18 Best Things to Do in Orlando

Visit Orlando: The World's Theme Park Captial

From the tropical Florida climate to the exciting nightlife and endless attractions in Orlando, it’s the perfect vacation spot for your next trip. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or having a romantic getaway for two, there are plenty of things to see and do. The city is known as the World's Theme Park Capital, boasting over 32 theme parks. But it’s much more than just that — it’s also a hub of parks and gardens, museums, animal sanctuaries, and refuges. With so many cool things to do in Orlando, there’s no shortage of sights to see during your stay. Fortunately, Red Roof is here to help with a list of the best things to do in Orlando, Florida. Here are our top places to check out when you’re in town.

It’s no secret that Walt Disney World Resort is one of the most fun things to do in Orlando because vacationers come from across the globe to visit. The world-famous resort will take your vacation to the next level with its four individual theme parks inside. Choose from Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Magic Kingdom Park, or EPCOT. No matter how many times you’ve been, there’s always something new and exciting happening. Bring the whole family to step into the enchanting world of Disney with a One Park Per Day pass or the Park Hopper Option to visit all four.

If you’ve never been to Universal Studios Orlando, the epic resort has three amazing theme parks to choose from. Whether you have a blast trying out the five rides in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or head to the waterslides at Volcano Bay, there’s plenty of excitement around every corner. If you aren’t a fan of the adrenaline rush from steep waterslides, then take a float down the winding river or grab a cold drink and lounge chair by the wave pool. They have plenty of snacks and dining options once you work up an appetite!

The name SeaWorld is synonymous with the city of Orlando. It’s known as one of the best things to do in Orlando, especially for anyone who loves to get up close and personal with beluga whales, walruses, penguins, orcas, and more. Not only do they have exhibits full of marine animals, but you can also take a ride on rollercoasters like the Kraken, Mako, and Manta.

Aquatica Park was named “Orlando’s Best Waterpark” for a reason — there is all kinds of entertainment for adults and kids everywhere you look. Grab your tickets for the live marine life shows, check out the aquarium exhibits, or take a thrill ride! Take the new “Reef Plunge,” which is a waterslide through an underwater world full of coral, dolphins, sharks, and more! If that’s not your thing, why not relax on sandy beaches or lounge around in one of the pools?

Just a one-hour drive from Orlando, Kennedy Space Center is a must-see when you’re in Florida! It’s known around the world for being the main launch center for NASA. You don’t have to be a space fanatic to enjoy the experience — it’s one of the coolest things the whole family can do while in Orlando. Check out the original Saturn V rocket or the Space Shuttle Atlantis, experience astronaut life in the simulator, or chat with a real NASA veteran at the Universe Theater.

Ready to get up close and personal with bottlenose dolphins during your trip to paradise? Then head to Discovery Cove. Once you’re face to face with some of the most graceful and beautiful creatures in the world, it’s not hard to see why so many people rave about it. The all-inclusive waterpark is the sister resort of SeaWorld and Aquatica Orlando. If you’re looking for VIP treatment, you can even become a trainer for the day! Rest assured, there are plenty of other experiences included with your day pass. Enjoy unlimited food and beverages, explore the aviary, ride the wind-away river, or take a dip in the warm Serenity Bay.

If you’re an art enthusiast or simply hoping to avoid the big-ticket attractions, then the Orlando Museum of Art should be at the top of your list. The not-for-profit museum features exhibitions full of Spanish colonial paintings, vibrant pieces inspired by artist Yuyi Morales’ Mexican heritage, a collection of artwork that takes you on a journey of American history, and much more. They offer free admission during the first weekend of every month, so it’s perfect for families on a budget! Take a guided group tour or walk through on your own and immerse your kids in art and culture.

Toddlers and young kids will have a blast at LEGOLAND Florida. There is always something new and exciting going on! From 4-D movies to meeting live characters from The LEGO movie and shopping, there’s fun for the entire family. Plus, the resort is packed full of opportunities to eat comfort food, sweet treats, and plenty of ice-cold beverages.

Madame Tussauds is located in Icon Park on International Drive — and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Meet incredible life-like versions of icons including Pitbull, Shaq, Oprah Winfrey, Neil Armstrong, Wonder Woman, and plenty of other A-List celebrities. Be sure to check out their newest addition, pop star Maluma, after their recent South American launch!

The manatee refuge at Blue Spring State Park is one of the most fun things to do in Orlando for kids and adults alike. It’s one of the largest gathering areas for manatees that you’ll find in the state. But checking out the “sea cows” isn’t the only thing to do at this wildly popular tourist destination — they also offer plenty of other outdoor activities like scuba diving, kayaking, camping, hiking, and swimming.

Have you ever wanted to watch turtles lay their eggs? You may get the chance to do that and more at Canaveral National Seashore, a sanctuary for endangered animals and thousands of species of plants. Nature lovers looking for cool things to do in Orlando will be in heaven here.

If you feel like getting out into the backcountry, why not grab a day pass to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort? The resort is designed to feel as if you’re stepping onto the American frontier, full of picturesque trails, swimming pools, upbeat entertainment, and nature everywhere you look. Your kids will love pony rides, wilderness arcades, outdoor volleyball courts, wagon rides, and recreation parks.

If art museums aren’t up your alley, how about taking a tour of a chocolate museum? Chocolate Kingdom Orlando is like stepping onto a real, live Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie scene! The whole family will love finding out how chocolate gets transformed from bean to milky chocolate bars. They even have a chocolate river! If that’s not what dreams are made of, we don’t know what is.

If you love escape rooms, then Escapology Orlando on International Drive is a must-visit! Choose from a variety of themes like the Murder on the Orient Express, Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Castle Adventure, or get abducted by a Narco. Whichever live escape game you choose, it’ll have your heart racing in anticipation as you put your heads together to find the clues and solve each puzzle. Will you and your team be able to escape by thinking outside of the box or will the clock run out?

The Wheel at ICON Park is one of Orlando’s most iconic landmarks. You can find the 400-foot Ferris wheel located on International Drive — it’s impossible to miss. Keep in mind, this isn’t just an ordinary Ferris wheel. You’ll ride The Wheel for an exhilarating 18 minutes inside an air-conditioned capsule with stability control as you take in the breathtaking views of the city. It’s the perfect photo op!

Calling all sports fans! The Amway Center is a massive 875,000-square-foot indoor arena where you can watch the Orlando Magic basketball team play. If that’s not your thing, you can catch another sporting event or concert (depending on the day). The venue is packed full of entertainment, concession stands, and fun for visitors of all ages. If you’re driving, just ensure you get there early to find a parking spot!

If you’re looking for hands-on learning for people of all ages, head to Orlando Science Center. The center gets over 670,000 visitors each year from Florida and around the world. Immerse yourself in the world of dinosaurs, sustainability, and other fun science-related topics at the four-story private museum. Walk through the live exhibits, check out a show at the Digital Adventure Theater, or watch an animal interaction at NatureWorks. Whether you’re an adult or a child, they know how to make learning fun and engaging!

If you’ve never been on a tour through the everglades, now is your chance. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures offers exhilarating airboat tours that let you get up close and personal with turtles, bald eagles, and gators. Well, not too close. The airboat will whisk you and up to 16 other people through the tall grass and throughout the marshes of the tropical wetlands.

Not only is Orlando a mecca of theme parks and museums, but it’s also packed full of beautiful sights to see (with new attractions that continue to pop up each year!). You’ll never be bored during your stay. Adventure awaits! What are you waiting for? Book your stay in the heart of Orlando, with Red Roof today!

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18 Best Things to Do in Orlando

Visit Orlando: The World's Theme Park Captial

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18 Best Things to Do in Orlando

Visit Orlando: The World's Theme Park Captial

Walt Disney World Resort

Universal Studios Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando

Aquatica Park

Kennedy Space Center

Discovery Cove

Orlando Art Museum

LEGOLAND Florida

Madame Tussauds

Blue Spring State Park

Canaveral National Seashore

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort

Chocolate Kingdom Orlando

Escapology Orlando

The Wheel at ICON Park

Amway Center

Orlando Science Center

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

Book Your Stay at Red Roof

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