Say goodbye to the boring weekends and routine birthday parties. Think outside the box and dare to try something new. Take a look at what your city has to offer – all within driving distance of your location. You might be surprised!
(407) 440-7000
400 W Church StOrlando, FL 32801 Directions
Get the best arts, music and entertainment value at Amway Center, where there's always an event going on to suit your taste. Sports? Check. Musical performances? Definitely. Family shows? Covered. From the Orlando Magic, to Elton John, to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, your entertainment buck stops here.
Amway Center is a multi-purpose arena and home to the NBA's Orlando Magic, Arena Football's Orlando Predators and MISL Soccer's Orlando Sharks.
The arena's seating accommodates up to 17,000 spectators for basketball games, but can also be rearranged to seat a few thousand concert-goers in a more intimate setting.
The Amway Center opened in 1989 with a performance by Bill Cosby. It has hosted a myriad of talented performers like Jimmy Buffett, Elton John, Billy Joel, Cher, Neil Diamond, Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith and a host of other legendary performers.
Family-friendly events are also a big hit here, with shows like Disney on Ice, Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey's, Mannheim Steamroller and Blue Man Group returning to sold-out crowds.
(407) 939-5277
1534 Blizzard Beach DrOrlando, FL 32830 Directions
Have a blast at Blizzard Beach, a Disney water park that features free-fall water slides, toboggan races, chair lifts, and other fun blizzard-themed rides. It won't take long to find out how Blizzard Beach got its cool name, since it's the perfect place to chill out on a hot day. You've got to sample each of the nearly one dozen water slides, including the one that's the tallest in the world!
(407) 849-2577
401 W Livingston StOrlando, FL 32801 Directions
If there's a show worth catching, you'll find it at the Bob Carr Theater. The center is Orlando's crown jewel of culture, with touring Broadway shows, famed musical acts and don't-miss events and attractions. It's also home to the Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera and Orlando Philharmonic.
The Bob Carr Theater is the cornerstone of the Orlando Venues entertainment complex, constructed in 1926 and flourishing throughout the years.
Originally known as the Municipal Auditorium, the venue got its start hosting grand-scale operas, stage productions and organ recitals. It even dabbled in the movie-house business for awhile, to the chagrin of neighboring competitors at the time.
In 1975, the venue was slated for renovation and expansion, transforming it into a world-class auditorium, theater and concert hall.
Today, the Bob Carr Theater is known to host some of the largest and most popular touring productions of Broadway shows. Famed cultural programs like the Orlando Ballet, Orlando Opera, Orlando Philharmonic and the Festival of Orchestras also call the Bob Carr Theater home.
(813) 884-4386
10165 N McKinley DrTampa, FL 33612 Directions
Gaze at the exotic animals of Busch Gardens, a theme park that offers guests an up-close view of amazing animals in a variety of outdoor settings. Walk through the Serengeti Plains, the deep jungle and a rain forest. Themed rides like the Kumba roller coaster offer plenty of thrills.
(407) 323-4450
3755 NW Hwy 17-92Sanford, FL 32747 Directions
Connect with the outdoors and the animals at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Featuring more than 400 creatures, the zoo holds fascinating educational and interactive opportunities for visitors, including Keeper Chats and Elephant Encounters.
(407) 351-2626
7400 International DrOrlando, FL 32819 Directions
Experience one of the most exotic and fun water parks in Florida, the CoCo Key Water Resort. With overhead canopies and a variety of towers, slides and floats, the water park provides water recreation fun for everyone.
(877) 557-7404
6000 Discovery Cove WayOrlando, FL 32821 Directions
Swim with the dolphins at Discovery Cove. You'll attend a short training session before venturing into the water for your very own face-to-face experience with a trained dolphin. Photo and video opportunities are available to document your experience at this attraction. Reservations are a must.
Discovery Cove takes you inside the special world of marine animals, where you'll get the chance to swim with dolphins and interact with exotic birds and other creatures.
Conveniently located next to SeaWorld Orlando and Aquatica, Discovery Cove is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure.
First, you'll attend a short training course with your dolphin adventure guide. The safety orientation and information session will prepare you for the next piece of excitement: Getting in the dolphin pool.
You'll learn how to use hand signals and positive reinforcement to encourage the dolphins to perform their special tricks. Then you'll participate in a one-on-one swim with a bottlenose dolphin!
Guests also have the option to extend their experience with the "Trainer for a Day" package. In addition to the 30-minute dolphin session, you'll also get a private photo session, more time with the dolphin trainers and a behind-the-scenes tour.
There are plenty of other fantastic opportunities to interact with marine and wildlife at Discovery Cove.
A coral reef section filled with thousands of tropic fish awaits. You can put on snorkeling gear and hit the reef, where you'll also find an underwater shark and barracuda tank. You can view these intimidating creatures up close, where they swim behind a wall of protective glass. Guests can also swim in the stingray tank, which features dozens of rays.
On land, more than 250 tropical birds await, including parrots, toucans and more than 30 other species. And when you're ready to relax, a man-made Tropical River flows around the park, and you can float past Discovery Cove's beaches, waterfalls and rainforest landscape. There's also a freshwater resort pool for more fun in the sun.
The all-inclusive price for admission includes all you can eat or drink, including alcoholic beverages. All guests receive snorkeling gear, which includes a mask and a wetsuit or vest. Lockers, towels, sunscreen, and beach chairs are also included in admission to the park.
(407) 423-2476
1 Citrus Bowl PlOrlando, FL 32805 Directions
Catch all the action at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium, a 70,000-seat arena that hosts major football games and big-name entertainers. Main events include the Capital One Bowl, the Champs Sports Bowl, and Monster Jam.
The Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium calls the Orlando Venues complex home, and dominates the landscape as the largest tenant.
The stadium seats over 70,000 patrons and hosts some of the most-talked-about bowl games of the year.
Since the time it opened in 1946, the Citrus Bowl Stadium has grown and undergone numerous updates. The venue has hosted not only legendary bowl games, but also World Cup soccer games and concerts by iconic performers like the Rolling Stones
(844) 242-2777
7011 Grand National DrOrlando, FL 32819 Directions
Tour practically every nook and cranny of Central Florida with Florida Dolphin Tours. The tour company doesn't just book dolphin encounters. You can also swim with the manatees, watch a Space Shuttle launch, go to an Orlando Magic game, visit Cocoa Beach by air boat or glide past gators in the Everglades.
(407) 363-3867
5700 Fun Spot WayOrlando, FL 32819 Directions
Go for the thrill of it at Funspot Action Park, where go karts, thrill rides and kiddie activities await the entire family. A multi-level go-kart track will have you zipping around like a pro in no time.
(407) 855-5496
14501 S Orange Blossom TrailOrlando, FL 32837 Directions
If you've ever dreamed about wrasslin' gators, this is your chance to watch it up close. At Gatorland, you'll see plenty of gators and crocs, an aviary, breeding marsh and petting zoo, as well as the infamous Gator Wrestlin' Show and other attractions.
Bring on the gators! At Gatorland, you're never far from the snapping jaws of these incredible reptiles.
Known as the Alligator Capital of the World, Gatorland is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles. There's also plenty of interactive fun with a petting zoo, swamp walk and reptile shows.
The art of alligator wrestling is a huge draw here, where crowds can safely watch from the observation tower.
A new feature at Gatorland is the Gator Gully Splash Park. More than ¼ acre of water fun awaits guests, providing the perfect chance to cool off during those hot Florida afternoons. Fun features at the water park include dueling water guns mounted on two giant gator rides, a tame dash-n-spray for the little ones, and a water-play fountain perfect for kids (and grown-ups) of all ages.
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park founded in 1949, and is the perfect getaway for families large and small.
(407) 846-0770
1368 S Poinciana BlvdKissimmee, FL 34746 Directions
Milk a cow, ride a pony or pet an Asian water buffalo at the Green Meadows Petting Farm, where kids get hands-on lessons about farm animals and more. Hay rides, train rides and a pumpkin patch are all part of the fun at this attraction, too.
(407) 872-2272
4655 Vineland RdOrlando, FL 32811 Directions
Experience spirituality like never before at the Holy Land Experience. Part museum attraction and part reenactment spectacle, the Holy Land Experience features a replica of downtown Jerusalem, a prayer garden, and other period backdrops that set the stage for dramas and musicals.
The Holy Land Experience is a truly unique place, where guests can experience a trip to the Holy Land complete with actors who play biblical roles and act out well-known scenes from the Bible.
Themed exhibits and a biblical museum are the main attractions at the 15-acre Holy Land Experience in Orlando.
The biblical park was founded by a Baptist minister and was recently bought by Trinity Broadcasting Network, the largest Christian television network in the U.S.
Features at the Holy Land Experience include:
Jerusalem Street Market: Modeled after a Middle Eastern marketplace, the Jerusalem Street market features a city well and street merchants who interact with visitors.
The Old Scroll Shop: Experience shopping in the first-century at this unique store.
Wilderness Tabernacle: A High Priest discusses the ancient priesthood of Israel, leading to the Ark of the Covenant.
Church of All Nations Prayer Garden: You'll be transported back in time to the section of bedrock where Jesus is said to have prayed before his arrest.
Temple Plaza: A magnificent six-story temple is at the heart of the Temple Plaza. The building plays host to live musicals and presentations.
Other features at the Holy Land Experience are the Dead Sea Qumran Caves, The Judean Village, Calvary's Garden Tomb, the Oasis Palms Cafe, the Last Supper Communion where guests may join Jesus and his disciples in the Last Supper, and The Jesus Boat which is a replica of a boat found in the Sea of Galilee, dated to the time of Christ.
(866) 737-5235
Kennedy Space Center SR 405Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 Directions
Are you up for an adventure? Strap yourself in for the Astronaut Training Experience at the Kennedy Space Center. Ride the flight training simulators, and build and launch your own rockets during the half-day family group program.
(866) 630-8315
8387 International DrOrlando, FL 32819 Directions
Madame Tussauds Orlando is rolling out the red carpet to become Florida’s latest celebrity hotspot! Madame Tussauds provides visitors the opportunity to indulge in the ultimate fame experience and set onto the red carpet amongst their favorite celebrities. Guests will experience the essence of America with this brand new, immersive and interactive wax experience, bursting with family fun and world-class entertainment.
(407) 480-2477
10724 Cosmonaut BlvdOrlando, FL 32824 Directions
Watch some serious go-karters duke it out for the title every weekend at the Orlando Kart Center. The future NASCAR stars of tomorrow just might be driving here on any given day.
(407) 896-7365
1001 E Princeton StOrlando, FL 32803 Directions
The spotlight shines on the talented youth at the Orlando Repertory Theatre, where pint-sized audience members can experience the thrill of live theater with shows that are relevant. There's also a Disney-themed camps for kids from kindergarten through high school.
(407) 514-2000
777 E Princeton StOrlando, FL 32803 Directions
Examine the forces of nature at the Orlando Science Center, where you can explore exhibits and attractions and learn about a variety of subjects, like how to predict the weather in the Severe Weather Center. Or discover how our planet interacts with the solar system in the "Our Planet, Our Universe" exhibit. Education, fun and discovery all under one roof.
The Orlando Science Center manages to sneak plenty of science into a fun-filled afternoon of adventure!
For more than 50 years, the Orlando Science Center has opened the door to imagination and curiosity. Four floors of exhibits, movies and live interactive events will keep your family engaged for hours.
The center has expanded its offerings and activities throughout the years to reflect changes in the way kids learn and interact.
The traveling exhibit hall and the Curiosity Center for pre-schoolers are both wildly popular with visitors. NatureWorks is the latest and greatest addition, allowing visitors to explore the natural sciences.
The new 207,000-square-foot facility opened in 1997 and includes the CineDome Planetarium with its giant screen films and planetarium shows.
(321) 697-3333
1875 Silver Spur LnKissimmee, FL 34744 Directions
Visit Osceola Heritage Park, a 120-acre complex that's set up for a range of great family friendly entertainment and attractions. It's the prime spot for livestock shows, the Houston Astros training camp, and big-name performers like Def Leppard, Norah Jones, Amy Grant & Vince Gill.
In the spring, the Houston Astros hold their training camp here. Another popular draw is the Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show & Fair.
Among the park's facilities are the Exhibition Building, KVLS Show Pavilion, a Multipurpose Pavilion, the Osceola County Stadium, and the Silver Spurs Arena.
Since it opened in 2003, Osceola Heritage Park has continued to live up to its reputation as a top-notch showplace for meetings, conventions, shows and sporting events.
Artists who have graced the stage at Osceola include Jim Morrison, Alan Jackson, Pearl Jam, Hall & Oates, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Toby Keith, Def Leppard, Norah Jones, Amy Grant & Vince Gill.
Family-friendly shows from Sesame Street and Disney are regular features here as well.
(407) 351-8800
9067 International DrOrlando, FL 32819 Directions
If you're in the mood for over-the-top entertainment, then head over to the Outta Control Dinner Show, voted "Best Dinner Show" by the local press. It's a mix of magic, impersonations and high-energy improvisational comedy, all while you dine.
(407) 352-7378
8501 International DrOrlando, FL 32819 Directions
Bring your best game to Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, where a pirate-themed adventure and attractions await. Play the Captain's Course, Blackbeard's Challenge, or the popular and cutthroat 36-Hole Adventure.
(407) 248-0590
6400 Carrier DrOrlando, FL 32819 Directions
Set sail on a wild trip during the Pirate's Dinner Adventure, where you and your family will interact with pirates, swashbucklers and more during this highly entertaining show. A replica ship floats on an indoor lagoon, creating the perfect dining atmosphere to enjoy the entertainment.
(407) 345-0501
8201 International DrOrlando, FL 32819 Directions
The freaks come out at all hours of the day at Ripley's Believe It or Not. The odditorium includes attractions like a life-sized matchstick car, an authentic cannibal skull, and other mysteries from far-flung lands. Enter at your own risk!
The Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando Odditorium promises a world of weirdness and wackiness from the onset. The building is constructed to look like it's falling into a sinkhole on one side.
True to the Robert Ripley's reputation as a man who chronicled the bizarre from around the globe, the museum/odditorium includes sixteen galleries that house artifacts, weird art and bizarre collections that will boggle the mind.
As one of 27 Ripley museums worldwide, the Orlando Odditorium's collection includes dinosaur bones and eggs, a life-sized Rolls Royce made entirely of matchsticks, shrunken heads, and other items that have chronicled Ripley's world travels and enthusiasm for unique and bizarre customs.
Other items on display include a piece of the Berlin Wall, a Mona Lisa made out of toast and a portrait of Van Gogh made from 3,000 postcards.
In all, 400 exhibits, artifacts and displays are available for closeup viewing.
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