Whether you’ve just zoomed down the water slides at CoCo Key Water Park or you’re mapping out the ultimate Orlando itinerary, you’ll be thrilled to know the fun doesn’t end at the splash pad. Venture outside the park and you’ll find a treasure trove of Orlando’s best attractions, eats, and hidden gems—most within a handful of sunny blocks. We’re talking about interactive museums, larger-than-life aquariums, sky-high Ferris wheels, all-you-can-eat chocolate tours, and plenty more adventures to keep your vacation rolling. Ready to make your trip unforgettable? Here are our top picks for things to do near CoCo Key Water Park.
Our favorite things to do near CoCo Key Water Park include:
- The Orlando Eye
- SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
- WonderWorks
- Madame Tussauds Orlando
- Museum of Illusions
- Fun Spot America
- Congo River Adventure Golf
- Gatorland
- Chocolate Kingdom
The Orlando Eye: See the City from New Heights
Just a stone’s throw away from CoCo Key Water Park, The Orlando Eye at ICON Park is a must for anyone looking to take their Orlando adventure sky-high. As you rise, you’ll be treated to panoramic views that stretch from gleaming city lights to lush green landscapes, and on clear days, you can spot the glittering pools of nearby resorts and even the shuttle launch pads out by the coast. We recommend hopping aboard during sunset for a picture-perfect glow over the skyline—ideal for that “wish you were here” selfie. The mood is relaxed, the ride is smooth, and it’s a great way to catch your breath after a busy (and splashy) morning.
Once your feet are back on the ground, ICON Park itself is an entertainment wonderland packed with restaurants, bars, and quirky shops. Grab a scoop at a trendy ice cream parlor or sip a cold drink on an outdoor patio while basking in the afterglow of your sky-high adventure. With plenty of space to stroll and play, it’s the perfect spot to keep the vacation magic going.
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium: An Underwater World Steps Away
Water fun continues just moments from CoCo Key, but this time it’s under the sea! SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium puts you face-to-face with vibrant marine creatures, from glowing jellyfish to weighty sea turtles, in a series of walk-through tunnels that make you feel part of the ocean. Watch kids’ jaws drop as sharks glide directly above, while playful rays and giant groupers hover close by. The atmosphere is magical, and the interactive touch pools are a hit with curious hands—touch a starfish or learn cool facts from the always-friendly staff.
What we love is that the experience works for all ages—tiny tots, curious teens, and adults with a fascination for the aquatic. There are feedings, talks, and special behind-the-scenes tours for those who want to dive a little deeper into marine life. Plus, if you’re traveling with a stroller, the whole place is roomy and easy to navigate. It’s soothing, gentle, and educational—all just minutes from your day in the sun.
WonderWorks: Science Meets Spectacle
If you’ve ever wanted to explore an upside-down building, WonderWorks is your spot—and it’s just down the street! This upside-down “amusement park for the mind” blends hands-on science with outrageous fun. Step inside and your group instantly becomes a team of explorers: play with more than a hundred interactive exhibits, lie on a bed of nails, or test hurricane-force winds in the Extreme Weather Zone. There’s a glow-in-the-dark ropes course for the nimble, plus a 4D motion theater that makes you feel like you’re inside the action.
The vibe? High-energy and completely unpretentious. Kids and adults alike get swept up in the laughter, especially when you challenge each other at laser tag or try to land the best score in the arcade. If all that science makes you hungry, there’s an on-site café—the perfect pitstop before heading back into the Florida sun. Whether you’re eight or eighty, WonderWorks promises out-of-the-ordinary, memory-making fun minutes away from your waterpark base.
Madame Tussauds Orlando: Meet Your Favorite Stars
Madame Tussauds Orlando: Meet Your Favorite Stars
Step out of your swimsuit and into the limelight at Madame Tussauds, also at ICON Park. You’ll rub elbows (literally) with lifelike wax versions of everyone from Taylor Swift to Spider-Man, and the line-up constantly gets updated with the hottest celebs. The entire museum invites you to step right into the scenes—pose on the red carpet, take a seat behind a late-night TV desk, or stand tall with sporting legends.
This is a selfie lover’s paradise, but what sets Madame Tussauds apart is the sheer attention to detail in each figure. It’s a blast going from Hollywood to the White House in the span of a few footsteps, all with zero pressure and tons of laughs. Families, couples, and solo travelers tend to leave with loads of snapshots and plenty of outrageous stories for the group chat. The mood is playful and totally inclusive—nobody leaves here without a smile!
Museum of Illusions: Mind-Bending Fun
Let your sense of reality take a holiday at the Museum of Illusions, a short walk from your Hotel Row home base. This spot does exactly what it says on the tin: nothing is quite as it seems! Get lost among wildly distorted rooms, mind-melting puzzles, and clever perspective-themed photo ops. One minute you’re shrinking to doll-sized proportions, the next you’re dangling from the ceiling—thanks to brilliant optical tricks.
From kids grinning ear-to-ear to grandparents amazed by trompe l’oeil art, this museum fires up everyone’s imagination. Staff are on hand to help you nail those “how’d they do that?” photos, so your Insta stories will pop with surreal fun. The best bit? Each room encourages laughs, curiosity and the simple joy of playing with reality—no special effects, just your own wild perspective!
Fun Spot America: Classic Thrills for Every Age
If your crew is craving a little more adrenaline after a morning at the slides, Fun Spot America is a tried-and-true favorite for locals and visitors. This open-air theme park brings together classic fairground rides, hearty carnival food, and a lively atmosphere that stays buzzing from daytime into evening. You’ll find wooden coasters, multi-level go-karts, bumper boats, and spinning rides for all ages—including plenty that younger family members can enjoy.
Free parking and pay-as-you-go pricing make it easy to drop in without a big commitment. The park feels friendly, laid-back and just retro enough to bring out your inner kid. Lines rarely get too long, so spontaneity is encouraged—arrive for an hour, stay for the thrills and squeals! Don’t miss the giant SkyCoaster swing for soaring views (and a heart-pounding rush).
Congo River Adventure Golf: Jungle-Themed Mini Golf
Congo River Adventure Golf: Jungle-Themed Mini Golf
For a little dose of competition (and plenty of laughs), Congo River Adventure Golf on International Drive is a great nearby pick. This lush, jungle-themed mini golf course weaves you through caves, waterfalls, and tropical greenery with a dash of safari spirit. Each hole offers fun challenges, tricky angles, and the occasional surprise critter. The course is beautifully maintained, providing plenty of shade and greenspace—a welcome breather from Florida’s midday heat.
After hitting a hole-in-one (or three), the adventure continues with on-site gem mining and even live alligator feeding experiences. Locals rave about the friendly staff and the photogenic setting, where the whole group can pose in front of waterfalls as the sun sets. From birthday outings to date nights, Congo River Adventure Golf adds a blast of playful competition to your Orlando adventure.
Gatorland: Old Florida Charm with Bite
When you’re ready for a taste of the wild side, Gatorland is just a short drive from CoCo Key. Known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” it offers something for everyone—not just reptile fans. Stroll boardwalks lined with hundreds of gators, catch high-flying jumparoo shows, or take on the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line for a thrilling ride over toothy residents. The park’s retro charm blends education with entertainment, with chances to see massive alligators up close, hand-feed gentle tortoises, and enjoy lively wrestling shows.
Families will appreciate the splash pad and shaded play areas, making it easy to spend hours here. Gatorland balances conservation with fun—where else can you pose with a baby gator or learn from passionate wildlife experts? It’s an exciting yet laid-back break from bigger theme parks, delivering an authentic slice of old-school Orlando.
Chocolate Kingdom: An Epic Journey for Chocoholics
If your sweet tooth needs some attention, Chocolate Kingdom is less than 15 minutes from CoCo Key and miles above your average candy shop. Step inside for a delightfully interactive tour that shows you how cacao beans are transformed into mouthwatering chocolate bars and truffles. Guides lead you through a Willy Wonka-esque wonderland filled with bubbling chocolate fountains, mesmerizing machines, and hands-on stations where you can sniff, taste, and even grind chocolate like a pro.
The highlight? Creating your own custom chocolate bar, complete with toppings ranging from gummy bears to chili flakes—because you’re the boss in this chocolate lab! The vibe is part science lesson, part chocolate-fueled playhouse, and the samples come thick and fast. Kids will love the chocolate trivia and storytelling, while grown-ups appreciate the history (and generous tasting portions). This is one Orlando spot where everyone leaves with a smile—and maybe a chocolate moustache.
When you base your Orlando adventure near CoCo Key Water Park, you’re just steps from some of the city’s best sights, sips, and surprises. Whether you’re scaling the heights of the Orlando Eye, exploring underwater worlds, digging into chocolatey goodness, or teeing off in the jungle, there’s a new adventure around every corner. Pack your curiosity along with your swimsuit, and enjoy every minute under the Orlando sun!
Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near the Orlando Eye or Things to Do As a Family in Orlando
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