45 Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

Family-Friendly Things to Do in Orlando

1. Explore Old Town Kissimmee

Location: Kissimmee. Best For: Families, classic cars, shopping, evening entertainment. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; rides and activities extra.

Step into a retro Florida entertainment district filled with restaurants, shops, amusement rides and regular live events. Old Town is particularly well known for its classic car cruises, which bring beautifully restored vehicles through its brick-lined streets on selected evenings. Insider tip: check the weekly events schedule before visiting so you can time your evening around one of the popular car cruises.

2. Visit Gatorland

Location: South Orlando. Best For: Families, wildlife, photography. Estimated Time Needed: 3–5 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; admission and selected experiences extra.

Discover one of Orlando's longest-running attractions at Gatorland, where alligators, crocodiles, birds and other animals can be seen across a large wildlife park. Exhibits, demonstrations and the breeding marsh give families a closer look at Florida's most famous reptile without needing a full theme park day. Insider tip: visit earlier in the day during hotter months when walking around the outdoor areas is more comfortable.

3. Climb at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park

Location: Kissimmee. Best For: Active families, teenagers, groups. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

Climb, balance and zip through elevated obstacle courses featuring ropes, swinging logs, nets and aerial challenges. Courses increase in difficulty, while younger participants have dedicated options designed around their age and ability. Insider tip: book a morning session in summer before Central Florida's heat and afternoon storms become more likely.

4. Play Mini Golf at Congo River Golf

Location: Orlando and Kissimmee area. Best For: Families, couples, casual competition. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

Putt through waterfalls, caves and tropical landscaping on an adventure-style miniature golf course. Congo River Golf is an easy activity to fit around lunch, shopping or another attraction and works particularly well when different generations are traveling together. Insider tip: an evening round can be cooler and more atmospheric than playing during the hottest part of the afternoon.

5. Solve an Escape Room at Lockbusters

Location: International Drive. Best For: Families with teens, groups, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: Around 1–1.5 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; advance booking recommended.

Work together through a private, themed escape-room adventure at Lockbusters on International Drive. Groups have 60 minutes to follow clues, solve puzzles and complete their mission across immersive multi-room environments. Insider tip: choose the theme and difficulty level around the least experienced person in your group so everyone can contribute.

6. Get Creative at Crayola Experience

Location: The Florida Mall. Best For: Families with younger children, creative activities, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$.

Turn a rainy or extra-hot day into a colorful family outing at Crayola Experience. Children can explore interactive art stations, create personalized crayons and experiment with hands-on activities centered around drawing, color and creativity. Insider tip: combine the attraction with shopping or lunch at The Florida Mall rather than making a separate journey later in your vacation.

7. Explore WonderWorks Orlando

Location: International Drive / Pointe Orlando. Best For: Families, teenagers, interactive science. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$.

Step inside the instantly recognizable upside-down building on International Drive for hands-on exhibits mixing science, physical challenges and optical illusions. Experiences cover subjects such as weather, space, light and motion, making this a useful indoor attraction for mixed-age families. Insider tip: save WonderWorks for a rainy afternoon or the hottest part of the day when an indoor activity is especially welcome.

8. Visit The Florida Aquarium

Location: Tampa, Florida. Best For: Families, marine conservation, wildlife, educational day trips. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours at the aquarium; allow longer for the Orlando day trip. Cost / Entry: $$–$$$.

Discover Florida's marine ecosystems at The Florida Aquarium, a nonprofit attraction with a strong focus on conservation, research and education. Exhibits range from Florida wetlands to a vast coral reef habitat, while the aquarium's wider conservation work includes rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles and pioneering research to help restore Florida's threatened coral reefs.

Insider tip: make this a dedicated Tampa day trip from Orlando and allow enough time to explore the aquarium at a relaxed pace rather than combining it with several other major attractions.

9. Step Inside Museum of Illusions Orlando

Location: ICON Park, International Drive. Best For: Families, couples, photography, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $$.

Challenge your senses with perspective rooms, optical illusions and interactive displays designed to make you question what you're seeing. Many exhibits double as unusual photo opportunities, making this one of International Drive's more playful indoor attractions. Insider tip: charge your phone before visiting — photographs are a major part of the experience.

10. Take the Chocolate Kingdom Factory Adventure Tour

Location: International Drive area. Best For: Families, chocolate lovers, indoor activities. Estimated Time Needed: Around 1 hour. Cost / Entry: $$; optional chocolate-making extras available.

Follow chocolate from cacao bean to finished bar on a guided tour through Chocolate Kingdom. The experience combines demonstrations, storytelling and a working micro-batch chocolate factory, with the option to create a customized chocolate bar. Insider tip: reserve ahead during school vacations, as tours run at scheduled times rather than continuously.

Outdoor & Nature Activities in Orlando

11. Take an Airboat Ride in Kissimmee

Location: Kissimmee and Central Florida wetlands. Best For: Families, wildlife, first-time Florida visitors. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

Leave Orlando's developed attractions behind and skim across lakes and wetlands on a traditional Florida airboat. Guides explain the ecosystem while looking for birds, turtles and wild alligators in their natural environment. Insider tip: mornings and sunset trips generally offer cooler conditions and particularly attractive wetland scenery.

12. Take the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Location: Winter Park. Best For: Couples, families, sightseeing, relaxing days. Estimated Time Needed: Around 1 hour. Cost / Entry: $.

Cruise across three lakes and through narrow canals on this long-running narrated Winter Park experience. The route passes Rollins College, subtropical vegetation, impressive waterfront homes and local wildlife while showing a side of the Orlando area that many visitors never see. Insider tip: Park Avenue is only a short walk from the dock, so combine the cruise with lunch and shopping in Winter Park.

13. Kayak or Paddleboard the Winter Park Chain of Lakes

Location: Winter Park. Best For: Couples, active families, water activities. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; rental or guided-tour costs apply.

Explore Winter Park at water level by paddling between peaceful lakes and narrow canals shaded by subtropical vegetation. Guided kayaking and paddleboarding trips are accessible to beginners while still providing enough scenery to appeal to more experienced paddlers. Insider tip: choose an early outing for calmer conditions and cooler temperatures.

14. Swim and Hike at Wekiwa Springs State Park

Location: Apopka. Best For: Families, swimming, hiking, kayaking. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: $; state park admission and rentals extra.

Escape into natural Florida at Wekiwa Springs State Park, where clear spring water, woodland trails and waterways provide a complete outdoor day. Swim near the spring, rent a canoe or kayak, hike through native habitats or simply relax with a picnic. Insider tip: arrive early on warm weekends because parking can fill when the park reaches capacity.

15. Float Rock Springs at Kelly Park

Location: Apopka. Best For: Families, tubing, swimming, nature. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: $; entry and equipment costs vary.

Let the current carry you along Rock Springs Run through clear water surrounded by trees and natural Florida scenery. Tubing is the signature activity at Kelly Park, providing a genuine natural lazy-river experience without a water park ticket. Insider tip: tubes are not always available inside the park, so check current rental arrangements before setting out.

16. Look for Manatees at Blue Spring State Park

Location: Orange City. Best For: Wildlife, families, winter visits. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: $; state park admission applies.

Blue Spring State Park is one of Central Florida's most important winter gathering places for wild manatees. Boardwalk viewpoints make it possible to observe them without entering the water, while trails and natural scenery make the park worthwhile beyond manatee season too. Insider tip: mid-November through March is generally the key manatee-viewing period, but sightings depend on conditions.

17. Drive the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

Location: Lake Apopka North Shore. Best For: Birdwatching, photography, families, budget days. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.

Follow the self-guided wildlife drive through wetlands where hundreds of bird species have been recorded alongside alligators and other native Florida wildlife. You remain in your vehicle for much of the route, making this an easy nature experience during cooler, wetter or less predictable weather. Insider tip: the drive operates on selected days, so check the current opening schedule before traveling.

18. Paddle Through Shingle Creek

Location: Kissimmee / South Orlando. Best For: Kayaking, nature, families, couples. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; rentals or guided trips extra.

Canoe or kayak beneath cypress trees on the waterways of Shingle Creek, recognized as part of the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Guided outings can introduce visitors to the area's ecology while keeping the experience manageable for less experienced paddlers. Insider tip: choose a guided trip if this is your first time paddling in Florida wetlands.

19. Walk Through Harry P. Leu Gardens

Location: Audubon Park, Orlando. Best For: Couples, gardens, photography, quieter days. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

Explore 50 acres of botanical gardens near downtown Orlando, with more than 40 plant collections, tropical landscaping, a formal rose garden and the historic Leu House. Seasonal exhibitions and events give repeat visitors something different to see throughout the year. Insider tip: pair the gardens with lunch at nearby East End Market for an easy half-day beyond the attractions district.

20. Hike Tibet-Butler Preserve

Location: Windermere. Best For: Families, hiking, birdwatching, quieter mornings. Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.

Follow family-friendly trails through pine flatwoods, wetlands and other native Central Florida habitats at Tibet-Butler Preserve. Its location near the main vacation communities makes it one of the easiest ways to add a genuine nature walk without committing to a long drive. Insider tip: visit in the morning for cooler temperatures and better opportunities to spot wildlife.

21. Ride a Swan Boat at Lake Eola Park

Location: Downtown Orlando. Best For: Couples, families, picnics, city sightseeing. Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours. Cost / Entry: Free park access; swan boats extra.

Walk the path around downtown Orlando's centerpiece lake, relax beneath the trees or rent one of the park's distinctive swan-shaped pedal boats. Lake Eola also hosts markets, performances and community events throughout the year. Insider tip: combine Lake Eola with nearby Thornton Park or downtown restaurants rather than visiting the lake as an isolated stop.

22. Take a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride

Location: Orlando, Kissimmee and surrounding Central Florida. Best For: Couples, special occasions, scenic experiences. Estimated Time Needed: 3–4 hours including preparation. Cost / Entry: $$$.

Float above lakes, woodland and Central Florida communities as the sun rises on a hot-air balloon flight. Routes vary with weather and wind direction, making each flight different, but the broad landscape provides a completely different perspective on Orlando. Insider tip: balloon flights generally begin very early and are weather dependent, so avoid scheduling a tightly timed activity immediately afterwards.

Museums, Arts & Orlando Neighborhoods

23. Spend a Day at Orlando Science Center

Location: Loch Haven Cultural Park. Best For: Families, science, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: 3–5 hours. Cost / Entry: $$.

Explore hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, giant-screen experiences and interactive science displays across several floors. Orlando Science Center is particularly useful for families who want a substantial indoor attraction rather than a short stop between other activities. Insider tip: combine your visit with other museums around Loch Haven Cultural Park if older children or adults want more art and culture.

24. See Tiffany Masterpieces at the Morse Museum

Location: Winter Park. Best For: Art, couples, architecture, quieter cultural days. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

Visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art for the world's most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. Stained-glass windows, lamps, jewelry, paintings and the reconstructed Tiffany Chapel make this one of Central Florida's most distinctive cultural attractions. Insider tip: combine the museum with Park Avenue and the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour for a full day in the neighborhood.

25. Visit the Orlando Museum of Art

Location: Loch Haven Cultural Park. Best For: Art lovers, couples, cultural activities. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

Explore changing exhibitions and permanent collections at one of Orlando's leading visual arts institutions. The museum's location within Loch Haven Cultural Park also places it close to Orlando Science Center, sculpture spaces and other performing-arts venues. Insider tip: check the exhibition calendar before visiting, as temporary shows can significantly change the experience.

26. See a Show at Dr. Phillips Center

Location: Downtown Orlando. Best For: Couples, families, theater, live music. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$ depending on performance.

Swap theme park entertainment for Broadway productions, concerts, ballet, comedy and other live performances at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. Its downtown location makes it easy to combine a show with dinner or drinks. Insider tip: check the performance calendar before your vacation, as the strongest productions can sell well ahead.

27. Spend an Afternoon on Park Avenue

Location: Winter Park. Best For: Couples, shopping, restaurants, relaxed sightseeing. Estimated Time Needed: 2–5 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.

Stroll along tree-lined Park Avenue for independent shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants beside Winter Park's Central Park. The compact district gives visitors a more local alternative to Orlando's large entertainment complexes and outlet malls. Take a scenic 1-hr boat tour along the canals and soak up views of the historic homes and idyllic atmosphere. Insider tip: combine Park Avenue with the Morse Museum or Scenic Boat Tour rather than making separate journeys to Winter Park.

28. Explore Historic Downtown Winter Garden

Location: Winter Garden. Best For: Families, couples, food, cycling, local shopping. Estimated Time Needed: Half day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.

Discover a walkable historic center built around Plant Street, with independent shops, restaurants, galleries and the popular Plant Street Market. The West Orange Trail also runs through downtown, providing an easy way to add cycling to your visit. Insider tip: Saturday brings the Winter Garden Farmers Market, making it an especially lively day to visit.

29. Walk Through Lake Nona Sculpture Garden

Location: Lake Nona. Best For: Art, couples, photography, free activities. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.

Explore contemporary sculptures among palms and landscaped paths at this open-air garden beside Lake Nona Wave Hotel. The collection includes internationally recognized works alongside pieces by Orlando-based artist JEFRË. Insider tip: visit around sunset, then stay in Lake Nona for dinner or drinks.

30. Explore the Food and Murals of Mills 50

Location: North of downtown Orlando. Best For: Foodies, street art, couples, nightlife. Estimated Time Needed: 3–5 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; dining extra.

Discover one of Orlando's most distinctive local districts, where large-scale murals sit alongside Vietnamese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean and other restaurants. Mills 50 has become particularly notable for its concentration of MICHELIN-recognized dining while retaining an independent neighborhood feel. Insider tip: visit hungry and build your own progressive meal by trying smaller dishes or drinks at several different venues.

31. Discover Historic Eatonville

Location: Eatonville. Best For: History, literature, culture, free attractions. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Mostly free; donations encouraged at The Hurston.

Explore one of America's oldest historic Black communities and learn about author Zora Neale Hurston, who spent much of her childhood here. Visit the Zora Neale Hurston National Museum of Fine Arts, see historic landmarks and learn how Eatonville influenced Hurston's writing and legacy. Insider tip: visit during ZORA! Festival season if your dates align, or arrange a walking tour to better understand the town's history.

Unique Orlando Attractions & Evening Entertainment

32. Ride The Orlando Eye

Location: ICON Park, International Drive. Best For: Families, couples, views, first-time visitors. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $$.

Rise 400 feet above International Drive inside an air-conditioned observation capsule for panoramic views across Orlando. On a clear day you can see lakes, hotels, attractions and far across Central Florida. Insider tip: ride around sunset to experience Orlando in daylight and then watch the city begin to illuminate.

33. Meet the Stars at Madame Tussauds Orlando

Location: ICON Park, International Drive. Best For: Families, teenagers, photography, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $$.

Pose with lifelike figures inspired by film, music, sport and popular culture at Madame Tussauds. Interactive displays make the experience more playful than a conventional museum and work particularly well for families with older children and teenagers. Insider tip: look at ICON Park combination tickets if you also plan to visit SEA LIFE or The Orlando Eye.

34. Explore Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

Location: International Drive. Best For: History, families with older children, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2.5 hours. Cost / Entry: $$.

Learn the story of RMS Titanic through recreated rooms, historical interpretation and genuine artifacts connected with the ship and its passengers. The immersive setting gives visitors a stronger sense of the vessel's scale and social history than a conventional display alone. Insider tip: allow enough time to read the exhibits rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.

35. Visit Ripley's Believe It or Not! Orlando

Location: International Drive. Best For: Families, teenagers, unusual exhibits. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours. Cost / Entry: $$.

Explore collections of curiosities, unusual objects, illusions and interactive displays inside Ripley's distinctive tilted building. The attraction is easy to combine with other International Drive experiences and provides another dependable indoor option during wet weather. Insider tip: group several nearby I-Drive attractions into the same day to reduce driving and parking time.

36. See Blue Man Group at ICON Park

Location: ICON Park, International Drive. Best For: Families, couples, live entertainment. Estimated Time Needed: Around 2 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

Blue Man Group returned to Orlando in 2026 with a purpose-built theater at ICON Park. The show combines percussion, comedy, visual effects and audience interaction in a performance that works without relying heavily on spoken dialogue. Insider tip: eat at ICON Park before or after the performance so you can make the evening feel like a complete night out.

37. Cheer at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Location: Kissimmee. Best For: Families, groups, dinner entertainment. Estimated Time Needed: Around 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: $$$; meal included with standard show admission.

Watch knights compete in jousting, horsemanship and staged combat while your group enjoys a multi-course meal inside a castle-style arena. The combination of dinner and entertainment makes this a straightforward evening choice for families. Insider tip: arrive early enough to check in comfortably and explore the venue before the tournament begins

38. Take an Orlando Ghost Tour

Location: Downtown Orlando. Best For: Adults, teenagers, history, evening activities. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2.5 hours. Cost / Entry: $.

Discover another side of downtown Orlando on a guided evening walk combining local history with stories of reported paranormal activity. American Ghost Adventures and other tours use older buildings and historic streets to introduce visitors to parts of the city they might otherwise overlook. Insider tip: wear comfortable shoes and check the age guidance if you're traveling with younger children.

39. Spend an Evening at Disney Springs

Location: Walt Disney World Resort / Lake Buena Vista. Best For: Families, couples, restaurants, shopping, live entertainment. Estimated Time Needed: 3–6 hours. Cost / Entry: Free admission and parking; dining and activities extra.

Enjoy the Disney atmosphere without entering a theme park at this large waterfront dining, shopping and entertainment district. More than 150 restaurants, shops and experiences are spread across four distinct neighborhoods, with live entertainment and activities extending well into the evening. Insider tip: arrive before dinner to explore the shops, then stay after dark when the waterfront is liveliest.

40. Go Shopping at Orlando's Malls and Outlets

Location: International Drive, Lake Buena Vista and Millenia area. Best For: Shopping, rainy days, bargain hunting. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free; purchases extra.

Shop major designer and high-street brands at Orlando International Premium Outlets or Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets, or head to The Mall at Millenia for a more upscale indoor shopping experience. Insider tip: go early on weekends and holiday periods when the most popular shopping centers become considerably busier.

Sports & Orlando Day Trips

41. Watch the Orlando Magic at Kia Center

Location: Downtown Orlando. Best For: Sports fans, families, evening entertainment. Estimated Time Needed: 3–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $$; ticket prices vary.

Catch NBA basketball in downtown Orlando when the Orlando Magic are playing at home. The atmosphere at Kia Center provides a completely different type of big-ticket Orlando entertainment and is easy to pair with restaurants elsewhere downtown. Insider tip: check the NBA schedule before booking your vacation if attending a game is a priority.

42. See Orlando City or Orlando Pride Play

Location: Inter&Co Stadium, downtown Orlando. Best For: Soccer fans, families, sports trips. Estimated Time Needed: 3–4 hours. Cost / Entry: $; ticket prices vary.

Join local supporters for Major League Soccer with Orlando City or women's professional soccer with Orlando Pride. The stadium's downtown location makes either team a convenient choice for visitors who want to experience Orlando beyond its tourism districts. Insider tip: evening matches can be more comfortable than daytime fixtures during Florida's hotter months.

43. Play a Round of Golf

Location: Across Greater Orlando. Best For: Golfers, couples, groups. Estimated Time Needed: 4–5 hours. Cost / Entry: $$ depending on course and season.

With more than 100 courses around the Orlando area, golf is one of the strongest alternatives to a theme park day. Options range from accessible public layouts to championship courses designed by some of the sport's biggest names. Insider tip: reserve early-morning tee times during warmer months and book peak winter dates well ahead.

44. Go Bioluminescent Kayaking

Location: Florida Space Coast, east of Orlando. Best For: Couples, teenagers, nature, unusual evening experiences. Estimated Time Needed: Evening excursion of around 2–3 hours plus travel. Cost / Entry: $.

Take an evening kayak trip through waterways where microscopic organisms can produce an otherworldly glow as your paddle moves through the water. Conditions and visibility are seasonal, so reputable guides schedule tours around periods likely to produce the strongest displays. Insider tip: treat this as a dedicated Space Coast excursion and check moon phase, season and current conditions with your operator before booking.

45. Spend a Day at Kennedy Space Center

Location: Merritt Island / Florida Space Coast. Best For: Families, science, history, space enthusiasts. Estimated Time Needed: Full day. Cost / Entry: $$$.

Make the drive east to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex to see Space Shuttle Atlantis, explore the Apollo/Saturn V Center and learn about historic and future space missions. The included bus tour also takes visitors deeper into the working spaceport. Insider tip: check the launch calendar before your trip, but never build a rigid itinerary around a launch because schedules can change at short notice.

Where to Stay for Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

Our award-winning Orlando vacation rentals range from convenient golf condos and stylish townhomes with plunge pools to luxury pool villas with themed rooms and spectacular VIP mansions, perfect for hosting large groups and family reunions. Many vacation rentals also feature first-class resort access, for a first-class vacation near the top things to do.

These secure resort communities are close to Disney, while remaining well placed for Kissimmee, International Drive and Orlando's wider road network. For easy trips that combine Orlando's major attractions with more local experiences, a car hire generally provides the most flexibility for reaching Winter Park, downtown Orlando, natural springs and day-trip destinations.