Things to do in Orlando

Shopping 

If you have an empty suitcase you need to fill or are looking to purchase items you can’t find in your town, Orlando can fulfill all your shopping needs. Orlando malls rank highly on the list of malls in the state, and you have so many to choose from. Starting in the center of the city with the Mall at Millenia, you’ll find a gorgeous mall with shopping for every budget. The lower floor houses everyday stores such as Hollister and Urban Outfitters. Then on the higher floors, you’ll find more luxury shops such as Neiman Marcus, Prada, Gucci, Dior, and more. 

If you are looking for luxury shopping on a budget, however, I would recommend Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets. The Premium outlets contain authentic luxury brands for half the price it would cost anywhere else. Here you can find discounted Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Ralph Lauren, and so much more. The Orlando Vineland premium outlets are a hotspot for both Orlando locals and tourists alike, the savings and deals are sure to make your trip.  

If you are looking for a more themed shopping experience, try Disney Springs. It is no secret that Disney World is expensive and doesn’t always fit in the budget for large families. However, that shouldn’t mean you have to miss out on the Disney magic. Right on the outskirts of Disney is the huge mall called Disney Springs which offers both shopping and entertainment. Feel free to roam through the many Disney merchandise stores and familiar boutiques. Then when the shopping is over, why not fly on a hot air balloon ride, see a movie, make your own M&M’s candy, or ride a carousel? Disney Springs has it all for a fraction of the price of the park.

Lake Eola 

If you and your family are looking for a more low-key Orlando experience and aren’t into the hustle and bustle of theme parks and attractions, try Lake Eola. Lake Eola is a beautiful lake in the middle of the city of Orlando. In the backdrop of the lake is the bright skyline of Orlando’s downtown. This is one of Orlando’s best-kept secrets that is beloved and frequently used by both tourists and locals. 

Take some time out of your busy vacation to take a stroll down the park, lay in the gorgeous green grass, or even have a picnic at some of the many tables. Here at Lake Eola, you will also find the swans of Orlando. These swans are protected and roam around the park excited to make new friends and put on a show. If you like to get your body moving, you can rent a few of the swan-shaped paddle boats and take your family right into the famous lake. 

The park also regularly hosts farmer’s markets, yoga events, and wellness festivals. If you are looking for live music, the park also houses a rainbow amphitheater where live bands and orchestras perform on select weekends. Lake Eola is a relaxing experience for anyone visiting Orlando looking for a break and some fresh Florida air. 

International Drive

I like to call International Drive the Las Vegas of Orlando. I-Drive is a long road full of bright glittering attractions to take up your entire evening. Here you will find everything you might want to do on one road. There are a plethora of escape rooms, themed mini golf courses, and famous chain restaurants to explore. Along with this, International Drive includes immersive museums such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, the Titanic Expedition, and the Sea Life Aquarium. 

Then after driving down the avenue, you’ll pass a wizard-shaped souvenir store and find a curious upside-down building. This upside-down spectacle is called Wonderworks. Inside is a wonderland for families filled with laser tag, ropes courses, and imagination stations. It is easy to spend an entire day here and has something for all ages, from toddlers to teens and adults. 

Also on International Drive is Fun Spot Orlando, a small-scale amusement park. Here you and your family can experience thrilling roller coasters and speed past each other on a go-kart racing course. Once you have finished your race, the thrill doesn’t end. There is still a block’s worth of fast-spinning rides to enjoy at Fun Spot.  

International drive offers so much for all tourists, and it is common to see families enjoying themselves even after leaving the theme park. Make the most of your Orlando trip by visiting any of the many attractions on International Drive and you’ll have many stories to tell. 

Icon Park 

Also known as the Orlando eye, like London, the Orlando Icon is a towering Ferris wheel. From the moment you step out of your car, you’ll see the Icon in the skyline of Orlando. This wheel takes you 400 feet into the air and gives you a view of everything Orlando has to offer. Take the 20-minute ride and you’ll be able to see exciting theme parks, beautiful houses, and popping fireworks. This year you will even be able to view the progress of Universal’s new Epic Universe Park. If you have nothing to do on your first day here, I recommend Icon. That way the view from the top can help you decide how to spend the rest of your trip. 

Also Located in the Icon Park plaza are arcade rooms, Madame Tussaud’s Wax museums, ride-along trolleys, and a VR experience. Icon Park is a must-do for anyone visiting Orlando and wanting to experience the entire city in one moment. 

Orlando Science Center

Looking for more educational fun for yourself or your young ones? Make a trip to the Orlando Science Center. Located just above Lake Eola is a massive science museum that is sure to revive the child-like wonder in everyone. You can spend all day digging up dinosaur bones, learning about fossils, and exploring the land before time. If you are more into modern-day science, you’ll find the Kinetic Zone and STEAM gallery. In these zones, you can interact with the exhibit and see how technology works in our everyday world. 

The center also includes a new conservation exhibit that teaches you about animals, climate, and the world we live in. This multi-story exhibit takes you into a replicated swampland, ocean, and rainforest to educate you on healthy ecosystems and what it means to maintain them. The Orlando Science Center is sure to excite and inspire the little scientists in your family. It is a fun experience for all ages and a nice form of indoor entertainment when the weather isn’t ideal.

Theme Parks 

Last on the list and most obvious are the Theme parks. Orlando is filled with them. Orlando is home to the most theme parks in a single city. If you have a little extra money to spend and the desire to make your dreams come true, you must go to the theme parks. 

To start with the first theme park to call Orlando its home, Disney World. A few minutes south of Orlando is the world-famous Walt Disney World. Disney World is a family-friendly experience that will thrill you, excite you, and inspire you. There are four parks; Animal Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Magic Kingdom. Whether you are looking to play with your favorite Disney character, safari in a jungle, or fly through space on a speeding rocket, you can do it all at Disney World. Find the best deals on Disney World Tickets here.

The second famous park in Orlando Florida is Universal Orlando Resort. Universal Orlando consists of three parks: Universal Studios, Islands of Adventure, and Volcano Bay. These theme parks focus on riding the movies and helping you escape the world. Here you will find a plethora of 4D experiences and incredible adventures. You can save the world with your favorite characters and race raptors at high speed all in one day. This park has water rides, drop rides, and one of the fastest roller coasters in the United States. Universal also has thrilling stunt shows that will amaze any guest and make them forget the world around them. It is the place for the perfect vacation. Depending on what season you attend, Universal also hosts seasonal festivities, such as Mardi Gras, Halloween Horror Nights, and Grinchmas.  You can find the best deals on Universal Orlando tickets here! Want to skip the Universal lines? Find Universal Express Passes here.

Go Explore What Orlando Has to Offer

All in all, it is impossible to have a boring day while staying in the city of Orlando. There is more than enough to fill your days, and this list isn’t even half of it. If you drive by you’ll find even more theme parks such as Seaworld and the Slingshot. While shopping you’ll find even more stores with items you can’t find anywhere. Orlando takes amusement seriously and it shows as soon as you enter the city. Take advantage of your trip by following this guide and you are sure to find something exciting for you and your family to do. 

This guide was made in collaboration with Centauri Vacation Rentals. If you are looking for an affordable place to stay in the center of Orlando and only minutes away from all major theme parks, attractions, and malls, Centauri has just the place. Click the link above to book your stay!