20 Things to Do in Orlando, From Castle Fireworks to Clear Kayaking

By SophieOccasions EditorHome & Rooms·Oct 8, 2026·20 ideas·9 min read·Editorial standards

Looking for things to do in orlando beyond a packed theme park schedule? Castle fireworks, clear kayaks and colorful food stops give you plenty to choose from.

These ideas mix big attractions with slower outings, plus a few trips outside the city.

You can go all out with roller coasters or leave room for a garden walk and brunch. Pick your favorites rather than squeezing everything into one trip.

Check current schedules and availability before building your days around them.

Orlando Adventures and Little Stops Worth Saving

castle fireworks

We’re starting off strong with fireworks over Cinderella Castle. I love the purple lighting and those golden bursts filling the sky.

This is such a pretty way to finish a Magic Kingdom day.

Check the entertainment calendar for your visit. The castle decorations and lighting pictured here aren't something to expect every night.

a butterbeer break

How cute is this little Butterbeer toast? The foamy drinks and glowing shop windows make a lovely pairing in Universal’s Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Leave a little time to look around the storefronts instead of heading straight from one ride to the next. Those crooked rooflines deserve a second look.

clear kayaking

I am obsessed with the green water beneath this clear kayak. You can see right through the boat, with palm fronds hanging over the water around it.

For a similar outing, look into guided clear-kayak trips around Central Florida. Confirm the launch location before booking, since this photo alone doesn't identify the spring.

disney springs after dark

If you are looking for an evening built around dinner and a stroll, Disney Springs is one to consider. The illuminated glass entrance at Morimoto Asia is gorgeous against the dark sky.

Make a dinner reservation if there's a particular restaurant you want to try, then leave some room in your evening to wander.

swan boats on the lake

Who doesn't love a swan-shaped boat? These white boats with their bright yellow beaks are such a cute starting point for a Lake Eola outing.

Look into the current swan boat rental hours if you'd like to pedal out. Or keep things simple with a walk beside the lake.

a rocket garden day trip

The space fans are going to love this! The tall rockets at Kennedy Space Center's Rocket Garden are quite a change from castles and roller coasters.

This one is outside Orlando on the Space Coast, so give it its own day rather than treating it as a quick city stop.

reptiles at gatorland

Gatorland belongs on your list if you'd like an animal-focused outing. The staff member pictured here is holding a lizard, so there's a little reptile inspiration beyond the alligators in the name.

Check which presentations are offered during your visit. Leave animal handling to staff unless you're taking part in an explicitly supervised activity.

a spin above icon park

Want to see Orlando from a different angle? Consider a ride on the observation wheel at ICON Park.

I love how its white spokes fill the sky above the palms.

Don't forget a photo from the plaza too. You don't have to be up in a capsule to appreciate how big this wheel is.

winter park by boat

Don't want another day of rides and queues? Look into the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour.

The little dock and open lake make this a lovely change of scene.

Build a Winter Park outing around the boat trip rather than rushing back to your next attraction.

a volcano bay splash day

That towering volcano is hard to miss! Universal's Volcano Bay pairs it with waterfalls and bright blue water, as you can see here.

If a water park is on your wish list, give it a proper spot in your itinerary. I'd leave room to enjoy the pool instead of making the whole day a slide checklist.

an airboat outing

If you want to head beyond the theme parks, an airboat trip is another option. This group is surrounded by open water and marsh plants, with the boat's huge fan behind them.

Compare departure locations around Central Florida before choosing a tour. Follow the operator's safety instructions and treat wildlife sightings as a possibility, not a promise.

festival bites at epcot

Make a little room in your EPCOT plans for food stops. This coral-colored Patagonia booth is pictured at the International Food & Wine Festival, with an ordering window tucked under the awning.

Use it as inspiration rather than a current menu guide. Festival booths and dishes change, so check what's available for your dates.

a wildlife-minded paddle

How lovely is this underwater manatee photo? If it has you thinking about paddleboarding near Orlando, look for a guided outing that puts wildlife protection first.

The image doesn't establish a launch location or guarantee sightings. Give manatees plenty of space, never touch or feed them and follow local waterway rules.

the tree of life lit up

I love the purple, blue and pink lighting across Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life. The carved trunk looks so different with all that color above it.

If seeing it illuminated is on your list, check park hours and nighttime offerings for your dates. Don't assume every visit will include this after-dark view.

a colorful mural stop

This orange mural is just too cute. The turquoise background, rainbow-striped leaf and little heart make the painted “love Orlando” lettering even sweeter.

Add a mural stop to a neighborhood walk if you enjoy taking photos. Confirm this artwork's current location and condition before making a special trip.

a garden wander

Need a break from the big attractions? A garden walk is a lovely idea.

I especially love the hanging moss and leafy borders around this narrow path.

The garden isn't identified in the image. For a named option to research, consider Harry P. Leu Gardens, without assuming this exact walkway is there.

hot-air balloon views

If you are looking for something a little different, a hot-air balloon flight might belong on your wish list. That bright burner flame beneath the striped balloon is quite a sight!

Research currently operating providers around Central Florida before planning around a flight. Departures depend on weather, so keep your schedule flexible.

a roller coaster day

Calling all roller coaster fans! This turquoise track and train full of dangling feet are plenty of inspiration for a thrill-ride day.

Choose your park around the rides you most want to try. Check height requirements and ride advisories before joining the queue, especially if your group has different comfort levels.

brunch beneath the wheel

This is another reason to leave some time for ICON Park. The table has colorful breakfast plates, coffee and fruit-garnished drinks, with the observation wheel right behind it.

I love this idea for a slower start. Look for a patio table if you'd like a similar view, rather than grabbing something to eat between attractions.

a colorful crayola stop

Last but definitely not least, we have Crayola Experience. The giant crayons and bright yellow sign make the entrance hard to miss.

That orange crayon character is adorable!

Consider this for an indoor outing, especially if your group enjoys hands-on creative activities. Check current admission details and activities before you go.