Situated in the scenic seaside of Orange County, Florida, lies one of the busiest places on Earth. It’s probably much more difficult to find things not to do in Orlando than it is to find things to do. There’s absolutely no way that any family could become bored, and in most cases, it will take more than one visit to see and do it all. Orlando offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a playground of opportunities for both adults and children to explore.
The obvious, unbeatable attractions are Disney World, Sea World, Epcot Center, Universal Orlando Resort, Busch Gardens, Kennedy Space Center, Nickelodeon Studios, and Discovery Cove. These major resorts encompass hundreds of acres of action-packed fun, from thrilling rides to fantastic shows. The excitement never ends at these parks, and the hours stretch deep into the night. One thing you can expect from all these major theme parks is that they will be costly, crowded, and often chaotic! Before booking trips to any of these resorts, check if you’ll be visiting during a Spring Break period—otherwise, you might find yourself in a “hurry up and wait” situation.
Probably the best thing about the major theme parks is that they have a knack for pleasing everyone. Mom and Dad can find just as many things that interest them as the kids. Few people want to miss the chance to shake hands with Mickey Mouse himself, watch the launch of a space shuttle, or swim with a beluga whale or playful dolphin. There’s so much to do at these theme parks alone that you might never find the time to explore other options. As soon as you approach Kissimmee Saint Cloud, the blue skies, white sand, and frenzy begin.
Exploring Beyond the Major Theme Parks
Recently, more seasoned travelers have opted to skip the $10 Coca-Cola drinks and look for more adventurous and meaningful things to do in Orlando. While the smaller attractions can’t compete with the advertising campaigns of Walt Disney or SpongeBob, they offer peaceful, serene, and unusual adventures for those families looking for a little more than the traditional American experience.
For some not-so-typical activities, you can check out the cosmos through the world’s largest refractor telescope at the Orlando Science Center. The Earth and sky seem to become one. If you’re into eco-tourism, Orlando has plenty to offer. With many warm springs scattered throughout Orange County and beyond, you can take a dip in some of the clearest waters on Earth. Wekiwa Springs offers lovely beaches and relaxed entertainment surrounded by pristine waters. Similarly, if your idea of water fun doesn’t involve a water park, you can try one of the many renowned Atlantic or inland water fishing charters, rent paddle boats at the serene and quiet Lake Eola, or genuinely explore the headwaters of the Florida Everglades with an airboat adventure. The lakes around Orlando are also known for bird watching, and you can spot blue herons and bald eagles year-round. Winter Park offers boat tours that take you through canals and waterways, leading to some of the most luxurious homes in the world.
The water in and around Orlando is abundant, and before you leave, you must experience a glass-bottom boat tour. You may get lucky and see a manatee gliding underneath your boat, and most tours even offer the opportunity to swim with them. If you’re truly interested in marine wildlife, head west from Orlando to the nature coast to see these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and boat tours provide a closer look at the beautiful sea creatures. Just be careful of alligators, which are often perched along the shorelines. Orlando also offers one of the few places on Earth where you can learn to water ski, surf, or ride watercraft without having to brave the real ocean waves.
Children will be just as excited about visiting the largest McDonald’s play place in the world as they are about riding a roller coaster. The Orlando McDonald’s has truly outdone itself in providing a theme park atmosphere to a fast-food staple. Speaking of eating and drinking, there’s plenty of that to do as well. Orange County is wine country, and scattered throughout the area are several famous wineries. Lake Ridge Winery is a great place to start. Winter Park offers thousands of wine samplers available to interested and weary travelers through an Enomatic dispensing machine. The perfect complement to your new wine is a rustic cigar made at the Corona factory, where you can witness the production process and sample some of the 1.5 million cigars. In the mood for a special breakfast? Just a short drive from Orlando is DeLeon Springs, where one of the oldest sugar mills is still in operation. A visit there includes breakfast, where you can grill your own pancakes and make your own syrup.
For sports enthusiasts, there’s even more to do in Orlando—none of which involve beloved cartoon characters. To test your BMX skills, a visit to the BMX Park will definitely give you a thrill. If that’s not enough, the NASCAR test track lets you get behind the wheel of a real racecar and experience the excitement firsthand. Baseball fans can visit the Atlanta Braves spring training camp and watch a real practice while rubbing elbows with some of the world’s best players. If it’s football you love, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers call Orlando their home away from home. Basketball fans can shoot hoops at the impressive NBA attraction and even get tips from the pros. Speaking of pros, there are plenty of golfers in the area, as Orlando is home to over 23 of the highest-ranked golf courses in the world. The Tiger Woods Experience will have you shanking balls from a sandpit in no time.
For those looking to connect with their spiritual side, a simple day trip to the WordSpring Discovery Center will offer an illuminating show that brings the Bible to life. Afterwards, enjoy a “Praise the Lord and pass the biscuits” gospel lunch at the famous House of Blues, and you’ll be singing hymns in perfect harmony.
There are millions of things to do in Orlando. While you’re there, take the opportunity to gamble on international waters by booking a trip on the Sterling Casino or SanCruz Casino cruise lines. They serve impeccable food in a high-class atmosphere that provides a refreshing break from the bright city lights and the bustle of the massive theme parks. No matter what you choose to do, you will never run out of things to see or experience. Chances are, your wallet will empty long before you’ve done it all. Orlando is blessed with beautiful weather year-round and plenty of indoor activities in case it rains. It is truly a city that attracts visitors from around the world, offering enough entertainment and choices to satisfy everyone. Before you leave beautiful Orlando, be sure to stock up on a few cans of the delicious, mysterious, and rare Moon Soup, available only at Chalet Suzanne.
