Although Orlando, Florida,has become synonymous with all things Disney, there are actually a lot of other vacation-worthy places to visit here. You can head here to explore the city itself or add some of these Orlando activities to your Disney vacation to split your days between the theme park and the local sights.
01of 22
Experience Disney World
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/WDW-326318bdacd04ef694e48efa855d0895.jpeg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (1)")
We'll start with this one before moving on to all the other great things to do in Orlando. Of course, Disney is a world in and of itself comprised of multiple theme parks, water parks, and resort experiences. It's a worthwhile trip, but limiting yourself to one or two parks may be better if you are traveling with younger kids.Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom are both great for little children.
Families
4.2
02of 22
Explore Gatorland
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/_PAV8180-5c421e8b46e0fb0001ff9423.jpg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (2)")
Address
14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837, USAPhone+1 407-855-5496
This outdoor park offers guests an up-close and personal look at all different types of alligators, crocodiles, wild cats, birds, snakes, and turtles.Gatorlandis home to the country's most extensive collection of white gators, including the famous Bone Crusher, the largest living American crocodile. It's also home to Neiko and Lucy, two Florida Panthers brought in to help educate guests about their species. The park offers other activities like zip-lining and nighttime gator tours.
03of 22
Spend the Day at SeaWorld
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/seaworldxjben-5b36de9446e0fb00373ac1dc.jpg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (3)")
SeaWorldis a great combination of theme park and aquarium. There are a manageable number of rides and attractions, so you won’t feel that same pressure to do it all as fast as you can. They also have a wide variety of attractions, making this park fun for all ages. Older kids will love their newest ride, Infinity Falls, which takes guests soaring down speedy rapids, leaving them soaked. Younger guests will enjoy Happy Harbor, a kiddie zone with family-friendly rides. Of course, you can’t visit SeaWorld without checking out any animal shows—Dolphin Days, Ocean Discovery, and Pets Ahoy are some of the classics.
04of 22
Swim and Play at Discovery Cove
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/discoverycopy-5b462f7746e0fb0037d05da0.png "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (4)")
Address
6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821, USAPhone+1 407-513-4600
Owned by SeaWorld,Discovery Coveis another great place for family fun. Discovery Cove is not your typical theme park. Once inside, visitors can swim with dolphins, snorkel with exotic fish, or feed tropical birds. The idea is to immerse yourself in nature with hands-on experiences you can’t find anywhere else. There is also a beachfront bay for swimming and a soothing river with controlled currents. You can spend the day relaxing by the water or enjoying the activities.
05of 22
Head to LegoLand
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/_PAV8276-5c421eb746e0fb0001ff9df8.jpg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (5)")
Located about an hour south of Orlando is a land built of plastic bricks that square-shaped people with plastic hair inhabit. Legolandis a vacation in and of itself. You could spend a few nights here with two Lego-themed hotels, dry and water rides, and shows and dining. Legoland is family-friendly and affordable, with ticket and hotel packages starting at only $150 a night.
06of 22
Experience the SeaLife Aquarium
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/_PAV8328-5c421ee846e0fb00019bd7f7.jpg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (6)")
Address
8449 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USAPhone+1 855-450-0680
TheInternational Drive Resort area inOrlando is home to many family-friendly attractions within walking distance of each other. It’s a great place to stroll around in the evening or hang out during the day. One big attraction on I-Drive is theSeaLife Aquarium, home to exotic fish, sharks, sea turtles, and jellyfish, giving visitors a unique perspective on how the undersea ecosystem works. SeaLife Aquarium has Florida’s only 360-degree viewing tunnel where you can walk through the ocean without getting wet.
07of 22
Fly High at ICON Orlando
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/_PAV4253-5bfc3d5f46e0fb002605f17f.jpg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (7)")
Address
8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USAPhone+1 407-601-7907
Experience the Orlando skyline like never before by hopping on the 400-foot high observation wheel,ICON Orlando. Located in the popularI-Drive resort area, ICON Orlando is anything but your average Ferris Wheel. Instead, ICON Orlando ups the game with 30 fully enclosed air-conditioned capsules that transport you above the clouds and provide 360-degree views of the city. Day or night, this is an excellent activity for the whole family.
08of 22
Get Messy at the Crayola Experience
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/_PAV8241-5c421f1046e0fb0001bf513e.jpg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (8)")
Address
8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809, USAPhone+1 407-757-1700
Attached to Orlando’s Florida Mall is an attraction your kids will love: theCrayola Experience.This is not just a craft store; the Crayola Experience is a place where kids can create crayon jewelry, make melted crayon artwork, snap a photo with the world’s largest crayon, create a coloring page portrait of yourself, or bring your digital designs to life. There are interactive color shows and, of course, a massive selection of crayons you can buy. If you’re traveling with younger kids and need to pass the time for a few hours, they will love this place!
09of 22
Play All Day at WonderWorks
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/_PAV6449WEB-5c2fb09bc9e77c0001d87c95.jpg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (9)")
Address
9067 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USAPhone+1 407-351-8800
This indoor amusement park museum is one exciting place. For starters,WonderWorksis upside down, so the ceiling is the floor. Kids of all ages will love the thrills like laser tag, ropes challenge, and a simulator ride. Hands-on exhibits about space, weather, light, and sound are educational and fun. Spend the day or a few hours; either way, WonderWorks is a must!
10of 22
Immerse Yourself in Titanic History
Address
7324 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USAPhone+1 407-248-1166
For all youhistory buffs, this exhibit is for you. Located on I-Drive, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibitionwill transport you back 100 years to the time of the Titanic. Seventeen museum galleries, full-scale replicas of parts of the ship, and “Little Big Piece,” part of the ship’s hull, make this immersive experience worthwhile. On Friday and Saturday nights, the museum holds a Titanic Gala Dinner where visitors are first-class guests of the ship celebrating with friends on an infamous day, April 14. The gala includes a museum tour, an actual Titanic menu dinner, and a re-enactment of the events on that night.
11of 22
Ride an Airboat at Boggy Creek Adventures
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/boggycreek-5b377c11c9e77c0037711d5a.jpg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (10)")
Address
2001 E Southport Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34746, USAPhone+1 407-344-9550
It’s loud and noisy, but there’s no other way to experience the Central Florida Everglades than by an airboat, andBoggy Creekis the best in the business. Choose from one of their many tour options, including private tours and night tours, or rent your own airboat and set off onto the river looking for alligators, birds, and turtles. While you’re waiting for your tour, visit the Native American village or the gemstone and fossil mine, there is also a restaurant and tiki bar on site.
12of 22
Relax on a Winter Park Boat Tour
Address
312 E Morse Blvd, Winter Park, FL 32789, USAPhone+1 407-644-4056
The Winter Park Boat Touris a great activity for those looking to enjoy a tranquil afternoon on the river. Located about 10-minutes from downtown Orlando, Winter Park Boat Tours take visitors down Lake Osceola while enjoying the beautiful nature surrounding them. Tour-goers have been known to spot cranes, alligators, and some beautiful swaying palms.
13of 22
Visit the Holy Land Experience
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TBN_HLE-5b36e026c9e77c005497fc36.jpg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (11)")
This unique theme park is meant to transport guests back to ancient Jerusalem. Stop by the Tabernacle to witness a service by the high priest, Aharon, and his sons. Or head to the Scriptorium for factual insight and artifacts from ancient Israel. The park is filled with educational and interactive shows that will genuinely elevate your soul.
14of 22
Find Adventure at Forever Florida Nature Preserve
Forever Floridais truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Set in the middle of the Florida wilderness, this nature park offers guests some of the coolest activities around, like a 2 1/2-hour zip lining adventure above the trees or a horseback riding trail through unchartered terrain. You can even camp out here, too. The preserve offers cabin rentals, bunkhouses, or tent-style camping. This is great for those looking for an outdoor adventure, but it’s better suited for older kids.
15of 22
Visit the Orlando Science Center
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/_PAV6432WEB-5c2fa7c846e0fb000114621c.jpg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (12)")
Address
777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803-1250, USAPhone+1 407-514-2000
Don’t be disappointed if it rains over your Orlando vacation because theOrlando Science Centeris the perfect activity. This museum contains exhibits that will ignite your curiosity and activate your senses. From live animal shows to dinosaur safaris to cutting-edge science demonstrations, the Orlando Science Center is a great way to spend the day, no matter the weather!
16of 22
See Animals at Safari Wilderness Ranch
The Safari Wilderness Ranchwill transport you to the African savannah. Visitors can enjoy an open-sided jeep safari or kayak through the artificial lake. The ranch also offers sunset safaris and camel-back expeditions. You’ll see zebras, water buffalo, kudu, and many more safari animal staples. This is the closest experience to an actual safari in the entire state!
17of 22
Stroll Around Universal’s CityWalk
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/_PAV4289copy-5bfc37cec9e77c0026b8430e.jpg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (13)")
Address
6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USAPhone+1 407-363-8000
ConsiderCityWalkthe downtown of Universal Studios. This outdoor shopping area is filled with great stores, restaurants, live entertainment, and fun bars. It’s a great place to go out with friends or the entire family. There is a rotating concert schedule during peak season, so check who will be in the area when you’re planning to be.
18of 22
Stay at Shipwreck Island Water Park
Address
1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250-2647, USAPhone+1 904-246-4386
Another great way to enjoy Orlando without doing Disney is to stay at a waterpark hotel, like the Westgate Town Center Resort in Kissimmee.Shipwreck Island Water Parkis located at the resort, but non-resort guests can enter the park, too, for a small admission fee. It's not a big park, but it's a manageable place where everyone will have fun if you're traveling with younger kids. A restaurant, Jolly Rogers Galley, is open daily to park guests.
19of 22
Spend the Day at Universal Studios
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-526253040-5b3775f846e0fb00374b39c6.jpg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (14)")
Address
6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819, USAPhone+1 407-363-8000
About 10 minutes from Disney World lies the other big attraction Orlando is known for,Universal Studios. Universal has so much to offer; you can technically spend your entire trip to Orlando exploring it all. After all, Universal is home to the world-famous Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park River ride, and Spiderman ride, so there is plenty to do. Universal’s other parks,Islands of Adventureand the water parkVolcano Bay, are right nearby and offerguests thrills and fun that never disappoints.
20of 22
Indulge at the World of Chocolate Museum
Address
11701 International Dr #400, Orlando, FL 32821, USAPhone+1 407-778-4871
TheWorld of Chocolate Museumis for you if you've got a sweet tooth. Learn about the history of chocolate from around the world, and tour over 25 chocolate sculptures of famous landmarks and people. Of course, there is chocolate making and tasting, too, which will make the trip here wholly worth it.
21of 22
Watch a Rocket Launch at the Kennedy Space Center
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-943227294-5b4636a946e0fb005bfccc70.jpg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (15)")
The famousKennedy Space Centerin Cape Canaveral is about an hour east of Orlando. Although they’re not constantly launching rockets (check their website to find out when they are), the Kennedy Space Center is still an excellent place to visit. Learn about NASA’s early space programs, and find out what they plan for the future on a guided tour. You can make a day out of Cape Canaveral—after the space center, head to Playalinda Beach,which is right down the road.
22of 22
Meet a Wax Celebrity at Madame Tussauds
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/_PAV8306-5c42200cc9e77c00015b84b3.jpg "The Top 22 Things to Do in Orlando (16)")
Address
8387 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USAPhone+1 855-450-0581
The famous wax museum full of today’s hottest celebrities and characters will make the best photo-ops and memories from your Orlando retreat.Madame Tussauds Orlandorecently unveiled the Justice League Heroes, so you can get your selfies with Wonder Woman, Superman, and Batman. Other lifelike stars you’ll meet are Selena Gomez, Will Smith, and Albert Einstein.
Free Things to Do
