Fun Things to do in Orlando
ZZZippy's Guide to the Very Best Things To Do in Orlando, Florida

It's the Theme Park Capital of the World but when it comes to fun things to do, this city has more than mouse ears and magic wands.

From great golf to relaxing day spas, whether you prefer shopping or roller coasters, Orlando, Florida has an abundance of enjoyable and memorable things for visitors to experience. To make your decisions easier, ZZZippy has prepared a list of Fun Things to Do in Orlando. So set back, watch for the sunshine and hold on tight because we're going to Central Florida!

We hope you enjoy your travels!

Catch an Orlando Magic Basketball Game

When in Orlando feel the Magic at the Amway Center where the popular Orlando Magic thrills spectators each and every game (yes even if they lose). The Magic compete in the NBA as a member club of the league's Eastern Conference Southeast Division. The franchise was established in 1989 as an expansion franchise and has featured several talented NBA stars including: Shaquille O'Neal, Penny Hardaway, Patrick Ewing,Grant Hill, Tracy McGrady, Steve Francis, Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, and Rashard Lewis (as well as other very talented ball players).

One unique aspect of the Magic is that they have been in the playoffs for more than half of their existence (14 playoff appearances in 27 years). But the real reason to go watch the Magic is... well the magic!

www.nba.com/magic/

Hit Universal Studios and Don’t Miss the Harry Potter Adventures

Experience the two unique and sensational lands of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — one located in each of Universal Orlando’s two theme parks.

From the moment you enter Hogsmeade you immediately feel completely and utterly transformed, as if you have entered not only another place but another time. You feel almost as if a magical spell has been cast upon you and you are carried to a mysterious yet exciting place like no other.

Here you can spend the entire day (or more) starting with a trip deep into Hogwarts™ castle where you venture on a remarkable trip with realistic sets and magical scenes. Have a cup of the infamous Butterbeer, foamy and delightful, watch the magical creatures and be mystified by the overall ambiance.

Then head over to Diagon Alley™ on the Hogwarts™ Express. An enjoyable ride with fun and interesting surprises along the way.

Universal has always produced over-the-top attractions but with their creation of the Harry Potter Parks they've outdone themselves. This alone is worth the admission price to the parks.

https://www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter

Explore Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Disney does it again and again by using formulas that always seem to interest, attract and fascinate visitors... which keeps them coming back. Animal Kingdom is no exception; a combination of exotic animals, excellent entertainment and exciting adventures this park delivers the goods.

The Animal Kingdom happens to be one of the largest animal theme parks in the world and is home to more than 2,000 animals across 300 species. Disney representatives claim that the park reflects Walt Disney’s dedication to conservation and commitment to animal care, education and research. For visitors it the Animal Kingdom is a diverse experience and a journey that brings them fun and excitement. If you visit Orlando you need to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom.

www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/animal-...

Ride the #1 Dark Ride of All Time- Disney’s Haunted Mansion

No matter how much time passes it seems as though Disney's Haunted Mansion continues to be one of the most fun and intriguing dark rides on the planet. This ride is mild enough for the youngest kids, yet still offers enough interesting things to see and enjoy that people of all ages revel in it.

The Haunted Mansion was one of Walt Disney's dream rides, in fact, many people that knew Walt best say that this was his favorite of all Disney rides. For the rest of us, we continue to enjoy this great experience... no matter how many times we return to Disney World.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/

Play 18- at One of Orlando's Scenic Golf Courses
(over 170 great courses to choose from)

If you're an avid golfer you already know that one of the best cities to play your sport happens to be in the Theme Park Capital of the world... Orlando. Filled with a myriad of courses, course styles, layouts and levels. Orlando delivers the goods for pros and hackers alike. Add to that the fact that the weather in Central Florida typically lends itself to a great day on the links (unless you go in the smoldering days of summer).

So if you visit Orlando... make sure to bring your sticks!

See Zippy’s list of Orlando’s Best Golf Courses

Shop Till You Drop

In Orlando, like many great cities, there is no shortage of excellent shopping opportunities. But if you don't have time to try out the many shopping venues that Orlando has to offer then at least hit one of their two most popular, the Mall at the Millennia (a very upscale mall catering to your extravagant persona or the Florida Mall (Florida's largest shopping center).

Both of these malls offer shoppers countless options and several high end stores.

If you’re more of a bargain hunter hit one of the Orlando Premium Outlet Centers- Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets or Orlando International Premium Outlets. Both popular to the locals as well as national and international visitors.

http://www.mallatmillenia.com/

www.simon.com/mall/the-florida-mall/about

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/orlando-vinel...

http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/orlando-inter...

Get Pampered at One of Orlando’s Luxurious Spas

After a few days in the theme parks, the ocean or on the links, there is absolutely nothing like a relaxing day at a great spa. Facials to invigorate the skin and help it look younger (and you feel better), nail treatments for nails that are polished to perfection, massages that relax and rejuvenate; and luxury body treatments that restore dull, dry skin and hydrated it to make it silky and healthy once again.

Often we forget that vacations means indulging and spoiling ourselves a little bit and what better way to do that then to spend a little time at a great spa.

See ZZZippy's list of Best Spas in the Orlando Area

Get soaked at SeaWorld® Orlando

If you want some fun and excitement but kinda Disney'd out you might want to try a new theme park experience, the wet and crazy kind you'll find at SeaWorld® in Orlando. This interactive theme park and marine zoological park, located on the outskirts of Orlando delivers guests some thrilling rides, inspiring shows, unforgettable exhibits and even some every exclusive park experience.

AT SeaWorld you can ride Manta® (their flying roller coaster, or you can take on the blazing fast floorless coaster Kraken! It's a great place to enjoy memorable live shows and unique attractions including their latest, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin.

Another excellent Orlando adventure for kids and adults alike.

www.seaworldparks.com/Orlando

Laugh, Be Entertained, Be Amazed... at La Nouba

Are you ready to laugh? Well if you are this is the place to be. La Nouba is one of Circue du Soleil's finest shows. Located in Downtown Disney, La Nouba is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the parks. Residing in a custom-built, freestanding theater at Disney Springs' West Side it is easy to get to and not difficult to get into (reservations are always recommended).

This fun-filled performance will surprise, delight and mystify you from lights up to lights down. In fact, the laughs begin well before the show even starts as performers begin their show prelude as guests are shuffling in. It's a great show... see it!

La Nouba - Cirque du Soleil

Enjoy the Glorious Harry P. Leu Gardens

Here is an opportunity to enjoy some peace and quiet, some nature and some art all at the same venue. The Harry P. Leu Gardens are semi-tropical and tropical gardens in Orlando which consist of approximately 50 acres of landscaped grounds and lakes, with meandering trails shaded by 200-year-old oaks and forests of camellias.

According to directors from the organization the garden is designed specifically to inspire visitors to appreciate and understand plants.

The Leu House Museum located in the heart of the gardens reveals turn-of-the century living for the families who once called this marvelous place, home.

Guests consistently discuss a "peaceful tranquility" that they feel each time they visit. If you want a little quiet time surrounded by beauty, this might just be the place for you.

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Step Back in Time at Disney’s BoardWalk

If you happen to do Disney while in Orlando make sure that you take time to experience the charm and elegance of this turn-of-the-century Atlantic City re-creation. This waterfront venue features swimming pools, unique dining, exciting nightlife, carnival games, old fashioned bike rides and many of the activities that one would have expected to find in old-world Coney Island (right down to the boardwalk itself).

Guests can relax at Luna Park Pool and delight in a massage at the state-of-the-art fitness center. Dine at one of several very good restaurants (or purchase food from one of the unique food vendors) or just stroll the grounds and take in the sites and sounds of this throwback to a slower pace, more simple time.

Another advantage to those attending the parks, the Boardwalk is located within walking distance to both Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/boa...

Overlook Orlando on the Orlando Eye

If you want to get away from the parks take a few minutes and visit one of Orlando's newest attractions, the Orlando Eye. On the Eye you will be lifted away in a capsule of calm and serenity to see Orlando in a way you’ve never imagined. This 400-foot tall observation wheel provides breathtaking views of Central Florida in all directions, with sights of downtown Orlando’s skyline, theme parks, lakes and lush landscape, and on a clear day, views of Cape Canaveral on the east coast and it's fun for people of all ages. Each capsule is fully enclosed and air-conditioned for a more comfortable experience.

If you're anywhere near the heart of International Drive you'll see it lit up at night, standing tall and pretty.

https://www.officialorlandoeye.com

Take in a Concert at Any One of Orlando’s Concert Venues

For many of us a vacation or getaway is incomplete without music; and there is no better way to enjoy music than at a live concert. Fortunately for you Orlando has several concert venues... and I'm sure that there is one that is perfect for you!

See ZZZippy's List of Orlando's Best Concert Venues


Believe it… or Not,
this Trip is Fun for the Entire Family

Where can you find shrunken heads, vampire killing kits, a 3 legged man, Abraham Lincoln's portrait made of pennies and countless other oddities and anomalies of the human race and of our world. You'll also experience brain teasers, detailed miniature sculptures and many world records... all presented in a fun and humorous manner.

In fact, before you even step inside, you’ll see that the building seems to have fallen into a sinkhole as it leans dramatically one way making visitors a little uneasy about the stability of the building itself.

One of the reasons tat Ripley's made our list is because there are so many things to see, and such a variety that everyone walks away talking about several of the things that interested them particularly. Plus you can spend all the time you want enjoying the exhibits and the oddities. Who could ask for more than that?

www.ripleys.com/orlando

Worship and Partake in the Holy Land Experience

The Holy Land Experience is a Christian theme park in Orlando, which conducts weekly church services and bible studies for the general public. This theme park recreates the architecture and themes of the ancient city of Jerusalem in 1st century Judea.

There are several activities and things to do and see at the HLE including a recreation of the Garden of Eden, Christus Gardens (a rare art collection of antique figures depicting the life of Christ), the House of Judea (a venue for the park's popular productions, the Crystal Living Waters (a water show featuring fountains and lights which create a breathtaking, inspirational show in the Reflecting Pool and a host of other experiences for guests.

The Holy Land Experience offers a unique twist to today's, conventional theme park adventures.

www.holylandexperience.com

Buzz the Tracks of the Orlando Kart Center

Orlando Kart Center is an outdoor kart track, which provides "Arrive & Drive" karts to guests of all ages (must be a minimum of 5 feet tall). No license is required to drive and they supply everything that you need to have an amazing race experience.

The karts reach a top speed of 45 miles per hour in an extremely challenging road course, scattered with real curbing and bumps.

The company also offers and an area where non-drivers can observe their loved ones as they race like the wind.

What we like most about Orlando Kart Center; they really do what they can to make your experience a good one!

www.orlandokartcenter.com

Float High Above Orlando on a Spectacular Hot Air Balloon Flight

While Orlando is beautiful from the ground it's spectacular from the sky. When you book a Hot Air Balloon ride you will see this beautiful city like you've never seen it before.

From the lakes to the tree tops, from the rolling golf courses to the natural marshes, this is a breathtaking way to experience the natural surroundings below you.

Make your trip even more memorable as you glide gently across the skyline.

By the way, book a sunrise flight for an even more astonishing view.

See Orlando's Top Hot Air Balloon Ride Companies

See the Latest, Greatest Movies at the AMC in Universal Studios

See today's Blockbuster movies and enjoy your favorite stars as you watch

Sit back, relax and enjoy today’s biggest movies at AMC® Universal Cineplex 20 with IMAX®! The very best of Hollywood is showing there everyday and night. This fabulous theater, located within Universal's CityWalk® features twenty screens, including an immersive IMAX* Experience theater. Each theater provides guests with all-stadium seating and high backed rocking chairs, as well as state-of-the-art projection and sound systems. In addition, the theater’s concession stands serve hot foods like pizza and fries, plus a full liquor bar featuring beer and wine.

This brings yet another enjoyable dimension to your Orlando visit.

https://www.amctheatres.com/movie-theatres/orlando...

Rock Until You're Blue in the Face. Blue Man Group at Universal Studios

The first time you see the Blue Man Group you'll think "what the hell was that?". But don't worry, the next time you see them you'll think the same thing.

The Blue Man Group is a fun, heart, pounding, foot-stomping, musical/comedy hybrid that always delivers an excellent, interactive show that has audiences laughing and talking about the performance long after the show goes dark.

If you've not seen the Blue Man Group then this is a must-see next time you're in Orlando (or anywhere else you can catch one). If you have seen the show, well I don't have to prod you because you'll see it again... you already know.

www.universalorlando.com/BlueManGroup

Chill Out and Dig the Scene at the Thornton Park District

If you are in search of a party atmosphere with loads of cool options and fun things to do, head over to the Thornton Park District. You can get a little taste of just about everything from Russian Ballet to Hip Hop in the streets, from wine tasting to art walks. You may find you and your friends doing Karaoke or you may want to do a little Yogamix and get the blood pumping. If you're not up for that then just do some shopping at some of the many boutiques or some tasting at the district's restaurants and pubs.

Sight, sounds, taste and more at the Thornton Park District... Downtown for Grownups!

www.thorntonparkdistrict.com

"Fun Things To Do"
in Other Great US Cities:
Fun Things To Do In Maui
Fun Things To Do In New Orleans
Fun Things To Do In the Florida Keys