Things to do in Orlando for Birthdays

Though getting a year older can be a little daunting for some people, taking a vacation can sure soften the blow – and give us a reason to let loose and have a bit of fun! Thankfully, Orlando is the perfect place to celebrate, with exciting activities and attractions for those of all ages. For thrillseekers and dreamers alike, there’s no better place to be than the Magic Kingdom, of course. If you’re looking for something a little more out of the box, the Tree Trek Adventure Park provides a fantastic action-packed experience set against the backdrop of the wondrous local landscape. Or, if you just want to relax on your special day, the Disney Wilderness Preserve is the perfect respite from the city. No matter where your interests may lie, the city has so much to offer for every type of traveller.

Hit the Theme Parks

Image of Lighting, Concert, Crowd, Person, Fireworks, Urban, City, Nature, Night, Outdoors, Metropolis,

Though Orlando is packed with fantastic birthday attractions, one spot most certainly stands out above them all – yup, that’s right, it’s the Magic Kingdom! Drawing in millions of visitors each year, this place is known as one of the world's leading theme parks – and it's easy to see why. Offering over 40 rides, shows, and shopping destinations, the park is a great stop for young families and big groups as it has a wide variety of things to choose from. Here you’ll find favorites like Space Mountain, It’s a Small World, and Dumbo the Flying Elephant, amongst other world-famous attractions. An ultimate classic and eternal crowd-pleaser, this place is sure to bring that extra touch of magic to the party.

Image of Lifejacket, Vest, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Hat, Photography, Baby, Summer, Cap, Swimwear,

Party planning can be a lot of effort; however, Orlando kind of does all the hard work for us. If you’re looking to bring your birthday year in with a splash, why not head over to Universal’s Volcano Bay? A constituent of the Universal Resort, this place is recognized as one of the top aquatic attractions in North America. For those looking to celebrate their birthday with a little bit of excitement and adventure, this place pretty much has it all. You’ll be able to find everything from edgy thrill rides and tube slides to rapid rides and wave pools, all in one place. Still, for those members of the group who prefer to play it safe, the park also has a beach area and cabanas to chill under. In addition, there are a number of dining options, making this spot perfect for large parties. Bringing the good clean fun to the party, there’s nobody who doesn’t enjoy a good water park!

Have Fun Outdoors

Image of Tree, Adult, Male, Man, Person, Vegetation, Jungle, Nature, Outdoors,

Travelling with kids can be a difficult feat, let alone when there’s a birthday coming up. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, you might want to check out the next item on our list. Perfect for bold and energetic youngsters, the Tree Trek Adventure Park changes up the scenery by providing a memorable experience set against the natural pine forests of Kissimmee. This experience involves tackling a challenging aerial obstacle course to truly get the adrenaline pumping. With around 100 different games, there’s plenty of fun to be had here. Whiz through the trees on zip lines, test your balance on the suspended bridges and climb up 50-foot ladders. There are different courses catering to variant age groups and the experience is run by professional guides to ensure personal safety.

Image of Vegetation, Land, Nature, Outdoors, Tree, Woodland, Adventure, Hiking, Person, Bag, Jungle, Grove, Rainforest, Female, Girl, Teen, Backpack, Backpacking, Photography, Handbag,

For those who want to keep it a little more low-key, don’t worry – we've got you covered! Perfect for any occasion big or small, the Disney Wilderness Preserve is one of our favorite things to do in Orlando. Situated just a quick ride out from Disney World, the reserve covers over 12, 000 acres of swampland and lakes to be explored. A fantastic stop for nature lovers, the park features over 1,000 species of plants and animals all thriving together. This place is a fantastic choice since it provides a wide variety of fun on-site activities and excursions to be enjoyed. Beat the heat in one of the park’s pool areas, cruise some of the city’s most stunning lakes, or kick back with a movie under the stars. Whatever you choose to do, we’re sure it’ll be great!

Have a Blast!

Image of Animal, Zoo, Deer, Mammal, Wildlife, Boy, Child, Male, Person, Glasses,

If you’re having trouble picking an activity, why not go for something that everybody will enjoy? Located just north of the city, the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens offers a fantastic way to view animals in a kind and respectful way. Standing out from other zoological gardens you may have come across, this place acquires its name from the native gardens on which it is built. As an effect, you can stroll through beautiful protected wetlands, view animals native to the area, and get friendly with some interesting reptiles. Still, this place isn’t all about its local creatures. In fact, you can view over 500 animals on the premises from over 205 species, including big cats, giraffes, and a wonderful Indian rhinoceros. Combining fun with learning, the institute works to teach its visitors about environmentalism and animal conservation. What could possibly be more wholesome?

As far as classic things to do on your birthday go, museums don’t usually top the list. Though the thought of it can sound a little dull, we promise that this next suggestion is anything but. A sure-fire way to keep everybody entertained, the Museum of Illusions offers an interactive, immersive experience to keep you guessing. Inside, the institute has around 50 exciting exhibits which work to trick the eye and twist the mind. If you’re looking for a way to test your one-year-older brain, here it is. Just don’t forget to bring your camera!

Everybody has different ideas for what makes the perfect birthday. Luckily, Orlando is the perfect destination for a spot of birthday bliss. Whether you’re looking to go classic with a trip to the Magic Kingdom, get nostalgic at the waterpark, or choose something a little more laid-back, the city has something for every type of traveller. And now, you don’t have to miss a thing - to get the most out of your trip, try Go City’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris
Go City Travel Expert

Continue reading

guide to the Museum of Illusions
Blog

Guide to the Museum of Illusions

Prepare to blow your mind at the Museum of Illusions! This reality-bending place features over 50 exhibits that defy the laws of gravity and alter your perception of real life. And who knows, you might even learn a thing or two about that brain of yours! Fun for all ages, it's one of Orlando's unsung heroes in entertainment. The mouse's shadow may loom large, but you'll find nothing quite like this anywhere else in the state! Image courtesy of Elena Serebryakova/Shutterstock How to get Museum of Illusions tickets? We've got you covered – Museum of Illusions tickets are available with our Explorer Pass. Choose as you go and save money as you do! Includes admission to up to 5 attractions. Tips for visiting the Museum of Illusions During peak vacation times, the Museum of Illusions can get booked up pretty quickly. As such, we recommend you reserve a spot way ahead of time. You'll be doing a bit of walking around all the exhibits, so bear that in mind when you raid your shoe rack. Make sure your phone or camera has plenty of space to capture all the weird and wonderful things you'll find! When is the best time to visit the Museum of Illusions? With the entire experience taking place inside, you can really visit the Museum of Illusions all year round! Image courtesy of Oledia Bilkei/Shutterstock What is there to see and do at the Museum of Illusions? Within the museum's realty-altering walls, you'll experience the effects of infinite space, see your world shifted 90 degrees, and tell yourself you're defying the very forces of gravity. All of that with your feet planted firmly on the floor! Museum of Illusion highlights Rotated Room - have your view of the world shifted 90 degrees and take photos in mind-blowing poses. Get a different outlook on life. Infinity Room - this multisensory experience creates the optical illusion of infinite space. Dare you enter? Anti-Gravity Room - in this room, your brain and eyes make unconscious inferences about whether you are standing on a flat or a sloped surface. Can you stay on your feet? Thanks to built-in photo experiences in some of the key exhibits, you'll get some out-of-this-world shots for your socials without ever lifting a phone! Image courtesy of Lee Yiu Tung/Shutterstock What attractions are near the Museum of Illusions? Just a stone's throw from the Museum of Illusions, you'll find 'The Wheel' in ICON Park. A few minutes' walk away, try your hand at indoor skydiving at iFLY. Take a trip back through time and get a deeper look at one of the world's worst ocean disasters at Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. Fancy a swing? Shoot a few holes at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf. Where is there to eat nearby? For all your sports bar needs, there's a Dave & Buster's a few minutes' walk from the museum. For a family feast, hit up Main Event Orlando. If you have a hankering for tacos, head to Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar. Fancy some more varied Mexican delights? Señor Frog's has got you covered. Image courtesy of DELBO ANDREA/Shutterstock Need to know To book, click here. Then, select your preferred date and time slot, and the number of child/adult passes, then enter the 12-digit pass numbers. Finally, fill out your contact details and click 'complete your booking'. Directions and Address Museum of Illusions ICON Park 8441 International Drive Suite #250 Orlando, FL 32819 Save on Tickets with Go City Remember, Go City is the best choice for maximum savings and flexibility, which can include Museum of Illusions tickets, plus admission to your choice of other top attractions. You'll make great savings on entry to top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple attractions for one low price.
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.