When you think of Orlando, Florida, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? If you thought of theme parks, you’re not alone. Orlando is considered the Theme Park Capital of the World, thanks to its slew of world-class attractions!
If you’re headed to the sunny city and thinking of what to do there, then wonder no more. There are plenty of theme parks in Orlando for you to explore with the whole fam or squad. So pack your bags and masks because the best time to visit Orlando and its parks and attractions is now!
Keep scrolling to know all the fun things to do and find out which theme parks and attractions you should visit!
1. Experience all the thrills at Universal Orlando Resort
First up on our Orlando theme park list is the award-winning Universal Orlando Resort, a two-park attraction home to Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Here, the biggest blockbusters come to life in the form of adrenaline-pumping rides and state-of-the-art experiences that movie fans from around the world flock to!
Their most famed attractions, especially amongst diehard Potterheads, include rides, dinners, and shops straight out of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter itself. Get a chance to ride Hogwarts Express and live your wizarding dreams! There’s also plenty of other characters to spot, such as Spider-Man and his Avenger friends, the Transformers, the Minions from Despicable Me, and more.
When in Orlando, you definitely shouldn’t miss out on the chance to relive your childhood at Universal!
2. Conquer the mind-blowing wonder zones at WonderWorks
Up for some reality-bending? Get ready to be mind blown at Wonderworks, where learning becomes insanely entertaining. Home to over a hundred interactive and hands-on exhibits, this one-of-a-kind museum guarantees fun for all ages.
There’s plenty to do in Wonderworks: unleash your inner Spidey at a 36-foot high indoor ropes course, discover upside-down worlds, play laser tag, spin on a gyroscope, and more. Every twist and turn in this Labyrinth has something new to offer!
Explore its numerous Wonder Zones: the Physical Challenge Zone, where you can lay on a bed of nails and blow gigantic bubbles; The Extreme Weather Zone, where you can become a human lightning rod and create electric fields and discover what it’s like to be in the eye of the storm; and more. It’s your chance to try crazy experiences you never knew were possible!
3. Go on an adventure at the swamplands of Wild Florida
Aside from theme parks, Florida is also significantly associated with one of the greatest reptiles to walk the Earth: alligators. Get to know these fierce creatures at Wild Florida’s Gator and Wildlife Park and explore the swamps and marshes that are part of the Central Florida Everglades.
You and your family—yes, even the little ones—can also stroll over the swamps with the Hawk Swamp Boardwalk. The swamp areas are pretty expansive, so you’ll be able to see a lot of Florida’s famed reptiles around. Make sure your cameras are ready; the gators are ready for their closeup!
Wild Florida may be all about the gators, but it’s also home to other wildlife such as lemurs, swamps, tropical birds, and more! You can also explore an aviary to see all the tropical birds and daily shows that impart knowledge about the wildlife.
4. Become a space explorer for a day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Love all things space? Go to infinity and beyond right at Orlando and visit Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex—one of NASA’s most iconic bases in the country! The complex is home to numerous interactive aerospace exhibits that give you a glimpse of the out-of-this-world astronaut’s life.
Check out a real space shuttle called Space Shuttle Atlantis, which landed for the last time at Kennedy Space Center in 2011. You can also walk through space history and NASA’s milestones at the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame.
You can also find the Rocket Garden at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, where real rockets used in NASA’s space programs are displayed. And if you want to feel like a real space cadet, you can go on a virtual launch experience on the motion simulator!
5. Become one with the Florida’s most famous animals at Gatorland
Alligators are definitely one of Florida’s icons! That’s why Gatorland is a must-visit attraction for the whole family when in Orlando. Gatorland specializes in all things gator and croc—here, you can find several exhibits dedicated to alligators and crocodiles, including the rare white alligators. There are also various shows that educate you on the magnificent creatures and their habitats.
One of the shows you have to see is The Legend of the Swamp, which gives you the 411 on the gator’s survival features that make them a formidable predator in the wild. Meanwhile, little ones will have loads of fun at the Gator Gully splash area, a kiddie splash zone where they can get wet and wild.
You can feel like wildlife explorers or even crocodile hunters with the whole family at Gatorland!
6. Go to three attractions in one at ICON Park™
Get your hands on the ultimate deal and visit three iconic Florida attractions at ICON Park™! Reach for the clouds at The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel with unobstructed 360° views of the city.
You can also meet your favorite characters’ and celebrities’ wax figures at Madame Tussauds. Ready to strike a pose with Michael Jackson, Katy Perry, Aquaman, and more?
After reaching for the skies and mingling with the stars, it’s time to go under the sea and check out over 5,000 marine wildlife over at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium! Know what it’s like to walk in the ocean at Florida's only 360-degree ocean tunnel.
You can visit these attractions by booking The Wheel at ICON Park™ + Madame Tussauds Orlando Combo or The Wheel at ICON Park™ + SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando Combo on Klook. But if you want the ultimate experience, book a 3-in-1 package to see all the attractions!