The best things to do in Orlando right now

Walt Disney World is one of the number one things people who travel to Orlando want to see. The spacious resort has four theme parks, two water parks, a dining and shopping district, and over 20 on-site Disney-owned hotels. There's always something new to see here, including Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Magic Kingdom, Journey of Water, Inspired by Moana at EPCOT, and tons of new dining options around the property.

Universal Orlando Resort is known for its impressive Harry Potter and Jurassic Park-themed areas, and while both are great for families, adults looking to cool off and enjoy the summer days ahead will want to go to Universal's Volcano Bay. You can lounge near the wave pool with a towering volcano over the water's edge or grab a colorfully swirled Waturi Fusion ice cream cone. No matter what you do at Universal, a fun-filled day is all but guaranteed.

History and architecture combine to create a relaxing experience on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. The tour takes you through the lakes and byways of Winter Park to see some of the historical homes of the area, as well as the wildlife that calls Florida home. The boat tour is about an hour long, and you can bring your own food and drink, so grab a coffee and pastries from one of the many shops nearby, and don't forget to offer something to the captain!

Every Saturday, local vendors and artisans set up shop at the Winter Park Farmer's Market, located at Central Park West Meadow. From 8am until 1pm locals and visitors browse the stalls and collect all sorts of yummy items. The market has an abundance of vendors ranging in style and offering everything from beef jerky and lemonade to plumerias and fish dip. This is also a great spot to get locally-grown produce or try a local food truck for lunch!

The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is the spot in Orlando for live music, broadway shows like Hamilton and tons of family-friendly entertainment. Kids will love movie nights with family-friendly flicks like Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, while movie and music buffs will want to look for movies in conjunction with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, who will play the score live while you watch the film. The Dr. Phillips Center is also the home of the Orlando Ballet, brilliantly performing in shows like The Nutcracker during the holiday season.

The new Judson's Live is located at the Dr. Phillips Center but with its own dedicated entrance. The venue has a cool speakeasy vibe thanks to big leather booths that line the back of the room, a bar that specializes in bourbon-based drinks, and seats right next to the stage. Judson’s Live brings in a variety of artists, from blues and soul to jazz and Latin, so there’s something for every music lover here.

If you’re looking for a spa day, look no further than the spa at the Alfond Inn in Winter Park. The newly opened spa is truly a serene oasis in a city that’s always on the move. Treatments include everything from signature massages and facials to body treatments and more. Before or after your treatment, you can enjoy the other amenities, including heated loungers, hydrotherapy showers, relaxation lounges, and an outdoor pool.

Head to the Kia Center downtown to see the Orlando Magic make some ... well ... magic. Games are typically a few hours. And if you're dragging along anyone who doesn't love basketball, there is plenty of family entertainment between plays and during commercial breaks for this to be a fun night for all. Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get there—the area around the Kia Center can get very congested on game nights, and you don’t want to be late for the tip-off.

If you only visit one water park in Orlando, we implore you to make it to this one. Discovery Cove is an all-inclusive water park where you can get up close with dolphins, sharks, rays, and tropical fish while basking in the warm Florida sun. Only a limited number of guests are let in each day—which means you can get more done—and add-on experiences like a morning flamingo walk or shark encounters make the day extra special. We also love this park because the breakfast and lunch buffets are filled with delicious items that will keep you fueled for all that splashing.

There's always something fun to eat in Orlando. In the fall, the city hosts Magical Dining Month, where you can get a three-course meal at participating restaurants and support a local charity. In the spring, look out for Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort and, come October, the Swan and Dolphin Food and Wine Classic at Walt Disney World. At all times, you'll find food truck rallies throughout the city and sometimes even a festival based on specific foods like donuts or Spanish tapas.

Part brewery, part food hall, and part entertainment space, Plant Street Market is a great place to hang out on weekends. The cornerstone space inside is Crooked Can Brewery, known for its delicious beers and exciting outdoor block parties every summer. Around the market, you'll find everything from a local butcher to a shop specializing in sushi rolls. No matter what you're looking for, it can likely be found at Plant Street Market.

Walt Disney World has three 18-hole golf courses and one nine-hole walking course for anyone looking to hit the fairways rather than hang out with Goofy, Donald Duck, and the rest. Disney’s golf courses are open to the public, meaning you don't have to be a guest at Disney or have a theme park ticket to tee off. Disney and golf might not be obvious bedfellows, but anything can happen here.

For over six decades, the Orlando Science Center has been amazing for kids (and adults) of all ages. The hands-on museum covers four floors and has dozens of interactive exhibits, labs, theaters, and workshops. Kids will love learning about everything from dinosaurs to sustainability (let's be honest, so will moms and dads). Those looking for even more hands-on experiences can book camps and overnight programs at the STEM Discovery Center.

For those looking for a bit of outdoor adventure without getting into the Florida swamps, check out the Leu Gardens. The stunning, walkable garden boasts 50 acres of beautiful flora and fauna just a few minute's drive from downtown Orlando. Donated to the city in 1961, locals and visitors have made the most of this stunning space ever since. The garden also hosts movie nights for families and educational seminars on various topics throughout the year.

Take a relaxing stroll around Lake Eola and Lake Eola Park, located in the heart of downtown Orlando. The walk around the lake takes just under one mile, and along the way, you'll take in picturesque views of the downtown skyline. Want to be on the water? Rent swan paddle boats and get out there with the live swans. The Walt Disney Amphitheater is also inside the park, a gorgeous arena hosting live concerts, movies, and performances.

Don your finest purple and gold and cheer on The Lions of the Orlando City Soccer Club at Exploria Stadium in downtown Orlando from April through November. If you don’t have anything to wear, check out the Orlando City Team Shop on West Church Street. Ticket prices here start as low as $12, making it a fun weekend activity that won't break the bank.

Did you know Orlando is where you can find the headwaters of the Everglades? That’s right, and in the marshy swamp area, you can take an airboat ride through the tall grasses and deep waters to see some of the natural Florida that hasn’t been inhabited by animated animal characters (yet). The Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures take you through the headwaters on an adventure that lasts 30 minutes or one hour. Throughout the tour, you’ll see animals like turtles, alligators, fish, and various birds that make up the delicate ecosystem of the headwaters.

SeaWorld Orlando is an exciting theme park filled with water creature-themed coasters, animal exhibits and encounters, and an adorable Sesame Street-themed area for kids. The thrilling Ice Breaker rollercoaster features four launches, including a reverse launch into a beyond-vertical drop that will take your breath away. Throughout the day, you can also see shows and live entertainment featuring animals and learn about the natural behaviors of sea life.

This LEGO-centric theme park is known for kid-friendly rides featuring LEGO characters, plus a LEGO Pirate Island Hotel that is a swashbuckling good time for the entire family. LEGOLAND Florida Resort continues to bring new entertainment to the park. Don't leave the park without trying the iconic apple fries, which are fried apple sticks tossed lightly with cinnamon. We also love watching the water stunt show that takes place at the park-side lake.

After taking the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, make the short walk to the Rollins Museum of Art, which is located on the Rollins College campus in Winter Park. The museum has more than 5,700 pieces of art dating back hundreds of years. We love that there’s also a free audio tour that you can listen to, and all you need is your phone and a set of headphones. 

Escape rooms are still wildly popular, and The Escape Game Orlando is a fabulous example of the hour-long thinking experience. Who knew the fear of being stuck somewhere could be so exciting? There are plenty of games to choose from here, including one based on a sunken undersea lab that needs help. The games range in difficulty and the number of people they can contain, so check out all your options
before booking.

Families looking for kid-friendly fun shouldn't miss the colorful Crayola Experience. See how crayons are made, experience hands-on activities, and do a few craft projects before creating your very own Crayola crayon color. Each activity is designed with little and big kids in mind—meaning everyone in the family will have an equally good time unless one of you is seriously into crayons. That person will be in heaven, colorful heaven. The experience has extended hours in the summer, which is great news for families who want pool time in the afternoon but do something fun outside their home or hotel after dinner.

The adorable Peppa Pig Theme Park is geared towards preschool-aged kids and packed with vibrant colors and attractions that don't have a height requirement. It's a great half-day park if you're already visiting LEGOLAND Florida or willing to drive from Orlando to nearby Winter Haven—or if you are a massive Peppa Pig fan, obviously.