It’s likely you have crossed a time zone or two to visit Orlando which may mean staying up later with kids than normal. Good to know then, that evening fun is not just for the grown-ups – there are plenty of fun things to do in Orlando at night with kids as well as adults.
The nightlife includes exciting events like music performances at Universal CityWalk and in Disney Springs Lake Buena Vista, adding a lively atmosphere to your holiday or vacation.
Whether you have just flown in, are still jet-lagged or are simply looking for things to do in the evening, there are plenty of activities for all ages from toddlers to teens. Have you tried any of these fun events and things to do in Orlando at night with your family? (For our bumper guide of things to do, day or night, see here.)
24 Fun Things To Do In Orlando At Night With Kids
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1. Enjoy a ride on The Wheel at ICON Park (formerly the Orlando Eye)
Orlando at night is a sea of colors, lights and fireworks. You can’t miss the colorful Wheel as a landmark and gateway to attractions at ICON park.
The 18-minute ride gives you fantastic views of Orlando’s skyline where you are suspended for a short time at the very top. The Wheel is part of various packages to see Orlando attractions including, 2,3 and 5 day passes.
2. Explore the rest of ICON Park at night.
ICON Park on the IDRIVE, is a popular place day or night. During the day explore the famous Madame Tussauds Orlando wax attraction, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Arcade City, the toddler sized Pearl Express Train (for your little ones and even those just young at heart) and day or night, try the 7D Dark Ride Adventure (closes at 9pm) or the Orlando StarFlyer; a super tall ride with double-seat swings, offering views from 450 feet.
There are plenty of places to eat nearby, and parking is FREE in the covered parking garage right on property. Free valet parking also available.
Good to know: i-RIDE Trolley
The i-RIDE Trolley is accessible to and from all points of interest along International Drive. The nearest stops for the The Wheel are: • Red Line Northbound Stop: 14 • Green Line Southbound Stop: G9 • Visit iridetrolley.com for the most up-to-date hours and pricing information. This ticket gives you unlimited rides on the i-ride trolley, so you can explore all of International Drive.
3. Universal City Walk
Universal City Walk is a hive of activity with restaurants, I-Max, street entertainers and a great spot to meander and people watch and you don’t need park tickets to enter. After 6pm, parking is free too!
Activities which are also available at night range from Hollywood Drive-In Golf to popular show, the Blue Man Group – a family-friendly blend of comedy, theater and concert.
There are plenty of family friendly restaurants at Universal City Walk, from Jimmy Buffets at Margaritaville, Hard Rock Cafe (younger kids are served their food on guitar shaped plates they can take home) and Bubba Gump.
For exploring both Universal and Islands of Adventure, a park to park ticket is best to make the most of the Harry Potter Hogwarts Express train.
4. Florida Airboat Adventure At Night
An airboat tour by day is exciting, but by night you get to glimpse all the nocturnal animals. Glide across dark swamps and see the wildlife in their natural habitats. You are guaranteed to come face to face with nature’s nocturnal hunters including the American Alligator.
Tours leave between 7.30 and 8.30 at night and you head out to the swamps in a 17-seater airboat.
5. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not is the ‘go to’ place for bizarre and strange exhibits and is open until midnight.
Ripley’s stays open from 10am to midnight so convenient for some after dinner entertainment or to escape any rainy weather in Orlando.
6. Helicopter Night Tour
For something different, get a bird’s eye view via a helicopter night tour and spot all the lights of the parks and the fireworks!
7. Escape Rooms
Older kids will love an escape room and there are several to choose from in Orlando. Choose different missions and escape with your family…if you can! (Most are for age 12 and older)
The Escape Game is a live 60-minute adventure with 5 themed rooms to escape from. Choose from The Heist, Mars, Gold Rush, Classified or Prison Break. Rooms have a maximum capacity ranging from 6-8 people. The games are suitable for ages 13 and up, although younger players are allowed.
Escapology is located on the International Drive, choose from the Mansion Murder, Narco, Under Pressure, The Code, Antidote, Budapest Express or the Cuban Crisis. Groups can be 2-6 players. Children under the ages of are advised not to play as they might not understand the games.
8. Dine At The World’s Largest McDonald’s
The world’s largest McDonald’s is located in Orlando over 3 floors and has arcade games, play areas and a 30-foot-tall Ronald McDonald you won’t find at other franchise locations.
Food wise, as well as familiar options you can order, calzones, pizza, sandwiches, salads and pasta. Still hungry? There is a full desert bar too. Plus it is open 24 hours a day!
9. Disney Boardwalk
The Disney Boardwalk is similar in concept to City Walk, with street entertainers, shops and restaurants.
10. Titanic Gala Dinner
The Titanic Gala dinner is a great treat for history buffs. As a part of the dinner show, you’ll get to interact with the passengers of the Titanic and witness a re-enactment of the tragic shipwreck. Reopening in 2021. Dinner from 6.30pm.
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition takes guests on a journey back in time to April 1912. The Exhibition features more than 300 artifacts, costumed actors as well as full-scale room recreations.If you just want to look at Titanic items, the Exhibit hours are Wed – Sun 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Last entry at 4 p.m.) Closed Monday and Tuesday
11. Old Town Cars
Old Town is a popular place for car enthusiasts with the free weekly car shows. Visitors are drawn here every Friday night for the American muscle car show and cruise and on Saturday nights for the vintage classics.
12. Chip ‘N Dale’s Campfire Sing-A-Long
If you head to the Campfire Sing-A-Ling at Disney’s Wilderness Resort you can join in the fun for free even if you are not a guest.
Enjoy s’mores, a cowboy sing-along, then cozy up for a classic Disney movie in a theater under the stars. Bring a camp chair or blanket although benches are provided. For movie schedules, please check with the Front Desk at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, or call (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529. For more free things to do in Orlando see here.
13. Watch a Movie In The Park
One of the popular places to visit in Orlando for free are the movie nights! Enjoy free movies at Lake Eola Park or at Winter Park on set days and pack a blanket, camping chair and snacks.
At Lake Eola Park, Movieola night normally runs on the last Friday of the month (April-August.) but has run less frequently due to Covid. Check latest updates here.
At Winter Park, free movies run on the second Thursday of each month for Popcorn Flicks. Get free tickets here
For both locations, advanced booking is free but required to ensure social distancing.
14. Evening Kayaking Tour
Enjoy a relaxing evening out kayaking on a lagoon on an organized evening tour. A popular option is the neon lit Bioluminescence 90 minute Tour on Meritt Island. Banana River, Indian River Lagoon, and Wildlife Refuge Center all are great locations to spot some Florida Bioluminescence including glowing algae and jellyfish.
15. Medieval Times Dinner Show
Cheer for your favorite knight and enjoy a spectacular show and medieval dinner at the Medieval Times Tournament with family friendly show times at 7pm and on set days 5pm for younger children. See prices here.
16. Madam Tussaud Wax Museum
Visit Madame Tussauds for celeb spotting and photo opportunities.
17. Indoor Kart Racing
Burn off some steam at I drive Nascar Indoor Kart Racing or Andretti Indoor Karting This pay as you go indoor karting offers other attractions including a zipline too.
The youngest drivers must reach 48″ tall. The Zip wire is also 48″ minimum height requirement, whereas the laser tag is 42″. Another option to add to your list of rainy day activities in Orlando.
18. Wonderworks
Visit the upside down house Wonder Works for thrills, laughs and “edu-tainment”. The attraction combines education and entertainment with more than 100 hands on exhibits that challenge the mind and spark the imagination. Plus you can dine there too! See prices for Wonderworks.
19. Bowling
The I-Drive 360 Complex is home to the King’s Bowl. This large complex has over 20 bowling lanes, 15 shuffleboards, a giant bocce court, 20 ping pong tables and pool tables. A food court is on site.
20. Fun Spot America
Thrills and lights and sounds; there is something to do for everyone at Fun Spot America located in Orlando and in Kissimmee. Ride roller coasters or go-karts and play arcade games.
21. The Florida Mall
For those nights when you need a little break from the excitement, the Florida Mall is open late. Shopping in Florida isn’t just about Mickey Mouse ears and Orlando goodies.
The Florida Mall is a perfect place for shopping, whether you buy or just window shop.
This is the largest shopping center in Central Florida and has all the names in retail that you love. A delicious food court keeps you energized as you shop.
Kids can play at the indoor play area or head to the Crayola Adventure for a truly colorful experience.
22. Lake Eola Park
In the evening, enjoy light shows over Lake Eola. Expect movies in the park during the summer months, and free concerts at the nearby Walt Disney Amphitheater.
23. Planet Hollywood
Dine amongst movie memorabilia at Planet Hollywood in Disney Springs. Family favorites are on the menu and and unlimited soft-drinks. Open daily from 11am to midnight.
Hopefully, this guide offers you plenty of options of fun things to do in Orlando tonight! Let us know your favorite!
24. Head to an Orlando Magic basketball game!
Our 8 and 11 year old girls LOVED this. They got completely behind the home team. Families can opt for family seating where they are less likely to hear any rude words and a slightly calmer atmosphere.
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