NORTHERN LATITUDES
The Best Things do Do in Orlando
Photo by Mick Haupt | Unsplash
Planning to spend a few days in Orlando? This is a great idea because Orlando offers a wide range of things to do outside of the theme parks. For example, there is visiting Lake Eola Park, or Orlando Waterpark. You can also explore Leu Gardens or Loch Haven Park, home to the Orlando Science Center and the Orlando Museum of Art. In this article, we'll give you a list of the best things to do in Orlando.
Summary:
Updated on 7/8/2025
Outdoor Activities
Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola Park is a popular urban park in downtown Orlando, known for its scenic lake, walking paths, and various recreational activities. Reviews highlight the park's beauty, well-maintained grounds, and abundance of wildlife, particularly the swans. Also located in the park, is the Walt Disney Amphitheater, which hosts many community events and various performances year round or the Chinese pagoda. However, caution is advised in the evening.
Available activities:
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Renting swan-shaped paddle boats.
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Photographing the live swans and other birds.
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Seeing a concert, movie or a play in the Walt Disney Amphitheater.
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Grabbing a bite to eat at local restaurants.
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Relaxing amid beautiful flower beds and a spectacular view of Orlando’s skyline.
Hours:
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Sunday to Saturday : 6 am - 11:59 pm
Where:
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512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL, 32801.
Photo by S. Mahant
Gatorland
Gatorland is a theme park and wildlife preserve, founded in 1949 by Owen Godwin. Billed as the "Alligator Capital of the World," Gatorland features thousands of alligators and crocodiles, and many other animals. Attractions in the park include a breeding marsh with a boardwalk and observation tower, zip lines, an off-road swamp vehicle tour, a ridable miniature railroad, alligator feeding shows, alligator wrestling shows, an aviary, a petting zoo, and educational programs.
Photo by Alvin David | Unsplash
Wild Florida Drive-thru Safari Park
The Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park allows you to explore 70 hectares of natural Florida landscapes while discovering more than 150 exotic and native animals from around the world. This self-guided safari offers a prime spot to observe giraffes, zebras, eland antelopes, scimitar-horned oryx, American bison, bighorn sheep, and many more, all from the comfort and safety of your vehicle. Note: Convertibles, motorcycles, and vehicles without roofs or doors (such as some Jeeps) are not permitted for safety reasons.
Photo by Aidas Ciziunas | Unsplash
ICON Park Orlando
Icon Park is an entertainment complex, that has been operating since 2015. The complex has about 9 feature attractions, including an observation wheel, a slingshot ride, a Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, and a Sea Life aquarium (not to be confused with SeaWorld Orlando). The park also has various restaurants, shops, bars, and kiosk vendors. More information
The main attractions are:
Harry P Leu Gardens
The Harry P. Leu Gardens are semi-tropical and tropical gardens. The gardens contain nearly 50 acres (200,000 m2) of landscaped grounds and lakes, with trails shaded by 200-year-old oaks and forests of camellias. A section of the park, known as the Mizell-Leu House Historic District, was designated a historic district on December 29, 1994 and contains 3 historic buildings.
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Adults: $15​
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Child (4-17 years old): $10
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Members, Child under 4, Active-duty Military: Gratuit​​
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1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL, 32803.
Tickets:
Hours:
Where:
Museeums
While Orlando is primarily known for its theme parks, it also hosts many museums, each as interesting as the next. Here are a few of them.
Orlando Museum of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art was founded in 1924 by a group of art enthusiasts. Its collection boasts more than 2,400 objects including Contemporary Art, American Art from the 18th century to 1945, Art of the Ancient Americas and African Art. The Art of the Ancient Americas collection is among the finest of its kind in the Southeastern United States.
Hours:
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Tuesday - Friday: 10 am - 4 pm
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Saturday - Sunday: 12 pm - 4 pm
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Monday & Holidays: Closed.
Tickets:
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Adults: $20​
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Seniors (60+): $12
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Students: $10 (with valid ID)
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Children Ages 6-17: $8
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Ages 5 and Under: Free
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Active-Duty Military, Veterans, and First Responders: Free (with valid ID)
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Museums for All: $3 (with valid SNAP EBT Card and ID)
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Family Bundle: 2 Adults and up to 3 children for $45 (available at the front desk).​​
Photo by R. Nolin
Where?
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2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL, 32803.
Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is a private science museum which provide experience-based opportunities for learning about science and technology and to promote public understanding of science. It is divided into several exhibition areas which will make for a pleasant time with family or friends.
Hours:
Tickets:
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Adults: $29
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Youth (2-11): $22
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Seniors (55+): $27
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Students: $27 (with valid ID)
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Children Ages 6-17: $8
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Ages 2 and Under: Free​​​
Where?
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777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL, 32803.
Photo by N.Kumarachchi
The Orlando Auto Museum
The Orlando Auto Museum is proudly boast one of the world’s most captivating collections, housing over 2,000 vehicles that collectively represent a staggering $200 million dollar value! You will be able to dive into the extraordinary as you traverse through this collection of vehicles, capturing the essence of automotive evolution in the heart of Dezerland, the ultimate destination for car enthusiasts.
Hours:
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Sunday - Thursday: 11 am - 10 pm
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Friday: 11 am - 11 pm
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Saturday: 11 am - 12 am
Tickets:
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Adults (13-64): $31.90
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Child (4-13): $22.31
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Seniors (65+): $25.51
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Students: $25.51 (with valid ID)
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Military: $25.51​​​
Photo by A.Shevliakov
Where?
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5250 International Dr, Orlando, FL, 32803.
Museum of Illusions
Immerse yourself into the fascinating world of optical illusion rooms at the Museum of Illusions Orlando, where reality is redefined. From the Ames Room to the Infinity Room, each exhibit is designed to amaze and trick your senses. Uncover a brilliant collection of perspective-changing rooms, enthralling installations and surreal images. At the Museum of Illusions Orlando, nothing is ever as it seems. A must-visit Orlando attraction for unforgettable fun and photo-worthy moments! More information
Photo by Museum of Illusions
Shopping
The Florida Mall
The Florida Mall is the largest shopping center in Central Florida, for a family-friendly shopping and entertainment destination! The guests can experience over 250 retail, dining, and entertainment options. Also, The Florida Mall's Dining Pavilion, featuring 23 restaurants and eateries, providing more than 1,400 seating options both indoors and outdoors.
Photo by A. Guanchez
Hours:
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​Monday thru Thursday from 10 AM to 8 PM,
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Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM
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Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM.
Where?
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8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL, 32809.
The Mall at Millenia
The Mall at Millenia is an indoor shopping mall located in Orlando. Opened in 2002, it has over 150 stores. The mall features Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Neiman Marcus.It is the major upscale shopping destination in the Orlando area, attracting tourists desiring luxury stores. More information
Photo by A. Guanchez
Hours:
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Monday - Friday: 11 AM - 9 PM​
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Saturday: 10 AM - 9 PM
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Sunday: 11 AM - 7 PM
Where?
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4200 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL, 32839.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is one of the best places to go in Orlando for a day out, and a vibrant entertainment, dining, and shopping destination. There are also separate spaces for kids including the World of Disney store, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Build-a-Dino, and LEGO store.
Hours:
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Monday - Thursday: 10 AM - 11 PM​
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Friday - Saturday: 10 AM - 11:30 PM
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Sunday: 10 AM - 11 PM
Where?
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1486 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL, 32830.
Photo by Ellysa Jordens | Unsplash
The International Drive Outlet
The International Drive Outlet is a the larg shopping center in Orlando, for a family-friendly shopping and entertainment destination! The guests can experience retail, dining, and entertainment options.
Hours:
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Daily: 8 AM - 10:30 PM​
Where?
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7081 Grand National Drive, Orlando, FL, 32819.
Photo by HB Ortegon