And if you need tasty ideas about where to eat on turkey day, check out our yummy Orlando Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving & Thanksgiving Meals at Orlando Theme Parks feature!

Orlando Theme Parks Open on Thanksgiving

Walt Disney World Orlando

We can't have a Thanksgiving Day to-do article without including the holiday mecca that is Walt Disney World! Besides the fun rides and great attractions, there are even places to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal in and around the theme park. Check out Holidays at Disney Springs and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party for details about special events!

Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort

Spend Thanksgiving with The Grinch at Universal's special holiday event, running through Thanksgiving to the end of December.

LEGOLAND Florida Resort

Build LEGO structures, ride the attractions perfect for ALL ages, and get into the overall LEGO spirit by spending Thanksgiving at the park.

SeaWorld Orlando

Forget the turkey on Thanksgiving and go with the fish...or mammals in the case of whales, otters, seals, and more fun underwater creatures.

Family-Friendly Attractions Open on Thanksgiving in Orlando

Forget the turkey and bond with the gators at Gatorland, open every day of the year. Photo by Charlotte Blanton

Gatorland 

Spend the holiday with gators and friends as Gatorland is open every day of the year, 10am-5pm, rain or shine!

Icon Park

Icon Park is a fun spot that's open on Thanksgiving for families to wander. Check out The Wheel, carousel, and much more.

Manatee Watching

The colder months make for the best manatee sightings, so bring the kids for an afternoon visit to see these beautiful creatures.

Sea Life Orlando Aquarium is open on Thanksgiving Day (located at ICON Park). Photo by Charlotte Blanton

Sea Life Aquarium

Sea Life Orlando Aquarium and Sea Life Florida Aquarium are open on Thanksgiving 10am-6pm, perfect for all ages.

Crayola Experience Orlando

Get creative by hanging at the Crayola Experience, open on Thanksgiving 10am-4pm.

Movie Theaters

Enjoy some peace and quiet for more than two hours by bringing kids to the movies (just don't fill up on the popcorn).

Parks and Playgrounds

This seems like a no-brainer, but don't underestimate Mother Nature when it comes to kids getting out their wiggles and energy.

Orlando Events Happening on Thanksgiving

Sanford Turkey Day 5K

Earn those Thanksgiving calories by squeezing in a run in Sanford!

Christmas at Gaylord Palms

Inject some Christmas in your Thanksgiving plans by heading to Gaylord Palms for festive fun.

Magic of Lights Daytona

After filling up on turkey, head to the Magic of Lights show at night for a beautiful Christmas lights display.

Grocery Stores Open on Thanksgiving in Orlando

• Sprouts Farmers Market: Check locations, most open 7am-2pm
• Whole Foods Market: 7am-1pm in Orlando, other locations vary
• Seabra Foods: Open 7am-6pm in Ocoee and Orlando
• Key Food: Hours vary by location

FAQ: What’s Open on Thanksgiving in Orlando?

Q: What museums are open in Orlando on Thanksgiving Day?

Not many muesums are open on Thanksgiving Day in Orlando, but check out local theme parks for fun.

Q: Are Central Florida malls open on Thanksgiving?

Most Orlando-area malls are closed on Thanksgiving Day, but open for Black Friday.

Q: What grocery stores are open for last-minute shopping?

Select Whole Foods, Sprouts, and small shops are open with varying hours.

Q: Are there family-friendly attractions and activities on Thanksgiving Day?

There aren't a huge amount of indoor businesses open on Thanksgiving, but don't worry! Because of Orlando's temperant climate and gorgeous views, there are a ton of things you can do outdoors, including local parks and playgrounds, water sports, boating, and more.