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Fun Things to do in Orlando
Florida
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city guide
Orlando, Florida, is a vibrant city that caters to a diverse range of interests, making it a must-visit destination for travelers. While it is renowned as a mecca for enthusiastic theme park fans with iconic attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, the city offers much more beyond its thrilling rides and magical experiences.
For foodies, Orlando boasts a burgeoning culinary scene with a plethora of restaurants offering diverse cuisines, from upscale dining to food trucks serving mouthwatering street food. The city's dining options cater to all tastes and budgets, making it a paradise for food enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors and experiences.
Sports fanatics will find Orlando to be a haven, with numerous sporting events and competitions taking place throughout the year. Whether you're a basketball, soccer, or golf enthusiast, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a game or participate in sports activities across the city.
In addition to its theme parks, Orlando is also home to world-class art and science museums, providing enriching cultural experiences for visitors. The city's wildlife encounters offer a chance to get up close and personal with exotic animals, while outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and boating allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
During the hot summer months when temperatures soar into the 90s, visitors can cool off at one of Orlando's incredible water parks or enjoy aquatic adventures on the city's lakes and rivers. As the temperatures drop in late fall and winter, golf enthusiasts can tee off at top-notch courses, while leisure seekers can take a relaxing swan boat ride at Lake Eola, a picturesque oasis in the heart of downtown Orlando.
To stay updated on the latest events, attractions, and insider tips in Orlando, be sure to follow these social media accounts:
- Visit Orlando (@visitorlando) on Instagram
- City of Orlando (@citybeautiful) on Twitter
- Orlando Weekly (@orlandoweekly) on Facebook
For noteworthy publications that depict things to do in the city, consider checking out:
- Orlando Magazine
- Orlando Sentinel's "Go Guide"
- Orlando Date Night Guide
Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, culinary delights, cultural experiences, or outdoor escapades, Orlando offers a diverse range of activities to suit every traveler's preferences. Plan your visit to this dynamic city and immerse yourself in its unique blend of entertainment, culture, and natural beauty.
Best time to go
The best time to visit Orlando is from March to May. That's the time of year you'll find the most pleasant weather (high 50s to high 80s most days) and agreeable prices on travel and lodging (excluding holiday weekends and school recesses).
Fun city facts and activities
- Orlando, Florida, is a Mecca for enthusiastic theme park fans, full of culinary indulgences for the foodies, and offers tons of rivalries for sports fanatics. And, it can't be denied, some of the best things to do in Orlando include the previous three things (sometimes you can even find all of them in the same space looking at your Walt Disney World). But outside of the previously named "big three," the City Beautiful is also home to incredible art and science museums, wildlife encounters, and outdoor activities.
While you might be tempted to spend the day at the pool since summer average temperatures are in the 90s, there is still plenty to do to cool off, including some incredible water parks. When the temperatures drop in late fall and through winter, be sure to hit the golf course or try out a swan boat ride at Lake Eola.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Park Lake
Thornton Park
Downtown
Delaney Park
Audubon Park
Altamonte Springs
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- When people think of restaurants in Orlando they may think of an over-abundance of chain restaurants, character-clad meals, or cheap fast-food. Yes, Orlando does have those things, but if you're willing to look around a bit and drive outside of theme park zones and tourist districts you'll find that the City Beautiful is filled with everything from authentic Lao street food to fine dining. (That's not to say you can't find some great meals inside the theme parks, though!)
Orlandos' culinary renaissance has led to restaurants expanding, adding new establishments to their portfolio, and even getting into prized kid-friendly theme park. This is exactly what happened to James and Julie Petrakis, who are the masterminds behind The Ravenous Pig, Cask & Larder, and their newest venture The Polite Pig at Disney Springs.
Orlando Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Escape Room: Test your problem-solving skills by participating in an escape room.
2. Kayak or Paddleboard on the Butler Chain of Lakes: Spend some time on the water with a kayak or paddleboard rental.
3. Flashback Friday at The Geek Easy: Enjoy drinks and a night of retro gaming at The Geek Easy.
4. Urban Air Adventure Park: Get your adrenaline pumping with trampolines, rock climbing, and more at Urban Air Adventure Park.
5. Indoor Putt-Putt: Enjoy a few rounds of indoor putt-putt at Monster Mini Golf.
6. Gatorland: Get up close and personal with alligators at Gatorland.
7. Paint & Sip at Painting with a Twist: Spend a night painting and drinking with friends at Painting with a Twist.
8. Paddleboard Yoga: Experience a unique blend of paddle
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
Dont let the Sunshine State fool you. There are plenty of things to do with kids in Orlando, apart from epic theme parks (though the city has those in spades).
Whether youre a local or a visitor, well help keep you busy after one too many rides on Space Mountain. Weve rounded up some of the best attractions in Orlando, including the Harry P. Leu Gardens, and the best museums in Orlando (calling all scientists and art aficionados) that deserve a spot on your to-do list. Lets not forget about the magic shows, restaurants and attractions!
As much as we love Mickey, Minnie and co., we encourage you to take advantage of everything during your vacation or day out. Disney is but one of the many reasons why Orlando can be considered magical.
1. LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Without question, one of our favorite places in Orlando for toddlers is LEGOLAND Florida Resort. There is so much for younger kids to do; even older kids will love it.
2. Monkey Joes
Monkey Joes is a local play area for kids, even toddlers. We always look for a play area when we travel with our toddler because sometimes he needs to go somewhere to run and release energy.
3. Orlando Science Center
We are all about education and learning, so we always try to go to childrens museums when we travel, and the Orlando Science Center did not disappoint.
4. Animal Kingdom
We spent my actual birthday at Disneys Animal Kingdom, and it was so much more fun than I imagined. It was our first time going to Disney World, and I can say that it did not disappoint.
5. Central Florida Zoo
Weve been to several zoos throughout the country, so we decided to skip it for this trip. Plus, my favorite zoo is Safari Park in San Diego, where we lived for several years.
6. Sea Life Orlando Aquarium
The Sea Life Orlando Aquarium is a fun activity for toddlers in Orlando. Aquariums are great ways to entertain your toddler on a rainy day. They are fun, educational, and air-conditioned (for hot summer days).
7. Crayola Experience
There isnt just coloring; your toddler can create a crayon, climb an indoor playground, play games, solve puzzles, take wacky pictures, and of course, color or paint.
8. Magic Kingdom
There are so many rides for toddlers at Magic Kingdom. Here are the most popular rides for toddlers three years old and younger:
9. Kennedy Space Center
10. Leu Gardens
If you visit, be sure to stop by the Butterfly Garden to see the different butterflies attracted to the flowers. Of course, you cant leave without stopping by the rose garden for a family picture.
City data and FAQ
What is Orlando most known for?
Orlando is the capital of the world for theme parks, the beautiful city hosts over 60 million tourists, and its theme parks enthusiasts every year. The numbers will keep on growing every year with new attractions opening each year, its the go-to destination for a fun-filled family holiday. With around 236 sunny days a year, thrilling theme parks and exciting sports, and world-class spas its no wonder Orlando, Florida is the number one place for holiday makers in the US.
Tanya Williams Lives in Tampa (2014 Present)
Disney World. Which is Ironic because Disney World is in Kissimmee, not Orlando. Although Orlando does have the closest airport and is the time the largest city on the map near Disney World. It also had plenty of hotel rooms when Disney dropped in. After Disney came Sea World and Universal Studios which Are in Orlando. Not too much further away are Busch Gardens and Cypress Gardens/Legoland. Naturally these have attracted many more smaller attractions making Orlando the Theme Park Capital of the World".
John Catiller Lives in Florida
Florida is your all-in-one stop for family fun, beautiful resorts, and exciting events.
Wellam Otu Michael
Are two days enough to visit Orlando?
The simple answer is NO, to visit Universal only you need at least 2 days alone there. Then there are all the other parks as well, so I think you need a week or so but not everyone can afford it as its really expensive. So however long you stay for just enjoy yourself.
Tanya Williams Lives in Tampa, FL (2014 Present)
If you are new to the area and not sure what to explore first, two days isnt enough - hint theres a lot to do in Orlando that doesnt involve the rat south of the city. If you are familiar with the area and know what you want to do, two days can be enough.
Paul DIGian Francesco
No, You have Disney World , Sea World, Universal Studios and then the town of Kissimmee has dinner clubs and shows, shopping, skee ball and the beach Coco Beach is near by or Daytona is not far. I always take my first day I get there to enjoy swimming horseback riding or jet skiing, relaxing seafood pizza. the secondary day is an adventure out early and all day either a park in this case or whatever I book myself for. The third day is something like the beach shopping seafood dinner and a show. That's the minimum.
Miri Ann
The City Is The Ideal Destination To Explore The Outdoors & Enjoy Active Eco-Adventures.
Wellam Otu Michael
You can visit Orlando in 2 days and have a great time. But you sure are not going to see everything, or even a representative sample of what Orlando has to offer in 2 days. You could spend a week on theme parks alone, and still not see everything the theme parks have to offer. And at that point, you still wouldnt have gotten to enjoy what the different neighborhoods of Orlando proper have to offer, which would take many days on its own.
Alexander Truman Lives in Orlando, FL ( 2022- Present)
Do you need a car to visit Orlando?
Not really but you have to be patient to catch the free buses that travel to and from hotels to the amusement parks. You typically wait 30 minutes to 1 hour to catch them. And loose about 1.5 to 2 hours or more per day riding them. So a car simply saves time as a convenience factor. Most parking is free except at many hotels. Uber rides are not as swift at showing up as they used to be. The city proper has a decent public transport system, but again lots of waiting.
Wayne Wyche
It wouldn't be ideal, and I wouldn't recommend it. But it could be done. Get a hotel in the center of whatever you plan on visiting and Uber to anything outside it. Orlando also has a bus system that can get you where you need to be. If you plan on spending all/most of your time at Disney, stay on property and use Disney transportation.
Kristina Weekley Lives in Florida (1994 Present)
It depends on what you plan to do in Orlando, not Disney World or Universal Studios. If you plan on going downtown Orlando and other Theme Parks, the answer is yes.
You do not need a car if you plan on visiting only Disney World or Universal Studios. You can stay on the property and use that theme parks transportation system.
Patricia Logan Lives in Columbus, OH
People frequently equate Orland with Disney World. If you really mean Disney World, no. There are many places that offer bus service between their hotels and Disney, if you stay at one of the Disney Hotels its also not needed.
If you mean Orlando, as in the City and its surroundings - then yes, you need a car to get around to the various parks/sites and various parts of town. Youll also need one if you intend to go from the Orlando area to any of the Beaches (either Atlantic or Gulf), go to the State Parks (there are some wonderful parks with crystal clear springs), or go to any of the sites in other cities in the area.
Franco Piccione
If you want to experience all that Orlando has to offer a vehicle will make it much easier to get around to the places you want to see when you want to see them. If you are going for on Disney World and are staying on the property, you could probably not need one, but you will not be able to easily enjoy some of the other nearby attractions.
Kevin Lives in Florida
Landmarks in the city
1. Walt Disney World Resort: A world-renowned entertainment complex featuring four theme parks, two water parks, shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
2. Universal Orlando Resort: A popular resort complex with two theme parks, Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, as well as the CityWalk entertainment district.
3. SeaWorld Orlando: A marine zoological park offering interactive exhibits, live shows, and thrilling rides.
4. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: An immersive themed area within Universal Orlando Resort that brings the world of Harry Potter to life.
5. ICON Park: An entertainment complex featuring the ICON Orlando observation wheel, Madame Tussauds wax museum, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, and dining options.
6. Gatorland: A wildlife park showcasing alligators and other animals, with opportunities for up-close encounters and shows.
7. Orlando Eye: A 400-foot-tall observation wheel offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.
8. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex: A space-themed attraction where visitors can learn about NASA's space exploration history and see actual spacecraft and artifacts.
9. Lake Eola Park: A scenic park in downtown Orlando featuring a picturesque lake, swan boat rentals, walking paths, and a playground.
10. Harry P. Leu Gardens: A botanical garden with a vast collection of plants, flowers, and trees, as well as historic homes and scenic walking trails.
