19 Exciting Things To Do Near Orlando Airport During Layover Time!

If you’re at Orlando International Airport (MCO) for a lengthy layover or just a few hours, and looking for Orlando layover activities, there are plenty of things to do near Orlando Airport during layover time. Instead of waiting inside the airport walls, why not turn this opportunity into a chance to explore the exciting city of Orlando, Florida?

 

With dozens of fun places near MCO, you can make the most of your time whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or your family. From spots 15 minutes away to attractions less than 30 minutes from MCO, you’ll find the best activities to enjoy. Just remember to avoid leaving the airport if your layover is under five hours. Traffic and security wait times can significantly vary by day, time, or season, so plan wisely.

 

If you have enough time, use this Orlando layover guide to check out quick Orlando excursions for family-friendly activities near MCO, make great memories, and turn your layover into a mini adventure!

 

Top Spots Within 15 Minutes of Orlando International Airport (MCO)

 

1. Kidiverse

 

Address: 7149 N. Frontage Rd, Orlando, FL 32812
Distance from MCO: Approx. 7 minutes (3.8 miles)
Recommended ages: Crawlers to 12 years old
Charges: Kids: $16.99 + tax; Infants: Free with paid sibling or $9.99 without paid sibling; Adults/Caretakers: Free for 2 persons, $6.99 (for the 3rd person)

 

If you have a layover at Orlando International Airport (MCO) with kids, Kidiverse is the perfect place to visit! Located just 7 minutes from MCO, this indoor, climate-controlled playground offers endless fun for children from crawlers to 12 years old. Kids can explore a jungle gym, slide, obstacle course, and interactive games, while toddlers enjoy their own safe play area. It’s a great spot for kids to enjoy, while also encouraging creativity and parent-child bonding.

 

 

2. Crayola Experience Orlando

 

Address: 8001 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida 32809
Distance from MCO: Approx. 14 minutes (8.7 miles)
Activity Length: Three to four hours
Recommended ages: 3 and up
Charges: $26.99 (ages 3+); Free (ages two and under)

 

The Crayola Experience Orlando is another must-visit spot with kids during your Orlando airport layover! Just 14 minutes from MCO, this colorful wonderland offers 70,000 square feet of fun. With 27 interactive attractions, you can watch a live show about how crayons are made, take a 4D coloring adventure, and even create your own Crayola crayon. It’s a fantastic way to keep kids entertained while exploring the magic of Crayola products.

 

 

3. B-52 Memorial Park

 

Address: 1 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, Florida 32827
Distance from MCO: Approx. 7 minutes (3.5 miles)
Recommended ages: All ages
Charges: Free of cost

 

If you’re an aviation enthusiast, the B-52 Memorial Park is the perfect spot to visit! Located right at MCO, this hidden gem features a retired B-52D Stratofortress jet, which was once used by the 306th Bomb Wing of the former McCoy Air Force Base. The park is a great place to walk around and explore this historic aircraft up close—all without leaving the airport. It’s a free and easy way to enjoy some fresh air and learn a bit about aviation history during your layover!

 

4. Nona Adventure Park

 

Address: 14086 Centerline Drive, Orlando, FL 32827
Distance from MCO: Approx. 14 minutes (7.3 miles)
Activity Length: 2 to 4 hours
Recommended ages: Minimum 5 (must know the basics of swimming)
Charges: Starting at $24.00

 

Looking for some outdoor adventure during your Orlando layover? Nona Adventure Park is just 14 minutes from MCO and offers a water-based outdoor experience for thrill-seekers. With over 1,000 feet of floating inflatable obstacle courses, you can try your hand at wakeboarding, conquer the ropes course, or climb the walls. It’s a fantastic way to have some fun.

 

5. The Florida Mall

 

Address: 8001 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida, 32809
Distance from MCO: Approx. 14 minutes (8 miles)
Recommended ages: All ages
Charges: Free to enter

 

The Florida Mall is Central Florida’s largest shopping center, spanning over 1.8 million square feet and offering more than 250 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. With over 23 eateries, it’s the perfect spot to grab a tasty meal or snack that beats airport food. Whether you’re shopping or dining, The Florida Mall offers a great experience for all ages, making it an ideal place to unwind before your next flight.

 

Best Attractions Within 20 Minutes of Orlando International Airport (MCO)

 

6. Gatorland

 

Address: 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837
Distance from MCO: Approx. 14 minutes (11.4 miles)
Recommended ages: All ages
Charges: $34.99 (per adult); $24.99 (per child, age 3 – 12 years)

 

Gatorland is an iconic wildlife park known for its alligator and crocodile exhibits, featuring everything from baby gators to 14-foot giants. In addition to gator watching, you’ll find animal shows, a petting zoo, ziplining, and off-road adventures—perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you’re traveling solo or with kids, Gatorland is a great spot to have fun and create lasting memories during your Orlando layover.

 

 

7. iFly Orlando

 

Address: 8969 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
Distance from MCO: Approx. 15 minutes (13.3 miles)
Activity Length: 1 hour and 45 minutes (including check-in, training, flight, and post-flight photo/video review etc)
Recommended ages: 3 and up
Charges: Starting at $74 per person

 

Experience the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of an airplane at iFly Orlando! Located just 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), this indoor skydiving attraction allows you to feel the rush of freefall inside a wind tunnel. Perfect for anyone 3 years and older, iFly provides a safe, exhilarating skydiving experience with expert instructors guiding you every step of the way. Whether you’re a first-timer or looking to try something new, this adventure is sure to make your layover unforgettable.

 

 

8. Sea Life Orlando Aquarium

 

Address: 8449 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 (located in the ICON Park Complex)
Distance from MCO: Approx. 16 minutes (13.6 miles)
Activity Length: 1–2 hours
Recommended Ages: 3 and up
Charges: $29.99 (per adult)

 

Dive into an underwater world at Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, a 25,000-square-foot attraction featuring nine incredible exhibits. Just 16 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO), it’s the perfect spot to explore during your layover. Get face-to-face with mesmerizing marine life, including sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and sea turtles. Don’t miss the 360-degree ocean tunnel, where you’ll walk through a glass pathway surrounded by aquatic creatures swimming above, below, and all around you. Keep an eye out for Chely, the aquarium’s beloved rescued green sea turtle, and create unforgettable memories with your family.

 

Bundle for More Fun

 

Pair your visit to Madame Tussauds with Sea Life Orlando Aquarium for a combined ticket starting at $39.99. Located within ICON Park, you’ll also have the chance to experience The Orlando Eye, a 400-foot observation wheel offering stunning views of the city. With all three attractions in one spot, you can easily make the most of your Orlando layover!

 

9. Madame Tussauds Orlando

 

Address: 8387 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819 (located in the ICON Park Complex)
Distance from MCO: Approx. 16 minutes (13.7 miles)
Activity Length: 45–60 minutes
Recommended Ages: All ages
Charges: $29.99

 

Step into the spotlight at Madame Tussauds Orlando, where you can pose with lifelike wax figures of A-list celebrities, historical icons, sports legends, and pop culture stars. Located just 16 minutes from Orlando International Airport, this world-famous wax museum offers a unique way to pass the time during your layover. Take selfies with Hollywood stars, stand beside famous athletes, or snap pictures with lifelike recreations of your favorite characters.

 

10. Museum of Illusions Orlando

 

Address: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, in the ICON Park Complex
Distance from MCO: Approx. 16 minutes (13.6 miles)
Activity Length: 45 to 60 minutes
Recommended Ages: 3 and up
Charges: $26.99 (per adult); $22.99 (ages 4 – 11)

 

Step into a world where nothing is as it seems at the Museum of Illusions Orlando, located within ICON Park. With over 50 mind-bending exhibits, this unique attraction invites you to challenge your senses and question reality. Explore holograms, optical illusions, and puzzles that will both fascinate and perplex you. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, this imaginative and interactive experience is a fantastic way to make the most of your layover before heading back to the airport.

 

11. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!

 

Address: 8201 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
Distance from MCO: About 16 minutes (14.8 miles)
Activity Length: 45 to 60 minutes
Recommended Ages: All ages
Charges: $27.99 (per adult)

 

Explore the strange and unusual things at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando. This cool museum is full of weird and amazing things, like a 3,197-pound meteorite, a piece of Mars, ancient alligator mummies, and even over 100 tiny shrunken heads! There are 16 fun galleries packed with rare items and odd facts to discover. You can also try the Ripley’s Mirror Maze, a maze with glowing lights and endless hallways that will make you feel like you’re walking in circles. It’s a great place to visit with family or friends during your Orlando layover.

 

12. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

 

Address: 7324 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
Distance from MCO: About 16 minutes (15.3 miles)
Activity Length: Two hours
Recommended Ages: All ages
Charges: $34 (per adult); $28 (ages 11 and under)

 

Step back in time to April 1912 and experience the story of the Titanic at this incredible exhibit. At Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, you’ll receive a replica boarding pass and take on the role of a real passenger from the ship’s fateful voyage. Explore beautifully recreated rooms, including the Grand Staircase and First-Class Parlor Suite, while learning about the passengers’ lives.

 

Get a chance to touch an iceberg, chilled to the same temperature as the North Atlantic water on the night of the sinking. Don’t miss the highlight: a two-ton section of the ship’s hull, the second-largest piece of the Titanic ever recovered. It is the best way to kill time near Orlando Airport​.

 

13. The Escape Game Orlando

 

Address: 8145 International Dr #511, Orlando, FL 32819
Distance from MCO: About 17 minutes (15.1 miles)
Activity Length: 60 minutes or less
Recommended Ages: 13 and up
Charges: $41.99 per person per game

 

Looking for an exciting way to pass time during your layover? The Escape Game Orlando is just what you need! In under 60 minutes, you and your group can work together to solve mysteries, uncover hidden treasures, or even launch a mission to Mars.

 

This top-rated escape room venue boasts over 15,000 reviews and a perfect 5.0-star rating, making it one of Orlando’s most popular attractions. Choose from seven themed escape rooms, offering challenges for every skill level.

 

Just don’t forget — you’ve got a flight to catch! With a mix of fun, teamwork, and mental puzzles, The Escape Game is a thrilling and unforgettable layover activity.

 

14. Universal CityWalk

 

Address: 6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819
Distance from MCO: Approximately 18 minutes (16.6 miles)
Recommended Ages: All ages
Charges: Free to enter

 

Universal CityWalk is the ultimate destination for family fun, dining, and entertainment, conveniently located around a stunning lagoon. With free entry, you only pay for food, drinks, or activities, making it a flexible choice for any layover.

 

Enjoy a meal at iconic restaurants like Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Panda Express, or the Instagram-famous Voodoo Doughnut. Feeling adventurous? Try karaoke at Rising Star, or relax with a movie at Cinemark.

 

If you’re looking for more action, tackle Hollywood Drive-In Golf for a fun round of mini-golf or explore Universal’s Great Movie Escape for a challenging, themed adventure. Whether you’re relaxing by the lagoon or enjoying live entertainment, CityWalk offers something for everyone, making it an ideal spot to unwind before your next flight.

 

Must-Visit Places Within 30 Minutes of Orlando International Airport (MCO)

 

15. Orlando Science Center

 

Address: 777 E. Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803
Distance from MCO: Approximately 25 minutes (24.9 miles)
Activity Length: Around 2 hours
Recommended Ages: All ages
Charges: $27.99 (per adult); $25.99 (senior 55+); $20.99 (ages 2–11)

 

The Orlando Science Center offers an engaging and educational escape for all ages, featuring four floors of interactive exhibits, workshops, and a state-of-the-art observatory. Perfect for a layover, this science hub provides hands-on learning opportunities and fun explorations of both natural sciences and cutting-edge technology.

 

Discover Earth’s wonders through interactive displays or immerse yourself in high-tech simulations. Don’t miss the DinoDigs exhibit, where you can step into the prehistoric era and uncover the secrets of ancient dinosaurs!

 

Whether you’re with family, friends, or traveling solo, the Orlando Science Center is a great place to combine fun and learning while making the most of your layover.

 

16. Harry P. Leu Gardens

 

Address: 1920 North Forest Avenue, Orlando, FL 32803
Distance from MCO: Approximately 25 minutes (13.9 miles)
Activity Length: 2–3 hours
Recommended Ages: All ages
Charges: $14.08 (per adult); $9.39 (per child)

 

Escape the city and unwind at Harry P. Leu Gardens, a stunning 50-acre botanical oasis just a short drive from Downtown Orlando. Perfect for a relaxing layover, these meticulously maintained gardens feature 40+ plant collections, including vibrant azaleas, fragrant roses, tropical bromeliads, and towering oak and camphor trees.

 

Don’t miss Florida’s largest formal rose garden or the enchanting butterfly garden, where something is always blooming, no matter the season. Take a peaceful stroll, breathe in the fresh air, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that makes Harry P. Leu Gardens a must-visit destination for nature lovers of all ages.

 

17. Lake Eola Park

 

Address: 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801
Distance from MCO: Approximately 25 minutes (13.2 miles)
Recommended Ages: All ages
Charges: Free to enter

 

Situated in the heart of Downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a serene destination with plenty to keep you entertained during your layover. Rent swan-shaped paddle boats, admire the live swans that call the park home, or relax on the scenic pathways surrounded by lush greenery and flowers.

 

Take in panoramic views of the Orlando skyline or attend a concert or movie at the Walt Disney Amphitheatre. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or a touch of adventure, Lake Eola Park has it all.

 

18. Orlando Museum of Art

 

Address: 2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando, FL 32803
Distance from MCO: Approximately 28 minutes (24 miles)
Activity Length: 1–2 hours
Recommended Ages: All ages
Charges: $20 (per adult); $12 (seniors, ages 60+); $8 (child, ages 6–17)

 

Swap airport boredom for an afternoon of culture at the Orlando Museum of Art. Hosting 10–12 rotating exhibitions annually, the museum ensures every visit feels fresh and unique. Dive into its impressive collection of over 2,400 pieces, featuring contemporary art, African art, and American art dating back to the 18th century. This quick art escape offers an enriching experience for travelers of all ages.

 

19. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

 

Address: 445 North Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789
Distance from MCO: Approximately 28 minutes (16.8 miles)
Activity Length: 1–2 hours
Recommended Ages: All ages
Charges: $6 (per adult); $5 (seniors, ages 60+); Free (children 12 and under)

 

Explore the largest collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum. This exquisite collection includes jewelry, pottery, paintings, and art glass, offering a rare glimpse into one of the most innovative designers of the late 19th century. With over 800 pieces in its pottery collection and rotating exhibitions, this museum is a must-visit for art and history enthusiasts.

 

Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Layover Near Orlando Airport

 

A long layover is the perfect opportunity to explore a new city and create memorable experiences. From strolling through tranquil gardens and diving into art and culture to indulging in delicious food or tackling fun adventures, there’s no shortage of things to do near Orlando Airport during your layover.

 

However, stepping out of the airport does come with some risks. Be sure to double-check your travel times, allow for security checks, and plan accordingly to ensure a stress-free return to your gate.

 

To make your layover truly seamless, you need reliable transportation. That’s where Orlando Superior Transportation comes in. With our luxury private car service, you can travel to any of these fantastic destinations comfortably and on time. Whether you’re flying with family or with a group, we offer customized travel plans tailored to your schedule and interests.

 

Contact us now to book your private transportation and make your Orlando layover unforgettable!