Bricks and Beyond: Top Things to Do Near LEGOLAND Florida

Maximize your LEGOLAND Florida trip with these nearby must-see spots and local secrets.

Published: March 5, 2026
Legoland Florida

So you’ve conquered the dragon coaster, explored Miniland USA, and snagged your brick-themed souvenir at LEGOLAND Florida. But the fun doesn't stop at those LEGO gates. Some of Florida’s best family adventures are just around the corner. Picture splash zones, candy factory tours, charming towns, and wildlife encounters—all within a short drive. Whether your crew wants to keep the energy high or wind down in serene lakeside settings, the region around LEGOLAND is stacked (pun intended!) with unforgettable adventures. Ready to see what’s waiting? Grab your sunnies—we’re building your perfect itinerary. 

Our favorite things to do near LEGOLAND Florida include: 

  • Island H2O Water Park 
  • Chain O’Lakes Park 
  • Chocolate Kingdom 
  • WonderWorks 
  • Historic Downtown Winter Haven 
  • CoCo Key Water Park 
  • ZooTampa at Lowry Park 
  • Lake Kissimmee State Park 

Island H2O Water Park 

Just a short drive north from LEGOLAND, Island H2O Water Park is where Florida’s sunshine meets wild water rides. This high-tech park dials up the fun with selfie stations, social-media-inspired games, and thrilling slides—including the multi-person Hashtag Heights and fast-twisting Reply Racers.  

Kids love the splash zones (hello, Pelican’s Paradise!), and teens gravitate toward live DJ sets on weekends. So, whether you’re chasing big thrills or maximum relaxation it’s the ideal next stop for families looking to cool off after a sun-soaked day of brick building. 

Chain O’Lakes Park 

If you’re craving a laid-back escape, Chain O’Lakes Park unlocks classic Florida fun on the water. Just minutes from LEGOLAND, this sprawling park connects six pristine lakes via winding canals. Rent a kayak or paddleboard (gear available on-site), or hop on a pontoon boat for a slow cruise through cypress-lined waters. 

Families can tempt fish in the lakes, spot herons and turtles from scenic footbridges, or simply enjoy a shaded playground and picnic area under the palms. The vibe is wonderfully relaxed and community-focused—think “old-school Florida” where water, wildlife, and friendly faces are the main events. It’s a favorite for winding down (or up!) after high-energy park days. 

Chocolate Kingdom

Chocolate decorating

Ready to swap bricks for bonbons? Chocolate Kingdom in Orlando blends interactive theater with a real-life Willy Wonka experience. Tour guides walk you through every step of chocolate-making—from bean to bar—with stops for tastings along the way. Kids can crush cacao beans, watch machinery in action, and even design their own personalized chocolate bar at the finale! 

It’s laughter-filled from start to finish, with plenty of sweet samples and hands-on experiments to keep everyone engaged. The vibe is playful and a little bit quirky—ideal for families in search of air-conditioned fun (and a sugar fix).  

WonderWorks 

WonderWorks in Orlando turns science into an action-packed, topsy-turvy adventure. The upside-down building immediately sets the tone, and inside it’s a hands-on playground for curious minds: design your own roller coaster, survive hurricane-force winds, or lie on a real bed of nails. They’ve got it all. 

Every exhibit is interactive, wacky, and built for big laughs—adults can join the fun or just enjoy watching kids puzzle out brain-teasers and fly virtual fighter jets. There’s a laser tag arena, a ropes course that zigzags overhead, and nightly magic-comedy dinner shows for an all-in-one outing. If your family loved the imagination of LEGOLAND, WonderWorks is an easy next stop. 

Historic Downtown Winter Haven 

Just a couple miles from LEGOLANDS’s gates, take a wander through local flavor in charming downtown Winter Haven. This walkable district is packed with quirky shops, street art, vintage diners, and waterfront cafés.  

Kids will love scoring colorful scoops at Andy's Igloo, a kitschy 1950s-style ice cream shop famous for its thick, hand-spun milkshakes. Meanwhile, parents can slip over to Grove Roots Brewing Co. for locally crafted beers and wood-fired pizzas, or take a leisurely stroll along the shady sidewalks of Lake Howard, pausing to snap family selfies in front of the area’s whimsical murals. With community events, farmers’ markets, and live music popping up year-round, downtown Winter Haven serves up a feel-good slice of classic small-town Florida charm. 

CoCo Key Water Park 

The fun doesn’t have to stop at LEGOLAND! Head north to CoCo Key Water Resort in Orlando for a splash-filled change of pace, with twisting slides, colorful splash zones, and a massive interactive play structure designed especially for younger kids. Tropical décor, swaying palm trees, and bright island-inspired details create a playful, vacation vibe both indoors and out. 

Big kids can race down winding tube slides, while parents unwind poolside with a cold drink by the heated lagoon-style pool. There’s also a lively arcade for a break from the water and a supervised toddler area that offers safe, low-key splash time for the littlest visitors. Whether you’re craving a break from the theme parks or just another excuse to soak up those Florida rays, CoCo Key adds the perfect dose of laid-back fun to your adventure. 

ZooTampa at Lowry Park

A green-naped lorikeet at ZooTampa

Just under an hour from LEGOLAND Florida, ZooTampa at Lowry Park is a must for animal lovers. With shaded pathways weaving through African safari habitats, wallaby walks, and underwater manatee viewings, it’s an easy-going, immersive experience that rivals any city zoo in the US. 

Keepers host wildlife chats throughout the day, and the zoo’s splash pad entertains kids while grown-ups refuel. Dotted with climbing structures and picnic spots, the whole park invites families to wander, pause, and play at their own pace. We especially love the up-close giraffe feeding and the beautiful Florida manatee habitat—you’ll leave with a camera-roll full of fun! 

Lake Kissimmee State Park 

For a taste of “real Florida” that often surprises visitors, make time for Lake Kissimmee State Park, just half an hour from LEGOLAND. Explore the park’s peaceful trails on foot, rent a bike to cover more ground, or saddle up for a leisurely horseback ride through scenic Florida landscapes. 

What sets this place apart, though, is the 1870s cow camp, with costumed interpreters sharing tales of Florida’s old-time cowboy culture. Kids see crackling campfires, leatherwork demos, and maybe even take a turn churning butter. If your family wants to learn while having fun, trust us, Lake Kissimmee State Park scores big. 

Clearly, there’s no shortage of fun adventures near LEGOLAND Florida. So go ahead: mix and match, find your favorites, and build a trip that’s every bit as fun as a day with your favorite LEGO set!  

Enjoyed this? Check out Why Wonderworks is a Must-See on Orlando’s Iconic I-Drive or Orlando’s Hidden Gems off the Beaten Path  

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The atmosphere is always buzzing but never stressful, and you’ll spot both tourists and Orlando locals mixing it up well into the evening. It’s the ultimate spot for families wanting laid-back fun, teens craving adventure, or anyone up for a bit of old-school Americana beneath the Florida sun.  Museum of Illusions: Mind-Bending Family Fun  Looking for an indoor break from the Florida sun—but still want excitement? Museum of Illusions in Orlando is anything but ordinary. Here, you’ll wander through rooms that defy gravity, snap photos that trick the eye, and giggle your way through wild interactive exhibits. You haven’t truly seen Grandma until she’s “shrunk” inside the Ames Room or your entire group appears to float upside down!  What makes it special for Memorial Day? It’s a place that gets families laughing—and keeps both big kids and grownups guessing. The staff encourages you to take loads of photos, so your Instagram will be the envy of everyone back home. 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Unlike the bustling theme parks, this working hospital for sea turtles, dolphins, and otters has a real sense of purpose. You’ll meet famous rescued residents like Winter the dolphin (star of Dolphin Tale), learn about wildlife rehabilitation, and watch trainers care for creatures big and small.  There’s a hands-on Discovery Zone for kids where they can touch stingrays and see sea turtles recovering, plus behind-the-scenes tours if you’re curious about marine medicine and rescue. The glass-walled pools overlook the bay, so the atmosphere is tranquil and uplifting—a great spot for families looking to honor Memorial Day in a way that connects you to the natural world.  Before heading back to Orlando, grab lunch at the on-site café or try casual seafood classics like grouper sandwiches and hush puppies at the nearby marina—views are, of course, endless blue water and bobbing sailboats. For animal lovers or anyone wanting to see real-life heroes in action, Clearwater Marine Aquarium offers a touching twist on your holiday weekend.  Daytona International Speedway Track Tour: Start Your Engines  Car fans, speed demons, and anyone craving something out of the ordinary—you can’t miss Daytona International Speedway. Less than an hour from Orlando, this legendary track is synonymous with American motorsports. On Memorial Day weekend, things rev up: take a tour of the racetrack, explore the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, and snap photos at Victory Lane.  The tours here are behind the scenes and totally interactive. Sit in the driver’s seat of real NASCAR vehicles, peek into the pit areas, and soak up stories of racing legends who’ve made history on these turns. Guides bring every corner of this sprawling complex to life, sharing both triumphs and tales of bravery.  Outside, the energy is all about high-octane fun. Pit stop at SR Perrott’s Taproom nearby for a quick drink, or swing by local BBQ joints famed for their smoked brisket sandwiches and tangy sides. Memorial Day tributes abound—expect American flags, special displays, and perhaps a pop-up show and shine. For adrenaline junkies, history buffs, or anyone wanting a taste of all-American horsepower, Daytona delivers.  Picnic and Paddle at Lake Eola Park  For a slower, more scenic celebration, locals love Lake Eola Park—a green oasis right in downtown Orlando. The park’s central lake is ringed by an easy-to-walk path, shaded by ancient oaks and dotted with art sculptures and friendly swans. On Memorial Day weekend, the lawn fills with families and friends laying out blanket picnics—think deli sandwiches, fresh fruit, and baked treats from one of Orlando’s great downtown bakeries (Sugardough Bakehouse is a winner for pastries).  Feeling active? Rent a swan boat to pedal around the lake or take a yoga class in the open air. If you’re lucky, you might catch a concert at the floating amphitheater or stumble on a local craft market. The vibe is laid-back and festive—whether you’re chasing after kids, reading beneath a palm, or clinking cold drinks with friends.  Lake Eola is also the site of Orlando’s community Memorial Day commemorations, including flag-raising ceremonies and moving tributes to fallen heroes. It’s a beautiful reminder of the meaning behind the holiday, set in a spot that glows with natural beauty and local spirit.  Lakefront Fireworks & Memorial Events  No Memorial Day is really complete without a stunning fireworks finish, and Orlando never disappoints. Check out local event listings for lakefront shows—Lake Eola and nearby Clermont’s Waterfront Park both offer choreographed fireworks that light up the sky, alongside food trucks, live music, and festive activities for all ages. Kids wave sparklers, grownups lounge on blankets, and everyone looks skyward as the night fills with color.  During the day, many parks and neighborhoods host parades, vet tributes, and open-air concerts—think country music, classic rock, and patriotic sing-alongs, all under the Florida stars. These events feel like a true community celebration, with a distinctly welcoming, inclusive vibe.  Want to level up your picnic game? Order takeout from local favorites like Pig Floyd’s Urban Barbakoa (love their brisket and fried yuca) or Se7en Bites (stock up on mini pies). With food, friends, and a fireworks finale, you’ve got the perfect Orlando Memorial Day memory.    Whether you dream of rocket launches, water park thrills, or a classic family picnic beneath swaying palms, Orlando brings endless ways to make your Memorial Day shine. Explore heroes of land, sea, and the stars, or simply relax in the sweet Florida warmth. With adventure, heartfelt tributes, and that sense of community togetherness, Memorial Day in Orlando isn’t just a long weekend—it’s the best way to jumpstart your summer, Florida style.    Like this? Check out our secret guide to Orlando’s hidden gems, and our guide to magnificent mornings in Orlando,   Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®– just choose a pass to get started! 

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