48 Best Things to Do in Orlando

While other theme parks around town tend to cater more towards certain age groups or tastes, Universal Islands of Adventure has got it all. There are live-action stunts to entertain the kids, while rollercoasters and themed rides tower overhead. Immersive simulators place you in the middle of your favourite movie, ideal for those who prefer their adrenaline fix to be a bit closer to the ground.

Opened in 1999, Islands of Adventure is made up of 8 different areas, including the amazing Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Lost Continent, Jurassic Park and more. Don’t miss a chance to grab a selfie with Captain America or watch one of the spectacular shows. 

Magic Kingdom, Disney World’s first-ever theme park, remains one of its best. It welcomes almost 18 million visitors each year to its 6 different lands of fun and adventure. The iconic Cinderella Castle stands as the park’s centrepiece, which gets illuminated by a famous fireworks display every night.

Entrance into the Magic Kingdom theme park unravels a whole world of Disney-inspired shows, parades, rollercoasters, rides and simulators, most of which cater more towards the younger kids. But that doesn’t mean grown-ups can’t enjoy themselves too. Space Mountain and the Pirates of the Caribbean ride are famous attractions that will delight everyone no matter their age.

Universal Studios Florida draws in bumper crowds with its long line-up of Hollywood-inspired rides and attractions. Part of the wider Universal Orlando complex, the theme park focuses on delivering an immersive movie experience, with state-of-the-art technology used throughout the range of simulators. Be amazed at the majestic dragon guarding Gringotts Bank, explore space with E.T. and ride the Caterbus family-friendly coaster with your favourite Trolls characters.

If you time your visit right, you’ll get to enjoy magical seasonal events at Universal Studios, like colourful Mardi Gras parades and a party in Whoville with the Grinch himself. A handy thing to have is the park app, which lets you check times for parades, shows and current ride times.

The Kennedy Space Center is one of the region’s most popular attractions and a world away from the theme parks. It sits on the eastern coast of Florida, around 45 minutes from downtown Orlando.

Thanks to Orlando’s relentless tourism boom, the Kennedy Space Center has become so much more than just a site for NASA to launch their astronauts off from the surface of the Earth. You can get up close with the original Saturn V rocket, stand nose-to-tail with the huge Atlantis Space Shuttle, take a trip out of the atmosphere in a simulator, or even arrange to have lunch with a veteran astronaut.

One of the best waterparks in Orlando is Aquatica, located next to the larger SeaWorld complex. Alongside all the waterpark essentials like head-to-head slides, rapids and high-speed flumes, it also delivers a few slightly more unique attractions.

A must-try is Reef Plunge, where your transparent flume passes through a pool full of dolphins, and, if you’re lucky, they’ll even try to race you as you zip over them. If you want an adrenaline rush, try the breathtaking drop at Ihu’s Breakaway Falls. On selected evenings, join them for a family movie night complete with beach games and popcorn. You’ll be pleased to know entry to these events is included with your park admission.

Legoland Florida delivers heaps of things to see and do, including rollercoasters, huge Lego-built landmarks, shows and performances. Most of the rides are geared towards kids aged 2 to 12 years old, such as the popular Duplo fairground-style rides, the indoor-outdoor Dragon rollercoaster, wooden Coastersaurous and Safari Trek.

A range of flexible day passes is available for Legoland Florida, including a ‘park-hopper’ pass that includes the Legoland Water Park and Peppa Pig Theme Park next door. Legoland’s largest park sits right next to Lake Eloise in the Lakeland region, around an hour’s drive from Downtown Orlando. There's a shuttle to the park from International Drive at 9am on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios is where movie magic comes alive, with the collection of family-friendly shows, rides and attractions inspired by Disney’s classic movies. Scenes from the 1930s and 1940s classics draw in millions of visitors every year.

Rides like The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror and the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster provide some pulse-raising excitement alongside live-action rides and immersive simulators. Movie buffs shouldn’t forget to check out the excellent Animation Courtyard either, home to a few particularly interesting exhibits detailing the life and work of Walt Disney himself.

Orlando water parks offer thrilling rides, experiences and buckets of fun under the sun. They also have educational experiences that instil a sense of environmental stewardship and the opportunity to get up close and personal with sea creatures.

With so many fantastic water parks to choose from, there’s no doubt you’ll find the best one for your squad. Top-notch experiences can be found in every famous Orlando venue. Your mission to find that one dream water park for you and your family is made easy by the great choices available. From Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon to Treasure Cove to Cypress Springs, these waterparks make for incredible days out whether you’re with family, friends or that special someone.

The Blue Man Group is a comedy, theatre, rock concert and dance party combined. Enjoy an outrageous and sensory show from this worldwide group of talented performers at the specially built venue in ICON Park.

Featuring an upbeat trio of multi-instrumentalists, the Blue Man Show in Orlando has several episodes of audience participation and appeals to pretty much all ages. These shows offer something exclusive to Orlando that you won’t see at other Blue Man Group shows, creating a truly immersive experience.

Fun Spot America is one of the few independent theme parks in Orlando, located just off International Drive. You'll find plenty of adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters, go-karting tracks and a whole bunch of attractions for younger kids to enjoy like a carousel and a mini-drop tower.

Fun Spot's claim to fame is the 250 ft SkyCoaster that'll have you soaring through the sky as if you've just hopped out of a plane. After all those thrills, which are usually open until midnight, cool off at the interactive splash pad or in a comfortable private cabana. If you don't want to experience any rides yourself and simply want to drive your kids on the go-karts, purchase a Chauffer Pass at a discounted rate.

Blue Spring State Park spans over 2,600 acres and includes the largest spring on the St. John’s River. The water is crystal clear, a gorgeous emerald colour and usually around 22.7°C during the swimming season. The freshwater spring is a manatee refuge and, from November to mid-March, is home to hundreds of West Indian manatees.

Blue Spring State Park also has animals including tropical birds, turtles, squirrels and even alligators. Rent a kayak or take a guided boat tour to see the incredible wildlife up close. Don’t forget to bring a picnic or check out the camp store for the essentials.

Canaveral National Seashore is a sanctuary for many endangered species, including the sea turtles who come to the beach to lay their eggs in the sand. Like many seaside cities, the area is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities. You’ll find horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, swimming, fishing and boating. If you enjoy hiking, there’s a trail near the Visitor’s Center.

Note that there is an entrance fee into the park, but this helps to keep crowds down and ensure the reserve is kept clean and well-maintained. Keep little minds busy with a Junior Ranger activity book from the Visitor’s Center.

The Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens is in Winter Park, just north of Orlando. The museum is in the historic home of Czech sculptor Albin Polasek. Though the property is small, it provides the ability to be close to the artwork and take great photographs.

The guided tour includes a short video which explains the history of the property, giving you a better understanding of the sculptures and why Polasek created them. Each sculpture tells the story of Polasek and represents different times in his life, with most pieces focused on religion. Don’t miss the special guest exhibits and demonstrations.

This museum has over 5,000 exceptional objects on display, from antique pieces to contemporary art. Located in Rollin's College, it's right in the heart of Winter Park and overlooks the stunning Lake Virginia.

The museum's collections include the only European Old Masters collection in the Orlando area, along with contemporary American pieces. Exhibitions change frequently, so there's always something new to enjoy, along with special events like presentations and tours. Best of all, entry to the Rollins Museum of Art is free.

Discover just how exciting colouring can be at the Crayola Experience in Florida Mall. Try out 26 hands-on activities and enjoy being creative and free in the mesmerizing Crayola Store. The range of fun and family-friendly activities at the Crayola Experience go from a simple colouring page to animating yours and your child's creation on a large digital projector.

Turn yourself into a cartoon before sitting back to enjoy an entertaining show detailing how crayons are made. This is just a taster of all the incredible activities on offer. If you want to save a little money, make sure you book your tickets online.

Chocolate Kingdom gives you the chance to venture on an interactive journey to discover how chocolate is created from the bean to the bar, and from the bar to your belly. Explore the center's Cacao Tree Greenhouse and a Chocolate Museum, before drifting onto the Mystical River of Chocolate, and finally to the Bean-to-the-Bar Factory to find out more about the machinery involved in making chocolate.

You’ll be able to satisfy your sweet tooth with samples throughout the tour, and you’ll love the opportunity to customise your own bar of chocolate, which will be made fresh onsite. The Chocolate Kingdom is found off International Drive, so it’s close to several more fantastic Orlando attractions.

Downtown Kissimmee is a typical all-American historical town in Osceola County. Despite its past as a shipping town, the area now has plenty of boutique shops and restaurants, as well as a lively night scene. Hunt for vintage homeware in the many antique shops before taking part in an art workshop at La Casa Del Artesano. For a truly decadent treat, try the many incredible flavours at the Abracadabra Ice Cream Factory.

See as much of downtown Kissimmee as possible by taking a self-guided walking tour, starting from the Kissimmee Street Office. Easily reachable by car or taxi, Kissimmee is within a 30-minute drive south of Orlando.

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is an arts complex in Downtown Orlando, hosting numerous shows and events. The venue features a 2,700-seat theatre hall for a host of spectacular Broadway plays and musicals. There's also a 1,700-seat venue for smaller events such as ballet recitals, orchestral performances and award ceremonies.

If you’re wanting to grace the stage yourself, take a Broadway masterclass or enrol the kids in a camp to learn the ins and ours of the theatre industry.

Escapology is a theme-based escape game, where you and your friends have 1 hour to work together to find hidden objects, uncover clues and solve dynamic puzzles. Horror fans will love the Haunted House, while those with little ones can solve mysteries in the Scooby Doo and the Spooky Castle Adventure room.

Don’t worry if you get stuck, as a Game Master will be on hand to give you tips and hints and you’re always free to step out at any time. A leader in escape attractions, Escapology offers wonderfully decorated rooms and exclusively licensed games.

Disney Springs is an outdoor complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. It is one of several such areas that offers a mix of shopping, one-of-a-kind restaurants and entertainment all in one place, but this one is undoubtedly the biggest in Orlando, with 110 shops. Most shops are specialty boutiques within a particular theme, such as Disney's Days of Christmas, The Candy Cauldron and Pin Traders.

Alongside international favourite brands like Lacoste and Sephora, there’s a host of amazing entertainment options like a carousel, live music and a ride in a stunning hand-painted hot-air balloon. For a truly special option for dinner, enjoy spectacular waterfront sunsets at the Boathouse.

The Harry P. Leu Gardens covers almost 50 acres of beautiful gardens, lakes, trails and forest. Mr. and Mrs. Harry P. Leu started the Leu Gardens with exotic plants and over 240 varieties of camellias brought home from their travels all over the world. In 1961, the Leu family gifted the property to the city of Orlando to preserve its dozens of lush gardens.

Wander through striking bromeliads, watch colourful butterflies and admire the abundant roses. For a unique visit, register for an art class or horticulture workshop. If you’d like to tour the Leus’ historic home, note that they’re only available at selected times.

Icon Park is a popular entertainment plaza on International Drive. This plaza is home to Madame Tussauds Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and the incredible 7-D Motion Theater. Ride the Orlando Wheel, a famous 400-foot observation wheel that offers a breath-taking panoramic view of the city, and the charming, hand-crafted Carousel on the Promenade.

Dining options range from casual fast food like Buffalo Wild Wings to cozy restaurants like Evoo Fresh Mediterranean Kitchen. Date nights will be even more memorable at Icon Park’s bars, especially with many happy hour deals. To save even more money, you can purchase package tickets for the biggest attractions.

International Drive Orlando is the center of the Orlando’s entertainment scene. This long street connects all of the city's major attractions, including Aquatica Waterpark, Chocolate Kingdom, ICON Park and Disney and Universal theme parks. Adrenaline seekers can try an indoor skydiving wind tunnel at iFLY Indoor Skydiving Orlando or take a helicopter tour of the city with International Heli-Tours.

International Drive also has some great museums, including the weird and wonderful Ripley's Believe It or Not!, the Orlando Auto Museum and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Challenge your family to a round of pirate themed mini-golf, search for bargains at an outlet centre then fill up at the Oreganatta Italian Buffet.

Kelly Park is a popular public park in Apopka, Florida. It’s best known for its free-flowing natural spring that remains a comfortable 20°C all year round. Visitors flock to the park no matter the season to swim, tube and kayak in the crystal-clear water. Tent and RV camping is offered, alongside a concession stand and picnic pavilions.

On sunny days, nothing beats a hike on one of the wilderness trails followed by a dip in the spring or a lazy tube ride. If you’ve kids in tow, let them run off some energy at the playground before grilling up a tasty dinner on one of the many grills in the picnic area. Don’t forget to bring your own charcoal.

Lake Eola Park is a pleasant downtown spot for picnics, exercise and paddle-boating, and makes a lovely quick escape from the nearby high-rises. The 23-acre site, located off East Washington Street, has an almost mile-long walkway around the lake edge that gives spectacular views, especially at sunset.

There's also an event amphitheatre which hosts special events throughout the year, as well as children’s playgrounds, a beautiful bright red Chinese pagoda and a famous fountain. A lazy summer’s afternoon wouldn’t be complete without renting a swan-shaped paddling boat and enjoying the sights from the water.

Lake Tohopekaliga, or Lake Toho as it’s also known, is an almost 23,000-acre fishing lake in Kissimmee that's known for its professional bass fishing competitions and birdwatching opportunities. This popular lake is home to a staggering number of freshwater bass, alligators, water snakes and turtles.

Located on the north side of Lake Toho, Lakefront Park has a seating area, a playground and even a miniature lighthouse. If you’re having so much fun you don’t want to leave, hook up your RV or rent a cabin at the nearby resort.

Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Orlando has 6 sections dedicated to famous celebrities, sports stars and historical figures for you to pose with and photograph. The wax sculptures are stunningly lifelike, so you can get up-close and personal with Albert Einstein, The President of the United States, Michael Jackson, Angelina Jolie and so many more.

Once you’ve lifted a helicopter with Superman, slam dunked with Shaquille O’Neal and starred in Taylor Swift’s latest music video, why not visit the some of the other incredible attractions at Icon Park? Combo tickets are available so you can save money on entrance fees.

The Mennello Museum of American Art is, at its core, a permanent collection of paintings by self-taught artist Earl Cunningham. His vivid landscapes with mismatched details feature alongside special exhibitions and events throughout the year, including a Folk Art Festival. Free Family Day takes place every 2nd Sunday of the month, which offers free admission, a free miniature fine art project and free docent touring.

Just outside of the Mennello Museum of American Art is The Sculpture Garden, where you can find "The Mayor," a 350-year-old live oak tree draped with Spanish moss. On selected days of the week, enjoy a peaceful yoga session by the lake. Your yoga ticket also includes entrance into the museum.

The majestic city of Mount Dora is surrounded by beautiful lakes and offers charming attractions all year round. With a population of around 12,000 people, the small city has a unique charm that’s punctuated by its active arts community. Known as the “The New England of the South” and “The Festival City,” Mount Dora sees outdoor festivals and art events taking place throughout the year, including the Mount Dora Arts Festival.

The downtown area is full of boutiques selling hand-crafted art, clothing and gifts so you’re sure to find a lovely souvenir to take home with you. Antique lovers should check out the more than 60 vendors in the Village Antique Mall for collectibles and jewellery.

Located in central Florida between the theme parks and sandy beaches, the Ocala National Forest area covers 383,000 acres of stunning natural landscape ready to be explored, including over 600 lakes, rivers and springs. Residents and visitors alike flock to these picturesque waters for swimming, fishing, snorkelling and canoeing.

There’s an abundance of wildlife to spot, from manatees to migratory birds, as well as some of the world’s rarest plants. Hike the dozens of trails, settle down for a picnic amongst the trees then return to your tent, RV or rented cabin for a relaxing night under the stars. If you’re in Florida for a while, consider purchasing the Hopper Pass to access all recreation sites managed by Naventure.

The Orlando Eye, one of Orlando's most famous landmarks, elevates passengers 400 feet into the sky for some awesome panoramic views over downtown Orlando and Central Florida beyond. There are 30 air-conditioned capsules in total, which means you don’t have to queue for too long. For a unique date idea, ride during a spectacular sunset, or at night when the wheel and the surrounding skyline are illuminated in twinkling lights.

For a true VIP experience, opt for the Sips in the Sky or Champagne Experience packages for an extra rotation and upscale beverages. As Orlando’s highest viewpoint, the attraction naturally gets very popular, so we recommend booking your tickets online in advance to guarantee a ride.

The Orlando Museum of Art is a visual arts gallery near Downtown Orlando. Founded in 1924, this museum is one of the oldest and most renowned in the Central Florida area, featuring a wide range of nationally recognized exhibits. Permanent collections include historic and contemporary works, African art and Ancient Americas art, the last of which is considered the best of its kind in the Southeastern US.

Exhibitions rotate frequently, so there will always be something new to discover, alongside docent-led tours, workshops and yoga amidst the art. Every 3rd Thursday of the month, opening hours are extended and you can discover new local artists, enjoy live performances and check out the museum's featured exhibition.

SAK Comedy Lab is one of Downtown Orlando’s most prominent live improv comedy clubs. The 250-seat venue is packed almost every show as the team of talented actors never put on the same performance twice. Stars such as Wayne Brady and Jonathan Mangum got their start at SAK Comedy Lab, as well as many award-winning writers for shows such as SNL and The Office, so you can be sure of a hilarious time.

Come prepared with ideas because your prompts will influence everything you see on stage. If you’re in town for a while, consider joining one of their improv courses. Alternatively, for a unique night out, take a free class, perfect for beginners.

The Everglades is a region of subtropical wetlands in the southern portion of Florida, beginning at Lake Okeechobee near Walt Disney World and becoming more prominent about 3 to 4 hours south of Downtown Orlando. The Everglades' environment is ever-changing and mostly untouched. Swamps and mangroves are inhabited by various types of snakes and alligators, and birds of different species make this subtropical wilderness their home.

Guided tours are the best way to see everything this incredible national park has to offer. Whether that’s by airboat, by boat or with an experienced ranger, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind learning experience. Drop by any of the 4 visitor centres for educational displays and the latest safety info.

The Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is a scenic nature centre on the west side of Orlando, offering miles of hiking trails. Home to the Vera Carter Environmental Center, visitors can tour a variety of exhibits and displays before heading out on a trek. The well-maintained trails loop through many of Florida’s major habitats, including a pine forest, a swamp and a lakeshore lined by Cypress trees. Elusive fauna and wildlife also make this preserve their home, such as the barred owl and river hawk.

Families in particular enjoy an afternoon at the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve thanks to its vibrant butterfly garden and wheelchair-accessible sandbox. Please note that bicycles and pets aren’t allowed at the park, except for ADA service animals.

The Universal Orlando CityWalk is a dynamic and bustling dining, shopping and entertainment complex. It’s located just before the entrance of Universal Orlando Resort and access to the whole area is completely free.

Kids will love the number of exciting, themed restaurants to enjoy their evening meal at, including Bigfire, an innovative campfire cooking restaurant, and the world’s largest Hard Rock Café. When it comes to entertainment, karaoke at Rising Star will never disappoint, while thrill-seekers should head to the Great Movie Escape to immerse themselves in Jurassic Park. Hot tip: if you don’t like the idea of carrying souvenirs around the theme parks, purchase one from the Universal Studio Store at CityWalk instead.

Stepping onboard the Victory Casino Cruise at Cape Canaveral is like stepping into Las Vegas. This luxury vessel is packed with over 600 slot machines and 27 casino games across 4 decks, including roulette and craps. Stack up reward points for free food and drink, gifts and even a discount on your final bill. If you need a break from the action, head to the Sportsbook Lounge to watch your favourite sports on the big screen.

There’s enough room to take up to 1,200 passengers out to sea, and the ship sails twice most days, with each cruise lasting about 5 or 6 hours. You can find the port 1 hour from Downtown Orlando, on Christopher Columbus Drive.

The upscale village of Winter Park is full of historical and top cultural attractions just north of downtown Orlando. From a 9-hole golf course and sophisticated shopping boutiques to fancy restaurants and Florida's first college, there are so many things to do in Winter Park Orlando.

You can visit this quaint area during the day for a spot of lunch and shopping, but most come in the evening when the main street is lit up and bustling with activity. Its pleasant vibe sees many couples out for a stroll after dinner and drinks. For a touch of culture, visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, or the verdant Central Park for fresh air amongst nature.

Step inside WonderWorks Orlando, an unusual amusement park that brings entertainment and education together. With more than 100 interactive exhibits to challenge the mind in a fun and hands-on way, a day out here is sure to make some incredible memories. The mind-boggling journey features 6 zones, each with many interactive and educational exhibits. Highlights include the space zone, which has a life-sized replica of an EVA suit and a thrilling astronaut training challenge.

Once you’ve discovered the exhibits, head to the Upside-Down Building for a glow-in-the-dark ropes course, laser tag and a 4D XD simulator. You’re sure to work up an appetite, so be sure to book a seat for the hilarious Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show.

Golfing is a very popular activity in Orlando, with Disney alone offering 4 magical courses. Complete with Mickey Mouse-shaped bunkers and branded flags, you're sure to have a challenging game. You’ll find both 9- and 18-hole courses at Magnolia, Lake Buena Vista, Palm and Oak Trail.

Away from Disney, other popular Orlando golf courses available for public play include Grand Cypress Resort and the highly rated Waldorf Astoria course, among dozens of others. Don't worry if you don't have your clubs, as equipment is available to rent at most courses, along with a private lesson if you’d like to brush up your game.

With so many luxury hotels, plus the combined stress of running around theme parks with the kids all day long, it’s no wonder Orlando is home to a long list of spas for that much-needed rest. Many of the best places to ease away the aches, pains and tired limbs from sightseeing can be found within the city’s top hotels, such as at the Ritz Carlton, Hilton, Four Seasons, Waldorf and Orlando World Center Marriott. 

For dedicated, standalone spa complexes, our recommendations include The Spa Orlando in Fairview Shores and the Woodhouse Spa in Dellagio. At the unconventional Beer Spa on International Drive, soak in a specially curated infusion of hops, yeast and barley with a complimentary craft beer. 

One glance at a map of central/south Florida and it’s clear to see the region boasts a diverse terrain, including the vast, swampy and often reptile-inhabited Everglades. There’s no better way to experience what the locals claim to be "real Florida" than by taking to the water on an exhilarating airboat ride.

The Florida Everglades begin around the Orlando area at the Kissimmee River, with the extended watershed encompassing much of the southern tip of the state. For those staying in and around the Orlando region, top spots for airboat rides and Everglade safari tours are at Boggy Creek, Shingle Creek, Lake Kissimmee and Lake Toho. 

Taking to the skies over Orlando is a memorable way of seeing the city from a different perspective. Companies like Orlando Balloon Rides operate out of the suburbs, with customizable flights taking you over the best of what Orlando has to offer in terms of natural scenery, as well as drifting past some of the big theme parks. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to take impressive photos and selfies.

Flights normally depart in the early morning or evening when weather conditions are most suitable. A sunset flight makes for an especially romantic date idea.

Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show is a non-stop comedic experience in WonderWorks Orlando. The audience doesn’t just passively watch the show, they become a part of it. Tony Brent is the only person in the cast, but he keeps everyone engaged throughout the evening.

Experience high-energy magic, impersonations and improvisational comedy, as well as mind-reading and vanishing acts. The show is family-friendly, which makes this dinner show a great option for those visiting with children.

The Emil Buehler Perpetual Trust Planetarium offers entertaining, theatrical and educational private and public shows about the Earth's neighbourhood. This magical and interactive theatre brings the solar system into sharp focus.

The planetarium has played an integral part in Floridian life for over 25 years, with regular demonstrations and presentations about space and science available to children and adults visiting Orlando. The theatre organizes shows teach you about gravity, forces, optics and science's greatest discoveries in an entertaining way. Make sure you check the website before you visit for amazing special events like tours of the sky and outreach programmes.