A male dressed in a yellow polo and black board shorts rides the FlowRider wave generator

A Surf & Splash Guide to Sports in Orlando

Sports in Orlando made easy: Orlando sports teams to watch, Kia Center Orlando tips, college game-day basics, where to play, and a Surf & Splash cool-down day.

  • man and woman on FlowRider
  • Surf and Splash Water Park
  • Surf and Splash
  • kids playing games poolside

Orlando Sports Teams at a glance

Looking for a quick list of the major teams that call Orlando home? Start here. 

 

Team or programSportWhere it happensGood for
Orlando MagicNBA basketballKia CenterBig-league night out, families, first-timers
Orlando Solar BearsECHL hockeyKia CenterAffordable pro sports, kids who love fast action
Orlando City SCMLS soccerInter&Co StadiumHigh-energy crowd, fun atmosphere
Orlando PrideNWSL soccerInter&Co StadiumFast-paced action, great for families
UCF KnightsCollege sportsAcrisure Bounce House Tailgates, marching bands, and a chance to see tomorrow’s stars today
Orlando PiratesIndoor footballKia CenterFast, loud, and a fun downtown game plan

 

Kia Center Orlando: What to Know Before You Go

Kia Center is downtown and built for big nights. It hosts Orlando Magic and Orlando Pirates games, Orlando Solar Bears hockey, and other sports events throughout the year.

First-Timer Tips That Make the Night Smoother

Tickets and Entry

Plan for mobile ticket entry. Policies can vary by event, so check your event listing for entry time, bag guidelines, and payment details before you go. 

Parents Tip: For Orlando Magic home games, children under 36 inches do not need a ticket if they sit on an adult’s lap. 

Arrival Timing

Aim to arrive early enough to handle parking, security, and finding your seats without sprinting. If you want food, warmups, or merch, earlier is better.

 

Pro Sports in Orlando Beyond the Arena

Soccer With a Downtown Footprint

Inter&Co Stadium is a soccer-specific stadium in downtown Orlando, the home of Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride.

This is one of the easiest game plans in town if you want a match paired with dinner or an evening out.

Match-Day Basics

  • Wear breathable gear. Evenings can stay warm.
  • If you’re bringing kids, plan a snack before kickoff so you’re not waiting in the concession lines at halftime.

 

Youth Sports Travel

Orlando is a major youth sports destination, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosts an impressive range of sporting events.

Between-Games Playbook for Parents

Food That Does Not Derail the Schedule

Downtime That Helps Performance

  • Short walks in the shade
  • Stretching at the hotel
  • An early night after day one, especially for multi-day tournaments

College Sports and Campus Energy: What Visitors Should Know

UCF athletics bring the full college feel, especially for football. The UCF Knights football team plays home games at the Acrisure Bounce House.

If You’ve Never Done a College Game

Seasonality

  • Football is king on fall weekends.
  • Basketball runs through winter into early spring.
  • Baseball and softball fill spring afternoons.

Other sports you can expect include golf, tennis, rowing, track & field, and more. 

Parking

  • Campus traffic can stack up. Earlier arrivals mean easier parking and less stress.

 

Where to Play in Orlando, Not Just Watch

Just because you might be here to watch sports, it doesn’t mean you can’t let your athletic side shine in a little friendly competition. Here are some great active attractions for athletes, young and old. 

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is a treetop obstacle course in a pine forest with a big payoff: 97 aerial challenges, a 425-foot zip line, and separate kids courses with 21 challenges.

Best for

  • Competitive families who want a physical challenge
  • Teens who would rather climb than sit still

Good to know

  • Courses scale in difficulty and height, so you can choose your comfort level instead of muscling through one-size-fits-all routes.
  • Wear closed-toe shoes and plan for outdoor heat.

Nona Adventure Park

Nona Adventure Park offers a floating inflatable Aqua Park and obstacle course, a cable park for wake sports, and a 60-foot climbing tower with ropes courses and rock walls. It also has kayaking and paddleboarding, plus cabanas and on-site food.

Best for

  • Groups with mixed ages and attention spans
  • Anyone who wants water time that still counts as movement

Battleground Orlando

Battleground Orlando is one complex with both laser tag and paintball, using a mix of indoor and outdoor fields, which helps when the weather is unpredictable. It’s a solid choice when your group wants a competitive activity you can fit into a two- to three-hour window, without driving all over town.

Best for

  • Families with older kids who want structured gameplay

Parents Tip: Pack an extra shirt for everyone. Between heat and gear, you’ll appreciate a dry change before dinner.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

iFLY Indoor Skydiving lets anyone experience the thrill of flight. They provide the gear and pre-flight instructions. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure. 

Best for

  • Families who want a wow moment that is not weather-dependent

Before you book

  • Check the iFLY FAQ for age, weight, and medical guidance so nobody gets surprised at the door.

K1 Speed Orlando

K1 Speed Orlando helps satisfy the need for speed with indoor electric kart racing in performance-focused karts. 

Best for

  • Friends or families who love head-to-head competition
  • Tournament groups looking for a clean, contained outing

First-timer tip

  • Ask staff about qualifying and race formats if your group is competitive. It makes the session feel like an event, not a random set of laps.

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games Orlando

A full indoor entertainment lineup. Andretti’s Orlando offers karting, an arcade, laser tag, racing simulators, interactive bowling, and more in one place.

Best for

  • Mixed groups where not everyone wants the same thing
  • Families who need options under one roof

Parent Tip: If your group can’t agree on one thing, start with karting together, then split off for arcade games, laser tag, or the simulators.

Topgolf Orlando

At Topgolf, your crew can take turns hitting golf balls toward circular targets out in the field. The balls are tracked by technology, and you can play different games depending on your group. Best of all, you don’t need to be a golfer to have fun (though it will help if you want to win!). 

Best for

  • Groups that want sports energy without a strict schedule
  • Families with kids who need breaks between turns

 

SpotIndoor/outdoorWhat you are doingWorks well for
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure ParkOutdoorRopes courses and zip linesActive families, teens
Nona Adventure ParkOutdoor, water-basedInflatable Aqua Park, cable park, climbing towerMixed ages, half-day play
Battleground OrlandoBothPaintball and laser tagTeams, older kids
iFLYIndoorIndoor skydiving flight experienceFamilies, short time windows
K1 SpeedIndoorElectric kart racingCompetitive groups 
Andretti Indoor Karting & GamesIndoorKarting, arcade, laser tag, simulatorsEveryone wants different things
TopgolfCovered baysTarget games and social playSocial groups, families

 

Enjoy Some Friendly Competition at Surf & Splash

At Surf & Splash, we’re your spot for cooling down after the action heats up. Start with FlowRider if your group wants a skill challenge, hit Triple Tide Tower for quick thrills, then take a slower lap in the pool to relax.

What to do at Surf & Splash

FlowRider: Our dual-lane surf simulator is where balance meets bragging rights. Start slow, find your stance, then work your way up until you are carving with confidence. Great for teens and adults, and a fun spectator spot when the rest of the group wants a break.

Triple Tide Tower: Race side-by-side on Duel Drop Racers, or take on Surf Spin when you want speed with a few extra twists. It’s the natural pick for older kids, teens, and anyone in the family who treats water slides like a sport.

Aqua Kids: For the smallest athletes, Aqua Kids keeps the fun at their level. Expect fountains, splash features, and a mini slide that feels like a big deal to little ones, without having parents hover on the edge of something towering.

Pools and Splash Time: Sometimes the best play is simple. Our pool is the go-to for steady laps or a float when you want to cool down without the climb. 

Want to make it a full rest day? Check out our guest amenities and plan a slower afternoon after the slides.

 

FAQs: Sports in Orlando

What Orlando sports teams can I see in one weekend?
A common combo is an Orlando Magic game at Kia Center and a soccer match at Inter&Co Stadium if schedules line up. Kia Center also hosts Orlando Solar Bears hockey.

Where is Kia Center Orlando?
Kia Center is at 400 West Church Street in downtown Orlando.

Is Kia Center family-friendly?
Yes, and Kia Center publishes event-specific guidance for children. For Orlando Magic games, children under 36 inches may not need a ticket if they sit on an adult’s lap. Check your game listing for any additional details on the child entry.

What is the best Orlando option for youth sports tournaments?
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex hosts a large calendar of events across sports. Start with the event schedule, then plan meals and downtime around your game blocks.

 

Make a Sporting Splash Here in Orlando

Sports are big in Orlando. Whether you’re attending a game or playing in one, you’ll find events for all types of athletes. And if you want to be close to the action — and close to the pool — there’s no better place to stay for your Orlando sports trip than right here at Surf & Splash. Explore our special offers and start planning your vacation today.