30+ Things to do near Championsgate
Discover 30 top things to do near ChampionsGate, from Disney World and Universal Orlando to golf, water parks, shopping and outdoor adventures.
Discover the best of Championsgate, Florida
ChampionsGate combines the space and amenities of an Orlando resort community with easy access to Central Florida's biggest attractions. You can spend the morning playing championship golf, relax beside the resort pool in the afternoon and head to Disney Springs or nearby Sunset Walk for dinner and entertainment in the evening.
The location is particularly convenient for theme park vacations. Walt Disney World is among the closest major attractions, while Universal Orlando Resort, LEGOLAND Florida, Gatorland and International Drive are all within driving distance. There are also plenty of alternatives to theme parks, including airboat rides, state parks, outlet shopping and relaxed afternoons around Celebration.
You do not always need to leave ChampionsGate to find something to do. The resort includes the Oasis Clubhouse, family pools, a lazy river, waterslides, sports facilities and golf, giving families and groups plenty of options for slower days between major Orlando attractions.
Our ChampionsGate vacation rentals include spacious villas, condos and townhouses for families and groups. Many resort villas feature private pools, themed bedrooms, games rooms, home theaters and generous living areas, while resort amenities add even more ways to spend your time close to your vacation rental.
Things to Do at ChampionsGate Resort
1. Spend the day at ChampionsGate Water Park
Location / Neighborhood: Oasis Club at ChampionsGate. Best For: Families, children, relaxed resort days. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Included for eligible resort guests.
Take a break from Orlando's theme parks at the ChampionsGate resort water park beside the Oasis Clubhouse. Family-friendly facilities include resort pools, a zero-entry area, waterslides, a splash zone and a winding lazy river surrounded by tropical landscaping.
It is ideal for a slower day after several early starts at the parks, particularly for families staying in one of our ChampionsGate homes with access to the resort amenities. Insider tip: plan a resort day in the middle of your vacation rather than saving all your downtime until the final day.
2. Explore the Oasis Clubhouse
Location / Neighborhood: ChampionsGate Resort. Best For: Families, groups, sports, resort entertainment. Estimated Time Needed: 2–5 hours. Cost / Entry: Included for eligible resort guests.
The Oasis Clubhouse brings together much of ChampionsGate's resort entertainment in one place. Alongside the pools and lazy river, guests can find facilities including a fitness center, arcade, movie theater, volleyball and tennis courts, plus casual food and drinks at the Grill Room and poolside Tiki Bar.
It makes an easy meeting point for larger groups staying across several villas and provides indoor options when you need a break from the Florida heat. Insider tip: check the current activity and movie schedule at the clubhouse when you arrive, as programming can vary throughout the year.
3. Play the National Course
Location / Neighborhood: ChampionsGate Golf Club. Best For: Golfers, couples, groups. Estimated Time Needed: 4–5 hours. Cost / Entry: $$$; green fees vary.
Play one of ChampionsGate Golf Club's two Greg Norman-designed championship courses. The National Course has a more traditional American-style layout, winding through natural Florida scenery with wetlands, pine trees, bunkers and strategically shaped greens.
Generous fairways make it approachable for vacation golfers and mixed-ability groups, while the course still provides enough challenge for experienced players. Insider tip: book preferred morning tee times well ahead during the cooler winter and spring golf season.
4. Take on the International Course
Location / Neighborhood: ChampionsGate Golf Club. Best For: Experienced golfers, groups, golf vacations. Estimated Time Needed: 4–5 hours. Cost / Entry: $$$; green fees vary.
For a different challenge, play the International Course at ChampionsGate Golf Club. The links-inspired layout is more open and exposed than the National Course, with sweeping fairways, large undulating greens and strategic bunkering creating a distinctive round.
Together, the International and National courses provide 36 holes of championship golf within ChampionsGate, making the resort particularly appealing for dedicated golf trips. Insider tip: play both courses on different days if golf is a major part of your vacation rather than trying to squeeze two rounds into one exhausting day.
5. Play Champions 9 or book a golf lesson
Location / Neighborhood: ChampionsGate golf resort area. Best For: Golfers, beginners, families, short golf sessions. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $; booking required.
Golf does not have to mean committing most of your day to an 18-hole round. The ChampionsGate golf complex also offers a nine-hole par-3 experience alongside practice facilities and professional instruction for players wanting to improve their game.
A shorter golf session works particularly well for families, beginners or golfers sharing a vacation with non-playing companions. Insider tip: book instruction near the beginning of your stay so you can put any tips into practice during later rounds on the National or International courses.
Theme Parks Near ChampionsGate
6. Spend a day at Magic Kingdom
Location / Neighborhood: Walt Disney World Resort. Best For: Families, Disney fans, first-time Orlando visitors. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $$$; park admission required.
Visit the most iconic of Walt Disney World's four theme parks at Magic Kingdom. Cinderella Castle sits at the heart of lands filled with classic attractions, thrill rides, character experiences, parades and nighttime entertainment.
Families can mix longtime favorites with newer attractions such as TRON Lightcycle / Run, while younger children have plenty of gentler rides and character experiences. Insider tip: check the park calendar before choosing your date because separately ticketed seasonal parties can cause Magic Kingdom to close earlier than usual on selected evenings.
7. Explore EPCOT
Location / Neighborhood: Walt Disney World Resort. Best For: Families, couples, food lovers, thrill rides. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $$$.
Combine big attractions with global food and culture at EPCOT. World Celebration, World Discovery and World Nature feature rides and interactive experiences, while World Showcase surrounds the lagoon with pavilions inspired by countries around the globe.
Highlights include Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and Frozen Ever After, while changing festivals add food booths, gardens, art and live music at different times of year. Insider tip: arrive early for headline attractions and leave plenty of time for World Showcase rather than treating EPCOT purely as a ride-focused park.
8. Visit Disney's Hollywood Studios
Location / Neighborhood: Walt Disney World Resort. Best For: Families, teenagers, Star Wars fans, thrill rides. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $$$.
Step into movie-inspired worlds at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge lets visitors explore Black Spire Outpost and pilot the Millennium Falcon, while Toy Story Land brings Pixar characters and attractions into a colorful family setting.
The park also combines thrill rides with stage entertainment, character appearances and nighttime experiences. Insider tip: identify your top two or three attractions before arriving and organize the rest of your day around them rather than repeatedly crossing the park.
9. Explore Disney's Animal Kingdom
Location / Neighborhood: Walt Disney World Resort. Best For: Families, wildlife, Avatar fans, outdoor attractions. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $$$.
Combine wildlife encounters and immersive themed attractions at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Kilimanjaro Safaris takes guests through large animal habitats, while Pandora – The World of Avatar provides some of Disney World's most elaborate scenery and attractions.
The park also features Expedition Everest, nature trails and live entertainment alongside its animal experiences. Insider tip: visit safari areas earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler, then move towards major rides and indoor shows as the afternoon heats up.
10. Visit Universal Studios Florida
Location / Neighborhood: Universal Orlando Resort. Best For: Families, teenagers, movie fans. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $$$.
Step into attractions inspired by movies, television and popular entertainment at Universal Studios Florida. The park combines thrill rides and immersive areas with shows, character encounters and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Diagon Alley.
Universal CityWalk sits immediately outside the parks, making it easy to stay for dinner or entertainment afterwards. Insider tip: if you want to ride the Hogwarts Express between Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, you need an eligible Park-to-Park ticket.
11. Spend the day at Universal Islands of Adventure
Location / Neighborhood: Universal Orlando Resort. Best For: Families with older children, teenagers, thrill seekers. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $$$.
Head to Islands of Adventure for some of Universal Orlando's biggest thrill rides and immersive themed areas. The park is home to Jurassic World VelociCoaster, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Hogsmeade.
Younger visitors also have family attractions alongside the high-speed rides, making the park more varied than its thrill-ride reputation suggests. Insider tip: use Universal's official app to monitor wait times and temporary ride closures throughout your visit.
12. Explore Universal Epic Universe
Location / Neighborhood: Universal Orlando Resort. Best For: Families, teenagers, gamers, theme park fans. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $$$.
Make time for Universal Orlando's newest theme park, Epic Universe. The park is divided into five immersive worlds: Celestial Park, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Dark Universe and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic.
The scale and popularity of the park make it worth treating as a complete day rather than trying to combine it with another Universal park. Insider tip: check the latest park hours and attraction information before travelling, particularly if you are hoping to experience the most popular rides early in the day.
13. Spend the day at LEGOLAND Florida Resort
Location / Neighborhood: Winter Haven. Best For: Families, younger children, LEGO fans. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $$$.
Head south to LEGOLAND Florida Resort for a theme park built especially around family play. More than 50 rides, shows and attractions combine LEGO themes with interactive experiences, roller coasters and creative activities.
The resort has continued to expand, with the Galacticoaster among its major 2026 additions. The wider destination also includes LEGOLAND Water Park and SEA LIFE Florida, depending on your ticket and operating schedule. Insider tip: LEGOLAND is particularly well suited to younger school-age children, so families with small children may find it easier-paced than Orlando's larger theme parks.
14. Visit Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida
Location / Neighborhood: Winter Haven / beside LEGOLAND Florida. Best For: Preschoolers, young families. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $; separate or combination tickets available.
Give younger children their own theme park day at Peppa Pig Theme Park Florida, located just steps from LEGOLAND. The attraction was designed specifically with preschoolers in mind, combining gentle rides, interactive play areas, water play and character experiences.
Its smaller scale can make it considerably easier for families with toddlers than a full day navigating a huge theme park. Insider tip: consider a combination ticket if you also want to visit LEGOLAND, but avoid overloading very young children with two full parks in one day.
Family Entertainment Near ChampionsGate
15. Shop, dine and play at Disney Springs
Location / Neighborhood: Walt Disney World Resort. Best For: Families, couples, shopping, dining, evening entertainment. Estimated Time Needed: 3–5 hours. Cost / Entry: Free entry and parking; activities and dining extra.
Enjoy a Disney experience without buying a theme park ticket at Disney Springs. The large waterfront district combines dozens of restaurants with shops, live entertainment and attractions ranging from Cirque du Soleil to interactive games.
New experiences continue to join the lineup, including LEVEL99 with more than 60 physical and mental challenge rooms. Insider tip: Disney Springs becomes especially lively in the evening, so it works well after a relaxing pool morning at your ChampionsGate villa.
16. Spend an evening at Promenade at Sunset Walk
Location / Neighborhood: Kissimmee / Margaritaville area. Best For: Families, couples, groups, dining and entertainment. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; activities and dining extra.
Head to Promenade at Sunset Walk for restaurants, bars, live entertainment and regular community events. The walkable entertainment district offers a relaxed alternative to a full theme park evening and is particularly convenient from the ChampionsGate area.
Its calendar includes recurring car shows, live music, family activities and seasonal events throughout the year. Insider tip: check the event calendar before choosing your evening, as a scheduled concert or car show can completely change the atmosphere.
17. Explore Old Town Kissimmee
Location / Neighborhood: Kissimmee. Best For: Families, classic cars, rides, nostalgic entertainment. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; rides and activities extra.
Step into a retro Florida entertainment district at Old Town Kissimmee. Colorful storefronts, restaurants and amusement rides line the pedestrian streets, while recurring classic-car events are a major part of its appeal.
It offers a more old-school evening than Orlando's modern entertainment complexes and is easy to combine with nearby attractions along US-192. Insider tip: choose a night with a scheduled car cruise or live event if classic vehicles are one of the main reasons for visiting.
18. Climb through Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
Location / Neighborhood: Kissimmee. Best For: Active families, teenagers, groups. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $.
Test your balance and nerve at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, an aerial obstacle course set among a natural pine forest. Progressive courses include swinging logs, suspended bridges, climbing challenges and zip lines, with harder obstacles appearing as you move higher through the trees. Separate children's courses allow younger adventurers to participate at an appropriate level. Insider tip: reserve a morning session during warmer months when temperatures are more comfortable for climbing and physical activity.
19. See Florida wildlife at Gatorland
Location / Neighborhood: South Orlando. Best For: Families, wildlife, classic Florida attractions. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: $$; premium activities extra.
See alligators and other Florida wildlife at Gatorland, a Central Florida attraction that has been welcoming visitors for generations. Experiences include wildlife areas, the Alligator Breeding Marsh and opportunities to learn more about Florida's famous reptiles.
Adventure options include the Screamin' Gator Zip Line and Stompin' Gator Off-Road Adventure for visitors wanting something more active. Insider tip: arrive earlier in the day during hot weather, then save Orlando's air-conditioned shopping or dining attractions for the afternoon.
20. Ride the Orlando Eye at ICON Park
Location / Neighborhood: International Drive. Best For: Families, couples, skyline views. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore ICON Park; attractions, $.
Visit ICON Park on International Drive for an easy combination of attractions, restaurants and evening entertainment. Its signature landmark is the 400-foot Orlando Eye observation wheel, providing elevated views across Central Florida from climate-controlled capsules.
The same complex is home to attractions including SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium and Madame Tussauds Orlando, making it easy for families to choose several experiences without moving the car. Insider tip: ride around sunset if you want to see the city in daylight and watch Orlando's lights appear during the evening.
21. Play a round of themed mini golf
Location / Neighborhood: Walt Disney World and greater Orlando. Best For: Families, couples, groups. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $.
Keep the competition friendly with a round of Orlando's famously elaborate miniature golf. Options around Walt Disney World include Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland, while additional themed courses can be found throughout Kissimmee and International Drive.
Mini golf works particularly well on arrival day or after a morning at your villa because it delivers some Orlando theming without requiring a full park ticket. Insider tip: evening rounds can be more comfortable during hot summer months and make an easy activity before or after dinner.
Water Parks & Outdoor Things to Do Near ChampionsGate
22. Visit a Disney water park
Location / Neighborhood: Walt Disney World Resort. Best For: Families, water slides, relaxed park days. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $$$.
Cool down at one of Walt Disney World's themed water parks. Disney's Typhoon Lagoon offers a tropical storm-inspired setting with slides, a wave pool and lazy river, while Blizzard Beach transforms a fictional melting ski resort into a collection of family and thrill attractions.
Operating schedules can change seasonally and because of refurbishment, so both parks should not automatically be assumed to be open at the same time. Insider tip: check Disney's official calendar shortly before your visit rather than choosing your water-park day months in advance.
23. Spend a day at Island H2O Water Park
Location / Neighborhood: Kissimmee / Sunset Walk. Best For: Families, teenagers, water slides. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $.
Enjoy a seasonal water-park day at Island H2O, close to Promenade at Sunset Walk. Slides, pools, family attractions and lazy-water experiences provide an easy alternative to the much larger theme parks.
The park operates seasonally rather than throughout the entire year; the 2026 season runs from March through October. Insider tip: combine the water park with an evening meal at Sunset Walk so you can make a full day of the same area without additional driving.
24. Visit Universal Volcano Bay
Location / Neighborhood: Universal Orlando Resort. Best For: Families, teenagers, water rides. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $$$.
Spend a tropical-style day at Universal Volcano Bay, centered around the towering Krakatau volcano. Attractions range from wave pools and lazy-water experiences to raft rides, body slides and the Krakatau Aqua Coaster.
The park is particularly appealing when your group wants Universal-level theming without another conventional roller-coaster day. Insider tip: Check when Volcano Bay is scheduled for seasonal maintenance before making the trip.
25. Explore Lake Louisa State Park
Location / Neighborhood: Clermont. Best For: Families, couples, kayaking, hiking, nature. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: $; state park vehicle fee applies.
Escape the theme-park corridor at Lake Louisa State Park, where lakes, rolling hills, cypress wetlands and woodland provide a quieter side of Central Florida. Visitors can kayak, canoe, paddleboard, cycle or explore approximately 20 miles of unpaved multi-use trails.
Wildlife can include deer, gopher tortoises, bald eagles and osprey, although sightings are naturally never guaranteed. Insider tip: arrive earlier on hot days and bring insect repellent and plenty of water if you plan to explore the trails.
26. Take a Central Florida airboat ride.
Location / Neighborhood: Kissimmee / Central Florida wetlands. Best For: Families, couples, wildlife, Florida experiences. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $.
Leave the theme parks behind and skim across Central Florida's wetlands on an airboat ride. Operators such as Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures offer daytime, sunset and private trips with experienced captains, giving visitors a chance to experience lakes and marshland from the water.
Wildlife sightings may include birds and alligators, but conditions vary from trip to trip. Insider tip: morning trips can provide cooler temperatures, while sunset outings deliver a particularly atmospheric view of the wetlands.
27. Walk around Celebration Town Center
Location / Neighborhood: Celebration. Best For: Couples, families, dining, relaxed walks. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.
Slow the pace in Celebration, a walkable community with lakeside paths, cafés, restaurants and boutiques. Celebration Town Center brings together more than 50 local businesses within an attractive open-air district just minutes from the Disney area.
A weekly farmers market and changing seasonal events add extra reasons to visit throughout the year. Insider tip: arrive during the late afternoon, walk around the lake and stay for dinner rather than making Celebration a quick drive-through stop.
Shopping & Day Trips Near ChampionsGate
28. Shop at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets
Location / Neighborhood: Vineland Avenue / Lake Buena Vista area. Best For: Shopping, couples, families, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: 3–5 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to enter; shopping extra.
Browse more than 150 stores at Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, one of the area's major outlet-shopping destinations. The center mixes designer and luxury labels with familiar fashion, sportswear and lifestyle brands.
It can be a useful break from outdoor attractions during very hot or wet weather, although much of the center itself is open-air. Insider tip: check current brand promotions online before visiting and arrive earlier during holiday weekends when parking and popular stores become significantly busier.
29. Shop and dine at Posner Park
Location / Neighborhood: Davenport. Best For: Families, practical shopping, casual dining. Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.
Stay closer to your villa with a shopping trip to Posner Park in Davenport. The retail area includes large stores, restaurants, a movie theater and useful everyday shopping, making it particularly convenient when you need vacation supplies without driving farther into Orlando.
It is not intended to replace Orlando's major destination shopping centers, but its proximity to ChampionsGate makes it one of the most practical options during a longer stay. Insider tip: use Posner Park for groceries, essentials and an easy movie evening while saving Vineland outlets or Disney Springs for dedicated shopping days.
30. Take a day trip to Kennedy Space Center
Location / Neighborhood: Merritt Island / Florida Space Coast. Best For: Families, space fans, science, day trips. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $$$.
Make the longer drive east to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex for one of Central Florida's most memorable day trips. See Space Shuttle Atlantis, explore the Apollo/Saturn V Center, learn about current and historic spaceflight and take the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour behind the gates of the working spaceport.
The visitor complex also offers astronaut experiences and opportunities to learn about upcoming launches. Insider tip: treat Kennedy Space Center as a complete day trip from ChampionsGate and check the launch calendar beforehand, while remembering that launch schedules can change at very short notice.
Seasonal Events Near ChampionsGate
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on selected evenings from August through October 31. The separately ticketed event combines trick-or-treating, character appearances, Halloween entertainment, a special parade and themed attraction experiences.
Insider tip: these nights can sell out well ahead, and Magic Kingdom closes earlier to regular daytime guests on party evenings, so check the calendar before planning either type of visit.
EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival
The EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival usually runs from late August through November. Global Marketplaces serve festival dishes and drinks from around the world, while the Eat to the Beat concert series adds live music on selected evenings.
Insider tip: visit food booths earlier or on weekdays where possible, as Friday and Saturday evenings can be particularly popular with local visitors.
Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios Florida hosts Halloween Horror Nights on selected nights from late August through November 1. The separately ticketed after-hours event combines haunted houses, scare zones and horror-themed entertainment and is designed primarily for older teenagers and adults.
Insider tip: daytime admission does not automatically include Halloween Horror Nights, so check ticket requirements carefully if you want to experience both during the same visit.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
Magic Kingdom's main Christmas party, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party returns on selected nights from early November through late December. The separately ticketed event includes holiday entertainment, festive treats, character experiences and seasonal fireworks in a specially decorated park.
Insider tip: if you are not attending the party, check Magic Kingdom's regular operating hours because the park closes earlier to daytime guests on event nights.
LEGOLAND Brick or Treat and Christmas Bricktacular
LEGOLAND Florida's family-friendly seasonal calendar includes Brick or Treat on selected fall dates through early November, followed by Christmas Bricktacular on selected dates from late November through early January.
Both events are particularly well suited to families with younger children who want seasonal entertainment without the intensity of an adult-focused Halloween event. Insider tip: check whether your chosen seasonal event is included with the specific ticket you plan to purchase.
Where to Stay in ChampionsGate
ChampionsGate is particularly well suited to families and larger groups who want the space of a vacation home while remaining within driving distance of Orlando's major theme parks. Walt Disney World is among the closest headline attractions, while Universal Orlando, International Drive and the wider Orlando area remain straightforward day trips by car.
Staying within the resort also gives you plenty to do between theme-park days. Guests in eligible properties can enjoy amenities around the Oasis Clubhouse, including pools, a lazy river, splash areas, fitness facilities, sports courts, dining and family entertainment.
Our ChampionsGate vacation rentals range from condos and townhouses to substantial villas sleeping more than 30 guests. Many resort vacation rentals feature private pools alongside spacious kitchens and living areas, while selected rentals add themed kids' bedrooms, games rooms, home theaters and outdoor entertaining spaces.
The combination works particularly well for multigenerational groups because guests can spend time together in one private home without needing to follow the same schedule every day.
Plan your ChampionsGate Vacation
Where to stay in Championsgate
