Things to do in Orlando for Birthdays

Published: July 18, 2024

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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

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No-Cost Fun: Free Things to Do Near Museum of Illusions Orlando

Escaping Reality, Without Spending a Cent  Orlando’s Museum of Illusions is a playground for your brain—a place where gravity flips, rooms shrink, and photo ops never end. But step outside, and you’ll find even more surprises that won’t cost a penny. The whole area around ICON Park (where the museum sits) sparkles with free things to do. From lively art walks to peaceful green spaces and culture-filled corners, this stretch of International Drive is a goldmine for intrepid travelers, barefoot wanderers, and those who like their fun free. Whether you’ve got the whole gang in tow, you’re traveling solo, or you’re two lovebirds looking for a budget-friendly date, we’re sharing the very best activities close to the Museum of Illusions—none of which require breaking open your wallet.  Our favorite free attractions near the Museum of Illusions include:  ICON Park entertainment district  International Drive Public Art & Murals  I-Drive 360 Courtyard Live Music  Disney Springs  Lake Eola Park  Dr. Phillips Center Arts Plaza  Leu Gardens “Free Admission Days”  Universal CityWalk (parking after 6pm)  The Escape Game Orlando Mural & Plaza    Let the free Orlando adventure begin!  International Drive Public Art & Murals  If you’re a fan of street art, you’ll want to explore the colorful murals and playful installations scattered along International Drive, all within walking distance from the Museum of Illusions. The “I-Drive” corridor is Orlando’s fun zone, and the local government has commissioned a vibrant collection of public art that’s open, accessible, and perfect for your Instagram grid.  Keep your eyes peeled for the three-story “Greetings from Orlando” postcard mural, a huge splash of colors and Orlando icons. Down an adjacent alley, whimsical animal sculptures and abstract shapes form a path to creative photo spots. The “Selfie Wall” series takes things up a notch—these interactive installations were designed specifically for snapping the perfect vacation shot. Whether you’re posing with technicolor butterflies or snapping a selfie amidst retro cassette tapes, every corner is selfie-worthy.  Best of all, the greatest art discoveries are often the accidental ones. Duck into hidden corners or stroll behind the bus stops—there’s a surprise everywhere. No tickets required; just a curious spirit and your camera.  I-Drive 360 Courtyard Live Music  Music is practically in the air around International Drive, and the I-Drive 360 Courtyard is the beating heart of the action. This palm-shaded, open-air space right by ICON Park is a magnet for local musicians, emerging bands, and talented buskers—especially on weekends.  Grab a spot by the fountain or on one of the grassy knolls and enjoy an evening soundtrack of jazz, acoustic folk, and the occasional mariachi band. The vibe? Relaxed and lively, with families dancing, couples swaying, and music-lovers just soaking in the talent. On select Friday and Saturday nights, local event organizers host free outdoor concerts (bring a picnic or order takeout from surrounding eateries).  Many of the acts are up-and-coming talents, so you might say you saw them here first. If you value authentic, unscripted fun, you’ll love relaxing at the Courtyard—it’s like stumbling onto your own private music festival.  Disney Springs  A 15-minute drive from the Museum of Illusions, Disney Springs feels worlds away from the amusement park crowds. With no fee to enter or walk around, this vast entertainment complex offers a full afternoon (or evening) of delight and discovery.  What’s so special? Disney Springs is a feat of design, where each district delivers entirely different vibes—boho chic, industrial-cool, old Florida waterfront, and more. Street musicians, a cappella groups, and dance troupes deliver top-tier entertainment nightly, free for everyone. Ragtime pianists play outside Paddlefish, while pop-up DJs get crowds moving on the Boardwalk.  For parents, the LEGO Store’s outdoor building area is a winner. Creative types can window-shop at the many art galleries, or see world-class sand sculptures during seasonal festivals. For foodies, free samples sometimes appear outside Ghirardelli Chocolate or Amorette’s Patisserie (worth asking!). Even if all you do is check out the themed fountains, take in the lakeside sunset, or watch hot-air balloons rise at dusk, Disney Springs delivers magic—all without a park ticket.  Dr. Phillips Center Arts Plaza  Classical music, jazz, experimental dance—you’ll never believe so much culture is served up for free at the Dr. Phillips Center in downtown Orlando. Their Arts Plaza is an urban stage, featuring a year-round lineup of free outdoor concerts, pop-up theater, community festivals, and public art installations.  On a typical weekend, you might catch a salsa band serenading an impromptu dance party, kids belting out Broadway hits, or a seasoned jazz quartet on the sweeping patio. Bring a lawn chair or just lounge on the steps and let Orlando’s arts scene wash over you. From food truck nights to outdoor movie projections, there’s always something happening.  Even if you just pass through, the playful fountains and sleek architecture make it a fun, photogenic refuge after a day of museum hopping. Local tip: December’s “Free Family Festival” fills the streets with festive lights and performances—don’t miss it if you’re in town for the holidays.  Leu Gardens “Free Admission Days”  If you love being surrounded by blooming camellias, palm groves, and winding rose arbors, Leu Gardens in Orlando offers pure bliss. And if you time your visit right, you can explore the entire 50-acre garden for free. The first Monday of every month is complimentary admission day—perfect for travelers on a budget.  Wander beneath ancient oaks dripping with Spanish moss, pause at peaceful koi ponds, and smell fresh roses as you explore themed gardens highlighting everything from tropical bromeliads to edible vegetable plots. This is a great spot for nature photographers (bring your camera for butterfly close-ups and hidden garden sculptures) and romantics alike. Benches abound for quiet contemplation or lively conversation.  On free days, you can also explore the charming historic Leu House Museum, usually closed to walk-ins. Kids love the butterfly garden and the resident chickens, while adults treasure a moment to slow down. Don’t forget to check their website for seasonal events—flower shows, outdoor yoga, and art fairs often coincide with free admission dates.  Universal CityWalk (Parking After 6pm)  Universal CityWalk, a buzzing promenade just outside Universal Orlando’s gates, is home to wild décor, massive neon signs, and nightly fun. The secret? Parking is free for everyone after 6pm (except Halloween Horror Nights), so you can enjoy the area without buying theme park tickets.  CityWalk’s main paths are always thrumming with energy, with giant fire pits, street entertainment, and impromptu dance contests. You can window shop at novelty megastores, enjoy the choreographed “singing” fountains, or listen to live bands for free from the open plazas. The ambiance leans exuberant—expect a happy-hour block party vibe and no shortage of people-watching.  If you’re feeling peckish, pop into Voodoo Doughnut just to see their outrageous pink décor and wild doughnut displays (you might even catch free samples during slower periods). Couples will love the Sambil Bridge for stellar sunset snaps, and families can let off steam with the nightly splash pad. CityWalk after dark? Free, safe, and absolutely classic Orlando.  The Escape Game Orlando Mural & Plaza  Hidden behind the main hustle of International Drive, The Escape Game Orlando has transformed its entrance plaza into a lively, free-to-visit hub for public art and games. It’s a relaxed spot, whether you’re passing through or hanging out before dinner.  The ever-changing outdoor “Challenge Wall” features mind-bending puzzles for visitors to solve, while whimsical murals provide both photo ops and brain teasers. Local artists added illusions and optical tricks to some walls—snap a selfie from just the right angle for Riley-worthy perspective shots. Sit on the colorful steps, try out a new puzzle, and watch as families and groups giggle their way through the interactive clues.  Occasionally, the plaza hosts public escape game demonstrations or free scavenger hunts. Even if you just want to chill outdoors, it’s a clever, alternative stop that will please puzzle-lovers of all ages (without touching your bank account).  Wrapping It All Up: Orlando—No Wallet Needed  Orlando’s International Drive isn’t just for thrill rides and big-ticket attractions. From splashy street art to free music, lush gardens, and festive promenades, this corner of the city brims with activities where the only thing you’ll spend is time. Whether you’re capping off an afternoon at the Museum of Illusions, planning a whole day hopping from place to place, or searching for a little green space to unwind, you’ll find plenty of local color ready to be discovered—and enjoyed for free.    Like this? Check out our guide to magnificent mornings in Orlando, and browse our secret guide to Orlando’s hidden gems.  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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