10 Things to Do in Orlando in April

Travelling to Orlando in April, in the middle of spring, is a perfect plan for those looking for outdoor activities, water attractions and Easter festivities.

Ana Caballero

Ana Caballero

7 min read

10 Things to Do in Orlando in April

Vista de castillo |©Orvar Moller

Although at any time of the year you can find plenty to see and do in Orlando, if you travel in April you can take advantage of the good weather to enjoy a large number of activities.

During the month of April, you can not only enjoy its great theme parks, beaches and resorts, but also some events and festivals typical of this season. Among them, the Spring Festival or the numerous activities related to the celebration of Easter.

1. Experience the great atmosphere of the Spring Fiesta In The Park

Disney Springs Orlando|©Margalit Francus
Disney Springs Orlando|©Margalit Francus

For two days, Orlando celebrates the arrival of spring at its Spring Fiesta In The Park. This event is completely free and takes place in one of the city's most popular parks, which you may have seen if you've booked a guided tour of Orlando: Lake Eola Park.

Spring Fiesta In The Park takes place in both spring and autumn and is organised by an arts committee. At this event you and your family can enjoy live music in a space filled with artists, vendors, artisans, food, a children's play area and much more.

If you're up for it, you'll be able to sample the various foods and buy beautiful handmade souvenirs. It also hosts some of the best shows in town and has a play area for the little ones.

Book a guided tour of Orlando

2. Find an Easter Egg around the city

Easter Eggs|©Thomas Thompson
Easter Eggs|©Thomas Thompson

Easter (depending on the year) and Passover are the most important holidays in April. One of the main protagonists is the famous Easter Bunny, who hides eggs all over Orlando. It is, in short, a kind of outdoor escape room, ideal if you are looking for things to do with children in Orlando.

In addition, all the parks in and around the city organise a great show called Easter Eggstravaganza. Highlights include Central Park West Meadow and Lakefront Park, with free admission, interactive games, music, face painting and other events for the whole family.

Book an escape room in Orlando

3. Enjoy Easter activities at Orlando's theme parks.

Magic Kingdom|©Melissa Romero
Magic Kingdom|©Melissa Romero

Whether you're only in Orlando for 3 days or you plan to visit the city for a whole week, there's one thing you can't miss out on: going to one of the best theme parks. If you have travelled in April, in any of them you will find activities related to the Easter Bunny.

The popularity of the character means that there are long queues to have your photo taken with him. For this reason, some places allow you to make a reservation, guaranteeing a space in the queue and less waiting time. Here are the most common meeting points:

  • Disney World: Without a doubt, this is the best place to meet the Easter Bunny and have your picture taken with him and the other Disney World characters.
  • Margaritaville Resort Orlando. You will be able to greet and have your picture taken with the Bunny without having to stay at the hotel.
  • ICON Park: The Rabbit returns here every year for a few days, so you must book in advance. In addition to having their picture taken with the Easter Bunny, children can opt to have a mini photo session with spring backgrounds and pose without the bunny.

4. Attend the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival - Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival|©zannaland
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival|©zannaland

Orlando is known for its magical theme parks, but also for the activities that take place there. Disney World 's biggest event in April is the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival, which runs through June.

Attending this festival is a must if you've travelled to Orlando in spring: the beauty of the colourful flowers and the artwork made with those same flowers take the gardens to another level.

It's best to ride the city's sightseeing tram (another attraction in itself) and stay until late afternoon, as a light show takes place at Spaceship Earth at dusk, accompanied by musical performances.

Book the Orlando Sightseeing Tram

5. Don't miss Universal's Mardi Gras and enjoy its international festival of flavours.

Universal Mardi Gras|©UNF Spinnaker
Universal Mardi Gras|©UNF Spinnaker

Universal Orlando 's annual Mardi Gras festival is all about food. In this replica of the New Orleans carnival, you will be able to find dishes from almost 20 different countries.

It is a unique experience to live in spring, in which you will be able to enjoy beautiful parades, musical performances, great artists and carnival shows that represent the worldwide Carnival celebrations. Of course, it's best to dress up in costume to be part of the party.

Buy your combined ticket for Universal Orlando

6. Taste the best food at the International Food On Wheels Festival

mini dishes served|©Meals on Wheels San Francisco
mini dishes served|©Meals on Wheels San Francisco

Those who are in Orlando in mid-April will have the opportunity to attend one of the most interesting gastronomic events in the city: the International Gourmet Food trucks.

The place where this food truck gathering takes place, Lake Eola Park, is also very interesting, to the point of becoming for the locals an alternative to the best beaches in Orlando to relax for a few hours.

At this event you will find a large number of food trucks specialising in international cuisine. If you are one of those who enjoy trying all kinds of dishes, this is definitely your chance.

In addition to food, the festival also serves drinks and exotic cocktails. To liven up your stay, live concerts and DJ performances are a regular feature.

7. Participate in the Brick Dash 5K Run at Legoland Orlando

PEOPLE RUNNING|©TeamNovak
PEOPLE RUNNING|©TeamNovak

Legoland Florida Resort organises this race every year in April to support the Women and Children's Fund of the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation.

The Brick Dash is a sporting and family event that combines physical activity with lots of fun. It is designed so that everyone can participate, as there are categories even for children under 5 years old.

Of course, the trophies are made of Lego pieces, although those who do not finish in the top 3 will also receive a gift: a t-shirt designed by Legoland.

Given the popularity of the race, it is advisable to register in good time. Once at the park, you can take the opportunity to walk around the park and enjoy all the activities and attractions.

8. Celebrate another culture at the Florida Puerto Rican Parade & Festival

Florida Puerto Rican|©Elijah Horton
Florida Puerto Rican|©Elijah Horton

If you have enough time, it's always a good idea to book a tour from Orlando (such as the one to St. Augustine) to get to know Florida better. If you can't, another great option is to take part in the Florida Puerto Rican Parade and Festival and get a taste of the city's Latino influence.

In this case, the festival is dedicated to Puerto Rico and aims to celebrate and promote its culture, from music to food.

The event usually takes place in mid-April and starts with a big parade from Lake Eola. It then continues with live music, food stalls and other attractions on Orange Avenue.

Book a St. Augustine tour

9. Take advantage of Orlando's great April weather to take an airboat tour.

airboat on the water|©Airboat Afrika
airboat on the water|©Airboat Afrika

Orlando is not only known for its water parks and theme parks, it also has a wide variety of outdoor activities that you can do thanks to its natural diversity and great weather.

Among all these activities, one of the most relaxing is to go on an airboat tour. Away from the city and the brightly lit theme parks of Orlando, you'll be able to tour the marshes and wetlands, with a local guide.

Besides getting to know the area, this type of tour is ideal for animal lovers, as it's quite possible to see alligators, bobcats, snapping turtles, amphibians or raccoons among others.

Book an airboat tour in Orlando

10. Be sure to visit Orlando's best water parks.

Volcano BaycJoe Shlabotnik
Volcano BaycJoe Shlabotnik

Did you know that Orlando is home to the most spectacular water parks on the planet? These include SeaWorld Orlando, Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando, and two Disney World parks, Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

Aquatica at SeaWorld Orlando

A large theme park with activity pools and slow rivers, live animals in the river, wave pools, water slides, family raft rides, interactive playgrounds, bowl rides, rafting, mat races and entertainment centre.

Adventure Island

While not all the rides are water rides, most of them will get you soaking wet, which is great in Orlando's sunny April weather.

This park features superheroes and all sorts of magical creatures, plus a school to learn spells. To make it even more appealing to kids, there are no shortage of dinosaurs either.

Volcano Bay at Universal Orlando

Volcano Bay is located at Universal Studios and is open all year round. This fabulous themed water park has a 200m high volcano with the Krakatau Aqua Coated Waterway. There you can enjoy a wave pool, water slides and the world's fastest tubes.

The Typhoon Lagoon at Walt Disney World Resort

The Typhoon Lagoon 's main attraction is its big water roller coaster.

Other attractions that will not leave you indifferent are its big wave pool, the fast slides, a lazy river and the family rafts.

Buy your SeaWorld Orlando ticket