Top Things To Do In Orlando

A hub for fantasy, fun, and excitement, visitors to Orlando must visit one of its many theme parks. They feature everything from dolphin acrobatics at SeaWorld to a world of the future at Epcot. The best things to do near Orlando include:

• Walt Disney World: Four different theme parks, two water parks, 27 themed resort hotels
• Universal Orlando: A show business themed park where you can “ride the movies”
• SeaWorld Orlando: Interact with marine animals with rides and live entertainment
• Discovery Cove: Dolphin encounters, snorkeling with rays, and a lazy river
• Epcot: Explore the future and other countries in a fun and educational way

While it is renowned as a kid’s playground, Orlando also has a wide selection of cheap things to do that don’t involve theme parks. You can take a walk around Disney Springs or find fresh foods and veggies at the WInter Park Farmers’ Market. For a cold pint of beer, visit the World of Beer where you can sip with a view. Cheap things to do near Orlando include:

• Disney Springs: Outdoor shopping, dining and entertainment in a visually pleasing environment
• Downtown Orlando: With six different neighborhoods, there is lots of exploring to be done here
• Spook Hill: A spooky location where an optical illusions plays tricks on visitors
• Winter Park Farmers’ Market: Fresh, local produce on sale outside a vintage train depot
• World of Beer: Overlooks Lake Eola, a daily happy hour, and live music

The choice is yours: Disney World or Universal Studios? Outside of the main theme parks, families can head to Gatorland for face-to-face experiences with alligators or they can cool off at the island-themed water park Volcano Bay.

Family-Friendly things to do near Orlando include:

• Oviedo Recreation Gym: Rock climbing for all ages
• Volcano Bay: An island themed water park in Universal Orlando
• Orlando Watersports Complex: Offers beginner wakeboarding and water skiing lessons
• Disney’s Magic Kingdom: As the sun sets, fairy tale fireworks begin
• Gatorland: One of the world’s best places to view and interact with alligators

Orlando offers many museums and science centers that educate visitors about their exhibits while also providing solace from the sun. Planet Obstacle is a fun place to go if you like trampolines, bouncing, or anything in between. Orlando things to do indoors include:

• Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando: Check out the weird and awesome displays
• Orlando’s Museum of Art: Experience the growth of Florida’s art culture
• Cornell Fine Arts Museum: Free museum offering art history lessons
• Planet Obstacle: Bounce, spin, and flip at this trampoline park
• Orlando Science Center: Learn about all of its latest scientific exhibits

Although Orlando has more than enough activities to fill your vacation, you should set aside time to visit the surround cities. Old Town Kissimmee boasts its very own amusement park as well as an outdoor shopping mall. Head to the 1.5 million acres of wetlands at Everglades National Park for a look at the local wildlife. Must-see places near Orlando include:

• Old Town Kissimmee: An amusement park and outdoor shopping mall
• Celebration Town Center: An expertly planned community designed by The Walt Disney Company
• Everglades National Park: 1.5 million acres of wetlands with an abundance of wildlife on display
• Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards: Experience the flavor of local Florida wine
• Wekiva Island: Live bands, kayak or paddleboard rentals, and a relaxing environment

Orlando has many last minute activities for kids and parents alike. The Orlando Brewing Company is always a sure bet with live music, organic beer, and local flavors. Exciting activities near Orlando include:

• Orlando Brewing Company: Local menus, organic beer, and outdoor live music
• JLA Distillery: A family owned craft whiskey and spirits distillery
• Orlando Improv: Adult only comedy club with big names and rising stars
• Orlando Circus School: Learn the trapeze and other circus arts here
• The Mall at Millenia: A large indoor shopping mall with food court

For those that seem to have more energy after the sun goes down, Orlando’s many bars and venues offer a mix of drinks, live music, and late-night food. Kings Entertainment, open until 2 a.m., has everything you need for a fun night including bowling, billiards, and much more. Nighttime activities near Orlando include:

• Blue Man Group: A live performance incorporating dance, music, and art
• Howl at the Moon: Popular bar offering live music and high-energy fun
• House of Blues: Experience some of the best up-and-coming bands with food
• Kings Entertainment Orlando: late-night venue with two bars and lots of games
• Universal CityWalk: Dozens of clubs, entertainment experiences, restaurants, and shops