The best things to do in Orlando right now

What is it? A theme park resort that features four parks, two water parks, dozens of hotels, and more. 

Why go? There’s always something new to see or do at Walt Disney World. This year, Magic Kingdom will debut a new nighttime parade, Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away. Over at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, you can catch two new shows, Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After and The Little Mermaid - A Musical Adventure. All of these new entertainment offerings kick off this summer. For something worth going to now, consider spending a day at EPCOT, where the EPCOT International Flower and Garden Festival is in full swing and continues through June. 

Don’t miss: While you may be lured into spending every waking moment at the theme parks, don’t skip out on going to the water parks. Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park is celebrating its 30th anniversary in April this year. Then, in May, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will open for the season. Even better, if you’re staying at a Disney hotel, you get complimentary entry into the water parks on your check-in day. 

Time Out tip: While Disney World can be expensive, there are plenty of free things to do around the resort. Consider spending a day at Disney Springs and then hopping on one of the boats to explore the hotels near the entertainment complex. I love taking the boats to Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter to get beignets with my family. While you do have to pay for the sweet treat, it’s a small price for a full afternoon of fun.

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What is it? Universal Orlando Resort is opening a brand new theme park, Universal Epic Universe, near its current theme parks and resorts. 

Why go? Besides the obvious fact that it’s a new theme park, which is super cool, the park promises thrills for all ages. Epic Universe is split into five “worlds,” which highlights iconic movie franchises like Harry Potter, Universal Monsters, and How to Train Your Dragon. You’ll also find a larger version of Universal Hollywood’s SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and a world called Celestial Park, the latter of which is the heartbeat of the park. I’m excited to step into How to Train Your Dragon - Isle of Berk to see how Universal creatives are getting dragons to fly around the land. There’s also plenty of hype around the Harry Potter-themed world, The Ministry of Magic. Fans can cast spells with new wands, see an all-new show, or race through the Ministry of Magic on Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry.

Don’t miss: The food at Epic Universe will be, well, Epic. I got the chance to try some of it during a preview, and it’s some of the best theme park food I’ve ever had. Don’t skip the Butterbeer crepe inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter - Ministry of Magic or the cinnamon bread donut holes inside Dark Universe. 

Time Out tip: If you only plan to do Epic Universe and not Universal’s other theme parks, consider staying at one of the three new resorts, Universal Stella Nova, Universal Terra Luna, or Universal Helios Grand, next to the new park.

What is it? History and architecture combine to create a relaxing experience on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. 

Why go? The tour takes you through the lakes and byways of Winter Park to see some of the historical homes along the water, as well as the wildlife that calls Florida home. The boat tour is about an hour long, and you can bring 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! 

Don’t miss: During the tour, you’ll pass by the former home of Fred Rogers, the star of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. The captain will stop the boat for a minute or two so everyone can get photos, so be sure to have your camera ready. 

Time Out tip: I love stopping at either Buttermilk Bakery or Barnie’s Coffee & Tea in Winter Park for a cup of coffee and a snack to take on the tour with me. While Buttermilk Bakery is further away, it’s got some unique laminated pastries, while Barnie’s is closer and is known for its Santa’s White Christmas coffee blend that’s served year round. 

What is it? Every Saturday, local vendors and artisans set up shop at the Winter Park Farmers' Market, located at Central Park West Meadow. 

Why go? 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 farmer’s market is also pet-friendly, so go ahead and bring Fido, as long as he’s on a leash and well-behaved. 

Don’t miss: Be sure to grab a cookie from Heartsong Cookies. The vendor is pretty popular at the market and sells over a dozen different types of cookies, from brown sugar sprinkles to toffee chocolate chips. 

Time Out tip: The farmer’s market is very popular, especially in spring. I suggest getting to the parking area just before 8am to avoid circling the lot repeatedly. 

What is it? 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.

Why go? This is a great family night or date night out spot. 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, which puts on shows seasonally. 

Don’t miss: This season, you can see everything from a Michael Jackson musical, Gladys Knight, the Mean Girls musical, Fiddler on the Roof, and Disney’s The Lion King at the Dr. Phillips Center. Tickets for shows go quickly sometimes, so buy early to ensure you get good seats. 

Time Out tip: If you ever get the chance to see a show inside Steinmetz Hall, do it. The venue inside the Dr. Phillips Center is one of the world’s most acoustically perfect spaces. 

What is it? Judson's Live is a concert venue located at the Dr. Phillips Center, but it has its own dedicated entrance.

Why go? The venue has a cool speakeasy vibe, thanks to big leather booths that line the back of the room, a bar specializing in bourbon-based drinks, and seats right next to the stage. Judson’s Live brings in various artists, from blues and soul to jazz and Latin, so there’s something for every music lover here.

Don’t miss: This is the only venue at the Dr. Phillips Center that serves food and drink in a performance area. Be sure to order a cocktail or mocktail and a few shareable plates to enjoy while watching the performers on stage. 

Time Out tip: Most shows at Judson’s Live are performed multiple times per night. This means you can either enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants in Orlando before going to Judson’s or have a late-night snack at one of the city’s cool bars after the show. Most performances are about an hour to an hour and a half long. 

What is it? A theme park resort comprising two theme parks, a fun water park, hotels, and an entertainment complex. 

Why go? 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. And until Universal Epic Universe opens, this is your shot to get your fill of Harry Potter-themed rides in Orlando. 

Don’t miss: Through the end of March, you can catch Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort. The main festivities take place at Universal Studios Florida with a fun evening parade, concerts, and pop-up kitchens around the park. 

Time Out tip: Try staying at one of the Universal Orlando Resort hotels to get the most out of your time at the parks. Not only are some within walking distance (others have a complimentary boat or bus service), some offer included Express Passes for the duration of your stay. 

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What is it? A luxury spa nestled away inside the Conrad Orlando. 

Why go? The Conrad Orlando spa is one of the most beautiful in the city. The full-service spa offers body treatments, facials, massages, and more. On a recent visit, I had a delightful massage that made me feel like a whole new person after I was done. Checking in at the spa is easy, and you’re immediately taken to the locker room to change, then to the relaxation room for some peace and tranquility before your service. You can also use the relaxation room after your treatment. 

Don’t miss: The Conrad Orlando spa has a stunning outdoor area with lounge chairs, pools, and more. Access to this area is included with your service. I suggest swimming in the pools after a service and then sitting out in the sun for a few minutes to absorb vitamin D. 

Time Out tip: If you aren’t staying at the resort but have booked a spa service, you can use the valet parking free of charge on the day of service. 

What is it? Orlando’s National Basketball Association team takes on various rivals throughout the season at the Kia Center in downtown Orlando. 

Why go? Head to an Orlando Magic basketball game for some family-friendly, action-packed sporting fun. 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. Be sure to don your best Magic colors (white, blue, and silver) for the games, too. You can even buy a Magic t-shirt online before the game if you don’t already have one. 

Don’t miss: Regular season games run through early April, when the season finale is against the Boston Celtics. Tickets for games can be as low as $25, making it an affordable night out for friends. 

Time Out tip: 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.

What is it? Learn from George Miliotes, one of 281 Master Sommeliers, to taste wine like a pro.

Why go? If you love wine, then you’ll love this 90-minute session where Miliotes takes a small group of people through a selection of wines at his restaurant, Wine Bar George, at Disney Springs. Each wine is hand-selected by Miliotes and varies from event to event, so you could go to a tasting multiple times and never have the same wine. You’ll also learn what it takes to be a Master Sommelier as Miliotes answers questions from the group about his journey in wine, how to find good wines, and more. Tastings are typically on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at noon. Doors open at 11:30am, so try to arrive as close to that time as possible to get seated and ready for the tasting. 

Don’t miss: After the tasting, consider moving to the downstairs first-come, first-serve bar for lunch. Wine Bar George offers an incredible spread of shareable plates and entrees. My favorite items are the house-made meatballs and the branzino sandwich. 

Time Out tip: All of the wines at Wine Bar George are served by the ounce, glass, or bottle. If you’re going to the restaurant another time, you can create your own tasting flight with the assistance of one of Miliotes’ dedicated team members. 

What is it? An all-inclusive water park where you can interact with aquatic life throughout the day. 

Why go? 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.

Don’t miss: I love the lazy river at Discovery Cove. The winding water feature is pretty deep, so you really feel like you’re in a river, and as you float through the waterways, you’ll pass cute grottos and waterfalls and even go into the bird sanctuary at the park. 

Time Out tip: Reservations are highly recommended for Discovery Cove. I always look online to make sure I’m getting tickets for the day I want to go and check to see if the park is offering any discounts for Florida residents or other types of travelers before booking.  

What is it? Part brewery, part food hall, and part entertainment space, Plant Street Market is a great place to hang out on weekends.

Why go? Plant Street Market is known for its cornerstone place inside, Crooked Can Brewery. The brewery throws exciting outdoor block parties, including one in March and during the 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.

Don’t miss: From March 14 through March 16, Plant Street Market is hosting Celticfest, its iconic block party with live music, Irish dancers, a kids zone, and more. Those who want to bring home part of the festival can get a Celticfest mug from the brewery starting on March 14 at 4pm.

Time Out tip: Because Plant Street Market is a popular spot in Winter Garden, I like to visit during the week instead of the weekends. During the week, there’s often live music, and Tuesdays bring live trivia to the food hall’s main patio. 

What is it? A local museum showing off how science is part of everyday life. 

Why go? The hands-on Orlando Science Center 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.

Don’t miss: This season’s newest exhibit is "Top Secret: License to Spy," which runs through May 4. You’ll find it on level two, where you’ll learn how the world of espionage and spies works through hands-on experiments. You’ll do everything from break codes to test your agility, plus learn about the history of spies and the future technology they may use to solve cases. 

Time Out tip: Consider purchasing your tickets for the Orlando Science Center in advance online since they are $2 cheaper than tickets onsite. Military members and first responders can also get discounted tickets. Florida educators with an active school and personal ID also get a discount.

What is it? A walkable garden that hosts events throughout the year. 

Why go? 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 minutes' 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.

Don’t miss: From now through early September, the garden is hosting Origami in the Garden, an exhibit that highlights the Japanese art of folding paper. The “folded paper” is massive metal structures spread throughout the gardens, with more than 20 pieces to find. Walking through the garden, you’ll see “origami” of horses, boats, birds, and more.

Time Out tip: On the first Monday of every month, Leu Gardens is free to enter. Additionally, each free day includes a story time activity in the morning for children up to five years old. 

What is it? Orlando’s Major League Soccer team hosts games at its stadium in downtown Orlando from January through October. 

Why go? Don your finest purple and gold and cheer on the Lions of the Orlando City Soccer Club at Inter&Co Stadium. If you don’t have anything to wear, check out the Orlando City team shop, called The Den at the stadium, which is open Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5pm. Ticket prices here start as low as $19, making it a fun weekend activity that won't break the bank.

Don’t miss: Throughout the season, the club hosts themed nights at games. For instance, on May 10, the club is hosting Wrestling Night, an event dedicated to wrestling fandom with meet-and-greets and more. You can see the full schedule of theme nights here. 

Time Out tip: Orlando also has a women’s soccer team, the Orlando Pride, part of the National Women’s Soccer League. If you can’t get enough of the beautiful game, you’ll want to check out the talented women’s team, too. The Pride season runs now through November.

What is it? An adult-exclusive event at the Central Florida Zoo.

Why go? Brews Around the Zoo is an adult-only event at the Central Florida Zoo on April 12, 2025. While enjoying the incredible sights and sounds of the zoo, you can enjoy craft beer, wine, and hard seltzer tastings. Live music will also pop up around the zoo. Tickets, which start at $50 for general admission, include access to all of the drink stations. For an additional fee, you can get a Tasting Trail Pass, which includes five event-exclusive dishes. 

Don’t miss: The entire zoo is open to explore during the event. This is your chance to see the new habitat for the Amur leopards, one of the world's rarest leopards. Even better, you won’t have kids weaseling their way through adults to get a better view. 

Time Out tip: If you really want an elevated experience at the event, consider buying a VIP ticket. For $150, you'll get access to a private area with restrooms, exclusive food and drink, complimentary refillable mugs, and parking.

What is it? An airboat ride through the headwaters of the Everglades to see wildlife. 

Why go? 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 this delicate ecosystem.

Don’t miss: Be sure to check out Lilly’s Butterfly Garden, where more than 15 different types of butterflies live. Enjoy walking around the garden and seeing butterflies at all stages of life; plus, you can even feed them. 

Time Out tip: For a truly hair-raising trip, consider a night tour on an airboat. You never know what you’re going to encounter on the hour-long tour, though alligators are pretty common as they are nocturnal hunters. Night tours start between 8pm and 8:30pm during the spring season. 

What is it? One of Orlando’s best theme parks, offering rollercoasters and animal encounters. 

Why go? 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 roller coaster 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.

Don’t miss: From now through May 4, 2025, the park is hosting its Seven Seas Food Festival. The culinary festival features over 190 different dishes inspired by world cuisines. Additionally, every Saturday, there’s a live concert with artists like Jordin Sparks, ZZ Top, and Walker Hayes. 

Time Out tip: Unlike other theme parks in the area, SeaWorld is completely cashless. If you do want to pay in cash anywhere at the park, you’ll need to load cash onto a Visa prepaid debit card at any of the Cash-to-Card kiosks around the park. 

What is it? A free museum on the Rollins College campus in Winter Park. 

Why go? If you’re spending the day in Winter Park, double dip on its most popular attractions by doing the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour in the morning and then hitting the Rollins Museum of Art in the afternoon.  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. 

Don’t miss: The museum swaps out its display pieces regularly. One exhibit we’re particularly interested in is Beyond the Surface: Capturing Meaning Through Portraiture. The exhibit showcases how portraits of people influence our perception of the person. Even cooler, on April 4, at 11am you can join the curatorial fellow on a exhibit tour as they explain each piece's details.

Time Out tip: The museum is closed on Mondays. The longest hour is Tuesday, when it is open from 10am to 7 pm, giving you plenty of time to stroll the galleries between a boat tour or lunch. 

What is it? A book club dedicated to art lovers. 

Why go? If you love art, want to join a unique book club, or are looking to elevate an art-driven hobby, this may be the spot for you. Each month, the club picks a new book that correlates to works that are on display inside the Orlando Museum of Art. You’ll also get to join the group for an afternoon of discussion and fun in the galleries. 

Don’t miss: April’s book of the month is a historical novel called The Lost Notebook of Édouard Manet by Maureen Gibbon is set at the end of Manet’s life. Registration to join the group for the month is open now and costs $15. 

Time Out tip: If you don’t want to join an art-themed book club, there are plenty of other options in the city. Orlando’s Silent Book Club is a fun option with no assigned reading. You simply bring your own book and enjoy building a community with other readers. There are also thriller-themed clubs, mom's clubs, and spooky book clubs. 

What is it? A create-your-own-custom candle spot with two locations in town. 

Why go? Since 2019, Artifact Candle Foundry has been bringing in groups of people to make their own custom candles. Throughout the hour-long class, you’ll blend your perfect scent from over 60 premium fragrance oils with assistance from Artifact employees. The final product is a one-of-a-kind, soy-based, 100 percent cotton wick, slow-burning candle. When I recently visited, I was able to mix three different warm summer scents into the perfect blend that I can’t wait to put under my candle warmer in my office. 

Don’t miss: Artifact Candle Foundry offers seasonal scents, so you can make repeat visits to either the Winter Garden or Thornton Park location and make a different candle each time. Spring brings a lot of floral scents, while summer is vibrant fruits, fall is for cozy warm spices, and winter is all about peppermint and evergreen. 

Time Out tip: Reservations for the candle-pouring class are not required, but are highly encouraged. This is especially true on Saturdays and Sundays when the store is busier than on weekdays.