10 Entertaining Things to Do Near MCO

Have a significant amount of time surrounding or in between flights at Orlando International Airport (MCO)?  

A long layover or extensive delay is the perfect opportunity to get out of the airport and explore some of the exciting nearby things Orlando has to offer.   

Whether you’re entertaining little ones, seeking a bit of theme park magic, or looking for a place to unwind and get a bite to eat, these nearby attractions are great options if you have extra time in Orlando. 

Each of these destinations can easily be reached with a rideshare or taxi service. We’ve organized them by timed distance from MCO so you can plan according to the amount of time you have to spare.  

Here are 10 entertaining things to do near MCO in Orlando. 

10 – 15 min 

Boxi Park 

Boxi Park is one of Orlando’s best food halls made entirely of repurposed shipping containers.  

At its center is a stage where you’ll frequently find live music, trivia events, and other exciting entertainment. 

Grab a bite to eat at one of their food counters, like a Maine lobster roll at Claw and Order or crispy fried chicken at Fowl Play.  

With a newly expanded playground and a dog park affectionately known as Barxi Park, this kid- and dog-friendly spot is the perfect place to unwind, enjoy a cold beer or a refreshing margarita, and soak in the beautiful Florida weather.  

Nona Adventure Park 

Looking for a way to stay cool on a hot Central Florida day? Aquatic entertainment complex Nona Adventure Park is the perfect place to burn off energy, play, and get wet.  

Bring your bathing suit to explore Aqua Park, a state-of-the-art inflatable obstacle course for kids and adults 5 years and older.  

Wake Nona Cable is a great place to learn and practice wakeboarding skills. All of the necessary equipment can conveniently be rented at Nona Adventure Park.  

Nona Beach Club is a serene sandy oasis overlooking the park’s pristine lake. Rent paddleboards and kayaks or enjoy cocktails on the beach from your comfortable lounge chair.  

These aquatic adventures await you only a short drive from MCO.  

Drive Shack  

Part driving range and part bar and restaurant, Drive Shack is a great spot to relax, refuel, and unwind before your next flight.  

Settle into a private bay and select a virtual golf game to encourage some fun, healthy competition. Drive Shack’s augmented reality technology tracks everything from ball speed, peak height, total distance, and more.  

Each outdoor bay is equipped with heaters and fans for ultimate comfort, as well as an on-demand flatscreen tv so you can tune into your team’s big game or your favorite show. 

Enjoy a full menu of delicious food in the comfort of your bay, paired with a local beer or a craft cocktail.  

There’s plenty for kids and grownups to enjoy, making Drive Shack a great activity for the entire family.  

Kidiverse 

Kidiverse is an indoor play environment for children created by moms who saw a need for a safe, screen-less place for their kids to play. Luckily for travelers with little ones, it’s only a short drive from MCO.  

Whether your child is an infant or up to twelve years old, there’s plenty for them to do and explore at Kidiverse. A unique three-level indoor jungle gym is always a favorite for adventurous kids, as are the dry-erase climbing walls and a Ninja Warrior course.  

A designated toddler play area will keep younger visitors entertained and active.  

Check out their website to see if your visit aligns with one of their fun classes or events.  

15 – 30 minutes 

Gatorland 

If you’re looking for a wild Floridian adventure, look no further than Gatorland.  

This Central Florida theme park has been around for 75 years and is currently home to thousands of alligators and other native and exotic animals.  

See gators in action at a live water show or get up close and personal with Gatorland’s resident capybaras during a meet-and-greet.  

There are also plenty of opportunities for adventure, including the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, Croc Rock Adventure climbing wall, Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure, and more. 

Gatorland is a great place for making exciting memories while you’re waiting for the next leg of your journey. 

Crayola Experience 

Kids and kids at heart will love creating and exploring at the Crayola Experience located in the Florida Mall.  

There are dozens of opportunities to unleash your inner artist, including a variety of guided crafts, a coloring page photobooth, melting and molding your own crayons, and turning yourself into a cartoon dancing crayon.  

Kids can let out some energy on the Color Playground, a two-story climber with exciting obstacles to keep them busy and moving.  

Have a little extra time to spare? The Florida Mall is home to over 220 popular stores and dozens of delicious restaurants. Shop, eat, and explore to your heart’s content.  

Universal Orlando Resort and Universal CityWalk 

Orlando’s theme parks are a huge draw for many visitors, and Universal Orlando Resort is among the most popular.

With two (soon to be three) theme parks packed with exciting thrill rides, dynamic themed worlds, and major attractions like the seasonal Halloween Horror Nights, it’s no wonder Universal Orlando draws millions of guests from around the world every year.

Fans of the Harry Potter franchise will love visiting Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade to be totally immersed in the wizarding world. Thrill seekers can amp up their adrenaline riding attractions like The Jurassic World VelociCoaster or The Incredible Hulk coaster.

If you don’t have the spare time to justify the cost of admission into the parks, you can still get a taste of Universal by visiting CityWalk, a massive outdoor entertainment and dining complex leading into the theme park entrances.

SeaWorld

Another popular Orlando theme park is SeaWorld, home to award-winning rides and enriching animal experiences.

Incredible coasters like Pipeline: The Surf Coaster, Mako, and Manta offer exciting thrills and ride experiences unlike anything else in the state of Florida.

SeaWorld also lets you get up close to some of the world’s most incredible aquatic animals, including orcas, dolphins, penguins, manatees, and sea lions. Learn about SeaWorld’s preservation and conservation efforts and the lifesaving care they provide to the world’s marine animals.

SeaWorld Orlando is also home to Sesame Street Land, where you can explore Sesame Street and meet all its friendly, furry inhabitants.

Around 35 min

Lake Eola Park

In the heart of downtown Orlando, away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, is Lake Eola, a picturesque park that is home to some of the city’s most recognizable features.

In the center of the lake is the Linton E. Allen Memorial Fountain, a tiered green fountain that comes to life at night with a choreographed light show set to music. During the day, you’ll often see it surrounded by swan paddle boats, available to rent near the Relax Grill on the west side of the park.

While walking the just-under-one mile path surrounding the lake, you’ll see dozens of resident swans and other beautiful waterfowl that have called Lake Eola home for over 100 years.

The path is also adorned with a variety of art installations and features like the rainbow-colored Walt Disney Amphitheater. A trip to Lake Eola is the perfect way to experience the spirit and beauty of Orlando you may not otherwise see if you stick to the theme parks.

Disney Springs

If you’re looking for a way to experience Disney magic while you’re in Orlando without committing to a day in the theme parks, a quick trip to Disney Springs may hit the spot.

Disney Springs is an outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment complex that is home to a variety of popular brands like Lilly Pulitzer, Free People, Anthropologie, and so many more.

You’ll find the spirit of Disney in a variety of stores like World of Disney, the world’s largest collection of Disney merch, and other shops and galleries including The Art of Disney, Disney Ever After, and Disney’s Pin Traders.

There’s always something new to explore, taste, or experience at Disney Springs; it’s up to you where your journey takes you.

Turn Your Layover into a Stay-Over at Rosen Inn closest to Universal

Looking for a place to stay while you’re in Orlando? Rosen Inn closest to Universal has everything you need for a comfortable stay at an incredible price.

Our convenient location puts you even closer to some of Orlando’s top attractions and theme parks, as well as our own resort-style amenities like a seasonally heated swimming pool, theme park shuttles, free wi-fi, and a Kids Eat Free program at our Palms Dining Room.

Let us show you why you should embrace being in Orlando and stay a little while longer.