Best Things to Do in Orlando

Wakeboarding? Yes. And on top of all that exciting lake-borne action, those looking for something a little more whimsical (or folks with tots in tow) can partake in OWC's Aquapark, a LEGO-inspired flotilla of climbing obstacles, slides and more that will wear you - and more importantly, your kids - out! No special skills are required, life jackets keep things super safe, and hours of fun are virtually guaranteed. Climbing towers, monkey bars, and multiple slides await, along with other challenging floats you'll want to conquer again and again. Most activities here require some form of waiver and are booked according to time increments. The minimum age for the Aquapark is 6 and reservations are definitely recommended.

No, Harry P. Leu Gardens isn't free all the time, but plan your visit just so and you'll enjoy gratis admission, available on the first Monday of every month from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with last admittance at 4:00 pm. Fans of phenomenal flora delight in Leu Gardens, where cycads and azaleas, philodendrons and bromeliads and other exotic offerings, some with harder-to-pronounce names than others, grow and flourish and pose colorfully for photographers' cameras. The Leu House Museum, a beautifully restored 19th Century home, is open for guided tours on the hour and half-hour. Fine art fans will find a multitude of sculptures dotted among the horticultural offerings, as well.

The numerous eateries, nightclubs, theaters, live entertainment and shopping venues located in this 30-acre complex will reel you in and keep you for the entire afternoon and night. Casual and fine dining establishments such as Antojitos or Emeril's (named after renowned chef Emeril Lagasse) are found throughout CityWalk, offering a wide variety of choices to suit all different preferences. Eat, drink, shop, sing karaoke, enjoy live music or catch a world-class show. Come nighttime, you might choose to dance the night away, catch a movie or hit up the mini-golf course. It's amazing at night! Additionally, free water taxis can transport you to a number of beautiful on-site hotels for exploration, cocktails or elegant meals.

It bills itself as "Orlando's best half-day attraction" and we tend to agree - though increasingly it's upping its game. In a city that often puts people at odds with their budget (time and/or money) with so many amazing parks to visit, Gatorland does the day's schedule for you: half spent exploring a park devoted to Florida's most famous native inhabitants, half spent by the resort pool with a cold beverage. Of course, if you want more gator - have at it. Catch Gatorland's animals and handler shows in the afternoon, hit the splash pad with the kids, then try the Screamin' Gator Zipline, where adventurers soar at speeds approaching 30 m.p.h. over live alligators and crocodiles. There's a nighttime run, as well. Other fun add-ons include the Gator Night Shine and various into-the-swamp jaunts for up-close alligator action. Even with supplemental activities, Gatorland still ranks as a comparative theme-park bargain.

Your friends and family will do a double take when you send them selfies of yourself and Oprah, Lady Gaga or Shaquille O'Neal. Although the snapshot with Albert Einstein may give up your gig. Madame Tussauds Orlando is much more than a wax museum of famous faces. The exhibit is divided up into numerous rooms - political figures together, sports figures somewhere else and even super heroes get their own area. All the rooms are wonderfully themed. Some have music, others have interactive props and all have great lighting to get those perfect photos! Plan to spend at least an hour, if not more. When you're done, enjoy exploring ICON Park where the wax museum is located.

3D movies and planetarium shows, towering dinosaur skeletons and the wonders of space, four floors of interactive science exhibits in the realms of weather and engineering, live animals and hands-on science programming, not to mention limited engagement exhibits of all kinds depending on when you visit, make the Orlando Science Center an ideal place to spend a day â€" with or without children. Experience the gale force winds of a Category 1 hurricane firsthand, watch a live gator feeding, discover the real-life sea monsters that ruled the prehistoric seas and take in a giant-screen movie or laser show in the Dr. Phillips CineDome. You can even plan an evening SkyWatch at the Crosby Observatory (check the OSC website for this and other special events â€" even those that are 21+!).

It's pretty awe inspiring seeing Shuttle Atlantis on display at Kennedy Space Center visitor Complex. Just about an hour drive from Orlando, this is a destination you want to make time for. After getting an up close and personal look at Atlantis, you can take a ride on the Shuttle Launch Experience. This simulated attraction gives you a front row seat aboard a shuttle mission. New in 2021 is Planet Play, a fully immersive multiple-story indoor play area where children ages 2-12 can interact, get active and learn all about space. KSCVC is a multitude of history, science and wonder. You can visit the Rocket Garden, reminisce about the space program, meet the newest concept vehicle, Mars Rover Vehicle Navigator and plenty more.

From goats at the petting zoo to the super cool insect zoo (your enthusiasm will depend on your comfort level with creepy-crawlies), this Sanford Zoo isn't as small as it may seem. More than 350 animals representing roughly 200 species call this place home, including elephants, llamas, cheetah, apes and a whole house full of reptiles to ooh and ahh over. Active visitors may want to take a turn on the on-site aerial adventure course and everyone enjoys the weekend Keeper Chats. Who wouldn't want to learn more about the zoo's colorful, beautiful residents?

Stay in the comfort and safety of your car while enjoying a drive-thru safari where dozens of animals are on display and zero human interaction is required. The safari covers more than 85 acres and includes animals like zebras, giraffes, bison, alligators and more. It's about an hour to complete the safari, but driver beware, you're at the mercy of the animals. If an emu takes a rest in the roadway, you have to wait for the fella to move before hitting the gas pedal. The speed limit on the safari is just 5 mph. Have your camera ready because more than likely a goat, white-tailed deer, longhorn cattle or one of their buddies will stroll right by your vehicle. If you want to stretch your legs, Wild Florida also has air boat rides and animal encounters with some exotic friends like albino alligators.

Do not sleep on Disney Springs. You can easily spend a day, or more here. Start the morning at Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew with a peanut butter explosion donut and a specialty cold brew. Head to Splitsville Luxury Lanes for some bowling in a fun environment and enjoy more great eats and cocktails. Grab some of the best seafood in town at the Boathouse and then take a spin on the amphicar, an antique car that turns into a boat. Looking for more unique activities? Make personalized M&Ms at the M&M store, create your own minifigure at the LEGO store and design and make a candle, from scent to color, for $25 at Bowe's Signature Candles. Look up and you can't miss the Aerophile, the balloon that takes guests 400-feet up for an 8-minute ride. When you're craving a snack, stop by Amorette Patisserie, one of the Disney food trucks or Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC for a gluten free, vegan treat.