Orlando spring break staycation: 15 ideas for planning a local getaway

Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel
·7 min read

As spring break season approaches for college students and families with school-aged children, questions about how to use the time well and stave off boredom might arise.

Luckily, it’s hard to feel bored in Orlando, where countless offerings are available to tourists and locals alike. Whether it’s heading to the zoo, taking a bike ride or heading to one of Central Florida’s indoor attractions, there are plenty of options for putting that time off to use.

While this is far from an exhaustive list, here are ideas for things to do during an Orlando spring break staycation.

Outdoor adventures

  • Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park provides an aerial obstacle course set in a natural pine forest meant to enthrall and challenge thrill-seekers of all ages. Navigate four separate courses that increase in difficulty; two separate courses are set out for kids. Finish the experience by enjoying a ride on a zip line more than 400 feet long. The attraction, with tickets starting at $34.95 for kids and $59.95 for adults (before tax, Florida resident discount available), is open daily at 8 a.m. at 7625 Sinclair Road in Kissimmee. More information: orlandotreetrek.com

  • Take a bike ride on one of Central Florida’s multipurpose trails, including the Orlando Urban Trail, Seminole Wekiva Trail, Cady Way Trail, Little Econ Greenway, West Orange Trail and Cross Seminole Trail. For some mountain biking action close to Orlando, head to Lake Druid Park, Markham Woods, the Mount Dora Trail, Soldier’s Creek or Snow Hill.

  • Orlando Wetlands Park presents itself as one of Central Florida’s best birding destinations for visitors to the 1,650-acre man-made destination. The wetlands were built as a natural way to treat reclaimed water and now the space features a new 2,200-foot boardwalk for better access. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset at 25155 Wheeler Road in Christmas. More information: orlando.gov

  • Gatorland, which opened in 1949 and predates Disney, continues to captivate guests with reptiles of all kinds, cats, birds and more. Visitors can head on an off-road adventure, soar above the park on zip lines or see the “Gator Jumparoo.” Florida residents can receive half-priced tickets, which must be purchased on-site, through March 31. Gatorland is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily at 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando. More information: gatorland.com

  • Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, which was recently in the running for the top zoos in the nation, is a place where families can enjoy 350 animals, including foosas, which are endemic to Madagascar, and an array of big cats, including leopards, a cougar and cheetahs. The zoo also has spring break camps March 13-17. The attraction is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily at 3755 W. Seminole Blvd. in Sanford. More information: centralfloridazoo.org

  • Top Golf, Drive Shack and PopStroke all provide fun, innovative and technology-driven ways for families to go golfing. Of course, Orlando has more than its fair share of old-fashioned putt-putt. But TopGolf and Drive Shack have ways of gamifying the driving range for families to enjoy the experience together, complete with food and beverages. PopStroke, which opened last year in Waterford Lakes, brings two 18-hole mini-courses, plus food, ice cream and a bar, to local families and visitors. More information: topgolf.com, driveshack.com or popstroke.com

  • Paddle a kayak, paddleboard or canoe on one of Central Florida’s pristine waterways, including Rock Springs Run (which can be accessed from King’s Landing), Wekiwa Springs, the Winter Park Chain of Lakes, Silver Springs, Juniper Springs, the Econlockhatchee River or Rainbow River. Florida’s East Coast also offers paddles in the Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River Lagoon near Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. Local outfitters offer rentals and tours, including Get Up and Go Kayaking, Adventures in Florida, A Day Away Kayak Tours, BK Adventure, Florida Adventurer, Kayaking Florida, Fin Expeditions, Epic Paddle Adventures and Peace of Mind Kayak Tours.

  • Tube and swim at Kelly Park, a hot spot for family-friendly outdoor fun. Rent tubes from the Rock Springs Bar & Grill or pack your own to enjoy a 30-minute tube run within the Orange County Park. A concession stand is also available, making spending a full day outdoors enjoying the sun and springs possible. Park admission costs $3 per vehicle with one or two people or $5 per vehicle with three-to-eight people. The park is open at 8 a.m. daily at 400 E. Kelly Park Road in Apopka. More information: ocfl.net

Indoor fun

  • Orlando Science Center is a prime place for learning and educational fun, even while taking a break from classroom learning. The attraction has experiences geared toward young learners of all ages, including “Earth Matters,” a traveling exhibit now on display that showcases how everything in nature is connected. Orlando Science Center, which costs $18 for children ages 2-11 and $24 for adults, is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (closed most Wednesdays, open March 15 during spring break) at 777 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. More information: osc.org

  • Dezerland Action Park advertises its more than 800,000 square feet of indoor fun, which includes a laser tag maze, the Orlando Auto Museum, go-karts, bumper cars, an arcade, a bowling alley and more. Experiences are individually priced. The attraction is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday at 5250 International Drive in Orlando. More information: dezerlandpark.com

  • Andretti Indoor Karting and Games is another indoor option for entertainment with a focus on karting, plus an arcade, laser tag and more. Attractions are pay-as-you-go at 9299 Universal Blvd. in Orlando. Hours may vary, but the indoor destination typically opens at 11 a.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends. More information: andrettikarting.com

  • Elev8 Fun brings family-friendly enjoyment to the Sanford area with bowling, go karts, laser tag, indoor mini golf, a ropes course and more. Experiences are individually priced; some bundled packages area available. The entertainment center is open noon-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, noon-1 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday at 320 Towne Center Circle in Sanford. More information: elev8fun.com

  • Icon Park is gearing up for spring break with several deals for visitors. Through March 31, enjoy “The Wheel Deal” with 45 percent off tickets for the park’s giant observation wheel. Guests can also explore Icon Park’s Play Pass, $74.99 each, which includes a rotation on The Wheel, a visit to Madame Tussauds, a visit to Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, a visit to the Museum of Illusions and several other perks. Park hours vary by attraction. Find the entertainment options at 8375 International Drive in Orlando. More information: iconparkorlando.com

Overnight escapes

  • Camping or glamping can provide a fun way for the whole family to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Some Orange County parks and state parks may have some, albeit limited, availability for sites during the busy spring break season. Consider searching for a spot at Lake Louisa State Park, where “CareFree” camping is available in bell tents and eco-tents. Ocala National Forest has its own range of offerings and primitive camping too. Visit ocfl.net, reserve.floridastateparks.org or fs.usda.gov for camping reservations.

  • Orlando-area resorts are sometimes geared specifically toward families, especially near Central Florida’s iconic theme parks. Cabana Bay Beach Resort, Margaritaville Orlando Resort, Four Seasons Resort Orlando and JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes all provide unique water parks and amenities for the entire family, just to name a few.

Find me @PConnPie on Twitter and Instagram or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com. For more fun things, follow @fun.things.orlando on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.