Looking for more family fun ideas around Orlando? Check out these Things to Do with Kids Besides the Theme Parks, deliciously fun Dinner Shows in Orlando, Kids Museums around Central Florida, Orlando-area Zoos, and more in our Orlando Guide!

The Wheel at Icon Park lights up the night with brilliant colors. 

ICON Park Attractions

The Wheel at ICON Park

See Orlando from 400 feet above on ICON Park’s giant Ferris wheel (known as the "observation wheel"). From the top of The Wheel, view Central Florida landmarks such as the Kennedy Space Center, Legoland, Universal Orlando, all four Disney parks, and more. Time it right and you can even view the nightly Disney fireworks! A full rotation on The Wheel lasts approximately 18 minutes. Each capsule is air-conditioned, and at this time, all parties are given a complimentary upgrade to private capsules due to Covid. The Wheel is equipped with more than 60,000 LED lights, which are used for fun light shows all year long.

Pose with your favorite characters at Madame Tussauds Orlando. Photo by the author

Madame Tussauds Orlando

Snap a selfie with your favorite celebrity at Madame Tussauds interactive wax museum. Join forces with Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and other Justice League superheroes to help save the city. Shoot hoops alongside Shaquille O’Neal. Kick some butt with Kung Fu Panda and ride alongside E.T. Online reservations are strongly recommended.

Go under the water without going under the water at Sea Life Aquarium. Photo by the author

Sea Life Orlando Aquarium

Learn all about the creatures of the sea at this fun and interactive indoor aquarium. Get up close to stingrays, sharks, and sea turtles, touch starfish and anemones, and walk through a 360-degree ocean tunnel. Sea Life Orlando features more than nine interactive exhibits for families to explore, including a jellyfish wall, an Everglades replica, a sub-aqua play area, and more. You can even book a behind-the-scenes tour for just $10 per person (in addition to general admission).

Carousel On The Promenade - NEW!

New this year is a grand carousel offering guests a fun-filled ride amid 30 intricately decorated animal figures. Tickets are $5 per single rider, or $2 add-on with Wheel ticket.

Orlando Slingshot

Update: This ride is temporarily closed.
The Orlando Slingshot stands 300 feet tall and launches riders out of an "exploding volcano" 450 feet high in just seconds, reaching top speeds of 100 mph. Definitely not for the faint of heart!

Orlando Starflyer

Starflyer is the world’s tallest swing ride, looming 450 feet tall. This ICON Park attraction rotates around the tower at speeds of up to 60 mph while taking in the area views. Riders are seated side-by-side in double seats and must be 44 inches or taller to ride. Seats are secured with both a seat belt and harness.

Museum of Illusions Orlando

With attractions all around the world, Museum of Illusions newest location is right here at ICON Park. The museum includes exhibits designed to play tricks with your eyes and mind. Learn how optical illusions and holograms work in this interactive attraction, suitable for all ages.

In The Game

Located inside The Wheelhouse, In The Game is another new addition to ICON Park. This 7,000-square-foot attraction boasts a mirror maze, 7D motion theater, advanced arcade games, an escape room, and virtual reality (VR) experiences.

Pearl Express Train

Tour ICON Park aboard a miniature replica steam engine. The trackless train station is located at the front of The Wheelhouse, and all ages are welcome to ride.

*Although technically not a part of ICON Park, there are several other attractions within walking distance of the complex, including Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, and The Escape Game Orlando.

Enjoy a family-friendly meal on the patio at Ole Red Orlando.

ICON Park Restaurants & Quick Dining

Ole Red Orlando

Inspired by Blake Shelton’s famous song, Ole Red is a country music venue/restaurant that offers guests a good ol' time, with a made-from-scratch menu and live country music. Kids menu includes chicken tenders, burgers, mac & cheese, hot dogs, and grilled cheese.

Sloppy Joe’s Orlando

The world-famous Key West restaurant Sloppy Joe's is now in Orlando! Featuring palate-pleasing meals, tropical drinks, and island music, Sloppy Joe’s is ideal for those looking for a laid-back, vacay vibe.

Sugar Factory Orlando

Sugar Factory satisfies even the biggest sweet tooth with its full-size candy shop and over-the-top dessert offerings. These include sundaes big enough for two, "insane" milkshakes, and chocolate fondue. In addition to sweets, there is also a full menu with sandwiches, burgers, pasta, and more.

Tapa Toro

Enjoy classic and contemporary Spanish cuisine with tapas and sharable meals at Tapa Toro. The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as Flamenco dancing performances nightly. A kids menu is available, and brunch is offered on Sundays.

Tin Roof

Tin Roof offers a tasty “Better Than Bar Food” menu as well as an eclectic environment with live music. Open for lunch and dinner daily, with brunch available on Sundays.

Yard House

Yard House boasts modern American foods and a large selection of draft beer with more than 100 taps. My personal favorite entrée here is the Nashville Hot Chicken! There are lots of menu options, and kids can choose from sliders, chicken fingers, fish & chips, grilled cheese, and more.

Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips

This fast-casual dining option features Gordon Ramsay’s take on the classic British meal. Choose from fish, chicken, or shrimp, and natural sea salt "chips" (fries). Other options include lobster and shrimp, fishwich, and chickenwich. For dessert, try a Sticky Toffee shake.

iCafe de Paris

If you’re like me, you want to know where the closest coffee shop is wherever you go! iCafe de Paris is ICON Park’s coffee shop and creperie, and also features breakfast, lunch, dinner, and several delicious dessert options.

The Wheelhouse Market

Located inside The Wheelhouse, this food hall features a variety of different fast dining options, including pizza, pasta, Latin street food, sausages, tacos, and sweets.

*Other restaurants within ICON Park include Uncle Julio’s Mexican Restaurant, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Outback Steakhouse, Shake Shack, and Buffalo Wild Wings.

The views from the The Wheel's capsules are stunning.

ICON Park Tips, Tricks & More

• Parking is FREE in the multi-level adjacent garage, as well as the surface lot on Universal Blvd. Complimentary valet parking is also available.
• Visitors can purchase a Play Pass to get tickets to seven attractions for one low price. More deals are available for military, teachers, Florida residents, and more.
• There is a large outdoor green space right outside The Wheelhouse, ideal for family picnics, viewing The Wheel's light show, or just to let the kids run around and burn off some energy.
• There are a handful of shops to explore at ICON Park, incluing a Build-A-Bear Workshop, ICON Park Gift Shop, and individual gift shops at Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Orlando, and The Wheel.
• Are you expecting or know someone who’s expecting? Host a gender reveal at The Wheel! Gather friends and family on the central lawn and watch a pink and blue light show on The Wheel, with the final color revealing the baby’s gender!
• During the holidays, be sure to reserve the best Santa photos in town at The Santa Workshop Experience! Easter Bunny photos are also offered in the spring through the same company.
• Review ICON Park's current health guidelines before visiting for the latest Covid-19 protocols.

Unless noted, photos courtesy of ICON Park