Holidays 
Cruises 
Flights 
Hotel Only 
Deals 
Destinations 
Extras
Travel information
Help CentreList
7 nights
Top things to do in Orlando
Check out our round-up of the best things to do in Orlando beyond the theme parks.
When you hear Orlando, theme parks are probably the first things that spring to mind. But don’t be fooled – there’s heaps for families to do away from the rides, slides and attractions. Orlando’s great outdoors lines up kayaking adventures on a lake, bike rides along pretty trails and bird-watching trips on the iconic Everglades. There are huge shopping malls, more restaurants than you can shake a fork at and baseball, basketball and soccer games on the cards, too. So when the time comes to flip the switch on the theme parks, here are some top things to do…
When you're ready, check out our best Orlando deals.
When you're ready, check out our best Orlando deals.
Paddle around in a clear kayak
Fancy some fun in the great outdoors? Head to Rock Springs. This huge reserve is around a 40-minute drive from Orlando, and it’s home to calm, clear waters that are perfect for family kayaking adventures. There’s plenty to see here, with colourful birds nesting in the trees above the springs and small fish and turtles easy to spot in the waters beneath your clear kayak. Just make sure you’ve got a towel with you – there are plenty of places to stop off and cool down with a dip.
Cycle around a nature trail
Thanks to year-round sunshine, there’s never a bad time to spend the day outside in Orlando. Nature trails come in big numbers here, and most offer the option to explore on foot on a hike, or by bike. West Orange Trail is a good go-to from Orlando for families – it’s only around a 20-minute drive away and is paved throughout, so it’s super easy to navigate. Our top tip? Start at Winter Garden Station and grab an ice-cream or a bite to eat from the food market to fuel your ride.
Explore Lake Eola
Lake Eola’s like Orlando’s answer to New York’s Central Park, and it’s fitted with a lake where you can pedal swan boats across the water. The waterside makes for a scenic spot to enjoy a family picnic, and there’s a playground on hand if your little one needs to let off some steam. We’d recommend heading here on a Sunday when a market pops up along the water’s edge, selling artisan breads, fresh fruit and handmade crafts.
Visit the Everglades
If you want to take the adventure up a notch, head to the Everglades. The wetlands and mangroves here spread out for more than 1.5 million acres. Hop on an airboat tour and glide through a tangled web of waterways spotting rare animal species, like the American crocodile and Florida panther. There are more than 300 types of birds here too, including hawks, eagles and kites. Then stop off for a bite to eat at Joanies Blue Crab Café, it doesn’t get more authentic than this place. It’s a no-frills kind of place that pairs homely hospitality with plates of fresh seafood – it’s the perfect way to end the day if you ask us. There are plenty of American classics on the cards for little ones to tuck into, too.
Make tracks for a mall
There are a few malls in Orlando which boast a three-figure tally of shops and restaurants, including Orlando International Premium Outlets and The Mall at Millenia. Head here and you can pick up designer buys at the likes of Louis Vuitton and Gucci, or head to US favourites like Macy’s or Sephora. And over in Florida Mall you’ll find a Primark with a whole floor dedicated to Disney merch. Got little ones in tow? Head to the mall’s information centre to rent a stroller to help you get around.
See the sights of I-Drive
International Drive packs in a lot when it comes to things to do for families. The easiest way to see it all? On an I-Ride Trolley. There are plenty of stops up and down the street and you can hop on and off an unlimited number of times for around $6 per person. Start at the bottom of I-Drive and you’ll pass themed minigolf courses, a Titanic museum and a giant slingshot ride. Feeling peckish? Head to The Pointe for everything from fast food to fancy food, you’ll easily find something that’s a fit for the whole family here. The upside-down world of WonderWorks and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando are popular picks, and the iFLY skydiving centre scores highly on the thrill scale. While ICON park is a great budget friendly option that offers up activities the kids will love like the Museum of Illusions and the virtual reality attractions. The biggest attention-grabber along here is the Orlando Eye, though. As its name suggests, it’s like a stateside sibling to London’s riverside observation wheel. Take a ride, and you’ll spy Universal Orlando Resort™ close by and Disney parks in the distance.
Watch a sports game in Downtown Orlando
Sports fans, listen up. Downtown Orlando is home to three of the city’s sports stadiums. Orlando City’s purple-tinted arena – AKA Inter&CO Stadium – is the home of Orlando City and Orlando Pride soccer clubs, while the nearby Kia Center hosts Orlando Magic’s basketball games against top teams like the Brookyln Nets and Chicago Bulls. Then there’s the Camping World Stadium which is home to events like the NFL Pro Bowl and the Camping World Bowl.
Ready to explore Orlando?
Check out our Florida holidays.
Or, have a read of the ultimate guide to Florida, top five things to do on Florida’s Space Coast and the best things to do in Florida for more destination inspiration.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Shaun Ringwood and Carla Fabian
Last updated: 19.09.2024