Orlando: Things To Do

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art This museum is renowned for its collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany glass, including mosaics, lamps, pottery, and jewelry. Winter Park; 445 N. Park Ave.; 407-645-5311; www.morsemuseum.org
family | culture | historic | art

Discovery Cove Swim with dolphins, snorkel on a coral reef, and feed birds at Discovery Cove, an all-inclusive tropical park that promotes wildlife conservation. Attendance limited to 1,000 people per day. International Drive; 6000 Discovery Cove Way; 877-434-7268; www.discoverycove.com
family | aquarium | snorkeling | smart splurge | swimming

Gatorland Get acquainted with Florida's largest reptiles at this 110-acre park, which also houses a petting zoo, birds, and a gator-free splash zone for kids. East of I-Drive; 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail; 800-393-5297; www.gatorland.com
family | aquarium | wildlife

Harry P. Leu Gardens Acres of live oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, rose and butterfly gardens, and sweet smelling Magnolia groves centered on a pretty lake make this park one of downtown Orlando’s hidden jewels. Live concerts and outdoor movie screenings are staged here throughout the year (check the website for dates and times). A springtime stroll will show you Orlando at its natural best. Downtown Orlando; 1920 N. Forest Ave.; 407-246-2620; www.leugardens.org
family | great value | park | gardens | walking

Loch Haven Park Culture connoisseurs can get a fix at the Orlando Museum of Art, the Mennello Museum of American Folk Art, and the Orlando Science Center, conveniently packaged in a scenic 45-acre lakefront park. Downtown; 900 E. Princeton St.; www.cityoforlando.net
family | culture | art

SeaWorld Watch orcas and dolphins defy gravity, feed a sea lion, meet the beluga whales of the Wild Arctic, and face down the Kraken, a hair-raising floorless roller coaster. International Drive; 800-327-2424; www.seaworld.com
family | aquarium | theme park | editor pick

Swan Boat Rentals at Lake Eola Park Orlando kitsch was never so fun – hire a giant plastic swan boat and pedal your way around downtown Orlando’s centerpiece waterway, Lake Eola. Make it a goal to pedal out to the floating fountain in the middle before heading back to shore to grab lunch at the water’s edge at Lake Eola Café, which is also where you go to rent the boats (407-232-0111). Downtown Orlando; 101 N. Rosalind Ave.; 407-246-2827 (park headquarters); www.cityoforlando.net
family | outdoors

Universal Studios Hit the coasters at Islands of Adventure and the water slides of Wet 'n Wild for adult-size thrills; visit Universal Studios for movie-themed rides and a behind-the-scenes look at a working studio. International Drive; 407-363-8000; www.universalorlando.com
family | theme park | water park

Walt Disney World Experience the fantasy of the Magic Kingdom, the international flair of Epcot Center, the safari style of Animal Kingdom, or the movie-making themes of Disney-MGM Studios. Lake Buena Vista; 407-939-6244; www.disneyworld.com
family | culture | theme park | editor pick

Winter Park Farmers Market Winter Park’s old train depot building is a perfect retro-cool setting for this fabulous farmers market, held every Sunday from 7am to 1pm. Vendors sell everything from authentic French croissants and local tomatoes to tropical plants and sugar cane juice. There’s no better place to enjoy Sunday breakfast, al fresco. Winter Park; 200 W. New England Ave. Winter Park, FL; 407-599-3358; www.ci.winter-park.fl.us
family | outdoors | market