Fun Spot America in Orlando

Half-Day Orlando Activities

Need Orlando vacation ideas to fill half a day? One-of-a-kind attractions, all-in-one entertainment districts and shopping excursions throughout the area make it easy to not just pass the time, but have the time of your life while you’re at it.

Looking for more ways to have a half-day getaway? Check out Orlando’s most popular districts and neighboring towns, all of which have special surprises in store for you, or plot a day trip to unique Florida attractions and locations. We also boast numerous outdoor adventures that can be experienced in half a day. It just goes to show: There is always more to do in Orlando.

  • You’ll never lack for entertainment when you spend a half-day — or more — at these attractions in and around Orlando.

    Save on discount tickets: Orlando Attractions

    Brevard Zoo kayaking by wildlife
    Kayaking near giraffes at Brevard Zoo Near Orlando

    Brevard Zoo

    Located on Florida’s east coast about an hour from Orlando, Brevard Zoo offers kayaking safaris, gorgeous flora and up-close encounters with giraffes and baby gators, among other features.

    Learn more: Orlando Zoos & Gardens

    Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens guests looking at rhino
    Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens Near Orlando

    Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

    About 30 minutes north of our main tourism districts, Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens has more than 500 animals, 23 acres of gardens, a children’s petting zoo, a splash playground, zip-lining courses and more.

    Karting Orlando at Dezerland Park Orlando
    Karting Orlando at Dezerland Park

    Dezerland Park

    Enjoy 800,000 square feet of indoor attractions at Dezerland Park in the International Drive Entertainment District, aka I-Drive, including Axecelsior Axe Throwing, the Orlando Auto Museum, Karting Orlando, Jump Start Trampoline Park and much more.

    Learn more: Dezerland Park

    View of rides including Rip Curl at Fun Spot America Theme Parks Orlando
    Fun Spot America in Orlando

    Fun Spot America

    Family-owned and operated with locations on International Drive in Orlando and in Kissimmee, Fun Spot America is home to some of Orlando’s best roller coasters, plus other rides and entertainment. Get discount tickets.

    Gatorland alligator
    Gatorland in Orlando

    Gatorland

    Orlando’s original theme park, Gatorland is still going strong with thousands of alligators and crocodiles on hand. Other features include a kids’ splash pad, a nature walk, the Gatorland Express train ride, the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, a petting zoo, and more. Get discount tickets.

    Wild Florida airboat
    Wild Florida Near Orlando

    Wild Florida

    Approximately 45 minutes from our main tourism districts, Wild Florida offers a half-day airboat and gator park package that’s suitable for all ages. They also have a drive-thru safari. Get discount tickets.

  • Whether you’ve come to Orlando primarily for attractions, dining, entertainment or shopping, you’ll find them all at our self-contained, walkable entertainment complexes.

    View of Disney Springs from Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace
    DISNEY SPRINGS® at WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort in Orlando (Courtesy Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace)

    Disney Springs®

    Offering free admission and parking, Disney Springs at Walt Disney World® Resort is bigger and better than ever, with four fascinating neighborhoods to explore. You’ll find dining, shopping and entertainment options to fit every budget, as well as Orlando’s highest concentration of celebrity chefs.

    Learn more: DISNEY SPRINGS

    friends walking in front of The Wheel at ICON Park
    ICON Park® in Orlando’s International Drive Entertainment District

    ICON Park®

    Featuring entertainment, dining and shopping, ICON Park on I-Drive is home to can’t-miss attractions like The Wheel, Madame Tussauds Orlando, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Museum of Illusions and more.

    Learn more: ICON Park

    It also has one-of-a-kind dining, including Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips, and others.

    Pointe Orlando sign and valet parking area
    Pointe Orlando in the International Drive Entertainment District

    Pointe Orlando

    At Pointe Orlando on International Drive, cuisine that runs the gamut from casual to haute is joined by a diverse selection of attractions, such as WonderWorks and Main Event Entertainment, as well as specialty shops, music and live entertainment.

    Learn more: Pointe Orlando

    Universal CityWalk aerial over CityWalk Lagoon
    Universal CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort

    Universal CityWalk

    Universal Orlando Resort’s entertainment and dining district, Universal CityWalk is free to visit, with free parking after 6 p.m. excluding special event nights. Catch a movie, bowl a few frames, grab dinner and a show, and take in all the wonderful things there are to see.

    Learn more: Universal CityWalk

  • It’s easy to spend a half day or more shopping till you drop at upscale malls, factory outlets, neighborhood boutiques and other one-of-a-kind retailers throughout Orlando — and all within a 15-mile radius of our theme parks.

    Learn more: Orlando Shopping

    The Florida Mall exterior Crayola
    Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall® in Orlando

    The Florida Mall®

    Central Florida’s largest shopping center, The Florida Mall is close to the theme parks and Orlando International Airport (MCO). It offers top brands and amenities, including Crayola Experience, American Girl and more.

    Learn more: Things to Do Indoors

    Inside Guess outlet store at Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores
    G by Guess at Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores in Orlando

    Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores

    Just 7 miles from Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores offers top retailers such as Nike, Aeropostale, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Eddie Bauer and many others.

    Learn more: Orlando Discount Shopping

    Mall at Millenia main entrance at evening
    The Mall at Millenia in Orlando

    The Mall at Millenia

    Find 150 of the finest retailers and restaurants, including 40 market-exclusive shops, at The Mall at Millenia, a glamorous luxury mall just a short distance from Universal Orlando Resort.

    Learn more: Orlando Malls

    Orlando International Premium Outlets
    Orlando International Premium Outlets®

    Orlando International Premium Outlets®

    Many popular brands, such as J. Crew, adidas, Victoria’s Secret and more, are represented at Orlando International Premium Outlets in the heart of International Drive.

    Tim's Wine Market and OFE Tattoo in Ivanhoe Village
    Ivanhoe Village Main Street District in Orlando

    Orlando Neighborhoods

    Discover unique finds at bespoke retailers in neighborhoods close to downtown Orlando, including College Park Main Street, Ivanhoe Village Main Street, Audubon Park Garden District and others.

    Learn more: Orlando Neighborhood Shopping

    Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets gucci prada
    Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets®

    Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets®

    Located 5 miles from Walt Disney WorldOrlando Vineland Premium Outlets boasts TAG Heuer, The North Face, Burberry, Coach and numerous other premium brands.

    Park Avenue in Winter Park
    Park Avenue in Winter Park Near Orlando

    Winter Park 

    Winter Park, just 20 minutes northeast of downtown Orlando, is one of the area’s most charming communities. Featuring high-end shopping and dining options, Park Avenue is its heart.

    Learn more: Winter Park Shopping