Things to do
Ranked by what's actually worth your time.
The newest park at Universal Orlando, opened May 2025, with five themed worlds including Super Nintendo World, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, and a Harry Potter Ministry of Magic land. The central Celestial Park hub anchors it with the Starfall Racers dueling coaster and Constellation Carousel. Plan a full day minimum and arrive at rope drop.
Four parks (Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Hollywood Studios, Animal Kingdom) plus two water parks. Magic Kingdom is the single most iconic day for young kids, while EPCOT suits families who like a slower pace, science, and food. Prioritize one park per day and use Early Theme Park Entry if you stay on-site.
Home to Islands of Adventure, Universal Studios Florida, the new Epic Universe (opened 2025), and Volcano Bay. Better for tweens, teens, and thrill-seekers, with two Wizarding World of Harry Potter lands and Epic Universe's Super Nintendo World. Also the base for Halloween Horror Nights.
Four parks — Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, Animal Kingdom, and Hollywood Studios. Magic Kingdom is the classic first-timer must-do with Cinderella Castle and gentle-to-medium rides, while EPCOT hosts the Food & Wine Festival from late August. Budget at least one full day per park.
A strong middle ground with serious roller coasters for teens plus animal encounters (orcas, dolphins, manatees, penguins) that toddlers love. Typically less crowded and cheaper than Disney or Universal, making it a good break day.
The two original Universal parks, home to both halves of the older Wizarding World of Harry Potter plus big coasters. Islands of Adventure skews thrill while Studios has movie-based rides and hosts Halloween Horror Nights at night.
The best day trip from Orlando, about 45-60 minutes east via SR 528. See the Saturn V rocket, the Space Shuttle Atlantis, meet an astronaut, and possibly catch a real launch. Deeply memorable for space-curious kids and adults alike.
A genuinely local, 1949-era roadside attraction billed as the 'Alligator Capital of the World' and a refreshing antidote to the mega-parks. About 15-20 minutes from Disney and SeaWorld, it has a zip line over gators and costs a fraction of a theme-park ticket.
Purpose-built for the 2-12 crowd, so younger kids can ride nearly everything themselves, a stress-reliever compared to the taller height limits at the big parks. About 45 minutes southwest in Winter Haven, it's worth an overnight if your kids are in that sweet spot.
Genuinely educational, air-conditioned, and hands-on, a lifesaver on a rainy or brutally hot summer afternoon. Four floors of exhibits, a planetarium, and dinosaurs keep a wide age range engaged.
Home to the world's most comprehensive Tiffany collection, in the heart of Winter Park's walkable Park Avenue shopping and dining district. It's a five-minute walk from the SunRail station, so you can even skip the car. Pair it with lunch on Park Avenue or a scenic boat tour.
An upscale, walkable historic district with a Scenic Boat Tour through lakes and canals, brick streets, museums, and cafes. It's the 'real Florida town' experience that helps a trip feel like more than parks.
A free-to-enter entertainment complex on International Drive anchored by The Wheel, a 400-ft observation wheel. Good for an easy, no-ticket-required evening with dinner and views when you're theme-parked out.
A Sanford zoo that hosts the summer after-hours 'Sunset at the Zoo' series with cultural themes, food trucks, music, and animal feedings. An easy, lower-cost family evening away from the big parks.
A 50-acre botanical oasis minutes from downtown Orlando, open daily 9 AM–5 PM. Calm, shaded, and stroller-friendly — a good morning stop before the heat sets in. In 2026 it marks its 65th anniversary with a year of special programming.