Sam Thomas / Orlando Sentinel
From eating with orcas at SeaWorld to lunch with a gator at Wild Florida, discover the ways to dine with animals in Central Florida
Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel
Visitors can enjoy free admission at participating museums on Sept. 18 in honor of Smithsonian magazine's 17th annual Museum Day. Tickets are now available for download at no charge and grant access to the ticket holder and one guest. More info
Rich Pope / Orlando Sentinel
Forget the hot dogs and tailgate like a pro with local options from Orlando Meats and Hinckley's Fancy Meats. Read more
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Catch a flick and enjoy a meal at Enzian Theater, 1300 Orlando Ave. in Maitland. enzian.org
Orlando Sentinel
These attractions are all about chocolate: Learn the history, gander at sculptures and enjoy samples. 11701 International Drive, suite 400, in Orlando; More info
Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel
A photo of "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" stars Henry Thomas and Dee Wallace is part of the decor inside Universal Legacy Store now open at Universal CityWalk.
Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel
The Leave a Legacy images have returned to Epcot in a colorful format just outside the Walt Disney World theme park's entrance. Read more
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
"Good Vibrations," an exhibit about earthquakes, will debut May 28 at WonderWorks Orlando. The display focuses on Tuckaleechee Caverns in Tennessee, which is home to a sensitive seismic station. Included with admission; More info
Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda / Orlando/Orlando Sentinel
Enjoy exciting attractions and rides at Fun Spot America with locations in Orlando (5700 Fun Spot Way) and Kissimmee (2850 Florida Plaza Blvd.). fun-spot.com
Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel
A tribute to the early days of Walt Disney World is a standing feature of the Orange County Regional History Center in downtown Orlando. More info
Lizzie Heintz / Orlando Sentinel
Central Floridians sans swimming pool and seeking an escape close to home can take advantage of day passes provided by many of the region's notable resorts. Read more
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11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sundays at the Mennello Museum of American Art, 900 E. Princeton St. in Orlando; $5-$25; More info
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The President Joe Biden animatronic makes its debut at The Hall of Presidents at Magic Kingdom. More info
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The MTV Moon Person has landed at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The statue will be available to guests in the NASA Central area of the Brevard County attraction and is included in regular admission. More info
Orlando Sentinel
Take in breathtaking views of the Orlando area at the Wheel at ICON Park, 8375 International Drive in Orlando. iconparkorlando.com
Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda / Orlando/Orlando Sentinel
There's more than alligators at Gatorland, such as the Florida panthers exhibit that opened in 2013. To be sure, there's plenty of the namesake reptiles as well as crocodiles and caimans. You can also try zip-lining over the gators on the Screamin' Gator Zipline. 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail in Orlando; gatorland.com
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
The sound of rushing water is a strange thing to hear in Florida. Elevation change, which the Sunshine State is notably short on, is usually a prerequisite for water features such as rapids and waterfalls. But explorers who know where to find the state's hidden cascading gems can reap the rewards of these wonders. They make for great photos and offer a sense of peace and serenity. Read more
Orlando Sentinel File/Orlando Sentinel
Free skate costs $12.50 for regular sessions and $15.50 for Friday and Saturday nights. Both include skate rental and tax. 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd. in Orlando; rdviceden.com
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Bring a mat and water to enjoy yoga in the midst of the beauty of Mead Botanical Garden. 9-10 a.m. Saturdays at 1300 S Denning Drive in Winter Park; $10 (proceeds benefit Mead Botanical Garden); More info
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
Young astronauts and aspiring space explorers have a new forum to discover planets and delve into galaxies at Planet Play, the latest addition to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Planet Play is open during operating hours, currently 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space Commerce Way in Merritt Island. Single-day admission tickets are $57 per adult and $47 per child ages 3-11. Read more
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Climb to the Moon at Ponce Inlet Lighthouse offers views of the sunset and moonrise from atop Florida's tallest lighthouse on a select day each month. The lighthouse keeper relates the story of this National Historic Landmark, and visitors can enjoy beverages and hors d'oeuvres. Participation is limited to 25 people and tickets ($35) must be purchased in advance by calling 386-761-1821 ext. 10. 4931. 4931 S Peninsula Drive. ponceinlet.org
Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel
Subtle nods throughout Disney World theme parks pay homage to Magic Kingdom's opening day, Oct. 1, 1971. More info
Archivo Orlando Sentinel
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park opened in 1947 and features mermaid performances in the Mermaid Theater as well as live animal shows and river cruises plus a small water park with slides that send riders right into the springs. weekiwachee.com
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
In a time when everything is documented, Selfie WRLD aims to provide visitors with booths and backgrounds made for Instagram in a new venue inside The Florida Mall. Selfie WRLD is open 1-9 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays at 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, suite 195, in Orlando. Tickets are $20 per hour for adults and $15 for ages 3-14. Timed entry slots are available for online tickets, or walk-ins are available (subject to availability). More info
GEORGE SKENE, ORLANDO SENTINEL
Explore this contemplative garden and bird sanctuary that also features the 205-foot tall Singing Tower with its carillon bells. 1151 Tower Blvd in Lake Wales; boktowergardens.org
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
Natural magic is returning to Florida's East Coast in the form of single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates, which light up waters in bright blue hues. The seasonal phenomenon attracts Floridians and tourists alike to witness the glowing plankton starting in early June. They can be viewed through September or October in the state's brackish warm waters. More info
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
Amid the oppressive heat, the summer seems like a good time to hunker down inside with air conditioning. That is one option, but trips to springs, water parks, beaches, museums and ice cream shops also provide ways to beat the heat in Central Florida. Read more
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Wax facsimilies of Hollywood and sports stars, historical figures and more. Good for a family selfie. Online tickets are $20 (ages 13+) and $15 (ages 3-12). 8387 International Dr, Orlando; madametussauds.com
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Enjoy a day of waterslides, tropical food, lazy river lounging and more at Universal's Volcano Bay. More info
Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel
SeaWorld Orlando's new Coaster Coffee Co. sells Starbucks products and features scaled models of Kraken and Mako coasters. Read more
Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel
In the Game, an arcade featuring virtual reality experiences, an escape room, a maze of mirrors and interactive games, has opened in the Wheelhouse of Icon Park. More info
Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel
Old is new again in one store at Universal CityWalk. The newly remodeled/renamed Universal Legacy Store highlights some of Universal Orlando's history through its décor. More info
Kathleen Christiansen / Orlando Sentinel
Central Florida has a plethora of dog parks for you to visit with your furry friends. See our guide to the parks at orlandosentinel.com
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The high-tech spacesuits worn by NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Douglas Hurley in last year's launch will be on display for a limited time at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. The exhibit is included with admission to KSC (Space Commerce Way in Merritt Island). More info
Amy Drew Thompson / Orlando Sentinel
Griddled cheese. Margaritas. Rosemary potatoes. Cider flights. Yes, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is back through Nov. 20 at Walt Disney World. Included with Epcot admission (theme park reservations also required); Read more
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Head to Airheads or Rebounderz for an hour or two of bouncing around trampolines as far as the eye can see. Rebounderz charges $14 for the first hour and $10 for additional hours. Airheads has unlimited jumping for $19.99, although both often can be found on Groupon or other deal sites. Rebounderz website | airheadsusa.com
Kathleen Christiansen / Orlando Sentinel
Orange County is home to a variety of parks that feature everything from hiking trails to splash pads, basketball courts and more. More info
Scott Olson, Getty Images
iFly Indoor Skydiving offers the experience of skydiving indoors. Click here for more.
Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel
Bruce the shark has returned to his perch at Universal Studios theme park after an absence of several months. More info
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Admission to Orlando Science Center will run you 10 bucks this Sunday. Sept. 19 marks another of the museum's $10 Days. More info
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
Rock Springs at Kelly Park is now open for tubing and swimming after being closed for nearly a year. More info
Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel
Walt Disney World performers in "A Celebration of Festival of the Lion King," a modified version of the original show at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. More info
Dewayne Bevil / Orlando Sentinel
Behind-the-scenes tours are back at Sea Life Aquarium Orlando. The aquarium extra — which costs an extra $9.99 per person — was suspended after the coronavirus pandemic shutdown but returned to the lineup of options this month. More info
Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel
Sea Life Orlando boasts family-friendly exhibits with a variety of sea creatures. 8449 International Drive in Orlando visitsealife.com
Kathleen Christiansen / Orlando Sentinel
Guests ages 21 and up can sample beer from 16 breweries and enjoy live music 5-9 p.m. Sept. 18 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, 3755 W Seminole Blvd. in Sanford. $50-$70; More info
Orlando Sentinel file/OSMG
Central Florida is home to a plethora of trails, like the West Orange Trail.
Kathleen Christiansen / Orlando Sentinel
Enjoy 10 haunted houses, five scare zones, two shows, themed food and drinks, special merchandise and more at the 30th Halloween Horror Nights on select nights Sept. 3-Oct. 31 at Universal Studios Florida (6000 Universal Blvd. in Orlando). Single-night tickets start at $70.99; passes, tours and VIP experiences are also available. More info
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Museum of Illusions Orlando at Icon Park (8441 International Drive, suite #250, in Orlando) has 50 displays of optical illusions, photographic stunts and special effects. Read more
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Ski or snowboard inside at WinterClub, 2950 Aloma Ave, Winter Park. winterclubski.com
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
"Floating Beauty: Women in the Art of Ukiyo-e" and "Ephemeral: American Impressionists and the Influence of Japan" are on display through Nov. 7 at 900 E. Princeton St. in Orlando. The museum is open 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-4:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors ages 60 and older and $1 for students with ID and children ages 6-17. Read more
Patrick Connolly / TNS
It's vivacious and a little vicious. It's Jurassic World VelociCoaster, the new thrill ride coming at Universal's Islands of Adventure. More info
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
"Martin Stranka: I Found the Silence" is open at Snap! Downtown (420 E. Church St. in Orlando) July 9-Oct. 2. Visitors can experience opening night 7-10 p.m. July 9 by reserving a donation-based time slot. Non-vaccinated guests are encouraged to wear a face covering and all guests are asked to be mindful of social distancing. The gallery is open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and by appointment. More info
Joe Burbank / Orlando Sentinel
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a 116-acre zoo and botanical garden that features bears, giraffes and more. 3755 W Seminole Blvd. in Sanford; centralfloridazoo.org
From eating with orcas at SeaWorld to lunch with a gator at Wild Florida, <a href="https://www.orlandosentinel.com/travel/explore-florida/os-prem-exfl-disney-seaworld-wild-florida-dine-with-animals-20210523-zbxgmom5lvfedfskop57vvuy6m-story.html">discover the ways to dine with animals in Central Florida</a>
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From a variety of Easter activities to Lake Eola Park events, there’s plenty to do this week and weekend in Central Florida.
There’s no shortage of local holiday-themed offerings, including Easter egg hunts and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny.
Lake Eola Park will be busy this weekend, as it prepares to host not only the Spring Fiesta in the Park from April 3-4 but also the Orlando Shakes production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” from April 2-17.
For theme park travelers, there’s a new place to shop and take a stroll down memory lane, as the Universal Legacy Store is now open at CityWalk.
For information about these and other Central Florida happenings, peruse the photo gallery above.
Want to reach out? Email me at kchristiansen@orlandosentinel.com. Find more fun things on Instagram @fun.things.orlando and Facebook @fun.things.orlando.
