The kids are having a blast exploring the wonders of space and technology. Photo courtesy of Canva

Fun Things You Can Only Do in Orlando: Attractions

1. Kennedy Space Center - Merritt Island

Explore the story of humanity in space through attractions, films, presentations, memorials and more at this inspirational destination. Start with the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour, which gives you access to restricted and exclusive areas of the Center. See actual rockets from NASA’s Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs in the Rocket Garden. Other highlights include the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame, Hubble Space Telescope Theater and the Shuttle Launch Experience.

2. Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center - Kissimmee

Located across I-4 from Walt Disney World, this luxurious hotel is a Central Florida gem. Unique amenities include expansive glass atriums showcasing Florida's diverse landscapes, a nightly atrium light show, on-site Cypress Springs Water Park, nine on-site restaurants and much more. And don't get us started on the holiday-themed events at Gaylord Palms!

3. Harry P. Leu Gardens - Orlando

Experience 50 acres of botanical beauty at this horticultural paradise.  Explore multiple gardens and collections, including azalea, bamboo, fern, hibiscus, magnolia, rose, and more plants and flowers. Keep an eye on the MP events calendar as we post Leu Gardens events throughout the year

4. Lake Eola Park - Downtown Orlando

The wonder of nature is on display at Lake Eola Park, an oasis in the heart of downtown Orlando, featuring beautiful flower beds, pristine landscaping, live swans, and other birds. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities — renting swan-shaped paddle boats, enjoying a performance at the Walt Disney Amphitheater, or visiting the sculptures of See Art Orlando.

5. Disney Springs - Lake Buena Vista

Shop 'til you drop at high-end retail stores, eat at world-class restaurants, and enjoy unique entertainment at Disney’s one-of-a-kind shopping district, where parking is always free. But whatever you do, be sure to save room for the made-from-scratch, "almost half-pound" cookies from Gideon's Bakehouse that take over 24 hours to create!

Meet your favorite characters at Epcot. Photo by the author

Fun Things You Can Only Do in Orlando: Theme Parks

6. Gatorland - Orlando

Opened as a roadside attraction in 1949, this iconic theme park has been entertaining families for 75 years. In addition to the thousands of alligators and crocodiles, Gatorland features a breeding marsh with observation tower, free-flight aviary, petting zoo, train ride, and one-of-a-kind shows, including Gator Jumparoo, Alligators-Legends of the Swamp, and Up-close Encounters. An Orlando original and an absolute must-do!

7. Epcot - Lake Buena Vista

One of three Disney theme parks which are exclusive to Florida (and my personal favorite), Epcot is a foodie paradise. It features restaurants from 11 nations worldwide, as well as four festivals offering multiple food booths to tempt your palette. Plus you can experience one of Disney’s most unique and imaginative attractions, and its most distinctive park icon, Spaceship Earth.

8. Hollywood Studios- Lake Buena Vista

Experience unique attractions such as Rock & Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith, Slinky Dog Dash and Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular at this one-of-a-kind theme park. And coming in 2027: an entire land devoted to Monsters, Inc.

9. Animal Kingdom - Lake Buena Vista

As a cross between theme park and zoo, Animal Kingdom features the best of both worlds: spectacular attractions like Expedition Everest and Avatar: Flight of Passage, as well as hundreds of species of animals native to Asia and Africa.

RELATED: A Guide to Peppa Pig Theme Park: Little Piggies Love This Legoland Attraction

10. Epic Universe - Orlando

Universal Orlando’s third theme park, its first since Islands of Adventure opened in 2001, is scheduled to open in 2025. It will feature the following immersive lands -- filled with themed attractions, shops and restaurants -- Nintendo World, Dark Universe, How to Train Your Dragon: Isle of Berk, and Harry Potter & the Ministry of Magic.

11. SeaWorld Discovery Cove - Orlando

Enjoy a day of all-inclusive luxury as you swim with dolphins, snorkel with fish, hand-feed tropical birds, explore lush waterfalls, and relax on white sand beaches. Daily attendance is limited to ensure every guest gets the VIP treatment. Amenities include unlimited food and beverages all day long, complimentary beer and wine, towel service, free parking, and more.

The Wheel at Icon Park lights up the night with its brilliant colors. Photo courtesy of ICON Park

Fun Things You Can Only Do in Orlando: Activities

12. Icon Park - Orlando

Conveniently located on International Drive, Icon Park is Orlando’s one-of-a-kind entertainment destination. The Orlando Eye, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, Orlando Museum of Illusions, and the 7D Motion Theater. There’s also shopping, live entertainment, and more than a dozen sit-down and quick-service eateries.

13. Walt Disney World Holiday Celebrations - Lake Buena Vista

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party features a themed parade and special snacks, Mickey and Minnie Mouse in costume, and more Disney villains than you will ever encounter. The winter holidays offer a greater variety of experiences, including Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, Jollywood Nights at Hollywood Studios, and International Festival of the Holidays at Epcot.

14. Universal Orlando Resort Holiday Celebrations

Those who are stout-of-heart may wish to brave Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Resort’s annual fright fest featuring multiple scare houses, often themed to popular horror and sci-fi franchises. On the lighter side, the Holidays at Universal offer visitors many delightful experiences, including Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s, Grinchmas, and The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts™ Castle.

15. Mister Rogers Walking Tour - Winter Park

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood that shaped Mister Rogers. Embark on a self-guided walking tour of Rollins College, where you’ll experience exclusive memorabilia, photos, artwork, and the stunning outdoor sculpture, “A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor.”

16. The Great Magic Hall - Kissimmee

Fans of magic will thoroughly enjoy this unique attraction which explores the history, characters, and styles of magic. Watch magicians perform numerous astonishing acts with mind-boggling effects that will have you believing in the impossible.