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.
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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
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
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.
Discover: 29 Things to Do for $29 or Less
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
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
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
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.
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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.
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
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
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
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
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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®
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
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
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®
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.
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®
Located 5 miles from Walt Disney World, Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets boasts TAG Heuer, The North Face, Burberry, Coach and numerous other premium brands.
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