Your Guide to Family-Friendly Evening Activities in Orlando
There’s no shortage of daytime entertainment in Orlando.
But after a day of splashing in the pool, attending a conference, or even tackling theme parks, you may be ready for a fresh adventure after sunset.
Luckily, there are plenty of great nighttime attractions and destinations in Orlando that kids – and grownups – of all ages can enjoy.
Here’s a guide to our favorite family-friendly evening activities in Orlando.
Disney Springs
A trip to Disney Springs is the perfect way to experience the joys of Disney magic without buying a theme park ticket.
This enormous outdoor shopping and entertainment center has plenty of Disney charm, including specially themed galleries, boutiques, and stores.
The World of Disney is a haven for Disney fans of all ages. The largest collection of Disney merchandise in the world, it has the perfect souvenir for every visitor.
Other playful shops like DisneyStyle, Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories, and Disney Ever After sell unique toys, apparel, and collectibles you won’t find anywhere else.
There are even whole stores devoted to Marvel and Star Wars merch.
In addition to Disney stores, Disney Springs is also home to popular brands like Lilly Pulitzer, LACOSTE, Fabletics, Everything But Water, LEGO, and so much more.
There’s no shortage of food at Disney Springs, either, including a variety of family favorites.
Experience immersive dining at restaurants like Rainforest Cafe and T-REX, or enjoy authentic Italian favorites at Maria & Enzo’s Ristorante.
Be sure to save room for dessert – Disney Springs is home to Amorette’s Patisserie, Girardelli, Gideon’s Bakehouse, Sprinkles, Salt & Straw, and Sunshine Churros.
Still want more? Challenge the fam to a game of bowling at Splitsville Luxury Lanes or take a spin on the water in a vintage amphicar tour.
You can also sit back and relax at a performance of Drawn to Life, a magical spectacle presented by Cirque du Soleil and Disney that blends showmanship and Disney animation.
Check out everything Disney Springs has to offer on their website so you can plan an incredible evening with your family in Orlando.
Universal CityWalk
Similarly to Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk includes a large stretch of restaurants, attractions, and a handful of stores.
Located at the entrance to both Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, CityWalk is an entertaining destination for families.
Hollywood Drive-In Golf is a colorful and charismatic mini- golf course inspired by sci- fi and horror movies of the 1950’s. Play your way through two different 18-hole mini- golf courses.
Catch a movie at Universal Cinemark, a movie theatre with cushy reclining seats and footrests for a truly comfortable viewing experience.
As for restaurants, CityWalk offers something for every taste.
One family favorite is Toothsome Chocolate Emporium, a steampunk-themed restaurant that also serves monstrous milkshakes topped with impressive treats like entire slices of cake.
While CityWalk has far fewer shops and stores than its Disney counterpart, it’s still fun to wander through the official Universal Studios Store to see what merch is on the shelves.
ICON Park
ICON Park is an exciting family-friendly destination in the heart of Orlando’s entertainment district.
You may recognize it by The Orlando Eye, a towering 400-foot observation wheel looming on the horizon, illuminated by over 64,000 color-changing LED lights.
Evening is the perfect time for a ride on the Orlando Eye, when the city’s skyline comes to life with glowing lights and a sunset sky.
If you time your ride just right, you may even get to see a theme park fireworks display in the distance.
Each ride lasts about 20 minutes and takes place in a large stabilized and air-conditioned capsule with enough room for you to stand and walk around for the best view.
Once your feet are back on the ground, check out the other 50+ restaurants, stores, and attractions located in ICON Park.
One family-friendly favorite is the In the Game arcade, an indoor space with the latest arcade games that’s open until at least 10 p.m.
Dinner Theatre
Looking for a fun way to take dinner to the next level?
Orlando is home to a variety of dinner shows, many of which are designed to be enjoyed by the whole family.
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure is a swashbuckling tale with pirates, princesses, mermaids, and lots of sword fighting.
You’ll dine before a 300,000-gallon indoor lagoon with an authentic replication of an 18th century Spanish ship with 40-foot masts.
This immersive performance invites kids, adults, and pirates of all ages to join in the action onstage.
In Kissimmee, not far from Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista, you’ll find Medieval Times, another dinner theatre with exhilarating entertainment.
Watch knights riding majestic horses joust to impress a noble queen and be named champion of the realm.
For a show that’s a little less adventurous but no less entertaining, check out the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show at WonderWorks.
This interactive and outrageously funny show features mind-boggling magic and high-energy improvisational comedy to keep the audience amazed and engaged.
Dinner includes unlimited fresh cheese and pepperoni pizza, salad, dessert, soda, and beer and wine for the grownups.
Fun Spot Orlando
Did your day leave you craving more thrills?
Fun Spot Orlando is a local gem in the heart of the I-Drive district.
It’s packed with exciting rides, carnival games, go-karts, and Orlando’s only wooden roller coaster.
You can even check out some of Florida’s toothiest residents at Gator Spot by Gatorland, home to over 100 alligators, fun reptiles, and colorful birds.
Fun Spot Orlando is open until midnight every night, so you can fill your evening with action and adventure.
WonderWorks
WonderWorks is another fun late-night spot with tons of hands-on exhibits and interactive displays the whole family will love.
Divided into six Wonder Zones, WonderWorks invites visitors to explore light, sound, space, extreme weather, and art.
Little ones will love playing in the interactive sandbox with augmented reality and computer-generated sensors that react to what you’re doing in the sand.
Compose a song using your feet on the giant piano or explore a life-size replica of an EVA space suit worn by astronauts.
Wander through the illusion art gallery before you make your way to an art exhibit of portraits made only from chewing gum.
Play with bubbles, gears, pulleys, and so much more as you make hands-on discoveries about the world around us.
WonderWorks is open until midnight most nights, making it perfect for some late-night learning.
Main Event
Main Event is an indoor entertainment center with games and fun the whole family can enjoy.
From bowling to virtual reality to laser tag, you can spice up your evening with a little family-friendly competition.
Tackle escape rooms as a team or cheer each other on throughout the indoor glow-in-the-dark mini- golf course.
An arcade, extreme gravity ropes course, and multiball experience round out an exciting itinerary of temperature-controlled fun.
Main Event also has a full kitchen and bar so everyone can refuel with delicious options like burgers, pizza, wings, and more.
End your Day with Sweet Dreams at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista
When your day of work and/or play has come to an end, we’ll have a comfortable bed and a cool room waiting for you at Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista.
Our proximity to all the best theme parks and attractions in Orlando – day or night – makes us the perfect destination for your next trip.
Plus, our family-friendly amenities, including two pools and a playful splash pad, make us a hotel you and your kids will love.
Have we mentioned we offer complimentary shuttles to Orlando’s best theme parks, and have a Kids Eat Free program at our onsite breakfast and dinner buffet?
Book your next family vacation with Rosen Inn Lake Buena Vista. We can’t wait to see you.
