20 Best things to do on International Drive, Orlando

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!

Best things to do on International Drive

ORLANDO EYE

Open 12 pm to 10 pm on weekdays and 10 am to 12 am on 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 an International drive, a more relaxing option after a long day at the park and I loved visiting with my husband during sunset; it is one of my favourite things to do at night in Orlando.

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 are all located in the ICON Orlando area.
• To save even more, you can book tickets online here for discounted rates and offers.

FUN SPOT AMERICA

One of the best things to do on iDrive if you are traveling 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 and you can get ticket packages online too.
• 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 favorite 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 the international drive and personally, I love that it is open so late. This was one of our favorite 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 parking is available after 6 pm and the golf course is located near the parking garage at Universal City Walk.

AMERICA’S ESCAPE GAME

Open 1 pm – 10 pm on weekdays, 10 am to 1 am Fridays and Saturdays and 11.30 am to 9.30 pm 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 favorite 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 on 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 Thursdays 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 customized 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.

THE ESCAPE EFFECT

Open every day including holidays! Visit this award-winning Orlando 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.

Best things to do on International Drive with Kids

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, so Orlando doesn’t have to be as expensive as you may think.
• There are also some height restrictions to be aware of.

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 or Undercover Tourists.

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 Fridays and Saturdays. This is a fun thing to do on International Drive with children and definitely worth a visit when in Orlando; it is a great things to do in Orlando besides theme parks.

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, and 140 cm tall for karting.
• GoPro cameras or similar can be used as long as they are attached to 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 educational 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 – 11.30 pm, 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 Center.
• 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 a 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 an 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.

WONDERWORKS

Explore this upside house, which is open every day of the year from 9 am to midnight, and adult entrance tickets cost $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 specialty 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 favorite 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.

Bars and restaurants on International Drive Orlando

Restaurants:

• Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
• Tapa Toro
• Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse
• The Capital Grille
• Hash House A Go Go
• Kings Dining & Entertainment
• Pepe’s Cantina Mexican Grill

Bars

• Yard House
• Half Barrel Project
• Bar Louie

Hotels on International Drive

Budget-friendly hotels:

• Rodeway Inn International Drive
• Super 8 by Wyndham Orlando International Drive

Comfortable Luxury:

• Drury Inn & Suites Orlando
• Rosen Inn International
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Orlando At Seaworld

High End:

• Courtyard Orlando International Drive/Convention Center
• Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection – My favorite!
• Crowne Plaza Hotel Orlando-Universal

Cheap things to do on International Drive and Orlando

With the cost of the theme parks along with the pricy hotels and restaurants, a trip to 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

Things to do in Orlando besides the theme parks

International Drive things to do FAQ

What is there to do on International Drive?

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. 

Can you walk International Drive?

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. 

How long is International Drive?

International Drive is 17.86km or 11.1 miles. 

How much is an Uber from International Drive to Disney?

An über from International Drive to Disney World costs between $10 – $18, depending on traffic. 

Can you get a bus from International Drive to Disney?

Most International Drive hotels offer a shuttle bus east day, so check these before choosing your hotel. 

How far is International Drive from Disney Springs?

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. 

How far is Universal Studios from International Drive?

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 hotel shuttle where possible. 

What shops are on International Drive in Orlando?

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 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 those looking for high-end stores such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Bloomingdale’s and Tiffany & Co. 

How far is Kissimmee from International Drive?

Kissimmee is 16 miles from International Drive, taking around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. 

How many restaurants are on International Drive?

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!