar eclipse in April 2024?

The total solar eclipse will cross North America on  Monday, April 8 , 2024. The total eclipse will  hit the coast of Mexico  on April 8, about 11:07 a.m. PDT and leave the continental North America at 5:16 NDT.

The partial eclipse will begin first as the edge of the moon becomes visible, and then about an hour and 20 minutes later the totality will begin and last for three or four minutes before the sun begins to appear again.

Which states will see the total solar eclipse?

Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, plus parts of Tennessee and Michigan, are all in the 115-mile-wide path of totality.

To see the exact path of totality, check out  an interactive map  created by French eclipse expert Xavier Jubier.

How much of the April 8 total solar eclipse will be visible in Florida?

Florida  is not in the path of totality  for the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse, so residents won't see the moon completely block the sun. Residents will see a partial eclipse, though.

Depending on your location,  anywhere from 54 percent to 82 percent of the sun will be blocked .

What time will the April 8 eclipse be visible in Florida?

Depending on what part of Florida you’re in, residents should start to see the eclipse beginning about 1:35 p.m. EDT on April 8, 2024, with the midpoint at 2:55 p.m.

Where are the best places to see the eclipse in Florida?

Pensacola will be treated to a spectacular partial eclipse of just over 80% coverage at the midpoint, according to  eclipse2024.com , but if you want to see the most eclipse possible within state lines you'll need to head to Pineville (82.4%), Bratt (82.3%), or Walnut Hill (82.2%).

The farther south or southeast you go, the less of an eclipse you'll see. Tallahassee will get 75.4% coverage, Jacksonville about 70%. Central Florida across the state will be in the mid-60% range. Southwestern Florida will see about 60% of the sun blocked, Palm Beach 58%, Miami 55.7%, and down in the Keys it'll be 55.1%.

Here's where to watch the solar eclipse in Florida

• Solar Eclipse Viewing Party  at the Orlando Science Center - 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803
• Partial Eclipse and Earth Day Celebration  at Kennedy Space Center - Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
• There Goes the Sun: Solar Eclipse Viewing  at Palm Beach Gardens - Mirasol Park, 12385 Jog Road
• Solar Eclipse viewing  at the Cox Science Center and Aquarium - 4801 Dreher Trail N, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
• Eclipse Viewing at the  Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium  - 3450 Ortiz Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33905
• Eclipse viewing  at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science - 1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132
• Solar Eclipse Extravaganza at the Fort Walton Beach Library, 185 Miracle Strip Parkway, Fort Walton Beach. The event starts at 12:30 p.m. The event is free, but you must call the library to register at 850-833-9590.
• The Alachua Astronomy Club will gather at 1:30 p.m. April 8 at the KikaSilva Pla Planetarium at Santa Fe College, 3000 NW 83rd St., Building X-129, Gainesville
• Do you know of some local watch parties? Please let us know at [email protected]

Can I watch the eclipse on livestream?

Yes. Check out this link to live coverage:

Don't forget your glasses to watch the eclipse

NASA warns viewing any part of the sun with binoculars, a telescope or through a camera lens without a special-purpose solar filter or with your bare eyes without solar viewing glasses  can result in severe eye injury .

American Astronomical Society’s website shares  a curated list of approved vendors  for eclipse glasses. Check the list before purchasing any.

Free solar eclipse glasses are also typically given out by local libraries, schools and observatories. These locations might have limited supplies, so it's best to call ahead to see if they have any available.

USA TODAY-Network Florida's  C.A. Bridges  contributed to this report .

Where to watch solar eclipse in Orlando, Central Florida

Eclipse 2024: how to make an eclipse viewer at home.

Our guests from the Orlando Science Center show us ways to safely view Mondays solar eclipse using everyday items. They also talk about the importance of using these crafts to help protect your eyes from damage.

ORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando may not be in the solar eclipse's path of totality, but that doesn't mean you won't be able to catch a glimpse of the rare occurrence. 

On Monday, April 8, Orlando will get a partial view of the solar eclipse. It'll begin at 1:46 p.m. and mid-eclipse time, or when the maximum amount of the sun's disk is covered, will be at 3:03 p.m. 

It's the last total solar eclipse visible over North America until 2044. 

How to check your eclipse glasses to make sure they work

Path of The Great American Eclipse of 2024

FOX 35 Storm Team Meteorologist Noah Bregren breaks down the path of The Great American Eclipse of 2024.

Several places around Orlando and Central Florida are hosting events. Here's a list:

University of Central Florida

The "Not So Total Eclipse" event will be held at the UCF Reflecting Pond from 2 to 4 p.m. Registration is free, and includes eclipse glasses and a "surprise." 

This event is being organized by the Florida Space Institute, Department of Physics, UCF Libraries and Office of Research. 

Click here for more information. 

How to safely take video, photos of the solar eclipse

(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center is hosting a viewing party for the total solar eclipse on Monday. Tickets are on sale now, and are necessary to secure your spot for the event. Once reservations reach capacity, the event will be sold out. 

If the eclipse is not visible in the Orlando area due to cloud cover or weather conditions, a view from other locations will be livestreamed inside the Orlando Science Center. 

Eclipse glasses are included in admission. 

Tickets are $27 for adults, $21 for kids, and $25 for students and seniors. TIckets for children under 2 years old cost $3. 

What happens if it’s cloudy during the eclipse? The answer depends, researchers say

NASA expert talks about what to expect during the solar eclipse

NASA expert Kristen Weaver talks about the upcoming solar eclipse and what we can expect to see here in Central Florida.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is hosting an eclipse watch party, complete with eclipse glasses and a DJ. The event will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. in the Rocket Garden. 

Admission is required. A one-day pass is $75 for everyone 12 and up and $65 for kids 3-11. 

Short-term rentals along solar eclipse path of totality almost completely booked

Orange County Regional History Center

The History Center and Orlando Public Library are hosting a solar eclipse viewing party featuring themed games, activities and crafts. Eclipse glasses and a solar telescope will be available. 

Admission is free.

Local schools

Check with your student's local school. It's a possibility they'll be having a viewing event.

Today's the day! Will clouds block Florida's view of solar eclipse? Here's latest forecast

The  Great American Eclipse 2024  is just hours away.

While no rain is in the forecast, most areas across Florida are expected to see high, thin clouds overhead at the time of the eclipse this afternoon. While the view should still be good, there is a chance thicker clouds could move in at the wrong time.

Florida isn't in the path of totality, but viewers in the Sunshine State will get to see a partial eclipse: Just make sure to wear your  safety glasses .

The partial eclipse will take place roughly 12:35 p.m. CDT through 4:20 p.m. EDT. The peak will happen about 1:55 p.m. CDT in Pensacola and 3:02 p.m. EDT on Miami Beach.

Here's the latest weather forecast on what to expect.

AccuWeather forecast: Will clouds block Florida's view of Monday, April 8, 2024, solar eclipse?

There's a low chance for clouds across eastern portions of the Panhandle and Northeast Florida, according to AccuWeather.

Across the remainder of the state, there's a moderate chance for clouds to affect your view of the eclipse.

AccuWeather meteorologists warned severe weather is expected to ramp up across the southern U.S. A cold front started pushing across the Mississippi Valley Sunday, igniting a line of thunderstorms, some of which brought hefty downpours and hail.

➤ Where will clouds spoil the eclipse?

National Weather Service Florida forecast for Monday, April 8, 2024, solar eclipse

Here's the forecast for Florida as of Monday morning from the National Weather Service.

• Panhandle: "It does look like we'll have some high-level clouds streaming across the region, but there will probably be breaks in the clouds," said Rudy Dicarlo, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Mobile. The thin cirrus clouds should allow residents to see parts of the eclipse.
• Northeast Florida: "There should be 50% cloud coverage at the time of eclipse today, but they'll be some thin cirrus clouds, which shouldn't obscure the eclipse," said Ben Nelson, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Jacksonville. "There is a slight chance of lower-level clouds moving in. If you want to slip over the border into Georgia, less cloud coverage is expected there, Nelson said.
• East Coast, Central Florida: "We're expecting a band of high clouds to move into northern half of our coverage area, roughly extending from Tampa/Vero Beach north through Daytona Beach," according to Jared Heil, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Melbourne. "There will be breaks and the clouds will be thin enough to see the eclipse. There will be periods to catch glimpses of the eclipse but it will be hit and miss, especially if slightly thicker clouds" are overhead at the peak time of the eclipse in mid afternoon. "The Treasure Coast and Okeechobee will be brighter, with fewer high clouds, but some puffy, cumulus clouds could move in from the Atlantic, especially along the coast."
• South Florida: The best view will be along the west coast, with scattered cloud cover expected along the east coast today, according to Will Redman, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Miami. "A lot of people are going to be able to see something, but it will be hard to see much on the east coast, Redman said. "It's still worth a try since it comes so infrequently."
• Southwest Florida: In Southwest Florida, there weren't any clouds at 7 a.m., but some high, cirrus clouds could move in by the time of the eclipse this afternoon. "Viewing should be OK," said Paul Close, meteorologist with the National Weather Service Tampa Bay, who added there would be more clouds the farther north you go in the state.
• Pensacola : Partly sunny.
• Fort Walton Beach: Mostly sunny.
• Panama City: Mostly sunny.
• Tallahassee : Mostly sunny.
• Jacksonville : Mostly sunny.
• Gainesville : Mostly sunny.
• Daytona Beach: Mostly sunny.
• Melbourne : Mostly sunny.
• Orlando : Mostly sunny.
• Lakeland : Mostly sunny.
• Vero Beach : Mostly sunny.
• Fort Pierce : Mostly sunny.
• Stuart : Mostly sunny.
• West Palm Beach: Mostly sunny.
• Miami : Mostly sunny.
• Naples : Sunny.
• Fort Myers : Sunny.
• Sarasota : Sunny.

NOAA's precipitation outlook for Florida

Have some fun as you take our eclipse quiz to see how much you know.

April 8: A special day

Can't see the quiz? Open in a new browser .

Countdown clock to 2024 solar eclipse

What time will the solar eclipse be visible in florida.

While Florida isn't in the path of totality, residents will be able to see a partial eclipse. Here's  when you can watch  the eclipse from any Florida location.

Click on your location in the map to see:

• When the eclipse starts at your location
• What the maximum coverage will be
• What time maximum coverage will occur
• When the eclipse ends at your location
• Chances for clear skies based on historical averages for April 8

Roughly speaking, the peak of the eclipse will happen about 1:55 p.m. CDT in Pensacola and 3:02 p.m. EDT on Miami Beach.

Can't see the map?  Open in a new browser.

➤  See exact times to go outside to see the eclipse across Florida

Interactive map: Enter your ZIP code to see the best times to view the eclipse across Florida

Can't see our graphics? Click here to reload the page.

Enter your ZIP code to see:

• When the eclipse starts at your location.
• When the peak coverage will be.
• What the peak coverage will be.
• When the eclipse ends.
• How long the partial eclipse will last.
• How are you are from the path of totality.

The time lapse graphic shows what the eclipse will look from Orlando.