Orlando is full of theme parks but when you don’t want to be in a park, why not check out the best things to do on International Drive Orlando. Say goodbye to bored children with these 20 things to do in Orlando!
International Drive - Things to do
ORLANDO EYE
Open 12 pm to 10 pm weekdays and 10 am to 12 am weekends, with adult tickets costing $27.99 (as of Jan 2019). The Orlando Eye located within the ICON Orlando 360, offers views of the theme parks and the central Orlando area. It is a fun thing to do on International drive, a more relaxing option after a long day at the park and I loved visiting with my husband during sunset; romantic and gave gorgeous views.
Tips for visiting:
- Arrive 15 minutes before your reservation time if you have chosen to book tickets online.
- You can save money by buying an admission park to the Eye, Madame Tussauds and the Sea Life Aquarium as they all located in the ICON Orlando area.
- To save even more, you can book tickets online for discounted rates and offers.
FUN SPOT AMERICA
One of the best things to do on iDrive if you are travelling as a family, is Fun Spot America. Open from 2 pm to midnight on weekdays and 10 am to midnight on weekends, the Fun Spot America theme park costs $40.95 for a one day entrance allowing access to all the rides as well as the Gator spot area. This theme park is much quieter and ideal for those wanting to visit a theme park but wanting a quieter and cheap thing to do in Orlando (compared to the prices of the Disney and Universal parks).
Tips for visiting:
- Book your tickets online to save money (this is a general tip for most attractions in Orlando).
- There are arcade games available, so bring cash if you wish to play these.
- There is FREE parking at Fun Spot America.
- Opening hours vary so always check the schedule before visiting.
- If you plan on visiting quite a few attractions, look into the Go Orlando Card. You can choose which attractions to include or which type of card you want and it helps to save a lot of money. This is ideal for those spending 2 or more weeks in Orlando – you will want a change from WDW and Universal at some point! You can also use this card to get discounts at popular restaurants and stores in the area.
- Try the Go-Karting! This is a Fun Spot America favourite and definitely recommended!
HOLLYWOOD DRIVE-IN GOLF
This fun golf course is open 7 days a week from 10 am to 2 am with 18 holes costing $15.99. This is a great place to visit on international drive and personally, I love that it is open so late. This was one of our favourite things to do in Orlando for adults because the course is fairly quiet when it gets later and makes for a romantic and leisurely evening activity in Orlando.
Tips for visiting:
- Book online to save up to 10% off – book directly with the golf course to get the best deal.
- Download the Free Scorecard app ‘Hollywood Drive-In Scorecard’ so you can keep score during your visit.
- Free self-parking is available after 6 pm and the golf course is located near parking garage at Universal City Walk.
AMERICA’S ESCAPE GAME
Open 1 pm – 10 pm weekdays, 10 am to 1 am Friday and Saturdays and 11.30am to 9.30pm on Sundays with the game closed to the public on Mondays. America’s Escape Game is the ultimate brain teasing, problem-solving, team building activity costing between $35 – $39. This is an ideal thing to do in Orlando with kids and a favourite activity on International Drive.
Tips for visiting:
- There are 6 different types of escape rooms to choose from and each list their escape rate.
- Group numbers can vary, with some rooms allowing up 10 people whilst others only allow up to 5.
- You can play in your own group but it does mean you would have to pay for all the tickets that would be available in your group. So if a room normally allows 5 people and you want to play as a three, you would still have to buy 5 tickets.
- Puzzles are designed for 12-year-olds and upwards but younger children are welcomed and can still take part in the activity.
- Arrive 15 minutes before your reservation slot – you can reserve a time on their website.
WHIRLYDOME
Open 4 pm – 10 pm Weekdays, 4 pm – 12 am on Fridays, 11 am – 12 am on Saturdays and 11 am – 10 pm on Sundays whilst the Dome is closed on Mondays. The WhirlyDome holds the Whirly Ball, F1 Stimulator, laser tag, arcade and bowling with prices starting at $8. This is a super fun thing to do in Orlando and kids love this! It can also be added to your list of cheap things to do in Orlando!
Tips for visiting:
- Love Whirly Ball? Take advantage of their All You Can Pay offer on Thursday and Sundays.
- There is no age restriction but a minimum height of 54 inches tall is required for Whirly Ball.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult.
- No outside food and drinks are allowed apart from birthday cakes.
- There is a restaurant and bar onsite.
CHOCOLATE KINGDOM
My idea of heaven! The Chocolate Factory is open from 10.30 am – 6 pm and a ticket to this interactive factory tour cost $16.95 (as of Jan 2019). This tour shows you how chocolate is made from the Bean to the bar and you can even make your own customised chocolate bar.
Tips for visiting:
- Tours last around 45 minutes.
- Tours run every hour, on the hour from 11 am to 5 pm.
- Different experiences are available for those looking to celebrate a birthday at the Chocolate Factory.
SKELETONS: ANIMALS UNVEILED
Open from 10 am to 10 pm, this skeleton museum costs $19.99 for adult entrance – a great choice for young scientists and an educational but fun thing to do on International Drive.
Tips for visiting:
- The museum is open every day of the year.
- Book your ticket online to get cheaper rates.
MAGICAL MIDWAY
Open from 12 pm to 12 am whilst the arcade opens from 10 am to 12 am, Magical Midway offers family-friendly rides, go-karts and the world’s largest slingshot.
Tips for visiting:
- The arcade can be found next to the Wet’n’Wild theme park.
- There is also free parking available here.
- There are different tickets available for those who may want unlimited access or for those who may just want to try individual activities.
- There are also some height restrictions to be aware of.
THE ESCAPE EFFECT
Open every day including holidays! Visit this award-winning escape room, voted Orlando’s #1 Entertainment Experience twice by the readers of Orlando Magazine! The Escape Effect offers 4 feature-length customizable adventures, including Florida’s only 2-hour escape room. Located on International Drive, just minutes away from all the major theme parks. With more puzzles, more time and more fun, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
Tips for visiting:
- Choose from 4 uniquely-themed immersive games. You can solve a mystery in Sherlock Studies, become immortal in At Odds With The Gods, capture ghosts in Fright Before Your Eyes, or rescue your friends from a castle dungeon in A Knight To Escape.
- The Escape Effect is the only escape room venue that can set the difficulty of the games based on the number of players on your team and your experience level.
- It’s best to arrive 10 minutes earlier than your scheduled game time.
- The Escape Effect is fully ADA-accessible. Guests can access every room within every game.
- Book your reservation online or call a host at (855) 426-3372.
COCO KEY HOTEL AND WATER RESORT
Beat the heat at the CoCo Key Water Resort for a $24.95 day pass. Attached to a hotel, this resort is open to all and is home to 14 rides and slides to enjoy with the family.
Tips for visiting:
- There is a Tiki bar and restaurant offering food in the resort.
- The park isn’t open all year; check the schedule before you go.
- Those staying at the hotel can include the resort in their hotel package with additional wristbands costing $9.99.
- You can get discounted rates on Groupon.
I-DRIVE NASCAR KART RACING
With races starting at $25, this race course experience is open from 12 pm – 10 pm Sunday to Thursday and from 11 am – 12 am on Friday and Saturdays. This is a fun thing to do on International Drive with children and definitely worth a visit when in Orlando.
Tips for visiting:
- You must wear closed shoes for this activity; flip flops, heels or sandals will not be accepted. However, you can rent shoes if needed.
- No skirts are allowed when racing.
- You must be 55 inches, 4 feet 7 inches, 140 cm tall for karting.
- GoPro cameras or similar can be used as long as they are attached with a chest or head mount.
- It is advised you don’t race while pregnant.
- Pre-book discounted tickets online before you go.
RIPLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT!
There are Ripley Museums across the world and of course, Orlando is no different. Open every day from 9 am to midnight, Ripley’s museum costs $19.99 for adult entrance but discounted tickets are available online. This is an education thing to do in Orlando but actually, Calum and I love going to these museums late at night. You get the place to yourself and it’s our geeky version of a romantic thing to do in Orlando.
Tips for visiting:
- Photos and videos are permitted at Ripley’s.
- Parking is free outside the museum.
- Allow 1 – 1 and half hours for the museum.
IFLY ORLANDO
This indoor skydiving experience is open from 10 am to 10.30 pm and starts at $69.95. This is a wonderful activity for children, especially those interested in space and gravity!
Tips for visiting:
- From check-in to check-out, the experience can take around 2 hours.
- Book your flight in advance here.
- You will need to complete a Flight Waiver before or on arrival.
PIRATES COVE ADVENTURE GOLF
Open 9 am – 11.30pm, this fun themed Pirates golf course offers different challenges and starts at $13.50 for adults. This is an ideal thing to do in Orlando with children besides the theme parks; a much more relaxing alternative to Walt Disney World!
Tips for visiting:
- You can find the golf course next to the Convention Centre and ICON Orlando area (home of the Orlando Eye, Madame Tussauds and Sea Life centre.
- Check the Offers page for the latest deals to save money.
SEALIFE ORLANDO AQUARIUM
Open from 10 am to 9 pm, the SeaLife Aquarium is ideal for families with tickets costing $20 when purchased online. Personally, my husband LOVES Aquariums so this makes it to our romantic things to do in Orlando list, which is ideal as the Aquarium is open until late. We head here around 7 pm and enjoy a quieter visit. You will love the 360° tunnel, surrounding you with fish and the dive shows are fascinating!
Tips for visiting:
- Combined tickets are available if you are looking to visit Madame Tussauds and/or the ICON.
- Allow around two hours to see the Aquarium.
- Large bags and luggage are not permitted in the Aquarium.
- Mornings tend to be busier than afternoons and of course, aim for weekdays over weekends.
- Full disabled access is available.
- Food and drink are not permitted in the Aquarium.
- Free parking is available just off Universal Boulevard.
PREMIER EXHIBITIONS
With different innovative exhibitions from Titanic to Dinosaurs, the premier exhibition building is a great place to explore and escape the hustle of children upon children.
Tips for visiting:
- Ticket prices vary as do the exhibits. Check the website to see which exhibitions are on during your visit.
- The Titanic Exhibition has been the longstanding feature in Orlando and is well worth a visit! Adult tickets cost $21.95 whilst a child ticket costs $15.75.
WORLD OF CHOCOLATE MUSEUM AND CAFE
OK, I appreciate there are two items on this list that are dedicated to chocolate in some form or another but hey consistency! Think chocolate sculptures meet chocolate tasting…heaven. Visit the World of Chocolate from 11 am to 7 pm with entrance costing $16.95 + tax.
Tips for visiting:
- Wine tasting is available for those looking for an adult only thing to do in Orlando.
- There are various tickets and vouchers available on the website; suiting all needs.
WONDER WORKS
Explore this upside house, which is open every day of the year from 9am to midnight and adult entrance tickets costing $26.99. This is a quirky and fun thing to do in Orlando and definitely something I would recommend to do with kids in Orlando!
Tips for visiting:
- Parking is available at Pointe Orlando Parking Garage and costs $4 for the first two hours then $2 for each additional hour.
- Closed-toe shoes are required for rope courses whilst skirts and dresses are not permitted.
- Expect longer wait times during school holidays; especially on rainy days.
- Allow at least 3 hours for your visit.
- Outside food and drink are not permitted in the museum.
- Some attractions have height and weight limits.
REBOUNDERZ ORLANDO
Got kids? Come and bounce the day away! Open from 10 pm to 10 pm, the Rebounderz offers an indoor trampoline arena with rates starting at $15.
Tips for visiting:
- Different attractions are available at the Orlando location, including a Ninja Warrior Course and In-The-Air Dodgeball – perfect for families visiting Orlando.
- A large Cafe is also available for parents looking to relax and enjoy watching their children bounce around.
- A popular arcade is also included in this location.
BLUE MARTINI – FOR THE ADULTS
Escape the land of young children and crying babies and head to the Blue Martini lounge for some relaxing cocktail therapy. This is the perfect thing to do in Orlando for adults and makes for a great night out.
Tips for visiting:
- Enjoy the speciality cocktails in the lounge but expect to pay a premium.
- There are some great happy hour offers on various nights, check the website for the latest specials.
MADAME TUSSAUDS
Open from 10 am to 10 pm, Madame Tussauds can be found across the world but is still worth a visit with the family. We particularly like going late at night to avoid the hectic rush. Adult entrance costs $25.50 but discounted tickets can be found on Best of Orlando.
Tips for visiting:
- Combo tickets are also available from Best of Orlando if you are looking to see multiple attractions at a cheaper price.
- Allow up to two hours to visit Madame Tussauds.
- There is no dress code but it is suggested you wear comfortable shoes for your visit.
Visiting Orlando Tips:
So these are some of our favourite things to do on International Drive in Orlando but if you are visiting Orlando, you will likely be looking for a bit more help with your planning.
We have you covered!
Deals and discounts
- Buy your theme park tickets at a cheap rate from Mouse Saver
- Keep up to date with Orlando events and attractions at the official tourism board website; Visit Orlando.
- Get deals on International Drive here.
- Check Groupon for Orlando coupons and vouchers.
Helpful blogs
We have written quite a bit about visiting Orlando, so make sure you read up on all our tips here:
- Unique things to do at Walt Disney World
- What to Pack: Disney Checklist
- Orlando Guide
- Is Orlando expensive?
- Things to do in Orlando besides the Theme Parks
- Tips for surviving Orlando’s Theme Parks
- Best Disney Souvenirs
- 5 reasons why kids love Florida Getaways
Or visit Theme Park 247 for more theme park tips.
Bars and restaurants on International Drive Orlando
Hotels on International Drive
Budget-friendly hotels:
- Rodeway Inn International Drive
- Super 8 by Wyndham Orlando International Drive
- BHostels Heart of International Drive Orlando
Comfortable Luxury:
High End:
Cheap things to do in Orlando
With the cost of the theme parks along with the pricy hotels and restaurants, a trip or Orlando can quickly become expensive. That’s why we have included some cheap things to do in Orlando to help you enjoy your holiday whilst saving money.
- Free tour of Orlando Brewing
- Disney Springs and the Lego Imagination Center (FREE)
- Cornell Fine Arts Museum (FREE)
- Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek, Kissimmee ($7 for adults, $3 for children)
- Celebration Town Center (Disney designed ‘perfect village’) (FREE)
- Cocoa Beach (About an hour away, FREE)
- Old Town Kissimmee (lots of Free weekly events)
- Harry P Leu Gardens ($10 for adults, $3 for children but free every first Monday of the month)
- FREE tour and tasting at the Lakeridge Winery
- Ocala National Forest (FREE)
- Lake Eola Park (FREE)
- Orlando Fire Museum (FREE)
- CityArts Factory (FREE)
- Enzian Theater ($12 for standard tickets)
- Wekiwa Springs State Park ($6 per vehicle)
- Free things to do at Disney World
- Disney Springs Free attractions
International Drive things to do FAQ
International Drive is home to many attractions, including the Orlando StarFlyer, The Escape Game Orlando, WonderWorks, TopGolf and more. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from, including the popular Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar and Margaritaville.
International Drive is around 11 miles long, so walking from attraction to attraction is challenging. We recommend you use the I-RIDE Trolley, especially when you are looking to reach the theme parks.
nternational Drive is 17.86km or 11.1 miles.
An über from International Drive to Disney World costs between $10 – $18, depending on traffic.
Most International Drive hotels offer a shuttle bus east day, so check these before choosing your hotel.
Disney Springs is 6 miles from International Drive, taking around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic. Driving or taking an Uber is the quickest and easiest way to travel between the two.
International Drive is just under 5 miles from Universal Studios Orlando. It is around an hour and 20 minute walk or a 10-15 minute drive. We recommend catching an Uber or using your hotels shuttle where possible.
There are many outlet stores along International Drive. Pointe Orlando has top brands such as Hollister, Victoria’s Secret and Tommy Hilfiger. Orlando Premium Outlets is a popular choice, with the Disney’s Character Warehouse, Coach, Nike, Ralph Lauren and Guess.
The Florida Mall is a great place for families, with a Macy’s, JCPenney, M&M World, Build-A-Bear, Apple and Sephora whilst Mall at Millenia is for the looking for high-end stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Bloomingdale’s and Tiffany & Co.
Kissimmee is 16 miles from International Drive, taking around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
International Drive has over 100 restaurants, including many popular chain restaurants, fast food choices and fine dining.
Have you been to Orlando’s International Drive? Tell us about your visit in the comments below, we would love to hear from you!
31 Comments
Looks so much fun! Would love to visit one day 🙂
Im heading back to Orlando in a couple of weeks. We have family there and visit often. We have done the Eye, but didnt realize all this other stuff was there! My daughter would love all of these – we will have to choose a few to do. Mini golf? Chocolate???!?!?! I dont know! PS we love the shake shack there… to me eating is a to-do 🙂
Im going to Orlando next month and these tips are sooo valuable! Thanks a lot!
OMG I love driving tracks! Thanks for compiling a list!
So many things to do! How much time would one need to cover all of that AND the theme parks?
If you are heading to Orlando for two weeks, these are great choices to do on those days you aren’t at theme parks or in the evening! Most of these places stay open until late 🙂
These are great! Being a local from orlando, it’s great to see other people recommending things other than the big parks.
I haven’t been to Orlando in AGES. I’ll have to go back!
Did someone say chocolate? I’d love to dive into a pool of gooey goodness in that chocolate factory. Wonder how they come up with such creative and whacky buildings like the Upside House – so much fun. Cheers!!
It’s sad that I’ve never been to Orlando. Texas is just too big and takes forever to get out of. These are some amazing suggestions. It would be awesome if the Chocolate Kingdom gave golden tickets! I would feel so special. I can’t believe that there is even a chocolate museum with statues!
❤️❤️❤️This!
I’m originally from close by to Orlando and haven’t done half of these things!! I’ll have to remember them for when I go home next 🙂
Just a perfect guide for those who are heading to Orlando, I’m surely gonna save this. all those places looks beautiful especially the Pirates Cove.
So many cool activities! I love Escape Games, I’ve only done one but it was awesome:D I’ve also been to the Ripley’s Believe It Or Not and really enjoyed it:) Thanks for all the useful tips!
this list is awesome for adventure lovers, Orlando eye reminded me of London Eye but I bet they are very different. The views from the top would be spectacular I bet.
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Wow! So many fun things to do in Orlando! I love Madame Tussauds, and that upside house seems so cool!
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I i I also enjoyed these interesting things in my these tours and have a joyful time with my buddies.
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[…] are planning an Orlando stay and will not be visiting these parks, you may want to look into some things to do on International Drive or check out some unusual, cool, and different things to do in Orlando. A stay at one of these […]
Such great suggestions of other things to do in Orlando other than Disney! I’m hitting up the chocolate factory first!!
Chocolate kingdom sounds like my idea of heaven too! This is such an awesome list! Lots of good ideas here to stay entertained.
Katie I think your blog is absolutely stunning! I love the clean design. And thank you for providing all of these tips – I feel like nowadays I could definitely use more creative tips than the same-old same old. Will definitely be keeping these in mind when I come home to the US!
Thank you so much for your lovely words! We hope you enjoy your time in the US once you are home!
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[…] Choose a hotel near the theme parks that offer a shuttle bus to avoid high taxi charges. You can rent and drive yourself, which we found the most convenient method of transport but be warned that parking in any of theme parks is expensive, costing upwards of $25 per day. Disney resorts offer free transport to Disney parks, Universal resorts are within walking distance to the Universal parks and there are many hotel chains that offer free shuttle buses (especially on international drive). […]