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What to Do Near Universal Studios Orlando: 16 Fun Indoor & Outdoor Ideas for Kids & Adults

Orlando is home to Disney World, Universal Studios, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and much more. It’s safe to say it’s a magical place. But what can children and adults do for fun near Universal Studios besides all the rides and theme parks in the area? Well, keep reading to find 16 fun ideas for kids and adults, outdoors and indoors!

Free Kid Activities Near Universal Studios

1. Enjoy a Picnic at Lake Eola Park

Approx. Distance from Universal: 17 minutes

Located in Downtown Orlando 17 minutes from Universal Studios, Lake Eola is a breathtaking body of water with nearly a mile of sidewalk encircling it. Grab your kids and head to this park for a relaxing stroll or picnic as you see live swans floating on the lake nearby. The beautiful flower beds and spectacular view of the Orlando skyline will keep you relaxed as your kids play nearby.

2. Catch an Outdoor Movie

Approx. Distance from Universal: 18 minutes

Once a month (and occasionally more), Ivanhoe Park Brewing hosts a free, family-friendly movie event under the stars! Your kids will love seeing classic movies like The Sandlot while playing with the arts and crafts provided by Ivanhoe Park Brewing. And that’s not all; while kids are playing, parents can kick back with a cold one or purchase food from any food trucks onsite. Check out the calendar to see upcoming movie nights!

3. Play at the World’s Largest McDonald’s Play Place

Approx. Distance from Universal: 11 minutes

Put a smile on your kid’s face and pair the world-famous McDonald’s Happy Meal with a visit to the largest McDonald’s play place! Open 24 hours; your kids will have a great time burning energy and exploring this vast indoor playground. The second-story arcade has known favorites like Jurassic Park, Fruit Ninja, and Typhoon. This 19,000-square-foot location also hosts family-friendly activities like Mickey D’s Magic & Mayhem Comedy Magic Show. Keep your eye out for appearances from famous characters as you keep track of the little ones!

4. Listen to Storytime at the Local Library

Approx. Distance from Universal: 17 minutes

From nursery rhymes to picture books and songs, the local library is a great place to spend time with kids for free! There are more than a dozen libraries throughout Orlando, and several offer free story time throughout the day for children. The Washington Branch, just 17 minutes from Universal Studios, has story time every Tuesday.

Fun Adult Activities Near Universal Studios

5. Try to Escape at The Escape Game

General Price: About $40 per person

Approx. Distance from Universal: 10 minutes

Located on International Drive, just 10 minutes from Universal Studios, The Escape Game is a local favorite. These 60-minute escape rooms are the perfect way to pass the time with a group if you’re looking for activities near Universal Studios.

More than 15,000 reviewers rave about the creative yet challenging variety of escape room themes featured at the Orlando location. Each game you play has multiple rooms to explore and dozens of clues to uncover and piece together. With a variety of difficulty levels and themes that all feel unique — there’s something for everyone. First escape room? Try the Playground room. But if you’re up for a challenge, see if you can beat Prison Break.

6. Create a Masterpiece at Painting With a Twist

General Price: Starting at $37 per person

Approx. Distance from Universal: 10 minutes

Adults color too! Tap into your creative side at the Painting With A Twist studio, just 10 minutes from Universal Studios. This freestyle DIY experience lets you choose the art piece you want to complete and paint. Instructions are provided at the studio, but you can go at your own pace. The folks at Painting With A Twist will also provide all the supplies and guidance you’ll need. And if you’re in the mood, stop by their in-studio wine bar for a drink.

7. Learn Local Tales with American Ghost Adventures

General Price: Starting at $30 per person

Approx. Distance from Universal: 14 minutes

Love a good scare? You’ll enjoy the Orlando ghost tours hosted by American Ghost Adventures. Not too far from Universal Studios, you’ll get plenty of movement because these walking tours last between two and three hours. On the tour, you’ll learn the local history and ghost stories associated with some of the most haunted buildings in Downtown Orlando. But you won’t just be listening — guests receive ghost-hunting equipment and can also bring their own.

Add a twist to your ghost tour by trying the Downtown Orlando Pub Tour and enjoy spirits with the spirits. The pub tour focuses on storytelling and socializing, so you can enjoy a cold one while learning local ghost history.

8. Catch a Game or Concert at Amway Center

General Price: Prices vary by event

Approx. Distance from Universal: 14 minutes

Home to NBA’s world-famous Orlando Magic team, the Amway Center is tucked away in the heart of Downtown Orlando, about 14 minutes from Universal Studios. Whether you watch to catch a basketball game, concert, or show, this state-of-the-art arena is the place to make lasting memories. There’s always something going on at the Amway Center; roughly 225 events annually, and more than 1.3 million patrons visit each year.

Be sure to check out the events page to stay up to date on the latest events and shows at the Amway Center before they sell out.

Best Outdoor Activities Near Universal Studios

9. Get Fresh Air at Harry P. Leu Gardens

General Price: $10 to $15 per person

Approx. Distance from Universal: 24 minutes

Fresh air and nature can do wonders for your mood and mental health. So, when it’s sunny in the Sunshine State, head to Harry P. Leu Gardens to discover palms, cycads, and beautiful flowering trees. Just over 20 minutes from Universal Studios, you can see a sea of azaleas and bromeliads and appreciate the sight of the annual flowers and the breathtaking beauty of roses and camellias.

Make your visit extra fun

The Harry P. Leu Gardens are fantastic for a casual stroll. But if you’re visiting with friends, add a twist and make it a photo competition! Tap into your National Geography skills and see who can snap the most captivating nature shots during your visit. Vote on the winner — losers buy dinner!

10. Practice Your Swing at Top Golf Orlando

General Price: $18 to $60 per hour/per bay rental

Approx. Distance from Universal: 11 minutes

Enjoy the fresh air in the climate-controlled hitting bays for year-round comfort at Top Golf in Orlando. With HDTVs in every bay and throughout the sports bar and restaurant, you can catch your favorite sports games while perfecting your golf swing. Take turns with friends aiming at the giant outfield targets with Top Golf’s high-tech, self-scoring golf balls. Only 10 minutes or so from Universal, Top Golf is an excellent option for adults who want a nearby activity while enjoying drinks and delicious food.

11. Zipline at Gatorland

General Price: Prices vary per event

Approx. Distance from Universal: 20 minutes

Are you even in Florida if you don’t see a ‘gator or two? Twenty minutes from Universal, you can see thousands of alligators, crocodiles, native and endangered birds, a free-flight aviary, a petting zoo, and more at Gatorland. See alligators and crocodiles of all shapes and sizes, from babies to 14-foot monsters, in the breeding marsh. If you’re in the mood for more adventure, try out the Screamin’ Gator Zipline, where you’ll clip in and zoom along 1,200 feet of zipline over the park’s star attractions — including a marsh with 130 giant alligators below!

12. Explore the Art Scene in Winter Park

General Price: Free

Approx. Distance from Universal: 24 minutes

Known for its numerous outdoor spaces, Winter Park is home to more than 70 beautiful large and small parks. Within the city’s 10-square miles, you’ll find elegant homes, quaint bricked streets, and an abundance of upscale shopping and dining experiences. A little more than 20 minutes from Universal Studios, exploring this urban village is a great way to spend your time.

Looking for world-class art and cultural experiences? You can also dive into the city’s art scene and check out any of the four museums:

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art
Cornell Fine Arts Museum
Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens
Winter Park Historical Museum.

Indoor Activities & Things to Do Near Universal Studios

13. Race the Tracks at K1 Speed

General Price: Starting at $25.95

Approx. Distance from Universal: 9 minutes

Are you looking for a thrill? At K1 Speed, you’ll get your heart pumping as you race around the track in the electric go-karts competing for the fastest lap time against friends, family, and other racers. Do you have what it takes? If not, check out the four-lane bowling alley!

14. Solve a Crime at Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows

General Price: $29.95 to $72.95 per person

Approx. Distance from Universal: 11 minutes

A combination of comedy and mystery, the Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show is the perfect way to spend two and a half hours. While there, you’ll be treated to a sidesplitting 45-minute comedy mystery where all the clues are presented to you. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a delicious dinner as you piece together the clues and prepare for the live interrogation. You’ll get to ask questions and uncover additional clues as you enjoy a tasty meal and mystery dessert. In the end, you guess who committed the crime and earn a prize if your sleuthing skills lead to success!

15. Try a Scavenger Hunt at the Orlando Museum of Art

General Price: $8 to $20

Approx. Distance from Universal: 20 minutes

Orlando is well-known for its magical lands and amusement parks, but it also has a robust and thriving art scene to explore. Stimulate your creativity and intellectual curiosity at Central Florida’s cultural leader since 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art. Each year, this museum hosts a rotating line-up of 10-12 onsite exhibits and 13 located off-site. Focused on collecting, preserving, and interpreting notable works of art, the Orlando Museum of Art is home to first-rate programs highlighting the diverse populations in Orlando. It’s a fascinating building to explore, 20 minutes from Universal Studios.

Make your visit extra fun

There’s so much to see at a museum! So, if you’re visiting with friends, try hosting a museum scavenger hunt. Make a list of the current exhibits on rotation and race to see who can snap a photo of each within the given time frame.

16. Race, Play, Jump, or Bowl at Dezerland Park

General Price: Varies per activity

Approx. Distance from Universal: 10 minutes

Dezerland Park might be the mecca for indoor activities in Orlando — there’s definitely too much to do here in one day. Ten minutes from Universal Studios, there are more than ten attractions to keep you and your friends busy for hours!

Here’s some of what you can find at Dezerland Park:

Karting

Drive along the longest, fastest indoor go-kart track in Florida. Do you have what it takes to beat the 43-second race time to qualify for legendary speed?

Arcade

From bumper cars to hundreds of nostalgic arcade games and billiards — you’ll have a blast while spending hours trying to beat the top scores in the arcade.

Bowling

Strike! Grab a lane and try to land a few strikes while at Dezerland Park. Don’t hesitate to get some food and a drink while you bowl.

Laser Tag Maze

Race through the laser tag maze in search of your opponents. Aim well and watch your back; there are players around every corner!

Trampoline Park

You’ll burn hundreds of calories bouncing on trampolines at Dezerland Park. This 20,000-square-foot location is full of things to do, including dodgeball and basketball on trampolines.

Conclusion

Have fun! Orlando is full of places to hang out and spend some time with friends, kids, or family. If you’re looking for activities besides theme parks near Universal Studios, the activities above are a fun place to start.