What are the best things to do on International Drive in Orlando with kids?

Some of the best family attractions include SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium , Madame Tussauds Orlando , the Carousel on the Promenade , live entertainment at ICON Park, family-friendly restaurants, shopping, and seasonal events like Summer of Sharks.

Can you visit SEA LIFE Orlando and Madame Tussauds Orlando in one day?

Yes. Since both attractions are located at ICON Park on International Drive, many families visit them together as part of a full day of fun.

What are the best indoor attractions on International Drive?

Popular indoor attractions include SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando, museums, arcades, escape rooms, and a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues that are perfect for escaping the Florida heat or afternoon rain.

Is International Drive good for families?

Absolutely. International Drive offers walkable attractions, family-friendly dining, indoor entertainment, seasonal events, shopping, and activities suitable for toddlers, older children, teens, and adults.

When is the best time to visit International Drive before school starts?

Late July through August is an excellent time to visit thanks to end-of-summer events, seasonal programming like Summer of Sharks, and plenty of family-friendly entertainment before the new school year begins.

Where can I see sea turtles in Orlando?

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is one of the best places to see rescued sea turtles in Orlando year-round. Guests can meet Chely the Green Sea Turtle, Ted the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, and observe them from Florida's only 360° Ocean Tunnel.

Why is Chely the Green Sea Turtle unable to return to the wild?

Chely suffered a boat strike that permanently damaged his shell and affected his buoyancy. Because he cannot safely dive and survive in the ocean, he receives lifelong expert care at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.

What do green sea turtles eat?

Adult green sea turtles primarily eat seagrasses and algae. At SEA LIFE Orlando, Chely especially enjoys lettuce, which is also used as enrichment to encourage healthy swimming behaviors.

Can I see sea turtles year-round in Florida?

Yes. While wild sea turtle sightings depend on season and location, visitors can see rescued sea turtles throughout the year at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.

What other animals can I see at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium?

Along with rescued sea turtles, guests can encounter sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, seahorses, axolotls, coral reef fish, and thousands of other marine animals across more than 250 species, including Florida's only 360° Ocean Tunnel.

What is the best animal attraction in Orlando?

For families looking for an interactive and educational experience, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is one of the best animal attractions in Orlando thanks to its 360-degree ocean tunnel, hands-on Coastal Rockpool, rescued sea turtle Ted, and thousands of marine animals. Other top choices include Disney's Animal Kingdom, Gatorland, Wild Florida, and SeaWorld Orlando.

Where can you touch animals in Orlando?

Several Orlando attractions offer hands-on animal experiences. At SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, guests can gently touch sea stars and other tide pool creatures in the Coastal Rockpool. Gatorland, Wild Florida, Discovery Cove, Exotic Animal Experience, Amazing Animals Inc., and parts of the Central Florida Zoo also offer interactive encounters.

What animals can you see at SEA LIFE Orlando?

SEA LIFE Orlando is home to sharks, rays, jellyfish, seahorses, clownfish, lionfish, moray eels, tropical reef fish, sea stars, sea urchins, and Ted, a rescued loggerhead sea turtle. Visitors can also walk through a 360-degree ocean tunnel for close-up views of marine life.

Is SEA LIFE Orlando good for young children?

Yes. SEA LIFE Orlando is designed for families with interactive exhibits, educational talks, stroller-friendly pathways, and engaging displays that make learning about marine life fun for children of all ages.

What are the best indoor animal attractions in Orlando?

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is one of the top indoor animal attractions in Orlando, making it an excellent choice during Florida's summer heat or afternoon rain showers. The Orlando Science Center also features live animal exhibits, while many other wildlife attractions offer a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences.

Who is Ted at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium?

Ted is a rescued loggerhead sea turtle who lives permanently at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and serves as a conservation ambassador.

Ted was voted Orlando’s Most-Loved Animal and was featured on a Frontier Airlines aircraft tail as part of a conservation campaign.

Where can I see Ted in the aquarium?

Ted lives in the Indian Ocean Exhibit and can often be seen in the 360-degree underwater tunnel.

Why does Ted live in the aquarium permanently?

Ted cannot survive independently in the wild, so he lives under expert care at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.

What does TED stand for?

TED stands for Turtle Excluder Device, a fishing innovation designed to help sea turtles escape nets safely.

Why is it called a zebra shark if adults have spots?

Zebra sharks get their name from the bold black-and-white stripes they have as babies. As they grow, these stripes gradually disappear and are replaced with hundreds of dark spots, giving adult zebra sharks a completely different appearance. This dramatic transformation is one of the most fascinating changes seen in any shark species.

Are zebra sharks dangerous to humans?

No. Zebra sharks are gentle, slow-moving sharks that are considered harmless to humans. They prefer resting on the ocean floor or quietly swimming around coral reefs and are not aggressive toward people. Their calm nature makes them one of the most popular sharks for families to observe at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.

What do zebra sharks eat?

Zebra sharks feed on a variety of bottom-dwelling animals, including crabs, shrimp, snails, mollusks, sea urchins, and small fish. They use their strong jaws and suction-feeding abilities to remove prey hiding among rocks, coral, and sandy seabeds.

Where can I see zebra sharks in Orlando?

You can see zebra sharks at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, located at ICON Park on International Drive. Along with zebra sharks, you'll discover bamboo sharks, bonnethead sharks, epaulette sharks, coral catsharks, sea turtles, rays, jellyfish, and thousands of other fascinating marine animals in immersive underwater habitats.

Is Summer of Sharks included with admission to SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium?

Yes! Summer of Sharks is included with general admission and features shark-themed educational activities, expert talks, family games, Sharky meet-and-greets on select dates, and opportunities to learn about incredible shark species from around the world. It's one of the best educational summer events for families visiting Orlando.

Can I visit SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando, The Orlando Eye, and The Carousel on the Promenade in one day?

Absolutely! All four attractions are located together at ICON Park on International Drive and are operated by Merlin Entertainments , making it easy to enjoy an entire day of family fun in one destination. Explore thousands of marine animals at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium , meet your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds Orlando , take in breathtaking 360-degree views aboard The Orlando Eye , and enjoy a nostalgic ride on The Carousel on the Promenade . Combination tickets offer excellent value and make it simple to experience some of Orlando's top family attractions during a single visit.

Can I upgrade my current SEA LIFE Orlando ticket to a Gold Pass?

Yes! You can apply the cost of your standard SEA LIFE Orlando ticket toward the price of a Merlin Gold annual pass on the day of your visit. Just stop by guest services to upgrade. A great day at the aquarium can turn into a whole year of adventures in one quick upgrade.

Are there any blockout dates on the Gold Pass?

None. The Merlin Gold Pass has zero blockout dates. Bank holidays, school holidays, summer peak season – your pass is valid every single day when the Resorts and attractions are open. Turn up whenever you want, as often as you want.

Where do I get my Bring-A-Friend free tickets?

Your two complimentary Bring-A-Friend tickets are tied to your Merlin Gold Pass account. They’re valid for use at the specific attraction where you originally purchased your pass. So, if you bought through SEA LIFE Orlando, your guest tickets are for the aquarium only.

How big is SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando?

SEA LIFE Orlando features over 25,000 square feet of indoor underwater wonder to explore. The multi-room attraction showcases 9 distinct themed zones and is home to more than 5,000 fascinating marine creatures.

Is SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando fully indoors?

Yes, the entire aquarium attraction is completely indoors and fully air-conditioned, providing a perfect escape from the Florida heat or sudden rainstorms. You can easily view the entire ocean world without ever worrying about the outside weather.

Where is the aquarium located and is parking free?

The aquarium is situated at the popular ICON Park entertainment complex on International Drive. Visitors enjoy free parking inside the multi-level ICON Park parking garage, which sits just a short walk away from the main entrance.

Can you buy combination tickets for other nearby attractions?

You can purchase Merlin Entertainments multi-attraction combo tickets that bundle your aquarium admission with neighboring experiences. Popular nearby additions include riding The Orlando Eye observation wheel or meeting lifelike wax figures at Madame Tussauds Orlando.

Are there age restrictions for the Virtual Reality Experience?

Guests must meet safety and height requirements to ensure the VR headset fits properly and comfortably. It is generally recommended for older children and adults who can safely enjoy an immersive digital underwater environment.

How big do coral catsharks get?

Coral catsharks are a relatively small shark species that typically grow to an average length of 24 to 28 inches. This compact size makes them perfectly suited for life inside the winding maze of tropical coral reefs.

Where do coral catsharks live in the wild?

In the wild, these sharks are native to the warm, shallow waters of the Indo-West Pacific region. They are commonly found navigating coastal reefs from India and Pakistan all the way to Indonesia and the Philippines.

Are coral catsharks dangerous to humans?

No, coral catsharks are entirely harmless and pose no threat to humans. They are naturally shy, reclusive animals that prefer to hide in coral caves rather than confront larger creatures.

How do coral catsharks reproduce?

This specific species is oviparous, meaning the females reproduce by laying distinct, protective egg cases often referred to as "mermaid's purses." These cases have long tendrils that anchor securely to coral branches or sea structures until the pups hatch.

Can I see other shark species at SEA LIFE Orlando?

Yes, the aquarium is home to seven different species of sharks and rays. During your journey, you can spot unique residents like bonnethead sharks, blacktip reef sharks, zebra sharks, epaulette sharks, and brown-banded bamboo sharks.

How long does it take to walk through SEA LIFE Orlando?

The experience typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, making it the perfect midday escape from peak UV rays or a passing afternoon thunderstorm. Got extra time? There’s always more to discover. It’s your day out, you set the pace.

Is there a dress code for the aquarium?

No. Just come as you are! That said, as the whole attraction is fully air-conditioned, it may feel pleasantly cool inside when you step out of the Florida heat. So we recommend packing a light layer for little ones just in case.

Do I have to wear close-toed shoes at the aquarium?

No, open-toed footwear is absolutely fine at SEA LIFE Orlando, but you’ll be doing plenty of walking so make sure you’re wearing comfy shoes.

What happens if it rains? Is the attraction fully indoors?

Yes, completely. SEA LIFE Orlando is 100% indoors from the ticketing queue all the way to the gift shop. Florida’s summer downpours won’t touch your plans, not even a little bit.

Is parking free at ICON Park during the summer?

Yes, free parking is available at ICON Park , which offers easy access to SEA LIFE Orlando, just a few steps away.

What are all the attractions I get on a Merlin Annual Pass?

With a Merlin Annual Pass, you get unlimited admission to a brilliant line-up of attractions, including: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium Madame Tussauds Orlando The Orlando Eye LEGO Discovery Center Atlanta LEGOLAND Florida Resort (and Water Park) PEPPA PIG Theme Park Florida One pass. One very cool summer. Grab yours here.

Are bonnethead sharks dangerous to humans?

No. Bonnethead sharks are considered one of the least aggressive shark species and are not considered dangerous to people. They are naturally shy and prefer hunting small prey like crabs and shrimp in shallow coastal waters. Encounters with humans are extremely rare, making them one of Florida's friendliest shark species.

What's the difference between a bonnethead shark and a hammerhead shark?

Bonnethead sharks are actually part of the hammerhead shark family. The biggest difference is their size and head shape. Bonnetheads are much smaller than other hammerheads and have a rounded, shovel-like head rather than the wide "T-shaped" head seen on species like the great hammerhead or scalloped hammerhead.

Where can I see bonnethead sharks in Florida?

You may spot bonnethead sharks in shallow coastal waters throughout Florida, especially in bays, estuaries, and seagrass habitats. For a guaranteed up-close experience, visit SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, where you can safely observe bonnethead sharks while learning about their behaviors, adaptations, and importance to marine ecosystems.

What do bonnethead sharks eat?

Bonnethead sharks primarily feed on crabs, shrimp, mollusks, worms, and small fish that live on or near the seafloor. They are also famous for eating seagrass, making them the first shark species scientists discovered could digest plant material alongside animal prey.

Is Summer of Sharks included with admission to SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium?

Yes! Summer of Sharks is included with general admission. During this limited-time event, guests can enjoy shark-themed educational activities, interactive exhibits, expert talks, family-friendly games, and opportunities to learn about amazing shark species like bonnetheads, bamboo sharks, zebra sharks, epaulette sharks, and more.

Can I visit SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando, The Orlando Eye, and The Carousel on the Promenade in one day?

Absolutely! Located together at ICON Park on International Drive and operated by Merlin Entertainments , these four attractions make it easy to enjoy a full day of family fun. Explore incredible marine life at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium , pose with your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds Orlando , soar 400 feet above the city on The Orlando Eye , and enjoy a classic ride on The Carousel on the Promenade . A combination ticket offers great value and is one of the easiest ways to experience several of Orlando's top family attractions in a single visit.

News | SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

Friday July 17^th 2026

Make the most of the final weeks of summer with this complete family guide to International Drive. From sharks and sea turtles at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium to meeting soccer legends at Madame Tussauds Orlando and enjoying live entertainment at ICON Park, here's everything families need for one last unforgettable Orlando adventure before school begins.

Wednesday July 15^th 2026

One of the best places to see sea turtles in Orlando is SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, home to rescued Green Sea Turtle Chely and Loggerhead Sea Turtle Ted. Guests can see these incredible marine animals year-round while exploring Florida's only 360° Ocean Tunnel and learning about sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and ocean conservation.

Guests experiencing the rockpool exhibit by touching one of sea creatures

Monday July 13^th 2026

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is one of the best Orlando attractions for animal lovers, offering a 360-degree ocean tunnel, hands-on touch pool, rescued sea turtle Ted, sharks, rays, jellyfish, and thousands of marine animals. Other top wildlife attractions include Disney's Animal Kingdom, Gatorland, SeaWorld Orlando, Wild Florida, and the Central Florida Zoo.

Friday July 10^th 2026

Discover Ted the rescued loggerhead sea turtle at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium at ICON Park. Learn his conservation story, where to see him, fun facts, and why he’s Orlando’s most-loved animal.

Wednesday July 8^th 2026

Discover amazing zebra shark facts at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium! Learn where zebra sharks live, what they eat, why they change spots as they grow, and see them during Summer of Sharks.

Ways To Visit

More Ways to Visit

Exhibits

Creatures

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Homeschool

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Before You Visit

Information

More Attractions

Ways To Visit

More Ways to Visit

Exhibits

Creatures

Events & Experiences

Schools

Homeschool

Groups

Birthdays

Before You Visit

Information

More Attractions

SEA LIFE Orlando Blog

Best Things to Do on International Drive in Orlando with Kids (End of Summer 2026 Guide)

Meet Chely the Green Sea Turtle

Best Orlando Attraction for Animal Lovers: Where to See, Touch & Learn About Wildlife in Orlando

Meet Ted the Famous Loggerhead Turtle at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

Zebra Shark Facts: One of the Ocean's Most Beautiful Sharks