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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downtown orlando at night, with the neon lights reflecting off the water
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Orlando Nights: The Best Things To Do After Dark

Orlando is so much more than theme parks and blistering Florida afternoons. When the sun melts into that vibrant orange skyline, the city comes alive in a whole new way—bursting with electrifying nightlife, unique attractions, and hours of playtime just waiting to happen. Whether you’re chasing thrills, craving delicious eats, itching to dance, or seeking those jaw-dropping nighttime views, Orlando has after-dark adventures for every kind of traveler. Ready to swap sun hats for city lights? Let’s dive into the very best things to do at night in Orlando!  Our favorite things to do in Orlando at night include:  Ride The Orlando Eye  Gatorland’s Night Shine Tour  Wonderworks After-Hours  SEA LIFE Aquarium  Madame Tussauds Orlando  The Outta Control Magic Dinner Show  Fun Spot America  Stroll Disney Springs  Live music at Tin Roof Orlando  Stargazing at Kennedy Space Center  Icon Park’s dazzling lights  Night mini-golf at Congo River Adventure Golf  Dessert at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium  Lake Eola evening picnic  Gatorland’s Night Shine Tour: Up-Close Adventure With Alligators  Forget haunted houses—nothing gets your heart pounding like prowling swamp trails after sunset, flashlight in hand, surrounded by real-life reptiles. Gatorland’s Night Shine Tour is the kind of one-of-a-kind, Florida-only adventure you’ll talk about for years.  As dusk falls, join your guide for a trek through the world-famous “Alligator Capital of the World.” You’ll hear the swamp come alive, with mysterious rustles and whoops all around. Spot dozens—yes, dozens—of gator eyes glowing red under your torchlight, and watch as these ancient creatures swim, bask, and (if you’re brave enough) snatch up snacks you toss from the safety of the boardwalks.  The atmosphere is electric: cicadas buzz, frogs croak, and the air hangs thick with night-blooming scents. It’s fun, safe and surprisingly funny; your hosts serve up plenty of wild Florida facts and maybe even a few tall tales. For wildlife lovers, it’s a must—equal parts educational and adrenaline-pumping. Bonus: you’ll get to hold a baby alligator, too!  Gatorland’s after-dark adventure is suitable for the whole family (age six and up). No two tours are alike, so expect surprises at every turn. It’s one of those uniquely Florida experiences you just won’t find anywhere else.  WonderWorks After-Hours: Science Meets Amusement Park  The upside-down building on International Drive isn’t a fever dream—it’s WonderWorks, Orlando’s wackiest science center-slash-fun house, and it glows with all sorts of energy long after the sun goes down. Step inside, and you’re immediately greeted with gravity-defying illusions, interactive games, and those all-important photo ops.  Why try WonderWorks at night? Well, fewer kids means more time for grown-up fun. Race a friend in the Bed of Nails challenge, test your reflexes in the Disaster Zone, or swap reality for a world of virtual simulations and brain-bending puzzles. At every turn, hands-on exhibits invite you to play, explore and let your inner scientist (or prankster) run wild.  The buzz intensifies after sunset, thanks to neon lights lighting up the ropes course and laser tag arena. Take on the glow-in-the-dark course suspended over the main atrium or assemble your mini team for a competitive, high-octane game of laser tag.  WonderWorks proves you don’t have to leave your sense of wonder—or your sense of humor—back at the hotel. Everything here invites you to laugh together, compete, and be wowed by genuinely weird science. Open late on weekends, this spot is the ultimate after-dinner adventure for families, couples, and groups of friends.  SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium: An Underwater World After Dark  For a more serene—but just as stunning—evening adventure, dip beneath the surface at the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. Here, as the crowds thin out and the tanks seem to glow, you can wander underwater tunnels and meet Orlando’s most mesmerizing night owls (and fishes).  At night, SEA LIFE’s winding pathways take on an intimate, calming vibe. The soft blue light lulls you into the world of sea turtles, glowing jellyfish and bold, darting rays. Get lost watching schools of vibrant fish drift past shimmering coral, or pause by the floor-to-ceiling tanks to spot sharks cruising inches from your nose.  The main event? The breathtaking 360-degree ocean tunnel. Walk through a swirling blue vortex of sea life and snap unforgettable selfies as sharks and turtles glide overhead. Interactive displays and talks often occur through the evening, so you’ll pick up loads of amazing sea creatures trivia along the way.  It’s the kind of spot where you can slow down, reconnect and maybe even feel like a kid again. The cool temperatures and gentle lighting make it ideal for winding down after a busy Florida day.  Madame Tussauds Orlando: Snap Selfies With Celebs (Minus the Crowds)  Where else can you rub elbows with superheroes, pop stars and sports legends—all in one evening? Madame Tussauds Orlando brings all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the heart of Florida and is open late enough for you to make it your final stop before heading home.  This isn’t just wax figures in a line-up. We’re talking full-immersion sets. Strike a pose with Taylor Swift, go intergalactic beside Aquaman or trade victory dance moves with Neymar. The figures look startlingly real—instantly Instagrammable, whether you’re chasing viral fame or just having a laugh with friends.  What makes this such a great nighttime outing? You can ham it up and giggle your way through when the crowds are slim and staff might just share an insider tip for the best photos. The themed rooms are bathed in party lights, the energy is always playful, and there’s just something fun about a hall full of world-famous personalities with no velvet ropes or security guards holding you back!  Located in the heart of ICON Park, Madame Tussauds is easy to reach from anywhere in the city, and just steps from late-night eats and outdoor bars. Save your most outrageous poses for your final snaps—there’s no such thing as being too silly here.  The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show: Laugh, Eat, Repeat  Orlando does dinner with a twist, and nowhere proves that point better than The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, hosted at WonderWorks. Imagine pizza, popcorn, and unlimited laughs—all in one zany, family-friendly evening.  Dinner shows can sometimes feel over-the-top, but here it’s pure, joyful chaos. From the moment you enter, the host magician works the audience, mingling and setting the tone for interactive magic, quick wit, and plenty of on-stage surprises. Guests get pulled up to help with illusions, jokes bounce off the crowd, and the mood is infectious.  But let’s talk food: you’ll get all-you-can-eat pizza, salad, and popcorn, plus unlimited soft drinks, beer, and wine for the grown-ups. No one leaves hungry, and the casual, lively energy makes even shy guests feel right at home. Kids light up as tricks unfold at their tables, but teens, parents and couples love the humor and winking, grown-up jokes sprinkled throughout.  It’s a classic Orlando night out—quirky, cheerful, and genuinely surprising every time. Book ahead at the weekend for the best tables, and let loose for an evening of comfort food and wow-factor entertainment.  Stroll Disney Springs: Magic Minus the Ticket  If you don’t have park tickets but still want that sprinkle of Disney delight, head straight for Disney Springs. This sprawling, open-air village delivers a winning mix of shopping, dining and entertainment—all beautifully lit up under fairy lights and lakeside lanterns.  Evenings here buzz with street performers, live music, and pockets of fun around every corner. Sip on a designer cocktail at The Edison, or stop for loaded donuts and milkshakes at Everglazed Donuts & Cold Brew (their fruity pebbles shake is lush). Restauranteurs rave about The Boathouse, with its floating dock setting and standout Maine lobster rolls.  Disney Springs is as much about atmosphere as anything else. Gorgeous lakeside views make for dreamy evening strolls, while shops stay open late for post-dinner browsing. On summer nights, themed parties pop up on the lawn. Bundle up for a movie at AMC, dive into draw-a-character classes at The Art of Disney, or burn off extra energy at the awe-inspiring Splitsville Luxury Lanes bowling alley.  Best of all, parking and entry are free. You’ll leave with happy taste buds, shopping bags, and perhaps a few new moves from a spontaneous salsa demonstration on the green.  Live Music at Tin Roof Orlando: Sing, Dance, Repeat  No night out is complete without a little live music, and Tin Roof Orlando nails the vibe with its rollicking mix of bands, local solo acts and high-energy open mic nights. Nestled in the heart of ICON Park, this Nashville-style bar serves up cold drinks and hot tunes late into the night.  What sets Tin Roof apart? Every night serves up different flavors—sometimes it’s toe-tapping country, other times it’s powerhouse rock covers or crowd-pleasing pop. The stage is center spotlight, surrounded by quirky décor and an easygoing, anything-goes crowd. Don’t be surprised if you end up on your feet, dancing with folks you just met.  Food-wise, Tin Roof keeps things hearty and southern, with standouts like the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich (spicy, crunchy, and oh-so-addictive), or loaded tater tot baskets to soak up the fun.  If you want a taste of Orlando’s local music scene, this is your front-row ticket. Head before the band starts for happy hour, or wind up your night in a roomful of singing, clapping new friends.  Stargazing at Kennedy Space Center: Out-of-This-World Evenings  If you’re after an unforgettable evening that’s both educational and deeply awe-inspiring, make space in your itinerary—literally!—for a special evening event at Kennedy Space Center.  Regularly, the center hosts night sky sessions where you can gaze through powerful telescopes and spot stars, moons, and even far-off planets. Special lectures from astronauts and astronomy pros, hands-on constellation tours, and access to some of humanity’s most impressive space memorabilia—it all adds up to sci-fi dreams made real.  The atmosphere is quietly electric: standing amidst rockets under the velvety Florida sky, every star seems just a little closer. It’s tailor-made for families with budding scientists, couples craving an out-there date night, or anyone who gets goosebumps gazing upward. Occasionally, you’ll even witness rocket launches at dusk—a memory that sticks long after you’ve washed the sunscreen off.  It’s proof that in Orlando, even the sky isn’t the limit after dark.    Orlando may shine bright during the day, but this city truly sparkles when night falls. From epic rides and shimmering skyline views to up-close alligator action and live music you’ll be humming for days, there’s never a dull moment after sunset. So skip the early bedtime and make every night an adventure—Orlando-style. Your perfect evening (or five) awaits!    Like this? Check out our secret guide to Orlando’s hidden gems, or browse the city’s market scene.     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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Your Guide to Orlando Airport

Everybody loves a good vacation to Orlando. From museums and other cultural institutions to beaches and the Everglades National Park, there’s no end of things to do. In fact, whether you’re a theme park junkie or the type who loves to explore the great outdoors, Central Florida has you covered. Of course, getting to Orlando is the first step in that amazing Florida vacation you’ve been planning. As a busy airport, Orlando (MCO) can be a bit challenging to navigate—especially for first-time visitors to the area and those traveling with little ones. Check out our handy guide to Orlando International Airport, including tips for how to navigate the airport with kids and basic info on how to get around... Orlando Airport Overview Orlando Airport serves 39 different airlines with both domestic and international destinations. Depending upon your airline, you will fly in and out of one of two terminals, A or B. If you need to know which terminal you’ll be in, you can consult the official airport website. Your ticket should also have this information clearly indicated. To help you navigate the airport and find your gate, we recommend consulting the terminal map. You will also need to use a monorail to get to your gate once you’re past security, but this can be a fun experience for the whole family—especially train-loving little kids! Orlando Airport Main Hub & Shopping There’s a main hub between the two terminals that can be a fruitful resource for gifts, toys, and a way to entertain antsy kids. There’s even an arcade (next to the kid magnet Natalie’s Candy Jar) that features both new and classic games. It can be a fun way for the kids to burn off steam, or for you all to play together. There are plenty of places to shop if you have time to kill or souvenirs left to collect, including a SeaWorld store, two Kennedy Space Center stores, two Universal stores with loads of Harry Potter merchandise, and two different Disney stores that have everything you could want. Disney’s Earport is located in the East Hall, and has a pin station where you can trade collectible Disney pins—a popular practice with Disney fanatics. The second store, Magic of Disney, is on the South Walk and boasts large themed screens that serve as great photo backdrops. This is the main place for shopping, and comes before the security gates, so keep that in mind when arriving or departing. If you’re leaving on a departing flight, you’ll need to fit all of your purchases into your luggage before going through security and boarding your flight. However, feel free to load up on separate bags if you’re heading out the front doors! Orlando Airport Security Like all airports, MCO employs standard security procedures as implemented by the TSA. That means you’ll need to make sure you have the right size toiletries, bring no liquids through with you except for medicine or breast milk, and remove all large electronics from your bags. One less common thing the Orlando Airport also requires is that you remove all food items from your non-checked bags. You can bring them through, just make sure they are accessible to take out when going through the line. If you are traveling with little ones, remember that the TSA does not require kids 12 and under to take off their shoes, light jackets, or hats. Babies must be taken out of their strollers and carried through the metal detector, although they can also be carried in a sling. For more information on getting through TSA screening procedures with your kids, check out their official guide to traveling with children. As one of the busiest airports in the country, Orlando Airport also often has tremendously long security lines. Please arrive well in advance of your flight time to make sure that you have time to get through. It can also help to be aware of carry-on restrictions and other policies before you travel to make sure that your time through to the other side isn’t an age and a half. Orlando Airport Dining Options If you arrive early enough at the airport before your departure and need to work in a meal or snack, rest assured—dining options of all stripes abound at MCO. Looking for something fast and inexpensive in the main terminal? Moe’s Southwest Grill and McDonald’s are easy choices at the Main Terminal Food Court. There are three restaurants at the attached Hyatt Regency, as well as a delicious Macaroni Grill, all of which provide more options than fast food. Sports fans may also want to check out the new City Pub, which features local beer and tasty food. It’s also an official supporting bar for the Orlando City Soccer Club, so it’s perfect for sports fans. Fortunately, City Pub is also a relaxed atmosphere that is suitable for kids. The dining options are more diverse once you get past security, including a Chipotle, Cibo Express, Wendy’s, Nathan’s, and an Outback Steakhouse, among several others. There are also some fun adult-friendly options like the upscale Cask & Larder, which brings a farm-to-table sensibility to MCO. If you’d like to review all of your dining options before your visit to see which would be the best for your family—especially those of you with any food allergies or specific diets—the Orlando Airport has conveniently provided a dining directory. Orlando Car Rentals, Shuttles, and Ride Share When arriving in Orlando and needing to find your way from the airport to your hotel or resort, you have multiple options. The most common option is to rent a car, especially if you are doing more than just Disney. Keep in mind that a high-traffic airport like Orlando will often run out of cars later in the day, so be sure to make your rental reservation in advance. Car rental companies are located on both A and B sides of the terminal on Level 1. For those of you who are headed to Disney, the Disney Magical Express is a shuttle that escorts arriving guests to their Disney resort. You’ll need to have your MagicBands ready to be scanned, but the trip is other a pretty painless way to get to your resort or hotel in the Disney-verse. If you’re looking for a taxi or ride share like Uber or Lyft, go to the Ground Transportation area on Level 1. Please note that there is a small fee charged for airport pick-ups that will be added onto your total bill. A good idea can be to look for coupons or deals before arriving to help you save, as the Orlando Airport isn’t very close to downtown and your fare could be quite high.   Orlando Airport Insider Tips The Orlando Airport has an official app—available for Android or Apple—that can be a smart choice for frequent flyers or anyone who likes the extra guidance. Don’t have a smartphone, or prefer not to download the app? There are plenty of interactive kiosks around the airport with the same helpful information. Arrive two to three hours before your flight departs to allow time to go through security and take advantage of the shopping and dining. If your flight arrives late and you have tired and grumpy kids, it may be easier and most cost-effective to stay at a hotel near or in the airport. The Hyatt Regency is an easy choice, as it’s located right in the center of the airport and offers good deals. Important: Once past security, you’ll need to choose one of the monorails to get you to your gate. If you pick the wrong one, you’ll have to take it back and go through security again, so be sure you know which one will head to your gate! Save on Orlando Attraction Tickets Once you’ve successfully made it through the Orlando Airport, it’s time to get down to exploring. If you’re interested in checking what Orlando has to offer beyond the major theme parks, a Go Orlando pass is a smart choice. You can save up to 50% on combined admission to top attractions like LEGOLAND® Florida, Madame Tussauds, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and many I-Drive activities. It’s a convenient digital pass that you get instant access to upon purchase, so whether you plan ahead or opt-in last minute, you can enjoy big savings. Happy travels! So grab an Orlando pass and make the most of your trip!
Katie Sagal
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Orlando in January

Thinking about making a trip to Orlando this January? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the very best that the city has to offer. There are countless ways to enjoy wintertime in The City Beautiful. If the weather is warm enough, you’ll be able to able to visit all your favorite theme parks no bother. For those cooler days, the city’s cultural institutions are a total must-visit. And, for when you feel like you need to take a break, the area presents a lot of great laidback activities to try. Trust us when we say, you’ll never be bored exploring Orlando. So, without further ado, here are our favorite things to see and do in the area. We hope you like them and manage to try some of them out! Find Fun Activities Ever wanted to take a selfie with Brad Pitt? Or maybe strike a pose with Will Smith? Well, as it turns out, now you can! For pop-culture fanatics and lovers of the big screen, Madame Tussauds presents an exciting entertainment experience to remember for all. What began as a small project by famous wax worker Marie Tussaud in the 1800s is now a worldwide sensation right up to this very day, with locations in almost every major Western city – including Orlando. View over 50 life-like figures of some of the most famous faces in the world, ranging from actors and singers to political figures and superheroes. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a phone so you can snap some pictures for Instagram! If you’re looking for something a little different, look no further than the Museum of Illusions. Standing out amongst the other exciting experiences in the city, this place aims to boggle the mind - in the best possible way. Combining architecture, design, psychology and space, the institute presents its unique collection of mind-twisting, eye-tricking installations for a broad audience. With over 50 incredible exhibitions to be enjoyed, the fun never stops coming. Walking around the institution, you’ll find everything from kaleidoscopes and prisms to tilted and reverse rooms. Undeniably intriguing and fascinating, this place is a total crowd-pleaser, great for those of all ages. Aside from its interesting cultural institutions, Orlando presents many fantastic historical structures well worth checking out. Standing as a modest, one-story cottage among College Park’s residential streets, the Jack Kerouac House once served as a home to the famous Beat writer. Though he only lived here less than a year, Kerouac managed to write ‘’The Dharma Bums’’ in its entirety during this time. Today, this National Historic Landmark is now a residence for budding writers – but if you want to take a peek inside, just ask! Beautifully preserved and holding such high cultural relevance, we don’t recommend missing out on this one. Get Cultured Though Orlando is perhaps best known for its world-renowned theme parks, the city’s cultural institutions are more than worth checking out. Built in the first half of the twentieth century, the Wells' Built Museum of African American History once served as a hotel for black visitors to the area. Since then, the structure has been converted into an institution showcasing the storied history of African American culture in the city. Inside, you’ll find everything from artefacts and artwork to old documents and photos pertaining to Orlando’s black and civil rights history. Whether you’re a total history buff or just looking to learn a little more about the area, there’s no better place to be. Orlando presents a wealth of free museums covering a wide range of interesting topics – you just need to know where to look! An important educational tool, the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center works to paint a powerful and moving picture of the past. Through carefully curated exhibitions, educational programs, and personal stories, learn more about those who were affected during this period of time. Within the museum’s intriguing permanent holdings, you’ll find a diverse array of historic documents, photos and artworks which work to tell the story of one of history's most lamentable injustices. Impactful though sombre, we recommend this stop for anybody who takes a deep interest in European history. Learn Something New For those brisk January afternoons, why not head over inside at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex? The perfect experience for those with curious minds, this place works to break down the fascinating history of space travel and deliver it in a digestible way. Even those who aren’t scientifically-minded are sure to be blown away by what this institution has to offer; inside, you can touch a real moon rock, walk amongst NASA shuttles, and attend lectures held by veteran astronauts. Still, the star of the show here has got to be the shuttle launch simulator, which recreates a rocket's orbit into space for visitors. As fun as it is unique, this place should rank right at the top of the itinerary! Another one of our favorite things to do for the month of January is visit the Orlando Fire Museum. Built into a renovated 1926 firehouse, the institute seeks to demonstrate the fascinating history and cultural relevance of firefighting. The perfect stop for all history lovers, this place is an unmissable educational experience; amongst its unique holdings, you’ll find everything from painted leather buckets to early motorized apparatus. Still, the museum’s major showstopper has got to be its wonderful collection of vintage firetrucks, giving a sense of what firefighting was like in a different time. We love this place because it’s impossible to leave without having learned something new. As you can see, there’s no shortage of things to do in Orlando in January. When the weather cools down, this opens up more opportunities for exploration and adventure. Trust us, getting bored in Orlando is mission impossible, no matter the time of year. Whether you're interested in exploring the city’s most popular attractions, hitting up its fantastic museums, or heading over to the historical landmarks, this vibrant Southern metropolis has a little something for everybody. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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