Spring break has nearly arrived in Orlando — named one of the top family spring break destinations by U.S. News & World Report — providing all-new opportunities to take in our vibrant sun, get a tan and have the time of your life in the Theme Park Capital of the World. Say goodbye to your boots and coat, and hello to flip-flops and shorts: Here are 10 ways to enjoy the best spring break in Orlando!

Experience Theme Park Festivals

Mardi Gras at Universal Studios Florida™ Brings the Sights and Sounds of New Orleans to Orlando

Gather your family and friends and head out to the festivals happening at Walt Disney World® Resort, Universal Orlando Resort™ and SeaWorld® Orlando, all at no extra cost to ticket-holders. They include:

Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort (through April 4)

Experience the Big Easy’s biggest party right here in Orlando! Held at Universal Studios Florida™, it features a nightly parade, Cajun cooking, live concerts, a re-creation of New Orleans’ French Quarter, and plenty of beads.

Learn more: Mardi Gras at Universal Orlando Resort

Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld Orlando (through May 5)

Enjoy “street food” dishes from around the world, plus craft beer and other libations at this weekends-only festival. The event is also hosting live performances from numerous chart-topping musicians.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival at Walt Disney World Resort (March 6 – June 3)

Frolic with Disney-themed topiaries, wildlife habitats, exhibits, and garden-themed food and beverages. This festival also features the Garden Rocks concert series.

Learn more: Spring Theme Park Events in Orlando

Cool Off at a Water Park

Make a Splash at Water Parks in Orlando

For wild and wet adventures, dive into Orlando’s water parks. Some of the best are operated by theme parks, including Universal’s Volcano Bay™, Aquatica® Orlando, Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, and LEGOLAND Florida Water Park. (Access to the latter is available as an upgrade to regular admission.)

Learn more: Orlando Water Parks

Furthermore, select Orlando resorts have onsite water parks, including The Grove Resort Orlando, Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Suites and Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld. And Orlando Watersports Complex features a modular, inflatable Aquapark as well as traditional watersports.

Catch a Baseball Game

Springtime in Orlando means Atlanta Braves spring training at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex — at least for one final season. The Braves will play at Disney on select days through March 23 before moving to their new facility in North Port, Florida. Don’t miss your chance to see them in Orlando!

Learn more: Orlando Sports, Recreation & Outdoors

Watch an Outdoor Concert

See Outdoor Concerts This Spring at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts (Pictured) and Other Orlando Venues

Outdoor concerts bloom during springtime in Orlando. For instance, our theme parks’ spring festivals all host live music on select days. Disney Springs™ and Universal CityWalk™ also offer musical entertainment, plus free admission.

Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando is another great place to catch outdoor concerts, thanks to the Walt Disney Amphitheater, a weekly Farmers Market and regular events. Also downtown, the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts hosts occasional outdoor shows. And that’s on top of live music at our outdoor multicultural festivals!

Learn more: Multicultural Festivals in Orlando

Dine Al Fresco

Soco Restaurant in Downtown Orlando’s Thornton Park Neighborhood

Orlando’s springtime weather brings a significant spike in demand for outdoor dining. Fortunately, we have a lot to choose from. Some of our favorites in the tourism district include Seito Sushi and Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, with Soco Restaurant and Maxine’s on Shine being popular choices in the downtown area. Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk also offer al-fresco dining, as do many other locations around town.

Learn more: Springtime Outdoor Dining in Orlando

Relax at a World-Class Spa

Hot Stone Massage at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando, Grande Lakes

For some quality downtime, check into one of our exceptional spas with out-of-this-world options. For example, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando, Grande Lakes, has more than 40 treatment rooms, plus hot stone massage. At Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando™ and Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort, the Mandara Spa has a full range of exotic services to help you achieve nirvana. That’s just the start of the unique spas you’ll find in Orlando!

Learn more: Orlando Spas

Take a Boat Tour

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Warmer spring temperatures are made for sightseeing adventures. Attractions like Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, Boggy Creek Airboat Tours and Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Tours will take you on wild trips through lakes, swamps and rivers filled with stunning flora and fauna. You can find more ecotourism options on our website.

Lounge Poolside

Falls Pools Oasis at Orlando World Center Marriott

Throughout Orlando, pools are open for business! They also come equipped with an array of mind-blowing features, such as lazy rivers, water slides, underwater sound systems, secluded grottos, and plenty of fun for kids and adults alike. Some of Orlando’s coolest pools include those at Orlando World Center Marriott, Wyndham Grand Orlando Resort Bonnet Creek and Hilton Orlando, but many more await you.

Learn more: Orlando’s Coolest Pools

Play Tennis and Golf Like a Pro

Free-to-Play Nemours Family Zone at the United States Tennis Association National Campus in Orlando

Located in Orlando’s Lake Nona neighborhood, less than 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Campus doesn’t just host pro practices and tournaments. It also features the Nemours Family Zone, which gives you the opportunity to play like a pro — for free — on a first-come, first-served basis.

Orlando also features more than 150 golf courses, including several designed by pros. Top examples include Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Shingle Creek Golf Club and Grand Cypress Golf Club, to name a few.

Get Back to Nature

Screamin' Gator Zip Line at Gatorland in Orlando

Last but not least, spring features some of Orlando’s most gorgeous weather — so get out there and make the most of it! Fly high with zip-line operators like Forever Florida — Ziplines & Adventures in the Wild!, Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park and Gatorland’s Screamin’ Gator Zip Line. Or, go even higher at Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park. You can also keep it on the ground at Revolution Off Road, or set a slower pace with a hike or bike ride down the West Orange Trail.

Whichever you choose, be sure to bring a camera. You never know what sort of surprises you’ll find in Orlando’s great outdoors!

Written by Nate Shelton, consumer content writer at Visit Orlando. He's an experienced journalist and native Floridian who enjoys the entertainment, cultural and culinary aspects of Orlando and Orange County.

Stay Connected to Orlando!
Never miss a second of what happens in Orlando! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest offers, exclusive tips and live feeds from our newest attractions and fun events, and subscribe to our eNewsletter for more information from Orlando: Theme Park Capital of the World^®.

Magical Dining