Orlando’s Best Indoor Attractions

It may sound counter-intuitive to dive into the world of indoor attractions in Orlando at this time of year, but hold on a moment. This is exactly the right time to consider some alternatives to the theme parks and all the other outdoor amusements.

For two reasons –

One: It can actually be TOO hot to spend day after day tromping around the parks, soaking up too much sun as well as all the fab experiences on offer. A day out of the heat is always advisable.

And Two: It DOES actually rain in Orlando in the summer, and some of that rain can be torrential. South Florida recently saw extensive and damaging rainfall for almost a week, leading to floods and major disruption in the Miami area and, while that’s a fair way from Disney and Co, a few days’ solid rain isn’t out of the question hereabouts

Therefore, we think it’s wise to always have a few options up your sleeve if the weather turns nasty for the day, or if you’d just prefer to be in the air-conditioning instead of Florida’s outdoor sauna!

So, with no further ado, let’s provide our essential Rainy Day/Cooldown Day opportunities to make sure you always have options on your Orlando holiday:

Crayola Experience

This child-friendly Crayola centre is found inside the fab Florida Mall, which is a great indoor shopping venue. But, for the pre-school age group this creative 70,000sq ft interactive playground really hits all the high notes for collective family fun, as it does 16 different activity stations as well as character meet-and-greets and a super Crayola gift shop. Reservations aren’t necessary, but you can buy tickets in advance online.

Universal’s Great Movie Escape

Orlando hosts almost a dozen escape game attractions these days, but the biggest and most eye-catching is definitely the new one located at Universal’s CityWalk. This elaborate set-up offers two options that immerse guests in a movie-style challenge based on either the genetics lab of Jurassic World or the time travel world of Back To The Future. Both are enormous highly-themed fun.

Madame Tussaud’s Orlando

The idea of wax figures being a tourist attraction dates to the original Madame Tussauds in London’s Baker Street in 1835, but this ultra-modern version at ICON Park on I-Drive is WAY more interesting and hands-on. The Orlando venue features some Florida history – most notably with Walt Disney – a celebrity-filled section and a Superhero encounter that includes fab photo ops with Superman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman.

SeaLife Orlando

Also part of the ICON Park scene, families can find plenty of indoor interest in the aquarium style of SeaLife, which should be well known to British visitors as it has 10 venues in the UK. The Orlando version is packed with attractions, including 13 different marine habitats and features, plus a children’s play area, gift shop and behind-the-scenes tours. The daily feedings and talks are all well worth catching and there’s a combo ticket with Madame Tussauds.

iFLY Orlando

If you’ve ever wondered what’s it feels like to sky-dive, iFLY will give you some of the experience and none of the danger! In short, this is an opportunity to be suspended in a vertical column of air and get the feel of how small movements can really affect your ability to “fly.” It is fun for all ages and even just as a spectator opportunity, so don’t miss their big indoor centre in the heart of I-Drive.

WonderWorks

Is it a museum? Is it a science centre? No, it’s something completely different but with elements of both. Inside the huge “upside-down” building adjacent to the Pointe Orlando centre on I-Drive, this is a hands-on adventure playground for children and adults alike, offering 100 hands-on exhibits that run from the creative Bubble Lab to a chance to experience zero gravity in the Astronaut Training Gyro. Laser tag and glow-in-the-dark ropes course round out a highly active package.

Orange County Regional History Center

When you’re ready to spend several hours learning about the fascinating history of Central Florida, from the first peoples around 12,000 years ago to the modern day, head for this downtown icon. Look out in particular for the sections on African-American history, pioneer days and tourism (dating back to the early 1900s), and definitely make time for the excellent gift shop, with some classic artworks and quirky Florida souvenirs.

Morse Museum of American Art

For a genuine local gem, Winter Park’s signature museum is a treasure trove of 19th and 20th century art, highlighted by the world’s leading collection of work by inspirational glass artist and jeweller Louis Comfort Tiffany. The sheer beauty of his work, along with a collection of artefacts and furniture from his home, Laurelton Hall, add up to a real surprise for art lovers, and a great indoor hideaway when needed.

Orlando Science Center

Here’s another ideal under cover place to take the kids if the theme parks are off the menu for the day. This three-storey gem is full of hands-on exhibits and fascination (dinosaur poo, anyone?!), while the brand new Life! section highlights nature and conservation, featuring animals and their habitats. There’s also the giant domed screen of the Dr Phillips Cinedome and Digital Adventure Theater for regular cinema and live presentations, both included with regular entry.

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

For a great all-action indoor centre, this I-Drive venue is hard to beat. From their signature trio of go-kart tracks and laser tag to interactive 7-D cinema and bowling, there is a wide array of fun and games in store, as well as a surprisingly good in-house restaurant and bar. It bills itself as VR Central, and it’s definitely a dizzying prospect, but we still get hooked every time by the fab track action with the powerful electric kart racing, which features the latest high-tech equipment. There are even Mini Mario karts for drivers 4-7 and it makes for a great indoor theme park!

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