City life and businesses are opening up. Families can’t wait to see each other again. Now’s the right time to head to Orlando.

Whether you check out Walt Disney World, the Orlando Science Center, SeaWorld Orlando, or any other exciting spots, summer in Orlando will be a blast.¹ It’s your chance to make up for all the time you’ve spent indoors this past year.

Orlando is great for everyone, from locals to new families in the area, or weekend visitors. It’s packed with fun that goes beyond the famous theme parks.

Key Takeaways

Orlando is home to a diverse array of attractions beyond just theme parks, including water parks, animal encounters, cultural experiences, and unique indoor entertainment.
The city offers a range of affordable options for families and couples, from budget-friendly attractions to discounted admission tickets.
With its growing food scene, outdoor adventures, and variety of entertainment, Orlando provides something for every type of traveler.
Now is an ideal time to visit Orlando as the city continues to reopen and offer new experiences for visitors.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, there are always new and exciting things to discover in this dynamic, vibrant destination.

Orlando Theme Parks: Wondrous Realms of Adventure

Orlando is home to many famous theme parks. From the eternal² Walt Disney World Resort to² Universal Orlando Resort and² SeaWorld, there is something for everyone. Families will love² LEGOLAND too. These parks offer endless fun and unforgettable memories.

Universal Orlando Resort & Theme Park

Universal Studios Florida is perfect for TV and movie fans. It brings your beloved hits to life with rides, shows, and more. You can enjoy a variety of food and catch a show to cool off. The fun never stops with stunt shows and parades.

Disney’s Magical Kingdoms

The fun of Orlando starts with Disney! The² Walt Disney World Resort includes four non-water parks. They cater to families and kids of all ages. You’ll find something for everyone here.

SeaWorld: Aquatic Encounters and Thrills

SeaWorld is a dream come true for those who love animals. It includes rides, shows, and close encounters with various creatures. You will learn a lot and make memories to cherish forever, including seeing orcas and sea lions.

Legoland: Family-Friendly Fun and Water Park

Legoland is great for those who love excitement. It offers a water park with rides for all ages. Whether you want to relax or have an adventure, they have what you’re looking for. The whole family will have a blast.

Orlando’s theme parks are full of magic and excitement. Whether you like movies, animals, or LEGO, there’s a special journey waiting for you. It’s a city bursting with unique experiences for all.

Orlando Water Parks: Cool Oases of Splashing Fun

Universal’s Volcano Bay

Universal’s Volcano Bay Water Theme Park is the perfect mix of a water park and a theme park.³ It has thrilling water slides and a relaxing river. After all the excitement, you can chill at Waturi Beach or try surfing at Wave Village.

If you’re up for an adventure, ride the Maku slides with your family.⁴ These slides go through a volcanic gorge. It’s a great activity for the whole family.

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon

Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park offers a beach and water playgrounds in one place. For the little ones, there’s a water playground with fun features.⁴ Then, enjoy the raft rides or the solo enclosed slide.

End your day by riding the waves at the largest wave pool in North America. Let your children experience Florida life to the max.

Disney’s Blizzard Beach

Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is packed with toboggans and slides for the family. There are aquatic fun areas for kids as well.⁴ After the rides, relax under a lodge umbrella or try the various dining options.

Blizzard Beach has something for everyone. There are chairlifts, thrill rides, and a lazy river for a more laid-back experience.

Unique Attractions and Experiences

Orlando is famous for its top-notch theme parks. But, it’s not just that. The city serves a variety of unique places and things to do. Explore everything from meeting alligators up close to bizarre museums. There’s an adventure waiting for every bold explorer in Orlando.⁵

Gatorland: Up-Close Alligator Adventures

Since 1949, Gatorland has been a standout in Orlando. It’s not only historic but also budget-friendly. Adult tickets are $26.50 and kids ages 3 to 12 are $18.50. You can discount your tickets further through Visit Orlando powered by BestofOrlando.com. Don’t forget, little ones below 3 get in for free. For an extra exciting experience, try the Gator Night Shine tour at just $24.99 a ticket.⁵

The Orlando Eye and ICON Park

The Orlando Eye is a must-see in Orlando. Tickets for adults are $25.19 and kids ages 2 – 12 pay $20.99. This includes memorable digital photos. What’s even better, there are combo packages with other fun attractions at ICON Park®. This entertainment hub is on International Drive, known as I-Drive, at the heart of Orlando’s tourist area.⁵

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

Ripley’s Odditorium on I-Drive features interactive exhibits and the strange. The building seems to be sinking into a huge hole. But, it’s just an illusion. To see its wonders, adults pay $27.99 and kids ages 3 – 11 pay $19.99. Children under 3 enter for free.⁵

Dezerland Park: Indoor Entertainment Extravaganza

Dezerland Park is the largest indoor fun spot in Orlando, spanning 800,000 square feet. It’s located on International Drive. Entry is free, and most activities are under $29 each.⁵

Attraction	Adult Admission	Child Admission (Ages 3-12)
Gatorland	$26.50	$18.50
The Orlando Eye	$25.19	$20.99
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!	$27.99	$19.99
Dezerland Park	Free Admission	Free Admission

Educational and Cultural Treasures

The Orlando Science Center, also known as OSC, is a top STEAM spot in Orlando. It’s in Loch Haven Park, not far from downtown.⁶ There, kids, teens, and adults can have fun learning through many exhibits. For example, you can check out Life, a new show about nature and saving the planet. Or have a blast digging for fossils at DinoDigs. And don’t miss KidsTown for the little ones.⁷

Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Museum of Art is another must-see. It features art from around the world and helps children learn with its Discovery Center.⁶ Tickets are $20 for grown-ups, $12 for seniors, and $8 for kids aged 6 to 17. College students pay $10 with their ID, but active or retired military and young kids go free.⁶ You can find the museum at Loch Haven Park near Ivanhoe Village Main Street, just a short drive from the main tourist spots.

Orlando Museum of Art

The Morse Museum of American Art celebrates Tiffany glass and more. It’s a treasure trove of Tiffany’s work, including lamps, windows, and art pottery.⁶ This museum really shows off the amazing talent and dedication of Louis Comfort Tiffany, a famous American artist and designer.

Morse Museum of American Art

Things to do in Orlando: Outdoor Adventures and Nature

Orlando has more than just theme parks. It’s rich in outdoor fun and natural beauty. You can enjoy boat tours, visit gardens, and ride airboats. These activities are perfect for those who love nature and adventure.

Scenic Boat Tours

Take a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour for a peaceful experience in Central Florida. This $20 tour for adults and $10 for kids lets you see amazing mansions by the water.⁸ You’ll learn local history from the tour guides and see the area’s wildlife. This tour is located 25 minutes north of the main tourist areas.

Parks and Gardens

There are many green spaces in Orlando and nearby areas to appreciate nature. At Harry P. Leu Gardens, you can view 50 acres of beautiful plants.⁹ Or, you can relax by walking around Lake Eola Park or ride a swan boat in its waters.⁸ For a unique adventure, SEA Life Orlando Aquarium lets families meet marine life.

Airboat Tours and Wildlife Encounters

Discover Central Florida’s nature by taking an airboat tour in the Everglades. You might see blue herons, bald eagles, and alligators on these tours.⁹ For a closer look, try Boggy Creek Adventures in Kissimmee,⁸ or visit the Central Florida Zoo. Outdoor lovers have plenty to do, from paddleboarding⁸¹⁰ to ATV driving and fishing at Revolution Off Road Adventures.⁸

FAQ

What are the top attractions in Orlando beyond the theme parks?

Besides theme parks, Orlando has lots to offer. You can visit the Orlando Science Center and the Orlando Museum of Art. Also, check out Gatorland and adventure spots like The Orlando Eye. For quirky fun, there’s Ripley’s Believe It or Not!. And if you love indoor fun, don’t miss Dezerland Park.

What are some affordable and free things to do in Orlando?

Orlando has many low-cost and free activities. You can stroll through beautiful places like Harry P. Leu Gardens and Lake Eola Park. A scenic boat tour in Winter Park is also a great choice. Plus, don’t forget to visit cultural sites, like the Orlando Museum of Art and the Morse Museum of American Art.

What are some unique experiences for families in Orlando?

Families can do exciting things in Orlando. Dive into the SEA Life Orlando Aquarium to feed marine creatures. Or, hop on an airboat to see Florida’s wildlife up close. The Orlando Science Center is perfect for hands-on learning. And for some splashy fun, hit the water parks at Universal, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, and Blizzard Beach.

Are there any outdoor adventures and nature-based activities in Orlando?

Orlando is great for those who love the outdoors. Enjoy a calming boat tour in Winter Park. Walk through the beautiful Harry P. Leu Gardens. Or, go on an airboat to see gators and wildlife. There’s a lot to explore.

What are some of the must-see cultural and educational attractions in Orlando?

For culture and learning, Orlando has some gems. The Orlando Science Center is a must-visit. So is the Orlando Museum of Art. And don’t miss the Morse Museum of American Art. It houses amazing Tiffany glass and more. These places are perfect for a fun and educational day.