39 Fun Things To Do In Orlando For Adults

It’s no secret that Orlando is a world-renowned family destination. However, this city also has plenty to offer adults in search of fun and excitement while on vacation.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for an adrenaline rush, a foodie seeking delicious cuisine, or a culture buff looking for a dose of art and history, Orlando has plenty of attractions to keep you entertained.

1. Disney Springs

Disney Springs is both a free-to-park and free-to-enter shopping, dining and entertainment district located within the Walt Disney World Resort.

However, unlike say, Magic Kingdom, Disney Springs offers a more mature experience which is highly suited to adults looking to dine at delicious restaurants, experience a high-end wine-tasting class or dance the night away.

While Disney Springs is best experienced on an evening, there’s still plenty to do here during the day – and it’s quieter too!

2. Kennedy Space Center

Located just one hour from Orlando, Kennedy Space Center is a must-visit attraction – even if you’re not a space enthusiast.

The Kennedy Space Center is the headquarters for NASA’s space activities. Rockets are launched here, and space missions are conducted from here, including the famous Apollo moon landing missions.

However, while this is a working space centre it’s also home to a complex which is designed to educate and entertain visitors. Here you can eat astronaut food, experience a simulated shuttle launch, and even try living on Mars!

A visit to the Kennedy Space Center might be a little pricey. Yet, the unforgettable adventure of touring the facilities and experiencing life without gravity makes it a worthwhile experience in our opinion.

3. Winter Park

If you think the area of Orlando is limited to just theme parks then think again, as just a short drive away is Winter Park.

Winter Park is a scenic city where you can walk along brick streets lined with old camphor and oak trees.

This historic city also holds many festivals throughout the year, including the Bach Festival and the Sidewalk Art Festival.

The city gets its name from its numerous parks and playgrounds which include; The Dinky Dock park, which is ideal for fishing and Central Park is perfect for taking in the beautiful landscape.

4. My Beer Spa

My Beer Spa combines two of the best adult activities; relaxing at a spa and drinking a cold beer, in an experience like no other.

Though bathing in beer might seem weird, it’s incredibly relaxing and can be great for your skin. That’s because beer contains anti-inflammatory ingredients that help in skin rejuvenation.

My Beer Spa offers an array of treatments including both thermal tubs and a beer soak which are perfect for unwinding after a long day of shopping or an adventurous day in the nearby theme parks.

5. Titanic: Artifact Exhibition

One unexpected, yet incredibly popular attraction in Orlando is the Titanic Artifact Exhibition.

This exhibition is split into areas, each of which has been designed to look like a genuine part of the iconic ship throughout which you will learn about the Titanic’s tragic history and the stories of its passengers and crew.

The exhibit features an extensive range of more than 400 artefacts recovered from the wreckage, including personal items such as jewellery, clothing, and letters, as well as larger objects like furniture and machinery.

There are also interactive elements, such as a replica of the ship’s grand staircase, where visitors can take photos and imagine themselves as passengers on the ill-fated voyage.

One of the most memorable parts of the exhibition is the “cold touch” experience, where visitors can touch a simulated iceberg and feel how cold the water was on the night of the ship’s sinking.

6. CityWalk, Universal Orlando Resort

Located inside the Universal Orlando Resort is the entertainment, dining and shopping district of CityWalk.

While you will have to pay for parking to visit here (unlike Disney Springs) it is still one of the most popular attractions in Orlando for adults, and a great place to hang out with friends.

Some of the best restaurants at CityWalk include;

• Hard Rock Café
• Margaritaville
• The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium

While CityWalk opens at 8am (to accommodate visitors entering the Universal Orlando theme parks) it’s predominantly in the evening when this area comes to life.

Many bars and restaurants here are open until midnight Sunday to Thursday and as late as 2am on Friday & Saturday giving you plenty of time to dance the night away!

7. ICON Park

ICON Park is another vibrant entertainment complex located in the heart of Orlando, Florida.

This complex is home to a wide range of attractions, dining options, live music and shopping opportunities which cater to visitors of all ages and interests.

Some of the best things to do at ICON Park include;

• The Wheel
• Pearl Express Train
• 7D Motion Theatre
• Museum of Illusions

Meanwhile, some notable restaurants here include; Gordon Ramsay’s Fish and Chips, Carraba’s, Mikado, and iCafé de Paris.

8. Orlando Magic

If you’re a sports fan, then be sure to visit The Amway Center, home of the Orlando Magic.

This famous NBA team usually plays around 40 games at home here throughout the NBA season. As such, if you’re in Orlando at the right time, you should be able to catch a game!

Even if there are no Orlando Magic games on during your Orlando vacation, there still may be other events taking place here that you might want to check out.

Alternatively, consider going on a tour of the stadium, and visiting the Orlando Magic’s official team shop to get the latest NBA apparel and merchandise.

9. Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Located within the Walt Disney World Resort, Magic Kingdom is the most popular theme park in the world visited by more than 21 million people annually.

While Magic Kingdom is marketed as a family-friendly park, there are still plenty of attractions that adults can enjoy on their own, whether they’re travelling solo or with a group of friends.

For example, thrill-seekers can ride some of the park’s iconic roller coasters, such as the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Space Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

While foodies visiting the park can enjoy the many dining experiences which range from quick bites to fine dining experiences.

Some popular food options include the famous Dole Whip, Mickey-shaped pretzels, and gourmet dining at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

In addition to the attractions and dining options, Magic Kingdom also hosts a variety of entertainment throughout the day, including parades, stage shows, and character meet and greets.

10. Botanical Gardens

Located inside Winter Park is the Mead Botanical Garden. This garden is a spot that nature lovers will undoubtedly enjoy. It offers spacious, lush areas where you can relax with wildlife and flowers around you.

The natural habitat has flora and fauna like no other in the Orlando area. It’s a great place for birdwatching, taking nature photographs, or simply relaxing.

The garden is also dog-friendly. So, your furry friend can go with you for a hike along the vegetation.

11. Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola Park is one of the many free things to do in Orlando suitable for adults on vacation and locals alike.

Combining urban planning with gorgeous greenery, this park has a trail that extends for about a mile around the sparkling lake, providing a perfect walking path.

Though it’s affordable, the park is still unique with a stunning water fountain, an exotic Chinese pagoda and swans that bathe around the lake.

If you happen to be visiting Orlando over the holidays then Lake Eola Park is especially worth visiting thanks to it’s incredible and highly intricate decorations.

12. Madame Tussauds

Located inside ICON Park is the world-famous Madame Tussauds.

Here you have the opportunity to meet your favourite celebrity, in a wax format of course. As this entertainment complex features an extensive range of real-size notable celebrities and figures including;

• Taylor Swift
• Elvis Presley
• Brad Pitt
• Angelina Jole
• Tiger Woods
• Serena Williams

In addition to the wax figures, Madame Tussauds in Orlando also features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to step into the world of their favourite celebrities.

Guests can take a selfie with Selena Gomez, sing karaoke with Justin Bieber, or even meet the President of the United States in the Oval Office.

13. Florida Mall

The Florida Mall is Florida state’s third-largest shopping mall and is located just next to Orlando Airport (MCO).

This mall has more than 200 stores ranging from luxury fashion to popular high-street names making it the ideal destination for shopping enthusiasts.

Aside from the stores the mall also boasts an extensive food court which includes popular restaurants such as;

• Five Guys
• Taco Bell
• Carlo’s Bakery
• Cantina Catrina
• Shake Shack
• Natures Table

14. Animal Kingdom, Walt Disney World

Another one of the four theme parks located within the Walt Disney World Resort is Animal Kingdom.

This park combines the atmosphere of a zoo, botanical garden and amusement park all in one with a range of interactive experiences, dining opportunities and thrilling rides.

This park is designed to celebrate the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it, making it an excellent choice for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts.

One of the highlights of Animal Kingdom is the wide range of animals that call this park home. The park features a variety of habitats and environments, each with its own set of animal residents including;

• Giraffes
• Lions
• Tigers
• Hippos
• Cheetas

Consider upgrading your visit by taking part in one of the VIP experiences that allow you to get up close and personal with the animals and learn more about the conservation efforts that Disney is making both within the park and around the world.

15. Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park is a beautiful natural wonder located in Orange City, Florida, about an hour’s drive north of Orlando.

This park is home to a crystal clear spring that pumps out an impressive 100 million gallons of water every day, making it a popular destination for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.

The park’s main attraction is Blue Spring, a designated manatee refuge area where visitors can see these gentle giants up close during the winter months when they seek refuge in the warm waters of the spring.

The park is a prime location for viewing manatees and offers visitors the opportunity to learn about these amazing creatures through interpretive displays and ranger-led programs.

In addition to the manatees, Blue Spring State Park offers a range of other outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy including; hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

16. Sea Life Orlando Aquarium

The Sea Life Orlando Aquarium is a fascinating attraction located within ICON Park.

This aquarium is home to thousands of marine creatures from around the world, including sea turtles, rays, sharks, jellyfish, and many other species.

Visitors to the aquarium can explore a variety of exhibits that showcase different ocean habitats and the creatures that inhabit them.

This includes; the ocean tunnel that provides a 360-degree view of the marine life and the interactive rockpool experience, where visitors can touch different sea creatures such as starfish, sea urchins, and crabs.

17. Hollywood Studios, Walt Disney World

In our opinion, Hollywood Studios is one of the best theme parks within the Walt Disney World Resort for adults.

One of the main draws of Hollywood Studios is the chance to step into the world of some of the most beloved movie franchises, such as Star Wars and Toy Story.

The park features a variety of attractions and experiences based on these popular movies, including the Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge area, where visitors can explore a galaxy far, far away and even pilot the Millennium Falcon.

In addition to the thrill rides, Hollywood Studios also offers a range of shows and entertainment options. Visitors can enjoy live performances based on classic Hollywood films, such as Beauty and the Beast and Indiana Jones.

18. Harry P. Leu Gardens

Harry P. Leu Gardens is a beautiful 50-acre botanical garden located in Orlando, Florida.

The gardens are named after Harry P. Leu, a businessman and philanthropist who donated the property to the city in the 1960s. Today, the gardens are a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike.

The gardens are home to a diverse collection of plants and flowers from around the world, including over 2,000 species of camellias, azaleas, and roses.

In addition to the gardens, Harry P. Leu Gardens also features a historic home that dates back to the 1880s. The home is open for tours, providing visitors with a glimpse into the lives of the early settlers of Orlando.

19. SeaWorld Orlando

SeaWorld Orlando is designed to combine thrilling rollercoasters with a marine zoological park making it the perfect destination for adults on vacation.

One of the highlights of SeaWorld Orlando is its marine animal exhibits, which include dolphins, sea lions, otters, and penguins.

Visitors can observe these fascinating creatures up close and even interact with them through various programs and experiences.

SeaWorld Orlando is also home to some of the most thrilling rides in Orlando. One of the most popular is Mako, a hypercoaster that reaches speeds of up to 73 mph and provides riders with an intense and exhilarating experience.

The park also features other rides and attractions, including the Kraken Unleashed, a VR roller coaster, and the Journey to Atlantis, a water coaster that takes riders on a thrilling adventure through the lost city of Atlantis.

20. Topgolf

Even if you’re not a pro golfer, Topgolf is an experience you should try at least once. What sets Topgolf Orlando apart from other locations is the sunny weather, which gives the place a warm ambience.

You don’t need to worry if there are people who don’t like sports in your group. They’ll still enjoy the vast green area and the unmatched drinks.

The sports bar also offers various appetizers and dishes to fuel you throughout your golf round! An hour can feel like a couple of minutes at Topgolf.

21. Helicopter Ride Over International Drive

Have you ever wanted to ride in a helicopter? You have the chance to do so in Orlando!

The Helicopter Ride Over International Drive allows you a full view of Orlando. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of all the different theme parks too.

There are six different tours to choose from depending on what you want to see from above. You can see amazing celebrity houses on the Celebrity Grand Tour.

The tour also grants you a view of the Butler Chain of Lakes, where you might catch a glimpse of Florida’s alligators.

Alternatively, you can choose the SeaWorld, Universal, or Disney tour to fly over the iconic theme parks!

22. Fun Spot America

Instead of the complex concepts and characters of Universal and Disney, Fun Spot America keeps it simple. It’s full of thrilling rides that are perfect for both kids and adults.

Fun Spot is an underrated theme park if you want a day of excitement without crowds and lines. The park has almost no waiting time or long lines.

There, you can enjoy classic rides, bumper cars, and arcade games. The park also has the only wooden roller coaster in Orlando!

The theme park has a unique gator spot, where you can feed Buoya, the leucistic alligator. The best thing about Fun Spot is that it’s affordable. In fact, entry is free, and there are no complicated ticket systems!

23. Orlando Brewing

Orlando Brewing is a nice brewery tucked away from the crowded nightlife of Orlando.

The brewery is where you’ll have some organic beer in a laid-back atmosphere. It has friendly bartenders and is also dog-friendly.

You can try different on-tap beers that are locally brewed. This is Florida’s only organic brewery, so its main focus is beer. As for food, they have different menus from local restaurants that deliver to the brewery.

The brewery prides itself on serving only good beer. Simply put, Orlando Brewing is an authentic, old-school, bare-boned brewery—nothing more!

24. Orlando Museum of Art

If you’re a fan of arts and culture, you shouldn’t miss the Orlando Museum of Art. It’s not too crowded, and the staff is friendly and helpful.

The Orlando Museum of Art hosts multiple exhibitions throughout the year. However, some exhibitions are temporary, so catch them while you have the chance!

The permanent exhibitions are also worth the visit. The Orlando Museum of Art is home to a unique, extensive collection of work by Louis Dewis, a Belgian post-impressionist painter.

Furthermore, the museum carries the following distinct collections:

• Contemporary Art
• American Art from the 18th Century
• Art from the Ancient Americas
• African Art

25. Discovery Cove

If you want a more immersive experience than SeaWorld, just visit its sister park, Discovery Cove. You haven’t experienced aquatic animals until you’ve visited Discovery Cove.

At Discovery Cove, you can swim and play with bottlenose dolphins. In addition, the aquatic park offers snorkelling at its grand reef and underwater grotto.

Discovery Cove doesn’t only have aquatic animals, it’s also home to over 250 tropical birds which can be found in the free-flight aviary.

A heated tropical river runs through the aviary which allows you to float past the array of the park’s animal exhibitions.

26. Quantum Leap Downtown Winery

Quantum Leap Winery is in downtown Orlando. There, you’ll find some of the best wines in the southern U.S.

The winery has a local feel and the friendliest staff. Simply put, every wine lover in Orlando should stop by Quantum Leap.

The Orlando-based sustainable winery has a unique wine selection and affordable flights. This way, you can compare different, yet equally delicious, wines.

You can also enjoy your wine on Quantum Leap’s patio. Instead of traditional steak, Quantum Leap offers poke bowls with your wine, which allows the guest to focus on the wine notes instead of the food.

27. Universal Studios Florida, Universal Orlando Resort

Unlike theme parks within the Walt Disney World Resort, the parks within the Universal Orlando Resort have been predominantly designed and are marketed to; tweens, teens and adults.

The Universal Orlando Resort is made up of two theme parks and a water park, the most popular of which is Universal Studios Florida.

Universal Studios Florida, is home to a number of thrilling rides including Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit & Men in Black: Alien Attack.

Alongside the incredible rides, you’ll find a number of hyper-realistic themed areas, the most notable of which being Diagon Alley within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

28. Dr. Phillips Center for The Performing Arts

Even if you’re only in Orlando for a short period, make sure to set aside some time to visit Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

You don’t need to head to Broadway for good theatre, the centre has many wonderful productions.

The state-of-the-art facility has 11 different theatres and event spaces. There are no bad seats in the house. Even if you didn’t catch a premium seat, you’ll still get a pretty good view.

The centre offers plenty of marvellous shows, including:

• Disney’s Frozen
• Pride and Prejudice
• Wicked
• The Tina Turner Musical
• Moulin Rouge

29. Volcano Bay, Universal Orlando Resort

Since Universal has some of the best theme parks in Orlando, it’s no wonder their water park is also amazing. Unlike other water parks, the lines are shorter due to Universal’s innovative TapuTapu wearable armband.

The park takes inspiration from Polynesian culture. So, you’ll feel transported to a tropical paradise. There are four main areas at Volcano Bay: Krakatau, Wave Village, River Village, and Rainforest Village.

If you love water slides, you won’t want to miss Volcano Bay. That’s because it’s home to the tallest body slide in America, which is about 125 feet (38.1 m) tall!

The water park also features nightly shows at its signature volcano, Krakatau.

30. SAK Comedy Lab

If you’re a fan of improvisational comedy and live shows, head over to the SAK comedy lab. Orlando’s highest-rated live comedy club is definitely worth the visit.

The shows at the SAK Comedy Lab are intimate and engaging. That’s because it only seats 250 guests. The cast might even choose you to go on stage! The only downside is that you’ll have to book your seats early.

Each show at the SAK comedy club is different, yet equally hilarious. In fact, you might enjoy one show so much that you’ll stay for the next one!

The SAK Comedy Lab cast alumni include comedy actor Wayne Brady, if you still need convincing. So, you know the shows are delightful.

31. Teatro Martini

Teatro Martini is the perfect entertainment hub in Orlando. The lively theater is a great place to have a unique dining experience that you can’t find anywhere else.

The pirate-themed Teatro Martini is a circus meets speakeasy. You can enjoy funny, crazy, and entertaining shows while having premium-quality food and drink.

The shows at Teatro Martini include comedy skits, clowns, magicians, and acrobats. The award-winning performers and intricate choreographies are a lot of fun to watch.

32. Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal Orlando Resort

You haven’t experienced a real rush until you’ve visited Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Though it might seem like just another theme park in Florida, the rides are geared toward adults.

There’s something for everyone at Islands of Adventure. The park contains eight islands, each with a distinct theme;

• Jurassic Park
• Skull Island
• Seuss Landing
• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Port of Entry
• Marvel Super Hero Island
• Toon Lagoon
• The Lost Continent

Once you’re done with the various roller coasters and action-packed rides, head back to the Entry Port by following the park’s lighthouse. There, you can grab a bite and shop for souvenirs.

33. Aprons Cooking School

Aprons Cooking School has the most unique dining experience on the list by far. Not only will you savor elaborate dishes, but you’ll also learn a couple of cooking tricks to try at home.

The instructors at Aprons are professional and friendly as well. Most importantly, they’re passionate about food. Further, their engagement makes the cooking demonstration rather fun.

If you don’t want a cooking class as part of your dinner, you’ll still enjoy the appetizing food and the perfect wine pairing.

34. Aquatica Orlando

Water parks are an essential part of your Florida trip. Aquatica is one of the best water parks in Florida. It’s a simple, old-school water park that has all the essential water slides without costing you a fortune either.

At Aquatica, you can let loose and feel like a kid again. There are plenty of thrilling rides and water slides. If you want some relaxing time in the water, try the lazy pools too.

The only downside of this water park is that the lines can be long, especially if you go on the weekend. Still, the exciting pools make it all worth it.

35. Wild Florida Airboats

Wild Florida Airboats offers a unique take on a traditional zoo. Instead of watching caged animals, you’ll get to have a tranquil boat ride and see the wildlife up close.

The coastguard-certified airboat tour is where you can appreciate Florida’s distinct landscape. The boat takes you through Lake Cypress, so you might even meet some alligators.

If you want to make a full day out of Wild Florida, you should consider taking the safari tour as well. Simply walking around Wild Florida and enjoying the food can also be quite an adventure!

36. World of Chocolate Museum

Who doesn’t love chocolate? The World of Chocolate museum has cocoa treats from all around the world. It also features an exhibition of intricate chocolate sculptures.

The World of Chocolate Museum is a great place to taste many delicious types of chocolates, as well as wine and coffee. Your friends and family will surely appreciate all the tasty gifts you get from the museum.

There are many discount options for families and groups at the World of Chocolate Museum. You can choose any of the following tours:

• Museum Entry
• Sparkling Time
• Wine and Chocolate
• Café Lounge

37. The Escape Game

Going to an escape room is something you need to try at least once. So, seize this opportunity if you’re in Orlando with a group of adults.

The Escape Game in Orlando is one of the best escape room experiences. There are seven different themes and difficulties that fit everyone. You can choose a scary escape room, or just solve some mind-twisting puzzles.

Even if you’re not good at puzzles, the challenges, and the teamwork can still be pretty fun.

38. Frontyard Festival

If you’re in Orlando at the right time, you might catch the Frontyard Festival at Dr. Phillips Center. The festival is a paradise for music, arts, and film lovers.

In 2021, Frontyard Festival went on from January to December. There were screenings of cult classic movies and performances from local bands. Additionally, you’ll enjoy various street foods and merchandise.

Sadly, Dr. Phillips Center announced that the festival would be stopping for a while. Still, there’s hope that the festival will return. So, keep an eye out for it if you’re in Orlando.

39. ICEBAR Orlando

As the name suggests, ICEBAR is a bar in Orlando made entirely out of ice. ICEBAR is a cool spot to hang out with friends and take fun pictures.

Since it can get a little chilly there, the staff provides you with coats and gloves to keep you warm. You can even choose fashionable fur coats!

The bar’s ice princesses are incredibly friendly too. ICEBAR also caters to events and celebrations. You might even plan the perfect date night for you and your partner there.

If you prefer a warmer atmosphere, ICEBAR has a fire lounge and a main club as well. There, the temperature is warm and comfortable. Most importantly, the drinks and snacks at ICEBAR are exceptional.