23 Cool Attractions & Local Spots to Check Out in Orlando For First-Time Visitors

America’s most-visited city and the theme park capital of the world, Orlando is a must-see for travelers visiting Florida for the first time. But with so much to see & do, narrowing down the best things to do in Orlando can prove challenging.

Like many travelers, we first visited Orlando as kids on a once-in-a-lifetime family trip. But when we finally traveled to Orlando as adults, we began to see the city in a whole new light.

Of course, while exploring the city’s top tourist attractions, we found plenty of fun activities for the entire family. Theme parks like Walt Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Orlando Resort lead the way. Yet, we also discovered that Central Florida’s most popular travel destination is more than just amusement parks and kitschy crowd-pleasers.

For respite from the crowds, duck into world-class museums like the Orlando Museum of Art or relax in its leafy parks and nature reserves like Harry P. Leu Gardens. As bona fide foodies, we also loved exploring the city’s innovative food & drink scene in Downtown Orlando.

Wondering what to do and where to go? Start planning your trip with this complete guide to our favorite places to visit in Orlando, Florida!

Our favorite places to visit in Orlando, FL

Walt Disney World Resort

One of the world’s most famous family destinations, the Walt Disney World Resort tops our list of must-see Orlando attractions. The famed Central Florida resort boasts four theme parks, including the Magic Kingdom and Epcot. Whichever park we explored at Walt Disney World Resort, we discovered something to please the entire family.

During our visit to Magic Kingdom, we were able to meet all our favorite Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck. Experience thrilling roller coaster rides like Space Mountain and BIG Thunder Mountain Railroad, and go on high-sea adventures aboard a pirate ship at Pirates of the Caribbean. Or go gliding through the London skies at Peter Pan’s Flight.

You’re only limited by your imagination at Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park!

And Walt Disney World Resort is not just for children. Epcot is fun for kids & adults alike. (It was our favorite part of the park when we were kids, and it still is!)

Experience 4D adventures at Epcot as you travel to exquisite destinations around (and out of) the world. Take a NASA simulator into outer space at Mission: SPACE or feast on delicious international cuisine at the World Showcase.

Whether you’re into Star Wars or Toy Story, meet your favorite characters in a 3D immersive experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. At the movie-focused theme park, enjoy Indiana Jones stunt shows, Frozen sing-alongs, and even Star Wars Jedi training!

For a slightly different experience, drop into Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park. Take a guided tour into the African savannah and spot exotic animals. Get thrills by whitewater rafting through the jungle or spend time in the land of dinosaurs. The new fantastical Pandora – The World of Avatar is a huge hit for kids and adults.

We recommend setting aside at least a day for each Disney theme park and another to visit its water parks. If you’re only visiting Orlando in one day, you’ll, unfortunately, miss out on much of the fun.

Disney Springs

Entertainment knows no bounds at Disney Springs. When we visited this replica tourist town, we found loads of free outdoor entertainment and family fun. Even though it’s a tad kitschy, we think it’s one of the most interesting places to go in Orlando for a family-friendly break from the city’s other theme parks.

Visit Disney Springs to watch live music and street performers vie for shoppers’ attention. Its bars and restaurants draw crowds throughout the day, while its event venues light up the evening.

Soak up the nautical vibes and savor delicious seafood dishes like lobster bisque and firecracker shrimp at The Boathouse (1620 E Buena Vista Dr). Or tackle BBQ cravings with brisket and pulled pork sandwiches at The Polite Pig (1536 Buena Vista Dr). 

With 150 venues and shows every night, Disney Springs is the perfect spot for an Orlando sightseeing adventure. Some oddities include an ATM dispensing cupcakes and the world’s biggest Disney store.

For evening entertainment, enjoy blues at the House of Blues Music Hall or a dinner at one of its 24 eat-in theaters at AMC Disney Springs.

Other entertainment options at Disney Springs include a bowling alley, a tethered hot air balloon, and boating. We also saw some rides for children, including the Marketplace Carousel and Marketplace Train Express.

Universal Orlando Resort

Split into three theme zones and an entertainment area, Universal Orlando Resort is a Central Florida favorite. For movie buffs, it’s among the best places to see in Orlando. Much like when we visited this famed amusement park when we were kids, we love coming to this popular resort to see our favorite films and characters come to life before our eyes.

For a dose of thrills on your Universal Orlando Resort visit, head to the Universal Islands of Adventure. On the eight Islands of Adventure, you’ll zip around on thrill rides among magical creatures and superheroes.

Roll along with your favorite Marvel characters at rides like the Incredible Hulk Coaster and Doctor Doom’s Fearfall. Seek out the Jurassic Park River Adventure or the new Jurassic World VelociCoaster to cruise along with dinosaurs.

Visit Universal Studios Florida to experience your favorite movies and TV shows in 3D and 4D. Take a trip with the Simpsons or spend time hangin’ with the Hogwarts crew at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Newly opened, Volcano Bay adds a water park to the Universal Orlando Resort mix. Roll over to Volcano Bay to raft through bubbling geysers, zoom down water slides, and ply the waterways on canoes and rope ladders.

Lake Eola Park

Need a break from Central Florida’s theme parks? Spend time relaxing at Lake Eola Park. Located in Downtown Orlando, this beautiful urban oasis is one of our favorite tourist attractions in Orlando, and a must-stop whenever we spend time in the city.

To get the full Lake Eola Park experience, we recommend hiring a swan-shaped boat. Paddle out onto the lake and enjoy the views of the downtown skyline, floating alongside the lake’s five species of swans.

If you don’t want to hit the waters, take a walk along the 0.9-mile paved path. The walkway runs the whole perimeter of the lake. We love walking here to marvel at the spectacular views of the Orlando city skyline.

Around Lake Eola, we’ve also found plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat or a drink. Beer lovers will love the nearby World of Beer (431 E Central Blvd Suite B). This popular pub serves 500 beers from around the world. We also enjoyed nibbling on light bites and sipping wine flights at the nearby Eola Wine Company (430 E Central Blvd).

For entertainment, find out what’s on offer at the Walt Disney Amphitheatre. The venue hosts concerts and festivals throughout the year. The Orlando Farmers Market also takes place on the banks of Lake Eola every Sunday morning.

ICON Park

Voted one of the seven top points of interest in Orlando, FL, by Forbes, ICON Park is yet another one-stop entertainment hub for the whole family. When we stopped by the 20-acre ICON Park on our last Orlando visit, we discovered several family-friendly attractions, shops, and restaurants.

Get a bird’s-eye view of Orlando from 400 feet up at the top of The Wheel at ICON Park, formerly the Orlando Eye. Located on International Drive, the Wheel at ICON Park is modeled on the famous London Eye. Book yourself into one of the private air-conditioned capsules to soak up incredible views of the cityscape.

If you’re up for adventure, we recommend hopping aboard the 450-meter-high Orlando Starflyer, the world’s highest swing ride. The exhilarating ride might be one of the most memorable moments in your ICON Park visit!

Don’t want to conquer your fear of heights? Drop in at the Sea Life Orlando Aquarium or take a selfie with life-size replicas of your favorite star at Madame Tussauds Orlando.

When you’re done with the entertainment, stroll the strip to enjoy the park’s restaurants, shops, and boutiques. We felt as if we were transported to Nashville at the ICON Park outlet of Blake Shelton’s Ole Red (8417 International Dr). Enjoy Southern-style pub classics like chicken & waffles, Austin brisket sandwiches, and Carolina BBQ chicken, with a side of live country music.

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

Want to explore Central Florida’s nature? Discover its wildest moments with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures. Based in nearby Kissimmee, the outfitter floats its guests through their 32-acre park in the wild Central Florida Everglades.

Take an airboat ride from Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures to experience the beauty of Florida’s wetlands up close. Keep your eyes peeled on your journey as you zip past alligators, turtles, and birds.

SeaWorld Orlando

Swap the thrill rides for a brush with marine life at SeaWorld Orlando. One of the most popular family activities in Orlando, SeaWorld puts the ocean at your fingertips. The park features diverse aquatic life, including killer whales, orcas, and penguins.

Don’t miss the famed Orca Encounter show at Shamu Stadium. Prepare to get soaked as killer whales slap the water with their giant fins and orcas leap from the water.

Besides the dolphin & whale shows, SeaWorld Orlando throws together a menu of rides. For thrill-seekers, Mako steals the show. Opened in 2016, the hypercoaster is Orlando’s tallest and fastest rollercoaster. We also thought the family-friendly Penguin Trek, whisking us through an icy cavern en route to a real penguin, was loads of fun!

If you want to get even closer to the sea creatures, we also recommend visiting SeaWorld’s sister park, Discovery Cove. Located next door, Discovery Cove offers a variety of unique experiences that we guarantee the whole family will love.

Swim with bottlenose dolphins at the Dolphin Lagoon or among thousands of tropical fish in a coral reef at The Grand Reef. Back on land, explore the Explorer’s Aviary, a habitat with over 250 tropical birds, including parrots and toucans.

While planning our Discovery Cove adventure, we also discovered that it’s not just for families with kids. Voted the most romantic attraction in Orlando, Discovery Cove is the perfect spot for a couples’ getaway, too.

Relax while drifting through a dense rainforest among waterfalls and caves at the Wind-Away River. Splash around the ocean-like 85-degree pool under the shade of palms at Serenity Bay. Or walk hand-in-hand and wade around with cute and playful Asian small-clawed otters at the Freshwater Oasis.

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum

If you’re an art lover wondering what to do in Orlando, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum is worth a visit. Located 15 minutes from downtown Orlando in Winter Park, the museum is well-known for its Art Nouveau collection. The exhibits include many famous 19th and 20th-century pieces of American Art.

When we stepped into the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum, we were most enchanted by its extensive Louis Comfort Tiffany collection, the largest of its kind in the world.

Among Tiffany’s work, we spotted paintings, jewelry, ceramics, glass art, mosaics, lead-glass lamps, and furniture. Our favorite exhibits include Tiffany’s incredible View of Oyster Bay leaded glass window, the 1885 fireplace hood from his Long Island home (Laurelton Hall), and his unique art pottery.

Even more impressive is the Byzantine-Romanesque chapel, designed by Tiffany for the 1893 World Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This decorative art masterpiece features six ornately carved arches, 16 columns lined with mosaics, a marble and glass high altar, and a massive 10-foot-by-8-foot decorative chandelier shaped like a cross.

Admission to the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and just $1 for students. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday between 9:30 am and 4 pm (or until 8 pm on Friday), and on Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm.

After checking out the museum, we would also recommend walking two blocks north to check out the Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum. With its distinctive Andalusian-style architecture, this brick farmhouse reminded us of traipsing through small towns and villages in Southern Spain.

It’s well worth the short walk during your Florida travel plan to admire its rich wooden interiors, well-tended landscaping, and the courtyard full of colorful Spanish tiles.

Orlando Museum of Art

Did our last museum pick still not tame your art obsession? Visit the Orlando Museum of Art, home to a vast selection of both modern and ancient art. This popular museum, located in Loch Haven Park, is one of our recommended Orlando points of interest for arts & culture seekers, 

The Orlando Museum of Art features 2,400 exhibits, spread across several collections that span the globe from Mesoamerica to Africa.

We were enchanted by the pottery, ceramics, and artifacts in the Art of the Ancient Americas Collection. It’s the most comprehensive collection of its kind in the Southeastern US. It displays works from 35 ancient indigenous nations across the Americas, dating back over three millennia. Groups represented here include the Ancestral Pueblo, Incas, and Mayans.

Browsing its American Art Collection, we marveled at paintings, photography, and sculptures from the 19th and 20th centuries spanning a variety of artistic styles. Keep your eyes open for paintings by famed American artist Georgia O’Keeffe and photos by Ansel Adams, one of the world’s most famous landscape photographers.

Jump into the modern age at the Contemporary Art Collection, where we found spectacularly cool and odd prints, paintings, and sculptures by famous modern artists like Kerry James Marshell, Nick Cave, and Mel Kendrick.

Looking to add a few new skills to your palette? This Central Florida cultural institution hosts year-round art appreciation classes and other workshops. Check their official learning schedule to see what’s on during your stay.

Admission to the Orlando Museum of Art is $20 for adults, with deep discounts available for seniors, students, and children. The museum is open from 10 am to 4 pm from Tuesday to Friday and from 12 pm to 4 pm on weekends. (It’s closed Mondays and holidays.)

Orlando Science Center

One of our recommended Orlando tourist attractions for families that’s not a theme park, the Orlando Science Center has been inspiring curious minds for more than 60 years. It boasts four floors of interesting, interactive displays and 3D films to entertain the whole family.

Bring your young scientists to the Orlando Science Center to explore a bundle of immersive experiences and collaborative workspaces.

Let the littlest ones play in KidsTown, an 11,000-square-foot exhibit jam-packed with fun skill-based activities. Set the amateur paleontologists loose at DinoDigs, where they’ll find giant replica fossils of dinosaurs and ancient sea creatures.

Kids of all ages (yes, that includes big kids like us!) will love Kinetic Zone. Explore an array of interactive exhibits, including learning about how circuits work (and testing your own) and building a crazy model rollercoaster at the Coaster Challenge.

The Orlando Science Center is located in Loch Haven Cultural Park. Take along a picnic basket and enjoy a meal alongside one of the park’s picturesque lakes.

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Looking for a tranquil space away from the bustle of Central Florida’s theme parks? Harry P. Leu Gardens beckons. Located north of Colonialtown, the garden is one of the most relaxing choices for where to go in Orlando.

Harry P. Leu Gardens boasts fifty acres of landscaped botanical gardens. On our visit, we loved strolling along the meandering nature trails that slide along the banks of the Rowena River. The subtropical gardens include exotic flowers, tranquil ponds, and ancient oaks.

One of our favorite parts of the park is the Butterfly Garden. Step inside to watch butterflies and other pollinators like hummingbirds flit around between the colorful annual and perennial flowers.

To understand the history of the gardens, don’t forget to visit the Historic Leu House Museum. The museum offers interesting insights into early 20th-century Florida living. It’s the perfect setting to enjoy a packed lunch at the outdoor tables.

Chocolate Museum & Cafe

Chocoholics will rejoice at the Chocolate Museum & Cafe. Located on International Drive, the museum is one of the world’s best destinations for chocolate lovers.

We’re huge chocolate lovers, so we knew we had to hop onto the 45-minute guided tour of the Chocolate Museum & Cafe to learn about the history of chocolate. Along the way, we learned all about the origin of chocolate and how it’s made, from bean to bar.

Of course, the highlight for us was getting to sample chocolate delights from all around the world after the tour!

Bok Tower Gardens

Located south of Lake Buena Vista near Lake Wales, Bok Tower Gardens is one of the most serene escapes we’ve had from Orlando. The gardens stretch out over 250 acres, hiding pines, oaks, palms, and azaleas.

The centerpiece of the garden is the Singing Tower. Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the 205-foot tower shows off a striking Gothic Revival and Art Deco style that we couldn’t stop staring at.

From Orlando, the fastest route to Bok Tower Gardens is just over an hour.

Crayola Experience

One of our recommended tourist attractions in Orlando for families with young children, the Crayola Experience offers a fun day for the whole family. The Crayola Experience was designed to allow children to express themselves in vibrant, creative colors.

Located in the Florida Mall, the 70,000-square-foot Hall of Color is a center of fun and artistic adventure. There are 27 entertainment options on offer.

Children will love designing their own colorful keepsakes and taking a starring role in their own creations.

Cocoa Beach

Any Orlando visit would be incomplete without some beach time. (This is Florida after all!)

To enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches near Orlando, we suggest heading east to Cocoa Beach. The popular Space Coast town, just over an hour drive from the city, is one of our favorite Orlando day trips.

We found plenty to do in Cocoa Beach on our day trip, from surfing to lazing in the sun. Enjoy sampling the area’s laid-back restaurants and coffee shops, from beachfront vibes with seafood and cocktails at Coconuts on the Beach (2 Minutemen Causeway) or a cold brew in the sun at Cafe Surfinista (86 N Orlando Ave).

With its consistent waves, Cocoa Beach is a great surfing spot. The shallow water allows surfers to wade out beyond the breakers. If you’re like us and surfing isn’t your thing, kayak out to sea or take to the air with a kiteboard.

While in Cocoa Beach, pay a visit to the world’s most famous surfing store, the Ron Jon Surf Store. At an astonishing 52,000 square feet, Ron Jon is the world’s largest surf shop.

(Even though we’re not surfers ourselves, we couldn’t help but check Ron Jon out; it seemed that growing up in the 80s and 90s, everyone—surfer or not—was sporting Ron Jon’s world-famous shirts!)

Cocoa Beach itself has more than 800 feet of boardwalk filled with shopping & dining options. Enjoy sundowners outside in the cool sea breeze.

Blue Spring State Park

The largest park on the St Johns River, Blue Spring State Park is west of Orange City, a short 45-minute drive north of Orlando. For nature lovers wanting to escape the theme park bubble, this beautiful Florida state park is the perfect escape.

While planning a trip to Blue Spring State Park, we found plenty of fun outdoor activities to fill up our itinerary.

Strap on a pair of hiking shoes for a walk along the 3.6-mile-long, out-and-back Pine Island Trail. Admire the wide variety of plant habitats, including dry scrub, a cypress swamp, and a lush pine, palm, and live oak hammock. Or, for a less strenuous walk, hit up the 0.25-mile loop Sand Pine Scrub Trail, keeping on the lookout for baby blue Florida scrub jays in the wilderness.

Even better, in our opinion, is to focus your Blue Spring State Park visit on its beautiful waterways. Rent a canoe or kayak at Blue Spring Adventures for a relaxing paddle along the Blue Spring Run and the St. Johns River.

The highlight of any trip here, though, is to see the manatees in action. Blue Spring State Park is a designated manatee reserve. Watch as these gentle giants gather in the relatively warm, crystal-clear waters of the Blue Spring Run during the colder months. Delight in their antics and get close-up views from the 1/3-mile boardwalk stretching from the St. Johns River to the headspring.

Don’t want to end your day trip? A campsite and several chalets offer comfortable overnight accommodation at Blue Spring State Park.

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Far from the bustling crowds, Wekiwa Springs State Park offers visitors 8,000 acres of peace and tranquillity. The waters of the cool, clear natural springs attract swimmers and divers all year round. You can also hire a canoe to paddle along the Wekiwa River.

Wekiwa Springs State Park is a great destination for wildlife encounters. The park is home to white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and Sherman’s fox squirrels. You may also spot alligators and black bears.

Thirteen miles of hiking trails invite cyclists, horseback riders, and hikers to venture forth through swamps and hardwood hammocks. Rent a bicycle or sit on the grassy banks of the spring to enjoy a picnic lunch. We also spotted fishing licenses on sale in the park if you want to throw a line in.

Want to escape the city buzz? Stay overnight at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Hook up an RV or set up camp. Even pets are welcome.

Kennedy Space Center

A trip to Central Florida would not be complete without visiting Kennedy Space Center. Located 44 miles from Orlando on Merritt Island, the Kennedy Space Center basks visitors in space travel adventures. Unsurprisingly, it’s one of the top things to see & do near Orlando.

There’s a ton to see & do at the Kennedy Space Center, so we recommend banking a full day on your Florida road trip itinerary to experience all the fascinating attractions here.

Start with a walk among massive rockets from the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs in the Rocket Garden. Dig into future space travel plans with simulators and interactive exhibits at Journey to Mars. Get to see replica Mars rovers, from the classics to the cutting-edge Space Exploration Vehicle (SEV). 

One of our favorite exhibits at the Kennedy Space Center is Spaceport KSC. Set in a futuristic spaceport, this immersive motion theater ride transports us to unexplored destinations like Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter on its four epic space journeys: Cosmic Wonders, Red Planet, Daring Explorers, and Uncharted Worlds.

Want to know what it feels like to blast off into space? Strap into the cockpit of a space shuttle and leave the Earth behind on a rumbling 8.5-minute journey at the Shuttle Launch Experience, located within the Space Shuttle Atlantis. 

Before heading back to Orlando, pay tribute to American space heroes at the US Astronauts Hall of Fame on the bottom floor of the Heroes & Legends exhibit.

Although you can explore the Kennedy Space Center on your own, we recommend hopping onto a guided tour of the facility to get the full lowdown. The center gives visitors several tour options, including Fly With an Astronaut, the Kennedy Space Center Explore Tour, and the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour.

Got time after your Kennedy Space Center day trip? Head north to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Drive along Black Point Wildlife Drive to spot all of the diverse wildlife of Merritt Island.

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

If you’re wondering what to see & do, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offer the whole family plenty of entertainment. Opened in 1923, the zoo has more than 100 animal species.

Explore the Central Florida Zoo to see more than 350 animals in various habitats. Visit the Herpetarium to check out amphibians like colorful poison dart frogs and tiger salamanders, as well as reptiles like American alligators, Egyptian cobras, and red-footed tortoises.

Meet mammals from all around the globe, including Amur leopards, servals, alpacas, and two-toed sloths. While wandering about the Central Florida Zoo, keep on the lookout for a variety of birds, including bald eagles, macaws, and cuckoos. Slip into the various botanical gardens sprinkled throughout the zoo to see unique shrubs, trees, and wildflowers, along with colorful pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.

To get an even deeper appreciation of the wildlife, try to catch one of the zoo’s animal encounters, including Rhino Encounters, Giraffe Feeding, and Keeper Chats.

Looking for a little more action? Bring everyone in the gang for a ride on the family-friendly ziplines at Seminole Aerial Adventures Zip Line Course. Cool down after the adventure by enjoying the splash pads at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground, the zoo’s waterpark.

Need the perfect end to the day? Sunset at the Zoo offers adults a chance to enjoy happy hour drinks and food trucks. The event takes place on the third Thursday of every week.

Winter Park

When we need a timeout from theme parks, roller coasters, and the busy city streets, we zip over to Winter Park. The lovely Orlando suburb is located minutes from the heart of the city. And we think it’s a great place to ditch the tourist buzz for some quieter moments.

In Winter Park, window boxes bloom with colorful flowers, and fountains tinkle to add to its small-town atmosphere. Take a boat ride through the Chain of Lakes to check out its opulent homes and sub-tropical gardens.

Winter Park’s cobblestoned main shopping street, Park Avenue, is lined with specialty boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Browse its boutique shops in search of all the latest fashions, clothing accessories, and houseware.

Follow a shopping spree with a stop at its trendy outdoor restaurants & bistros. Gobble down innovative new American dishes and sip hand-crafted cocktails in the rustic sunroom of Garp & Fuss (348 N Park Ave #5). Savor classic Italian dishes with a modern twist at Prato (124 N Park Ave). We loved the pumpkin ravioli and pizza diavolo here, as well as their well-curated Italian and Spanish wine menu.

Park Avenue is bordered by the tranquil Central Park. Take a relaxing walk through Central Park, past several fountains, including the colorful Peacock Fountain. If you’re lucky on your visit, you could catch one of the park’s regular concerts and events.

Visiting on Saturday morning? We recommend penciling in a visit to the Winter Park Farmers’ Market. The market takes place at the old train depot on the south end of Central Park.

Kelly Park

Looking to escape the buzz of the city? Venture northwest and soak up the natural beauty of Kelly Park. Located 30 minutes from Orlando in Apopka, the 325-acre park is one of the finest slices of nature we’ve seen in Central Florida.

When we decided to put Kelly Park into our itinerary, it was to check out its Rock Springs Run, an 8-mile natural spring run that forms part of the Wekiwa River headwaters. The crystal-clear waters are a favorite spot for Floridians to swim, kayak, and float lazily along on a tube.

Aside from its famous spring run, we learned while planning our trip that Kelly Park is a hotspot for bird-watchers.

Strap on a pair of hiking boots and hop onto the Kelly Loop Trail. On the 2-mile hike, we were able to spot Florida native birds like egrets and woodpeckers.

We were told by locals to look out for local wildlife here, too, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, otters, and even an elusive bald eagle!

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Seeking out family-friendly activities beyond the Walt Disney World Resort bubble? Zip down to the town of Winter Haven to take in the famed LEGOLAND Florida Resort. Kids and adults alike will find plenty to keep them occupied at this popular Central Florida theme park.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort is home to over 50 rides and attractions, all inspired by LEGO’s iconic characters and blocks.

Head to the Land of Adventure for a ride through a prehistoric jungle full of life-sized LEGO dinosaurs on the Coastersaurus. We loved floating along the palm-shaded canals in search of lost treasure on the Pirate River Quest in the Pirates’ Cove section of the park. For faster thrills, take an adrenaline-pumping rally-car rollercoaster ride at The Great LEGO Race in LEGO Technic.

After all the thrilling rides and exhibits, take a walk in LEGOLAND Florida Resort’s beautiful botanical garden, the Cypress Gardens. Opened in 1939, the Cypress Gardens are replete with lush native flora and exotic plant species from all around the world. Most enchanting for us was the enormous Banyan tree, planted as a seedling in the park’s founding year.

Want to cool down from the hot Florida sun? Bring your swimsuits and float along the lazy river, zip down the water slides, or splash in the wave pools at LEGOLAND Water Park. Or chill out and dip your toes in the warm waters of the LEGOLAND Beach Retreat by booking your family into one of its LEGO-themed beach bungalows.

WonderWorks Orlando

Need to add a dash of weird to your trip? Step into the quirky world of WonderWorks Orlando. Perched upon International Drive, this popular indoor amusement park is one of the oddest places we’ve spotted around Orlando. Step inside the bizarre building to combine fun and learning with over 100 hands-on science exhibits and family entertainment options.

WonderWorks Orlando splits into six wonder zones covering everything from extreme weather to space exploration. Feel the force of hurricane winds on your face in the Hurricane Shack. Or experience the feeling of weightlessness by riding the 2-person gyroscope at the Astronaut Training Challenge.

RELATED: Orlando Weather Guide

After sparking your imagination, we suggest venturing to the basement for a dose of family-friendly fun. Challenge your family to a duel at the black-lit Laser-Tag Arena, tackle your fear of heights at the three-story Indoor Ropes Course, and go for a spin at the 4D XD Motion Theater.

Recommended places to stay in Orlando for sightseeing

For most travelers, our favorite places to stay in Orlando include Lake Buena Vista and the area around Universal and SeaWorld. To get close to the city’s arts & culture scene, we think staying in Downtown is another great option.

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