36 Best Things to Do in Orlando Florida in 2024

LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO FLORIDA?

You’ve landed on the right page! We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and have spent months traveling Florida, visiting Orlando multiple times. We always enjoy our time there, no matter what we do!

One year, during a cold Boise winter, we decided we were ready for a trip to the beach and warm weather.  We decided on Orlando and Candice was just giddy with the option of visiting Harry Potter world.

The theme parks in town are so fun! But there are so many other wonderful things to do in Orlando, even if you aren’t interested in going to the theme parks. Here is a list of our favorite Orlando attractions!

Table of Contents

Orlando Attractions – Theme Parks
Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
Free Things to do in Orlando
Adventurous Things to do in Orlando Florida
Things to Do in Orlando Florida at Night
Where to Stay in Orlando FL
Conclusion: Things to Do in Orlando

Saving Money with the Go City Orlando Explorer Pass

Before heading out to Orland, we recommend getting the Go City Orlando Express Pass. This is a great discount pass that will save you a bunch of money on the best things to do in Orlando like WonderWorks, activities along International Drive, the Wheel at ICON Park, an airboat adventure, Fun Spot America, and more. An Orlando vacation can quickly become really expensive because of the theme parks but it doesn’t have to be.

You can customize your pass to choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions.

Check Prices for Go City Orlando Express Pass Here!

Orlando FL Attractions – Theme Parks

1. Magic Kingdom

If you want to go to a theme park, there are lots of really fun options in Orlando like Walt Disney World. One of the things to do in Orlando FL that the area is most famous for is major theme parks.

Magic Kingdom is one of the most iconic Disney World theme parks in the entire world. There are six different areas in the park that focus on different lands of enchantments. Cinderella’s Castle is the most prominent and is considered to be the heart of Magic Kingdom.

Another fun section of Magic Kingdom is Adventureland. There are lots of fun rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, Aladdin’s Magic Carpet, and Jungle Cruise.

If you’re a history buff, don’t miss Liberty Square. This section of the park was built to replicate Philadelphia in the 18^th century. This is where the first White House was located and is rich in history. Visiting Magic Kingdom is one of the most iconic things to do in Orlando. This is one of the best Orlando FL theme parks.

2. Epcot

If you want to feel like you’ve traveled outside the United States, a day in Epcot is just what you’re looking for. Epcot, part of Walt Disney World, is divided into world showcases and future worlds. There are 11 different world showcases featuring architecture, food, and entertainment from the countries they represent.

Some of the countries represented are Mexico, China, Italy, Morocco, and Norway. There is a ton of good food in Epcot so make sure you come ready to try some new foods from around the world.

3. Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios is a theme park inside Walt Disney World that focuses on giving visitors a look at what goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood. There are also a bunch of different rides in this park. A lot of them are geared more towards older kids and adults.

You will also find some replicas of places found in Hollywood, California in this theme park. There is a Hollywood Boulevard replica that is the central area of the park. You can even find a replica of Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Sunset Boulevard is also in the park.

If you’re visiting with younger kids, be sure to check out Toy Story Land. It is filled with Andy’s toys as well as different rides all with a Toy Story theme including a roller coaster that looks like Slinky the Dog.

If you’re a Star Wars fan, the new Galaxy’s Edge is enough to get you to Hollywood Studios. You will feel like you’ve walked into the Star Wars universe with characters, buildings, and rides.

4. Animal Kingdom

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is one of the best zoos in the world. The park is split into five different geographical areas including Africa, Asia, DinoLand, Discovery Island, and Pandora. In Africa, guests can walk through an Africa village with performers and musicians. Be sure to go on a safari to see lions, zebras, giraffes, and other African animals wandering large fields.

If you’re looking for an educational opportunity, you can take the Wildlife Express train to Rafiki’s Planet Watch which has lots of hands-on activities to learn about animals and their habitats.

There are rides throughout Animal Kingdom like the Expedition Everest coaster and Kali River Rapids, a white-water raft ride, in Asia.

Universal Studios Florida and Island of Adventure

We had a great time at Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure which are some of our favorite things to do in Orlando, FL. We purchased the park-to-park ticket which let us into both parks on one day as well as ride between parks on the Hogwarts Express.

In terms of food, we purchased the Universal Dining Plan which was a good fit for us. It made it very easy to purchase food in the parks and gave us a discount. The plan comes with one quick-service meal, one snack, and one non-alcoholic beverage.

We found that a large majority of the vendors accepted the meal plan. We ate our meal at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley. The food was delicious – actually delicious – and made us feel like we really were eating in the Leaky Cauldron.

We have had food at other theme parks and it did not even come close to what we had at Leaky Cauldron.

5. Universal Studios Florida

We went to the Universal Studios Florida park first. This was the highlight of our trip and one of the best things to do in Orlando FL.

Our first encounter was with the Knight Bus from Harry Pottery. You guys – the knight bus driver was the best bus driver ever! We walked up with the twins and he started talking about how one of the twins must have taken Polyjuice potion before coming to the park.

I just about died laughing! I grew up on Harry Potter and this thought never crossed my mind.

We then ventured over to the Men in Black Alien Attack and the Simpsons sections of the park. We walked through Kwik-E-Mart and felt like we were walking through the show itself.

After spending some time on these rides and sections of the park we headed back to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. I LOVE Harry Potter. I grew up in a house where my Mom had to buy multiple copies of the new book when it came out because we were all dying to read it. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter was everything I could think of and more!

To get into Diagon Alley, you first walk through the streets of London. Outside you will find the Knight Bus and Grimmauld Place. After walking through a passageway you find yourself in the middle of Diagon Alley.

You can eat at the Leaky Cauldon and find a wand at Ollivanders wand shop. The main ride is Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts. The ride is multi-dimensional and a ride you must go on when visiting. If there’s one thing you take from what things to do in Orlando Florida, this is it!

6. Island of Adventure

When you are ready to go to Islands of Adventure you can take the Hogwarts Express. You will board the train at King’s Cross Station in London and travel to Hogsmeade Station, found in Islands of Adventure. 

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Islands of Adventure focuses on Hogsmeade. You can visit Dumbledore’s Office, the Room of Requirements, and the Gryffindor common room.

You can also stop by Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. This shop will not disappoint and is a great place to pick up souvenirs or gifts to take home from your trip. Be sure to pick up a glass of butterbeer! If there’s one thing you take from what things to do in Orlando Florida, this is it – buy a butterbeer!

The ride not to be missed in Hogsmeade is Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey and is one of the best things to do in Orlando. You will soar above Hogwarts Castle with Harry, Ron, and Hermione and encounter many of the magical creatures from the Harry Potter books. The special effects in this ride are some of the best I have seen.

Another area we really liked in this park was Seuss Landing. Books highlighted in this area were The Cat in the Hat, If I Ran the Zoo, Green Eggs and Ham, and One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish.  Plus, we got to meet Thing 1 & Thing 2. Too bad Rowen and Raven were sleeping during the encounter.

Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

While Orlando, FL is most famous for its theme parks, there are a bunch of fun things to do in Orlando besides theme parks. Whether you’re looking to fill in a few days around visiting the theme parks or skipping them this time, there are lots of great options.

7. Kennedy Space Center

One of our favorite things to do in Orlando besides theme parks is visiting the Kennedy Space Center. Visiting the center will get you up close to a bunch of different rockets and parts of NASA including the space shuttle Atlantis. If you time your visit right, you can even watch a space shuttle launch.

There are lots of great exhibits about space travel and our solar system. The exhibits have lots of awesome hands-on activities and media presentations. Whether you’re visiting with kids or looking for things to do in Orlando for adults, the Kennedy Space Center is a great option.

Check Prices for Kennedy Space Center Tickets Here!

8. Morse Museum

The Morse Museum is in the heart of Winter Park and is one of the best things to do in Orlando if you’re interested in artwork. It is one of the most comprehensive art collections by American artist Louis Comfort Tiffany. Throughout the museum, you will find beautiful pieces of jewelry, pottery, paintings, and leaded glass lamps and windows.

Along with work from Tiffany, you can find American art pottery, late 19^th, and early 20h century paintings, graphics, and decorative art. It also has beautiful stained glass. The chapel and recreation rooms are one of the best things to see in this Winter Park museum.

9. Head to the Beach

It is hard to visit Florida without a trip to the beach. The closest beaches to Orlando are on the Atlantic side of Florida and are about an hour away. This is one of my kids’ favorite things to do in Orlando besides theme parks.

Daytona Beach is the closest major beach to Orlando. There are lots of great things to do on the Atlantic Coast of Florida and visiting the beach here can easily be combined with a visit to the Kennedy Space Center. Cocoa Beach is another really nice and cute beach town that is within an hour of Orlando, FL.

If you’re looking at an overnight stay at the beach or you don’t mind driving an extra hour, you can head west to Clearwater. We love the Clearwater beaches and enjoy them more than the Atlantic beaches. This area has some of the best blue water beaches in Florida.

The water on the Gulf (west) side is quite a bit warmer and is usually more family-friendly. Clearwater has a bunch of really nice beaches like those on Caladesi Island.

10. Gatorland

If you’re wondering what things to do in Orlando Florida, a trip to Gatorland cannot be missed. Gatorland is home to thousands of alligators, crocodiles, and many other animals.

They also have fun adventure activities like zip-lining, alligator wrestling shows, swamp vehicle tours, and more. We saw alligators there that were 14 feet long. They were pretty incredible, but it was a little eerie to see so many of these animals at once.

Visiting Gatorland gave us an inside look at these creatures native to Florida.

If you haven’t seen enough of the gators or want to see them in the wild, consider going on an airboat ride in the Everglades.

11. Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens is a beautiful national historic landmark south of Orlando. If you’re looking to get away from the theme parks and spend some time outside, this is a perfect place to go. There are 50 acres of well-manicured gardens and two hiking trails.

There’s also a really pretty neo-Gothic Singing Tower worth seeing. The carillon plays 30-minute bell concerts each day at 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. If you bring some quarters, you can feed koi fish in the pond at the base of the tower.

If you’re visiting Bok Tower Gardens with kids, be sure to check out the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden. It is a three-acre area with a boardwalk, music area, and a performing stage. There is so much to do in this area of the gardens.

Bok Tower Gardens is located just south of Winter Haven. It is 55 miles from downtown Orlando.

12. Central Florida Zoo

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens are about 40 minutes north of Orlando in Sanford, Florida. It is home to over 500 animals and has lots of great activities and learning opportunities for kids. There is a really nice Children’s Zoo, where you can pet and feed the animals. If it is a warm day, be sure to bring clothes for a splash pad.

Throughout the day there are live animal encounters so be sure to check the schedule for these activities when you get there. There are other demonstrations throughout the day so be on the lookout for those.

You can even meet a rhino at an up-close animal encounter! This runs daily at 11:30 am, 11:50 am, and 12:10 pm.

13. The Mennello Museum of American Art

The Mennello Museum of American Art is dedicated to displaying the artwork of artist Earl Cunningham. His most famous work represents the beautiful coastal landscapes of Florida as well as up the coast all the way to Maine and Nova Scotia. The Museum of American Art has had an exhibit for Cunningham since 1998.

Along with Cunningham’s work, the museum has rotating displays of temporary exhibitions as well as educational learning opportunities. After you have toured the inside, head outside to the beautiful lakeside sculpture garden. Set along the banks of the lake, it is a beautiful area to walk through and appreciate the art and pretty views.  

14. Orlando Science Center

An educational and fun stop in Orlando, FL is at the Orlando Science Center. The center is filled with great hands-on learning opportunities like labs, theaters, interactive exhibits, and an observatory.

Kids who are 7 and under will love KidsTown. It is a large part of the museum designed to foster a love of science for younger-aged kids. There are great age-appropriate experiments, learning opportunities, and activities. They can become a paleontologist and dig for dinosaur bones.  

Older kids will enjoy The Hive: A Makerspace with activities like 3D printing and daily workshops.

15. International Drive

Orlando’s International Drive is a great place to head for a day of fun! It is known as the Entertainment District because there are so many different attractions, dining and nightlife opportunities, and a variety of shopping. International Drive is the area connecting Universal Orlando Resort with SeaWorld Orlando.

There are lots of fun things to do in Orlando along International Drive. An amusement park that everyone will enjoy is Fun Spot America. It is home to roller coasters, bumper cars, kids’ rides, and lots of games.

16. Icon Park on International Drive

Another fun place to visit along International Drive is Icon Park. This is a great area to bring your whole family for affordable accommodations and lots of family-friendly entertainment. Icon Park is an open-air park that is about 20 acres along International Drive.

You’ll know you are at Icon Park if you can see the large Ferris wheel. You can see it from just about anywhere in Orlando, FL. It was built in 2015 and is one of the best places for great views of Orlando.

While spending time on International Drive, be sure to stop by Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. It is amazing to see how realistic the wax figures look. In Madame Tussauds Orlando, you’ll find celebrities like Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, and lots of superheroes.

It will take you about 45 minutes to an hour to go through Madame Tussauds making it easy to visit along with some of the other attractions on International Drive.

17. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando

A fun and interesting place to visit is Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando. The outside of the building looks like it is falling into a sinkhole and it is quite the optical illusion.

The museum has 16 different themed galleries with over 600 exhibits and artifacts. Some of the things inside include shrunken heads, a vampire killing kit, and a wild spinning vortex tunnel.

They also have legendary fertility statues. Be careful about touching those ones! The museum is filled with fun displays for both children and adults.

You can get $3 off your tickets if you purchase them online, plus you get to skip the line to get tickets.

Free Things to do in Orlando

If you’re visiting Orlando on a budget and looking for free things to do there are a lot of great options. Orlando is often thought of as an expensive vacation because of the theme parks but it doesn’t have to be. There are lots of free outdoor activities as well as things to do Orlando besides theme parks.

18. Disney Springs

Disney Springs is a themed dining and entertainment center outside the Disney World Parks that has no admission fees. It has beautiful water features as well as historic architecture plus it is a really fun place to walk around. There are lots of great places to eat and fun stores to shop at.

It is also a great place to get a feel for the “Disney magic” without having to buy a ticket to go into the theme park. There are lots of Disney World decorations and souvenirs. Along with shopping and dining, there is entertainment on site like the Cirque du Soleil shows and bowling alleys.

19. City Walk

A fun place to walk around and even grab a bite to eat is Universal CityWalk. This is the area just outside Universal’s Island of Adventure and Universal Studios Florida. It is a great place to spend some time on a nice Florida afternoon.

Everything is very close together, letting you save up your energy for when you hit the parks. There are great restaurants, shops, and entertainment all within walking distance of the park. It can serve as a great place to head in-between roller coaster rides or as you’re headed back to your hotel.

If you’re staying in one of the nearby hotels, the water taxi will drop you off right in the middle of the CityWalk.  Even if you’re not staying at one of the hotels, I would recommend taking a ride on the water taxi. Just don’t get off the taxi at the end and you’ll end up back at the CityWalk.

We ate lunch at the Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar and wow – it was delicious! The Asian-American restaurant has a large menu selection ranging from unique hamburgers to sushi and even a combination of the two. It was a great atmosphere and very family-friendly.

20. Old Town

Another really fun part of town to explore is Old Town Kissimmee. It has lots of great family-friendly entertainment like free weekly events, live music performances, and car shows including the Saturday Nite Classic Car Cruise.  It is a perfect place to grab some dinner, go on some rides and browse through all of the fun shops and entertainment there.

Every weekend there is a free car show. Friday Night is the Muscle Car Cruise and Saturday night is the Classic Car Cruise. The old cars are so pretty and lots of fun to look at.

21. Winter Park

Winter Park is a quaint and charming city just outside Orlando. There are lots of delicious restaurants in the area as well as fashion boutiques and art galleries.

The Winter Park neighborhoods have a very elegant feel and it is a lot of fun just to walk around to see what you can find. It is sometimes referred to as “Little Europe” and is a great place to visit in Orlando besides theme parks.

There are lots of hidden gardens and side streets in Winter Creek where you can find local shops and boutiques. Every Saturday morning there is a local farmers’ market. Be sure to check the event schedule before visiting because there are lots of festive parades.  

The Morse Museum is one of the best things to see in Winter Park. Another fun museum in the area is the Albin Polasek Museum and Sculpture Gardens. Park Avenue is the best place to find a bite to eat with over 40 restaurants.

22. Mills 50 District

The Mills 50 District is one of Orlando’s oldest neighborhoods and a must-see in Orlando. There are lots of beautiful and bright-colored murals throughout the neighborhood. Mills 50 has a culturally diverse array of restaurants, fun places to hang out in the evening, and live music venues.

The area has a wide variety of Eastern cuisine restaurants like Chuan Lu Garden, Hawkers Asian Street Food, and Shin Jung Korean Restaurant. Tori Tori is a really nice Japanese pub.

If you’re visiting during the day, be sure to check out the Harry P. Leu Gardens. It is a 50-acre garden with over 40 diverse plant collections.  

23. Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards

If you’re interested in the art of winemaking and looking for things to do in Orlando besides theme parks, one of the best things to do in Orlando is to visit Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards. There are lots of free events and festivals at the winery as well as free tours and tastings. They also offer an audiovisual presentation that dives deeper into the art of winemaking.

The free tours run seven days a week from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tours usually run every thirty minutes. Throughout the guided tour, you will get to see the winemaking area as well as the vineyards.

24. Fort Christmas Historical Park

Fort Christmas is the site of a fort built in 1837 by U.S. Army Soldiers during the Second Seminole Indian War. It is one of over 200 forts built during this conflict. Today, the fort has a bunch of different house exhibits as well as an educational video presentation.

There are full-size replicas at Fort Christmas including historical homes. These homes give an eye-opening insight into what life was like as a pioneer. During this time, there was a strong emphasis on homesteading, cattle, citrus, and trapping.

There is also a great picnic area and play equipment. There is also a basketball court, tennis court, and baseball field.

Adventurous Things to do in Orlando besides theme parks

If you’re looking for a day of fun and adventure, there are lots of great things to do in Orlando or nearby. Airboat tours, kayaking in the springs, and zip-lining are some fun activities that everyone in your family will enjoy. There is so much more to Orlando besides theme parks.

25. Everglades Airboat Tour

One of the things you have to do while you are in Florida is going on an airboat tour. They are so much fun and give you a good look at what the Everglades are all about. You will get to tour 4,200 acres of protected swamps where you can expect to see alligators, eagles, wild boars, and turkeys.

You can choose from a 30-minute or one-hour tour. A nature demonstration is also included in the tour.

The tour includes admission to the Wildlife Park, home to over 200 animals like lemurs, sloths, bobcats, and more. You can also upgrade your tour to include lunch from Chomp House Grill, a yummy barbecue restaurant nearby. If you are visiting with kids, be sure to check out the playground and Petting Zoo.

Check Prices for Everglades Airboat Tour Here!

26. Kayak in the Springs

One of the prettiest places in Orlando is the natural springs. One of the best ways to experience the springs is by kayaking. This two-hour kayaking trip will take you into a unique part of the Rock Springs Run known as the “Emerald Cut.”

The kayaks used by Get Up and Go Kayaking are clear making it a lot easier to see the springs below and around you. Throughout your tour, keep an eye out for fish, turtles, birds, small alligators, deer, and more. In the warmer summer months, you can swim in the springs if you’d like.  

The tour departs from Apopka, Florida which is about 35 minutes north of downtown Orlando. This is one of our favorite things to do in Orlando besides theme parks.

Check Prices for Kayaking in the Springs Here!

27. Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is an aerial adventure course in Kissimmee. There are over 97 games over 6 different courses. Some of these include swinging logs, cargo nets, zip lines, and trapeze swings. You will climb through a maze of fun obstacles and challenges.

The course takes two to three hours. Be sure to wear close-toed shoes and keep long hair tied back.

Check Prices for Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park Here!

28. Zipline Tour

Canyons Zip Line and Canopy Tours have a great zipline course in the Orlando area and is one of the best things to do. The course has five zip line flights and two sky bridges. This is a really fun activity for thrill-seekers, even if you haven’t ziplined before.

Your tour includes an introduction and practice sessions before starting the five zipline flights. One of the zip line flights goes over Gator Lake and experts are on-hand to help and answer any questions you may have.

The tour departs from Ocala which is about an hour north of Orlando. If you’re headed up that way, you can easily combine a zip line tour with visiting some of the beautiful springs in the Ocala area.

Check Prices for a Zip Line Tour Here!

Things to do in Orlando – Nature and Parks

If you’re wanting to spend some time outside in the beautiful Florida sunshine, there are lots of fun hiking trails, natural springs like Blue Spring State Park, and parks to enjoy.

29. Visit the Springs

There are lots of natural springs within half an hour to two hours of Orlando. In the summer, they are great places to swim and during the winter months, you can see the manatees who make their homes in the springs due to the warmer water temperatures.

The closest natural springs to Orlando is Wekiwa Springs State Park. It is about a 25-minute drive from downtown Orlando. There is a large swimming area as well as a kayak launch. Rentals are available if you don’t have your own kayak.

If you want to see manatees within an hour of Orlando, you should drive to Blue Springs State Park. It is about 45 minutes from Orlando and makes a great day trip. This was one of our favorite things to do in Orlando. During the winter months, kayaking and swimming are not allowed because of the manatee season. We visited in the winter and saw around 10 manatees in the river.

If you’re visiting outside of manatee season, it is a great place for floating the river and swimming. The float is about 1/8 of a mile long and you can float as many times as you’d like.

You can check out our complete guide to the Springs near Orlando here.

30. Tibet Butler Nature Preserve

The Tibet Butler Nature Preserve is one of the best things to do in Orlando if you want to explore some nice trails and learn more about the wildlife in Florida. There are about 3.6 miles of trails in the preserve as well as a nature center and picnic area. 

The nature preserve is open from 8 am to 6 pm daily. Dogs and bikes are not allowed.

31. Cross Seminole Trail at Big Tree Park

The Cross Seminole Trail is a 23-mile trail wandering through Oviedo and Winter Springs. There are lots of fun things to see along the trail. Big Tree Park and Greenwood Lakes Park are both great places to get on the trail and offer amenities like restrooms, play equipment, and picnic areas.

If you’re interested in history and cypress trees start your journey on the trail at Big Tree Park. From the parking lot, there is a short walk to see “the Senator,” a 3,500 old cypress tree. Sadly, the tree was lost in a fire in January of 2012, but you can still see the base of the tree and learn more about the tree and area from some interpretive signs.

You can walk through a cypress forest on the boardwalk near lake Jesup and visit the Spring Hammock Preserve along the trail as well.

32. Lake Eola Park

When the weather is nice and the sun is shining, Lake Eola Park is a great place to spend the afternoon. There is a 0.9-mile path around the lake and a park. Lake Eola is a common place for markets and festivals. There was a great farmers market going on when we visited that had lots of local produce and crafts.

If you’re visiting Orlando with kids there is a fantastic playground here. You can also bring some cheerios to feed the swans in the lake. If it isn’t a windy day, you can rent swam boats to paddle around the lake.

33. Lake Rianhard

Another beautiful lake to enjoy in the Orlando area is Lake Rianhard. There is a path surrounding the lake that is about 0.7 miles long. It is a great place for walking and biking. You can even rent a bike through Celebration Bike Rental Delivery and Bicycle Tours.

As you walk around the lake, keep an eye out for turtles, herons, and alligators.

Things to Do in Orlando Florida at Night

There are lots of fun things to do in Orlando at night whether you’re looking for a family-friendly activity or a spot for fun nightlife. There are lots of great choices with yummy restaurants and live entertainment.

34. Movie Night at Leu Gardens

A movie night at Leu Gardens is a great place to spend the evening in Orlando. The movies are shown on a large outdoor screen. Guests can bring a blanket to sit on or small lawn chairs. Another awesome thing is you can bring a picnic basket with dinner and snacks to enjoy during the movie.

Tickets are only available online. Adults are $6 and kids (4-17 years old) are $4. Kids 3 and under are free but do need to register for a ticket.

It’s best to arrive about 30 minutes before the movie starts so you have enough time to walk to the movie showing and get all settled in before the movie starts.

35. Ride the Orlando Eye

One of the best ways to see the city of Orlando is from above and there’s no better time to do that than at night. The Orlando Eye is a 400-foot-tall Ferris wheel giving you stunning views of Orlando at night.

The ride lasts for 18 minutes. The Orlando Eye is part of Icon Park which has lots of other fun entertainment and dining options after you’re done at the Orlando Eye.

Get Tickets for the Orlando Eye Here!

36. Orlando Magic Game

We love attending sporting events in the cities that we travel to. The Orlando Magic, a professional basketball team, usually plays from mid-October to mid-April. Games vary throughout the week so check the team’s schedule to see if they have a home game during your visit.

Here are some fun places to visit at night that we have already mentioned in this article so if you want more details, you can reference them above –

Old Town: Old Town in Kissimmee is one of the fun things to do in Orlando at night. There are lots of really great restaurants, live music, and entertainment. There are lots of small entertainment shops, rides and activities as well. It is a great place to spend an evening in Orlando.   

Disney Springs: Disney Springs is another one of the fun things to do in Orlando at night. There are lots of restaurants, boutiques, shops, and entertainment options. You can grab some dinner and then spend some time enjoying beautiful Disney Springs and window shopping.

CityWalk: Universal’s CityWalk is a great place to head if you’re looking for Orlando nightlife. It has a great selection of restaurants and there are lots of opportunities for live entertainment. The CityWalk’s Rising Star has a nightly karaoke presentation with a live band. You can also watch a show from the Blue Man Group or stop in at Hard Rock Live where there are rock concerts.

Things to Do in Orlando with Kids

This article includes a lot of really fun things to do in Orlando with kids. Orlando is such a family-friendly city so it isn’t hard to find activities that both you and your kids will enjoy. My kids always enjoy visiting Disney World. Here are some other ideas for kid activities in Orlando –

☑ Little Econ Greenway/Jay Blanchard Park: a paved walkway and park with playgrounds, picnic area
☑ Crayola Experience: art crafts and activities center for kids ages 3 to 7
☑ Wonderworks: science museum with lots of hands-on exhibits for kids
☑ SEA Life Orlando Aquarium: aquarium with more than 5,000 species of animals in ICON Park

For more information about things to do in Orlando with kids, check out our full article here.

Where to Stay in Orlando

There are lots of options when considering where to stay in Orlando, especially if you’re looking into hotels with special perks relating to the Disney and Universal theme parks. Whether you’re visiting the theme parks or not, there are lots of great hotels in Orlando, especially if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway.

Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World

The Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World is located within the Walt Disney World Resort. It is part of the upscale Golden Oak neighborhood. It is a beautiful hotel with more than 30,000 crystals hanging from a chandelier and fireworks displays.

There are tons of amenities at this amazing hotel like a golf course, two swimming pools, and a spa. The hotel has a large number of room layouts and can accommodate large groups. Rooms feature comfortable beds, drawer storage for your belongings, and room service. This is a great place to stay near Disney World.

☑ Complimentary transportation to Walt Disney World parks
☑ Kids and teen amenities on site
☑ Disney character breakfast is available every Saturday
☑ Staff on hand to help with park tickets and dining reservations

Check Rates for Four Seasons Orlando Here!

Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort

Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is a beautiful resort with all of the family-friendly amenities you would need. It is close to all of the best things to do in Orlando with easy transportation options available. Pets are allowed at the resort, but extra charges may apply.

There are great outdoor amenities like a sun deck with outdoor furniture, a garden and outdoor swimming pool with a shallow end for little kids, and water slides. It even has a sandy beach! If you’re looking for a hotel with an awesome pool, this is the place for you.

There is also a beautiful spa on-site with locker rooms and a sauna.

☑ Early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
☑ Free transfer between Universal Studios and Universal’s Island of Adventure
☑ Firepit, games room, and fitness center available on site

Check Rates for Universal’s Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Here!  

JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes

If you don’t want to stay at one of the resort hotels, the JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes is a great option. It is a very classy hotel with lots of amenities, perfect for your stay in Orlando. The hotel sits on 500 acres bordering the Florida Everglades near Disney World.

On the property, you will find tennis courts, volleyball courts, and an easy check-in process. The hotel also offers direct bookings for fishing, golf, and kayak tours. There is a delicious Italian restaurant that uses ingredients grown in the on-site garden.

☑ Transportation to local theme parks – Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World.
☑ On-site golf courses, lazy river with waterfalls, and outdoor pool
☑ Large fitness center, and spa offering massages and body scrubs

Check Rates for JW Marriott Orlando Grand Lakes Here!

Clarion Inn & Suites

If you’re on more of a budget but still looking for a nice place to stay, we recommend Clarion Inn & Suites. It doesn’t have all of the fancy amenities that the larger hotels have but is still a great hotel. It is about a mile from Universal Studios making it a convenient place to stay, especially if you are visiting the theme parks.

The rooms are very clean and comfortable. Overall the hotel has a great value for the price with great customer service. There is a year-round swimming pool stocked with beach chairs, towels, a shallow end, and a hot tub.  

☑ Onsite Roast café & Tabla Restaurant
☑ Seasonal poolside bar
☑ Pet-friendly property

Check Rates for the Clarion Inn & Suites Here

Conclusion: Things to Do in Orlando

We hope you have found this guide helpful in planning a vacation to Orlando. There are so many fun things to do in Orlando that planning a vacation there can be overwhelming, especially if you are going to Walt Disney World. There are lots of fun activities in Orlando besides theme parks that make it a great travel destination.

Our advice would be to pick your top three activities and make sure you get those in. Then you can fill in other activities as your time and budget allows. If you’re looking for some beach therapy and some cool history sites, we would recommend making your way up the coast and visiting Saint Augustine. It is a charming town with beautiful beaches.

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