20+ Amazing Things To Do In Orlando

things to do in orlando fl

We love finding amazing things to do in Orlando

What does your vacation itinerary look like? If you are looking to explore the heart of Florida, you may be interested in things to do in Orlando. There is something to do for everyone, from the urban socialite to the rough and rowdy adventurer. Here are just some of the best things to do in Orlando!

In the following text, we will explore the best Things To Do In Orlando from each of the following categories;

  • Adrenaline-Boosting Activities 
  • Natural Parks
  • Wildlife Wonders
  • On the Town
  • Theme Parks

Now, lets jump in.

Adrenaline-Boosting Activities 

things to do in orlando

Get Out On The Water With a Guided Boat Tour

Central Florida has gorgeous waterways to explore, and a guided boat tour helps you explore all the local gems of things to do in Orlando Florida, while relaxing in the breeze. Yep, fully captained, serving food and drinks, and for those who can’t hold the call of nature for long; we have that covered to with an on-board bathroom.

Venture into Florida’s renowned marshes and mangroves in style! If you have never been on an airboat ride before, this is something you absolutely need to try for yourself. Everglades National Park is located just south of Orlando, and this 32-acre park is full to the brim of wildlife. There are sections that are still wild as they were a hundred years ago.

Another things to do in Orlando FL, is to take out a pontoon boat rental with friends or family if you are considering things to do in orlando today; and spot an alligator or lazy turtle, or simply skim across the water and feel that Florida wind in your hair. 

You can even reserve an adventurous night tour to see the marsh after dark–now that will get your heart racing!

ATV Riding

Prefer to play in the dirt? You can explore the local trails at high speed with an ATV rentals. Whether you are a wiz on 4 wheelers or a newcomer, you can find top-tier trails and ATV rental companies to get you out ASAP as a thing to do in Orlando Fl that you don’t want to miss.

adrenaline things to do in orlando

You don’t need to stick with an ATV, either: some parks offer dirt bike rentals and UTV rentals for an extra fun twist. Best of all, riders of any age can have a blast! ATV trail rides make for a family-friendly day as the riders play on rolly hills and sandy courses, all while the rest of the family picnics, camps, and hikes in the same park. 

Not sure where to start your ATV adventure when listing things to do in Orlando Florida? Check out our handy trail guide here to see the top 50 MX and ATV trails near you in Florida

Jet Ski Rentals

Looking for a cheap, easy, thrill ride that you can do with a friend? Jet ski rentals are no doubt the best way to get out, and have some fun to fulfill that urge to find things to do in orlando today. Jet skiing with kids is safe, fun, and what else is better than being out on the water?

orlando florida things to do in the water

Orlando Balloon Rides

Want to get a brand new perspective! You can literally reach new heights with Orlando hot air balloon rides! These are great for a memorable day trip. 

Orlando Balloon Rides is just one local hot air balloon operator that has been delighting visitors since 1985. Their experts show you a whole new world as you soar up to 1,000 feet in the air. Best of all, these tours are available every day of the year–beat the heat with a winter tour!

You can see everything up there: the dazzling cityscapes, exotic mangroves, theme parks, and more! You’ll see more of Florida than you can ever imagine with the span of an hour, and the moment you touch the ground again, you’ll be ready to go again to your next things to do in Orlando Florida. 

romantic things to do in orlando

For the Romantics

If you are one of those romantic types looking for things to do in Orlando Florida, you’ve got to check out these 5-star rated sunset cruises. Enjoy the deep hues of the skies reflecting off the water like a mirror, while you sail off into the night together. These typically book out fast, so grab your sunset cruise reservation today!

Natural Parks

When you are looking for things to do in Orlando, you don’t need to stick to the city to see some amazing things. Orlando is conveniently located right next to Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area, so if you want a unique look at the local wildlife, you need to check out some of these activities pronto.

Explore The Local Gardens

Orlando Florida is home to a whole plethora of gorgeous flora, and you can see it on display up close and personal in the local garden attractions. 

Take a leisurely stroll through Bok Tower Gardens to see this National Historic Landmark in action. Bok Tower Gardens is one of Florida’s first attractions, and the Singing Tower is a gorgeous piece of architecture that provides the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway. This once-barren property has been transformed, and now there are over 700 acres of citrus groves, oaks, woodlands, manicured gardens, and nature trails to immerse yourself in. You may even catch some live music!

Harry P. Leu Gardens is another great things to do in orlando today, to literally stop and smell the roses. Harry P. Leu was an industrialist who continually brought back rare and exotic seeds to cultivate in the 1930s. Now, his work spans over 50 acres, with over 2,000 plants and 200 cultivars working in these botanical gardens to carry on his legacy. 

Get out onto the Suwannee River and try out a tubing rental. These tubes float effortlessly down the river due to natural springs. It’s nature’s best lazy river activity, except you can enjoy the authentic nature around you.

Get Back to Nature in the Parks

Orlando has some of the most gorgeous natural parks you can imagine. They’re just as beautiful as downtown, but without all the foot traffic, and is very authentic way to experience things to do in Orlando Florida.

Blue Spring State Park is a traveler’s favorite. In the winter months, the park serves as a manatee refuge, which makes it a perfect place to spot those beloved sea cows as they travel up into the spring. You can stroll down the boardwalk and capture some amazing photographs right from the shore. 

For a more urban twist, Lake Eola Park is a perfect spot for jogging or fishing. This 23-acre lake isn’t as remote as some other options on this list, but it still offers that same Orlando charm. Attend the outdoor concerts at the Walt Disney Amphitheater nearby, or even check out the weekly farmers market full of fresh Floridian produce. Couples often flock to the swan-shaped paddle boats that let riders soak up the serene atmosphere on the water. 

The list of things to do in Orlando nature parks is practically endless. You can visit the famous hot springs in Kelly Park, take a dip in the lagoon at Discovery Cove, or even kayak on the untouched Wekiwa River into the 7,000-acre wilderness reserve. 

Not sure where to stay? Rent an RV so that you bed comes with you!

And of course, don’t forget the water sports! Scuba and snorkeling trips are great for exploring the springs. The warm water is great for paddleboarding and kayaking all year round, and you can ever jump in WITH the wildlife on a guided tour! 

snorkeling activity

Whether you are a hardcore nature lover or just want to get away from the crowds, the parks are a great place to unwind. 

Wildlife Wonders

Try A Wildlife Tour

Want to see the local fauna, but not sure how to do so safely? There are knowledgeable guides who want to help you connect with nature on a level you’ve never seen before. Check out some of these things to do in Orlando Florida.

airboat ride things to do

For those who want to see the wildlife up close, but not TOO close, boat tours are a great option. Experiences like the airboat rentals, pontoon boat rentals, and fishing boat rentals are geared towards wildlife watching.

For a more intimate experience, guided kayak tours and swimming tours are the way to go. Tour guides can assist you if you want to hop in the water to swim with the manatees up close and personal. If you want a little more instruction for swimming in the waters or deep diving, check out the dive tours and lessons

Want to see the wildlife up close, but not necessarily in their natural habitat? Orlando offers several natural theme parks with a twist. Attractions such as Gatorland are great for the whole family to see Florida’s infamous reptiles face to face. Kids (and adults who are kids at heart) will love the Gator Wrestlin’ Show and Gator Jumparoo, as well as demonstrations by the park’s expert trainers. You can join the “Trainer-for-a-day” Program to feed baby alligators, or even try to 30 mph zipline that stretches over the Nile crocodiles’ enclosure!

You can help protect the Florida wildlife by considering an iguana hunting activity. Grab a few friends, and we’ll do the rest. Certain types of iguanas are actually harmful to the ecosystem of Florida, and the Florida Fish and wildlife supports the eradication of these species to protect Florida native habitats.

On The Town

You don’t need to always head out of the city to get the most out of things to do in Orlando Florida! There are plenty of attractions within city limits that you can’t find anywhere else. For those with their heads in the stars, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex lets you gaze upon the Space Shuttle Atlantis and Saturn V moon rocket, as well as other artifacts from NASA’s many ventures. 

Those with a taste for the strange and unusual should check out Ripley’s Believe It Or Not on International Drive! At first glance, the building looks like it is falling into a sinkhole; this is just one of the many visual illusions that this attraction has to offer when listing out things to do in orlando today. You can spend all afternoon perusing the 16 galleries of odd, exhilarating, and visually impressive exhibits. From shrunken heads to celebrity portraits made out of candy, they have it all!

Theme Parks

How could we mention Orlando without mentioning the theme parks? There are four Disney theme parks in the region ALONE. 

For those with an undying love for the silver screen, Disney’s Hollywood Studios is a must-see. It’s been called one of the top 10 tourist attractions in Orlando, and it well lives up to the title! Stroll through uncanny replicas of Sunset Boulevard, Toy Story Land, Echo Park, and even Hollywood Boulevard. 

The Animator space gives you a sneak peek into Disney’s beloved animators and their process. Check out the nearby MuppetVision 3D Show for a good dose of comedy and nostalgia. 

Need something a little more exhilarating? Check out the Twilight Zone Tower of terror, the 3D Star Wars simulator (“The Adventures Continue”), and even a live performance of the Beauty and Beast Live On Stage, just like it’s from Broadway!

If you have not been to the world-famous Walt Disney World Resort, then now is the time! This park is HUGE, and actually includes two water parks and four theme parks within its walls. Disney-lovers will be right at home, and families can even stay right in the resort for some extra Disney-magical memories. 

The Magic Kingdom Park is the original Disney theme park that started the magic, and was designed by Walt Disney himself. Visit your favorite characters in person, check out the extraordinary parades, and of course, don’t miss the fireworks at the unmistakable Cinderella Castle!

Many people have heard of the Disney theme parks, but Orlando’s theme park offerings don’t stop there, not by a long shot. 

If you love amusement parks, you need to stop by ICON Park on your trip. We hope you’re not afraid of heights, because this park to home to The Wheel: at 400-feet high, it’s the largest observation wheel on all of the East Coast! You are ferried to the top in a climate-conditioned pod, and once you reach the peak, literally all of Orlando is at your feet. The sights are unbeatable at sunsets when you can see all of the city lights. 

Not tall enough for you? Check out the Orlando StarFlyer for another things to do in orlando fl. This is the world’s tallest swing ride at 450 feet, and it gets up to 60 mph–now that is some speed!

If you prefer to stay with both feet on the ground, ICON Park still has a ton of things to do. The In The Game ICON Park offers a plethora of classic arcade games, prize games, virtual-reality exhibits, a 7-D Motion Theater, and so much more. 

Need something a little more cultured? The world-famous Madame Tussauds Orlando is perfect for those who love all things related to cinema. Meet replicas of your favorite stars from film, television, sports, music, pop culture, and history–even members from the DC Entertainment’s Justice League!

Fans of the more traditional, family-owned amusements parks should check out Fun Spot America. They offer all the classics, from carousels, go-karts, fairground food, and more things to do in orlando fl. You’ll love the White Lightning wooden roller coaster with a 20-meter drop and the SkyCoaster ride that stands almost 80 meters tall. Best of all–it’s free admission!

Universal’s Islands of Adventure features themed attractions and rides based on pop culture hits, from Jurrasic Park to Marvel. It is also home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which even Muggles will enjoy!

Beat the Florida heat at Nona Adventure Park, one of Orlando’s exciting water parks. This park features an inflatable obstacle course that is a ton of fun. Try your hand at the cable park to test the pulley-system wakeboard course that gives you all of the fun of surfing without all that pesky sand. 

kids out on water boat rental

Orlando Is Waiting For You!

This list doesn’t even contain half of the things you can do in Orlando; which ones did we miss? Tell us your favorite things to do in Orlando Fl in the comments below!

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