Top Things To Do in Orlando

Orlando, Florida, is the Theme Park Capital of the World, and most visitors to the destination will want to visit the theme parks. You can enjoy tons of adventures and entertainment at Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Resort. They offer amazingly themed thrill rides and roller coasters, water parks, shopping, dining, and so much more. A first-time visitor will likely want to start there. 

Many visitors don't realize the range of other things to do in Orlando Florida for fun and excitement beyond the theme parks. There are many outdoor and indoor attractions, including ziplining, indoor skydiving, nature visits, airboats, and more. If culture is your thing, you'll be amazed by the number of excellent museums and art galleries, and the foodies will love the growing cuisine scene. The shopping is world-class, and a trip to Orlando is not complete without a visit to at least one of the quaint, neighboring towns like Winter Park. 

Here is our guide of the top things to do in Orlando: 

Walt Disney World Resort - Most visitors will want to experience at least one theme park while in Orlando. And if theme parks are your thing, there is plenty to see. You will not be able to experience all of Disney, Universal, and SeaWorld in one short visit. Walt Disney World offers the iconic Magic Kingdom, where you will see all of the classic characters, and Disney's Animal Kingdom, the largest Disney park and a must for animal lovers.

Epcot is great for adults and kids, featuring an around-the-world visit to some of the world's most popular countries. Disney's Hollywood Studios will take you backstage of your favorite movies and shows and is home to The Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, some of Disney's most popular and thrilling rides. Beat the heat at Disney's water park, Typhoon Lagoon, with plenty of slides, rides, and thrills. Every visit should include some time at Disney's entertainment and dining district, Disney Springs. 

SeaWorld Orlando offers great aquatic fun with world-class roller coasters, water slides, and sandy beaches where you can cool off, relax and enjoy the Florida sunshine.

Check out our Guide to Orlando Theme Parks for more about the theme parks and all the information you'll need to know to plan the perfect theme park itinerary for you and your family.  

ICON Park - Soar high in the sky on the 400-foot high Wheel at Icon Park. This observation wheel is the highest on the east coast and offers commanding 360-degree views of Orlando and the theme parks. For a special occasion or some family fun, reserve an entire capsule. Fly at sunset for a memorable experience. After your flight, visit the entertainment complex at the foot of The Wheel and choose from over 40 restaurants, funky bars, and lots of fun. Only the most fearless will want to hop on the Orlando Star-Flyer, the world's tallest swing ride. Don't miss Madame Tussauds Orlando Wax Museum for the ultimate selfie opportunity. Check out SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, where you'll encounter thousands of fish, sharks, stingrays, turtles, and lots more exciting sea life. Explore the 360-degree ocean tunnel, touch the exotic starfish and experience the thrill of glittering scales, sharp teeth, and long tentacles. The parking at ICON Park is free and easily accessible, and it is located just minutes from International Drive and the Beachline. 

Wonderworks - Located on International Drive (the Orlando equivalent of The Strip in Las Vegas), Wonderworks is a great chance to learn about science while playing with unique and fun toys with hands-on exhibits and attractions in an upside-down building! 

Discovery Cove - Share the water with dolphins, exotic sea life, and freshwater creatures. Swim in a tropical river and explore the Explorer's Aviary. 

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games - This indoor karting experience is endorsed by the legend himself, Mario Andretti. Next to International Drive, this is a 150,000-square-foot facility with multi-level indoor karting, 12 lanes of bowling, and over 120 arcade games. The two-story laser tag and six virtual reality racing simulators and zip lines round out this great family adventure. 

Crayola Experience - Located at the Florida Mall, this family-friendly attraction offers the kids a full day of creative and fun play. They will name and wrap their own Crayola color, learn how crayons are made, and bring their digital art to life. 

The Escape Game Orlando - Located right on International Drive, this escape room offers immersive 60-minute adventures where you will work with your team to solve clues and overcome challenges as you complete your mission of escaping. 

iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving - For those who want to experience skydiving but may not be ready to jump out of a plane yet, this is it! Float on a cushion of air in an innovative wind tunnel where your personal flight instructor will guide you. Safe for guests as young as 3. 

Orlando Museum of Art - This leading museum hosts a rotating selection of 10 to 12 on-site exhibitions featuring local and international multi-media artists. 

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art - Located in nearby Winter Park, a quaint Florida town, this museum is home to the most extensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. They also have substantial collections of American pottery, 19th- and 20th-century American painting, and decorative arts. 

Cornell Fine Arts Museum - This museum, also located in Winter Park, has an extensive fine art collection, including works by Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Thomas Moran. Their collection spans from ancient art to contemporary pieces, and exhibits change out regularly. 

Henry P Leu Gardens - Blue Spring State Park - This 50-acre botanical park is a peaceful place to stroll, walk and enjoy the plant life, the Butterfly Garden, and the many banana and fruit trees. 

Lake Eola Park - Located right in the heart of downtown Orlando is this oasis on a lake that offers up welcome respite from the crowds and the parks. Take a serene and relaxing ride on a swan boat or stroll around the walkway that circles the lake. Check out the Farmers' Market on the weekend and check for entertainment at night on the stage. 

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures - Located in Kissimmee, which is very close to Disney, this attraction takes you on the classic Florida adventure, an airboat ride skimming across the Florida Everglades where you'll see exotic wildlife and the swamp's plant life.

Gatorland - One of Orlando's oldest attractions, on 100 acres, Gatorland offers family fun viewing thousands of alligators and crocodiles, an aviary and breeding marsh, as well as an observation tower. Enjoy the Gator Wrestling Show, Gator Jumparoo, and other attractions. 

Orlando Balloon Rides - Up, up, and away as you float peacefully across the sky and view the Orlando skyline in this epic flight. This ride starts near Disney. 

Orlando Brewing - Grab a cold one at Orlando Brewing, an organic taproom that offers over 30 varieties of beers brewed on-site. Enjoy music on the patio and take a break. 

Downtown Orlando and Thornton Park - Downtown Orlando's Wall St. Plaza is an entertainment complex with seven connected bars and clubs set around a courtyard. They are known for wild parties, good tunes, and great libations. Check out The Stardust Lounge and some of the well-known dance clubs like The Beacham and Cowboys Orlando. 

Disney Springs and Universal's CityWalk offer a touch of the themed magic with great entertainment, dining, and shopping. You'll catch live entertainment and a great time. 

Cocoa Beach is located just close to an hour east on the coast of Florida. They offer a 300-acre parking lot and large picnic pavilions, picnic tables, showers, and restrooms, making this the perfect place to picnic and dip your toes in the sugary sand of one of Florida's favorite beaches.

While you're there, take the short ride up to Kennedy Space Center for an insightful and fun look into the space program, past missions, and an astronaut's life. This is a must for NASA fans. 

Race fanatics may want to head to Daytona Beach, one of the few Florida beaches that allows you to drive on the beach. They have a traditional boardwalk and pier and some kid-friendly attractions. Epic Daytona Speedway is nearby, as is historic St. Augustine. 

Head west to the Gulf coast for beautiful, sugary sand Clearwater Beach. Three miles of powdery sand and lots of attractions in this old Florida town. 

We wouldn't want you to visit Orlando without experiencing some of the theme park magic, but rest assured, there are many things to do in Orlando to enjoy Florida’s great outdoors, fantastic and unique attractions, and world-class entertainment. Are you on a budget? No problem. We've got you covered with our Guide to Free Things to Do in Orlando.