10 Best Activities in Orlando

Orlando is considered the theme park capital of the world, but it also has many other things to do that will make you fall in love with it.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

9 min read

10 Best Activities in Orlando

Chica observando arte|©Experience United Social Club

If you're planning a trip to Orlando, you'll be pleased to know that the city has all sorts of things to do. Universal Studios, which ranks as the world's largest theme park, the Museum of Illusions and the Everglades airboat tours are just some of the many things to do in the city.

To find out what are the best things to do in Orlando, read on. You'll find activities for all tastes and ages, so I'm sure I'll give you more than one idea for your travel itinerary.

1. Visit the Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center|©dfinos
Kennedy Space Center|©dfinos

One of the best things to do in Orlando is to visit the Kennedy Space Center, the place designed to launch the Saturn V rocket If you like astronomy and are interested in this subject, this is a must do activity during your trip to Orlando.

The Kennedy Space Center is one of **NASA'**s most important, as it is the base of operations for launching and landing space shuttles. During your visit, you will be able to see the facilities at first hand, as well as experience a simulated shuttle launch. The tour is supported by different audiovisual resources where you can learn more about the history of the most important milestones of the space centre.

There are also certain excursions, such as the one I propose, which include certain extras that will give you an even more immersive experience. For example, you can spend 10 hours at the Kennedy Space Centre and have lunch with a veteran astronaut, who will tell you amazing stories of space as experienced firsthand.

Book a tour to Kennedy Space Center from Orlando

2. Enjoy an airboat ride in Orlando

Everglades|©Betty Statler
Everglades|©Betty Statler

Orlando may be known worldwide for its entertainment, but it has much more to offer. Beyond the boundaries of its theme parks, there is a whole world to discover. One of the best activities to discover the other side of this Florida city is to take an airboat ride in Orlando.

The Everglades is an area of swamps and cypress trees that is spectacular to see. You will be able to see wildlife such as impressive alligators, deer, owls and badgers. The airboat ride adds a unique touch to the experience.

These tours are accompanied by an expert guide, who will tell you all the facts and curiosities of the area. He or she will take you to the best corners of the Everglades, so that you can enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in Florida in its full splendour.

Considering the tropical climate of this state, I think this is one of the best things to do in Orlando in spring. You'll be spared the humid, sweltering heat of the summer months. As well as the hustle and bustle of the high season.

Book an airboat ride in Orlando

3. Dive into the deep sea or meet your favourite celebrities at Icon Park

Icon Park|©Victor Walters
Icon Park|©Victor Walters

When I talk about the best theme parks in Orlando, the first one that springs to mind is Universal Orlando Resort. However, Orlando is considered the theme park capital of the world for a reason. The city boasts theme parks of all kinds, such as Icon Park which mixes all kinds of activities to make for one of the most complete experiences of your trip to Orlando.

With over 40 restaurants, bars and shops, Icon Park is a must-see during your trip. This theme park offers a wide and varied range of experiences, so whatever your tastes, you're sure to enjoy your visit. Among the attractions is The Wheel, the famous Ferris wheel, which is over 121 metres high and offers the best views of the city.

Icon Park is also home to Sea Life Orlando, an aquarium that houses sea creatures from all over the world. You can see everything from sharks to sea turtles from a glass tunnel where you'll feel like you're in the depths of the ocean. It is an immersive and spectacular experience.

I can't leave behind the In the Game attraction, perfect for virtual reality lovers. This area features arcade games, mirror mazes, a 7D cinema and all sorts of virtual reality exhibits. These and the above are just some of the many attractions at Icon Park.

4. Feel like a character from your favourite movies at Universal Studios Resort

Universal Studios Resort|©Caitlin Chciuk
Universal Studios Resort|©Caitlin Chciuk

Universal Studios Resort is the largest theme park in the world. This makes it Orlando's biggest tourist attraction and a must-see during your trip. If you are not a big fan of rides, you don't have to worry. This theme park offers all kinds of experiences. Moreover, with its wide range of entertainment, it is one of the best things to do with children in Orlando.

The complex is made up of two different theme parks: Universal Studios Florida and Universal's Islands of Adventure. Both parts are connected by the Hogwarts Express, the famous train from the Harry Potter saga. If you are a lover of J. K. Rowling's universe, you will love what I am going to tell you below.

During your visit to the park, you will be able to walk through Diagon Alley, meet Hagrid's magical creatures and see Harry, Ron and Hermione first hand. Of course, you'll also fly over the mysterious Forbidden Forest and wander the streets of the famous Hogsmeade neighbourhood. Needless to say, Universal Studios Resort is not just a place made for Harry Potter fans. You'll also fear King Kong and face the most dangerous members of Jurassic Park.

The park has all kinds of rides, interactive activities and shows based on many of the biggest blockbusters of the silver screen. In addition, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy typical food from all over the world.

Book your combined tickets to Universal Studios Orlando park

5. Test your senses at Orlando's Museum of Illusions

Museum of Illusion - Orlando, FL|©Jim Hale
Museum of Illusion - Orlando, FL|©Jim Hale

This is one of the best things to do in Orlando in December and the rest of the winter months. Take advantage of the rainy and cold days to visit the Orlando Museum of Illusions, a place that reinvents the concept of a museum. You'll challenge your perception of reality thanks to the interactive experiences on offer.

With more than 50 exhibits, the museum has a maximum capacity of 20 people, allowing you to live an even more unique experience. Among the experiences that stand out the most is the so-called 'Inverted Room', a place where you will feel like you are walking on the ceiling as if you were in a dream. You'll also go through a rotating tunnel and experience the 'anti-gravity' rooms.

Don't forget to bring your camera to take unforgettable memories in the Ames Room, where you'll think you've shrunk into a tiny creature. As you can see, the Museum of Illusions is a magical place that manages to play with your senses to make you feel like you're inside a science fiction film.

Book your tickets for the Museum of Illusions Orlando

6. Step inside the world's most famous ocean liner at the Titanic The Artifact Exhibition in Orlando

Titanic Artifact Exhibition|©faun070
Titanic Artifact Exhibition|©faun070

If there is one ocean liner known worldwide, it is the Titanic and its shipwreck. If you like history and are curious about this great ship, the Titanic The Artifact Exhibition in Orlando is the place for you. This museum revolves around the Titanic and offers an incredible experience where you will feel like you are travelling back in time and climbing aboard the famous ship.

You can see real objects and artefacts that were on the ship, as well as learn about the history behind the Titanic through galleries and exhibits. In addition, the museum also recreates different areas of the liner, such as the Grand Staircase that appeared in the film starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio.

The entrance to the museum includes a recreation of the boarding pass that the passengers received at the time. In total, the site exhibits a total of 300 objects that were salvaged from the shipwreck. As if that wasn't enough, it also has 'Little Big Piece', an exhibition with 3 tons of the ship's hull.

The museum has a surface area of 6,000 square metres, throughout which you can meet different actors dressed in period costume and playing some of the most prominent characters from the Titanic, such as Margaret 'Molly' Brown. You can also walk the deck and touch an iceberg.

7. Go on safari at Wild Florida Orlando

Safari attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom.|©Scott Thomas
Safari attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom.|©Scott Thomas

Do you like animals? If so, I recommend a visit to **Orlando'**s Wild Florida Safari Park, where you can see all kinds of exotic animals. You'll tour the park's facilities in your own car on a self-guided tour. The park has more than 150 exotic and native animals, such as white-tailed deer, cracker cows, bison, watusi, wildebeest, oryx and zebras.

You can see them all, and many more, in a tour of about 4 hours. The tour also includes access to Gatorland, known as the crocodile capital of the world. Here you can meet the world's largest alligator, as well as other impressive reptiles.

The driving tour passes through different stages, allowing you to travel from Africa through North America to Asia. These include the savannah, the jungles of Asia and the plains of America.

Book a Wild Florida driving safari in Orlando

8. Tour Orlando on the I-Ride Trolley Tourist Tramway

I-Ride Trolley|©mbernero
I-Ride Trolley|©mbernero

Orlando is not only a city full of plans and activities, but it is the sixth largest city in Florida and has the largest metropolitan area in the state. That's why one of the best things to do on your trip is to buy a pass for the I-Ride Trolley.

With this pass, you can choose between two routes: the red and the green. Both have multiple stops, which coincide with major points of interest in the city, such as WonderWorks, SeaWorld, Fun Spot America and ICON Park. The tram offers regular departures, so it will easily fit into your schedule and travel itinerary.

With this mode of transport, you'll save a lot of time getting from one place to another. Also, if you go to Orlando in June or other summer months, you will have to deal with the heat and humidity that is characteristic of these months. However, the I-Ride Trolley Tourist Tram will save you from having to walk during the hottest part of the day.

If you book the option I recommend, you'll get a 3-day pass for the price of one, so you'll save a considerable amount of money. You also get unlimited rides, with a choice of up to 14 day passes.

Book an Orlando I-Ride Trolley Tourist Tram Pass

9. Take a boat tour with manatee swim and snorkelling included

Withlacoochee|©Bill
Withlacoochee|©Bill

One of the most exciting activities on the list is this full day boat tour on the Crystal and Withlacoochee Rivers. This is a full day tour that includes snorkelling, airboat rides and a visit to Homosassa Springs State Park.

You will start your tour at your hotel, where a car will pick you up and take you to the boat site. You will then enjoy a pleasant ride to the Crystal River, where you can choose to snorkel with manatees for two hours or go for a swim. When you're done, you'll hop on an airboat, which will take you through the Everglades, where you'll be able to see the wildlife of the area.

The tour also includes a visit to Homosassa Park, where you'll see black bears and panthers, among many other animals. Also included in the tour is a picnic lunch at a local restaurant with beautiful views of the river. After lunch, you will head to the Withlacoochee River, where you can spot dolphins.

10. Meet alligators and crocodiles at Orlando's Gatorland park

alligator in the water|©Richard Harris
alligator in the water|©Richard Harris

If you are a reptile lover, I recommend a visit to one of Orlando' s most famous parks , Gatorland. The visit lasts about 3 hours. During this time, you will see hundreds of reptiles, such as alligators, crocodiles and snakes.

You will meet Chester, the park's most famous alligator; you will see unique shows and you will be able to jump on a zip line. If you choose the Gator Show package, you will also have the opportunity to feed the alligators. In addition, there is also the Grand Cayman package, which allows you to tour the park on an express train to save time on your visit, as well as meet an alligator up close.

Book your tickets for Gatorland in Orlando