fun things to do in orlando

Laura Madden

7 mins read

Apr 08, 2024

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7 Fun Things to Do in Orlando on a Rainy Day

Orlando is not one for being boring. The city has its share of excitement and unique places to explore. However, it’s also known for its incessant rains. With Walt Disney World, O-town is a revelers paradise, and immensely popular with tourists.

And when you’re visiting Orlando, things to do outdoors can quickly become scarce.

Stuck in Orlando on a rainy day and spoilt for choices? We’ve listed out seven fun things to do in Orlando as a family.

Top things to do in Orlando 

  1. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Orlando
  2. Orlando Science Center
  3. Crayola Experience Orlando
  4. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
  5. Dezerland Park Orlando
  6. WonderWorks Orlando
  7. Universal Orlando Resort

But First, Your Own Private Orlando Chef

One fun activity you can do if you’re stuck indoors in Orlando is to hire a private chef near you on CookinGenie.

We are a marketplace of neighborhood chefs where people can browse and book chefs in Orlando with a few clicks. And best of all, all you need is a basic kitchen with essential appliances. Our chefs bring the rest and clean up after themselves. So, take out a couple of minutes to browse Orlando chefs on our chef listings, now.

And now, onward to the seven most fun things to do in Orlando.

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Orlando

9299 Universal Blvd. Opens 11 AM.

Located near the Tangelo Park neighborhood, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games in Orlando is a premier go-karting and entertainment destination, perfect for a rainy day in the city.

It is a hit among locals and tourists alike. People who have visited highlight the exceptional quality of attractions and its attentive staff and clean, well-maintained environment. Andretti’s is perfect for a day of family togetherness and makes it to the top of our ‘fun things to do in Orlando’ list.

Andretti’s is easily accessible and opens at 11 AM (although public holidays may affect these hours). It offers a range of services, including a restaurant called The Andretti Grill with a straight up, no frills menu that does the job.

It boasts a variety of attractions for people of all ages:

  1. Electric Karting: Experience the thrill of racing around hairpin bends and long straightaways in electric karts.
  2. Arcade: Dive into a world of games, from classic arcade favorites to life-size apps.
  3. Hyperdeck: Challenge yourself with the latest in tactile VR experiences.
  4. 7D Ride: Embark on a sensory journey that promises to thrill and excite your every sense.
  5. Racing Simulators: Train like a pro and test your driving skills.
  6. Laser Tag: Engage in a high-energy battle in a black light battleground.
  7. Bowling: Enjoy boutique upscale bowling lanes for a more refined experience.
  8. Hologate: Immerse yourself in virtual reality with this cutting-edge FPS game.

Parties and Events

Andretti’s also hosts birthday parties and corporate events, offering over 10,000 square feet of event space, free Wi-Fi, and AV equipment packages. Andretti’s also promises a dedicated event associate to ensure a memorable event experience.

Orlando Science Center

777 E Princeton St. Opens 10 AM.

Orlando Science Center is the perfect place to spend three hours in interactive learning and fun when you’re in Orlando, Florida. This tourist attraction is not just a museum but a hub of hands-on science and technology exploration.

Visitors rave about the educational value and fun, highlighting the space and dinosaur exhibits as favorites. The center also hosts birthday parties and special events and guests praise the organization and communication of the staff. The surprising scale and variety of the exhibits engage visitors completely. So much so that fully exploring the center isn’t possible in one go.

The center is a treasure trove of educational and entertaining experiences spread across four floors.

  1. Interactive Exhibits: From the wonders of space to the prehistoric world of dinosaurs, each exhibit is designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages.
  2. Crosby Observatory: Home to Florida’s largest public refractor telescope, offering a unique stargazing experience.
  3. Exhibit Halls: Including NatureWorks, DinoDigs, Our Planet, Science Park, and KidsTown, each hall offers a unique learning experience.

Accessibility and Admittance

The center is attached to a parking garage with a covered walkway, ensuring easy and dry access. General admittance prices are: Adult, $24; Under 2 years, free admittance; 2+ years, $18; Student (with ID) and Seniors, $22.

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

8449 International Dr. Opens 11 AM.

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is a captivating destination for families. Visitors can learn about different ecosystems, participate in workshops, and engage with nature in a fun setting. The aquarium is famous for its rescued sea turtles and sharks.

If you’re short of time and can only visit one destination from our fun things to do in Orlando list, this is it. With opportunities for behind-the-scenes tours and interactive experiences, it’s a unique experience. The 360-degree view areas and the ability to revisit exhibits makes every visit fun.

Visitors can stay as long as they like until closing. The aquarium has touch pools and feeding experiences that offer hands-on learning. It’s designed to be family-friendly, with activities and exhibits that appeal to all ages.

Tickets start at $34.99 per adult. Discounts are available for Florida residents along with an option for a combo ticket with Madame Tussauds (located right next door).

SEA LIFE Orlando is renowned for its:

  1. 360° Ocean Tunnel: Florida’s only underwater tunnel offering a panoramic view of marine life.
  2. Jelly Wall: A mesmerizing display of jellyfish.
  3. Indian Ocean Exhibit: Showcasing the diverse marine life of the Indian Ocean.
  4. Feeding Frenzy: An interactive experience where visitors can feed some of the fish.
  5. Coastal Rockpool: A touch-friendly exhibit with starfish and anemones.
  6. Diverse Marine Life: Including sharks, turtles, octopus, stingrays, and seahorses.

Crayola Experience Orlando

8001 S Orange Blossom Trl. Opens 10 AM.

Crayola Experience Orlando offers a vibrant and interactive adventure for families, particularly appealing on a rainy day in Orlando. This amusement park is in The Florida Mall, so there are many other fun kids’ activities to try in case this is not interesting for you. Expect to spend around 2 hours here.

Visitors like the center and call it a creative child’s paradise, recommending spending 2-4 hours to fully enjoy the experience. The staff are friendly and accommodating, and the variety of activities that cater to both young children and older kids are things past visitors call out.

Visitors suggest booking wax hand appointments early since it’s one of the most popular and bringing your own food as the in-house options may not suit everyone’s taste.

  1. Hands-On Activities: With 27 hands-on attractions, children explore the unlimited magic of colors and unleash their creativity.
  2. Creative Workshops: Activities like drip art and crayon melting cater to all age groups, offering a chance to create custom crayons and engage in various artistic projects.
  3. Interactive Playgrounds: The facility includes interactive areas and playgrounds, making it a perfect spot for family bonding and fun.

WonderWorks Orlando

9067 International Dr. Opens 9 AM.

WonderWorks Orlando is an indoor amusement park that offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages. You can’t miss it. It’s got a distinctive upside-down exterior and provides 28,000 square feet of educational entertainment with over 100 hands-on exhibits.

Visitors appreciate the variety of interactive games and exhibits, calling it a great indoor activity for families. The comedy and magic show dinner is something that people of all ages can enjoy. Plus, it has an appeal for young children with its unique architecture and diverse exhibits.

Attractions at WonderWorks Orlando:

  • Wonder Zones: More than 100 interactive, hands-on science exhibits arranged by six zones or themes.
  • 4D XD Motion Theater: Experience the thrill of space and other adventures.
  • Ropes Course: A glow-in-the-dark challenge set three stories above the ground.
  • Laser-Tag Arena: A fast-paced, black-lit environment for competitive fun.
  • The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: Unlimited pizza, salad, beer, wine, and soda with interactive magic and comedy.

From experiencing natural disasters to exploring outer space, the park offers a wide range of activities that are both informative and enjoyable. WonderWorks also has an on-site café that offers a range of food, including what some have called the best pizza in Orlando.

Dezerland Park Orlando

5250 International Dr. Opens 11 AM.

Dezerland is an indoor amusement center that brings together a wide array of activities for all ages. It’s celebrated as the largest indoor attraction in Florida, spanning over 800,000 square feet.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, an adrenaline junkie, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, Dezerland Park offers a great indoor experience.

Visitors praise the variety of attractions, especially the auto museum and arcade, and the family-friendly nature of the park, with activities that cater to all ages. The fun atmosphere and the wide range of entertainment options make sure the place is never boring.

Admission is free, and pricing varies by activity. It conveniently offer free parking. Plus, there are multiple dining and shopping options available within the park.

Dezerland Park Orlando is an entertainment hub, featuring:

  1. Auto Museum: Home to over 2,000 vehicles, including the Bond Museum and Cars of The Stars.
  2. Go-Karts: Boasting the state’s longest indoor karting track.
  3. Trampoline Park: A 20,000 sq ft area for fun.
  4. Bowling: A full bar, restaurant, and plenty of bowling.
  5. Laser Tag and Bumper Cars: Fun and action-packed adventures.
  6. Arcades: Home to a video game and pinball arcade.
  7. Virtual Reality Arena: For an immersive gaming experience.
  8. Mini Golf and Ax Throwing: Fun and challenging game of skill for all ages.

What makes it special?

The Auto Experience at Dezerland features themed lounges like the Gatsby Lounge and Military Pavilion. It’s one of the largest museums in Orlando. In addition, there is karting, laser tag, a glow-in-the-dark mini golf course, and a ninja warrior course – so there’s something for every member of the family.

Universal Orlando Resort

6000 Universal Blvd

Universal Orlando Resort is an expansive entertainment resort complex in Orlando. It’s a collection of three theme parks and impossible to cover in a day.

It’s not technically an exclusively indoor attraction, however, the park offers plenty of indoor attractions, making it a great option for rainy days. That’s the reason it’s not at the top of our list of fun things to do in Orlando.

It’s a must-visit destination for movie buffs, thrill-seekers, and families. The resort is known for its movie-themed rides, shows, hotels, and restaurants. It’s got plenty of Harry Potter themed rides and experiences so it’s a perfect place for a ‘Potterhead’.

People praise the park for its vast array of attractions and entertainment. However, the wait times for rides can be lengthy, especially during peak seasons. Buying an Express Pass to save time on lines is something busy parents may consider.

Universal Orlando is an ideal place for families and individuals looking to experience the magic of movies and more.

Universal Orlando Resort offers a wide range of attractions:

  • Movie-Themed Rides: Immerse yourself in the world of your favorite films with cutting-edge technology.
  • Shows and Entertainment: Enjoy a variety of live shows that bring movie magic to life.
  • Dining and Shopping: Dining and shopping venues are available throughout the park.
  • Special Events: The resort hosts special events, like the Halloween Horror Nights, offering unique experiences.

Laura Madden

Partnerships & Events Manager

With a flair for creating meaningful connections through food, Laura excels in crafting unique and engaging human experiences. Her calm and friendly approach makes complex problems look like a piece of cake. When she's not forging and fostering partnerships in hospitality, she's out trying new restaurants in town.

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