10 Fun Things to Do in Orlando

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Fun is easy to find in Orlando: The city’s reputation as a hot spot for kids keeps it at the forefront of family fun. Your hardest decision will be deciding among all the fun things to do in Orlando … and trying to figure out how to fit it all into your trip.

Top Fun Things to Do in Orlando

Choose from this list of fun Orlando activities that mix beloved classics and new offerings.

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Walt Disney World

Disney world when to go — Disney World – Castle Crowd(Photo: Twenty20)

For many, Disney is the ultimate Orlando activity. Walt Disney World Resort is a destination all its own, with four theme parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom) and two water parks (Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach). You’ll want to plan your visit carefully, keeping in mind the ages of kids you’re traveling with, and the time it takes to get from park to park.

Sea World Parks

Chances are you’re most familiar with Sea World—the theme park dedicated to up-close animal encounters—but that’s only one of the three parks on site. At Aquatica, you’ll find high-speed water slides, wave pools, and beaches. And Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive day resort with waterfall pools and dolphin encounters. Behind the scenes, tours offer a chance to learn more about the rescue and rehabilitation efforts of the park.

Universal Orlando Resort

universal studios los angeles — Supannee_Hickman/Shutterstock.com

When you’re planning things to do in Orlando, don’t overlook Universal. With three distinct theme parks, Universal Orlando Resort truly earns its buzz, especially among older kids. At Islands of Adventure, you’ll find the Marvel super heroes you love among rides and interactions. At Universal Studios, you can be wowed by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and get an adrenaline rush from the Fast & Furious – Supercharged ride. And the Volcano Bay Waterpark offers line-free waterpark fun thanks to TapuTapu wearable bracelets that tell you exactly when it’s your turn for fun. Plus, Universal Citywalk offers plenty of unique food and shopping options.

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

When a race car driving giant sinks $30 million into an indoor go-kart attraction, you know it’s going to be good. That’s exactly what happened with the Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Center, and the result is enough high adrenaline entertainment to keep the family happy for days. It’s not just for racing fans either: With zip lines, bowling, VR simulators, a “sky bar,” rock climbing, laser tag and a full-service restaurant on-site, it’s fun for anyone looking for fun things to do in Orlando.

Fun Spot America

Fun Spot America is an Orlando classic and the only family-owned amusement park in Central Florida. Home to the city’s only wooden rollercoasters, along with the two tallest “sky coasters” in the world, it’s a great (and affordable) pick for thrill-seeking families looking to add destinations beyond Disney and Universal to their list of things to do in Orlando. Recently, the Kissimmee location debuted Mine Blower, a new 82-foot tall wooden coaster that does a barrel roll during the ride.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Offering all the thrill of jumping from a plane, without the jump, the plane, or the risk, iFly Orlando offers two all-glass wind tunnels that simulate free fall conditions. Once you’ve had a briefing on body positioning and suit up, you get a few shots at trying out one of the 1,000 hp tunnels with your instructor. Before or after your flight, be sure to watch others to get a sense of how much fun you had … and how silly you looked.

Main Event Entertainment Orlando

On rainy days, you’ll be glad for spots like this one where you’ll have 45,000 square feet of fun at your fingertips. From virtual reality and interactive games to multi-level laser tag and bowling, the entertainment complex aims to keep everyone busy for hours. No need to leave when you’re hungry: Menu offerings feature sports bar favorites and handcrafted cocktails.

Nona Adventure Park

Looking for things to do in Orlando to combat the heat? This new water park aims to offer a new way to enjoy the water. The main adventure: A giant inflatable, floating obstacle course where you’re bound to have a good time while getting wet. There is also a cable park where you’re on a wakeboard and tethered to a pulley system, so you can get “maximum air” on the in-water ramps. On land, you’ll find a climbing tower and a bistro to refuel.

Topgolf Entertainment Group

Step into one of the 102 climate-controlled hitting bays with up to five of your closest friends and use the advanced technology to track the accuracy and distance of your shots. The 65,000-square-foot venue is a must-do thing to do in Orlando for anyone looking to get all the golf without the Florida heat and humidity.

Wild Florida

Add Wild Florida to your list of things to do in Orlando and you’ll be treated to a mix of fun, adventure, and education. Board one of the guided airboat rides for an ecological adventure that includes up-close looks at gators and birds in the protected swamps, marshes, and rivers of the Florida Everglades. When you’re done on the water, wander the wildlife park where you can learn more about the 100,000 acres of federally protected wetlands and get more information on more than 200 animals, including peacocks, albino alligators, and land tortoises.

Screamin’ Gator Zip Line at Gatorland

If a theme park dedicated to alligators isn’t enough, the Screamin’ Gator zipline at Gatorland offers the ultimate gator-crazy Orlando activity. Head seven stories into the air, then get ready to soar over Cuban and Nile crocodiles. By the time you clear the Alligator Breeding Marsh—and the one hundred and thirty alligators watching from below—you’ll understand how it got its name.

Wallaby Ranch

Looking for things to do in Orlando that really up the adrenaline quotient? Then go jump off a cliff. Using the latest Tandem aero towing techniques to provide the safest, most enjoyable hang gliding experience, Wallaby Ranch takes you on the soaring ride of a lifetime. Even kids can join in the fun, though anyone with a strong fear of heights might want to opt out of this one.

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Original reporting by Heather Greenwood-Davis

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