35 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides the Theme Parks

Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article.

If you've ever been to Orlando, you know how fun its theme parks are, but did you know it's home to many other exciting attractions? Orlando, Florida, is jam-packed with activities you can't try anywhere else!

If you're ready to get off the beaten path and discover the best things to do in Orlando besides the theme parks, then this list is for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Keep reading to begin planning your next Orlando vacation today!

Heading to Orlando and planning last-minute?

To make the most of your visit to Orlando, we recommend you book accommodations and experiences soon. See the short list of top suggestions below.

🏨 Top accommodations in Orlando

• Comfort Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista (rated highly)
• Comfort Suites Maingate East (relax by the pool)
• Rosen Inn Closest to Universal

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Orlando

• Kennedy Space Center Day Trip With Transport From Orlando (likely to sell out)
• One-Hour Airboat Tour (rated highly)
• Private Helicopter Tour Over Orlando's Theme Parks (rated highly)
• Florida Everglades Airboat Tour & Wild Florida Admission With Optional Lunch (very popular)
• Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari & Gator Park Admission

35 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

Things to Do in Orlando Other Than Theme Parks

Soar the skies on an Air Balloon Ride

When deciding what to do in Orlando besides theme parks, Painted Horizons Hot Air Balloon Tours is a must! They're known for their remarkable sky views and couples-only Orlando tours. In business for over thirty years, be sure to ask your tour guide about Orlando's topographical history and how it's changing.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to Painted Horizons Hot Air Balloon Tours

• Hyatt Place Orlando Lake Buena Vista (mid-range)
• Courtyard Orlando Lake Buena Vista at Vista Centre (rated very highly)

Zoom around at Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

Andretti Indoor Karting & Games features arcade games, laser tag, and go-karts. They've been in business since 2017 and continue to add new arcade games and attractions, like their 3D simulators!

There is also craft beer and food made to order using high-quality ingredients, so you don't have to leave to get a bite to eat! Check availability and book your tickets for Andretti Indoor Karting & Games.

🏨 Stay nearby Andretti Indoor Karting & Games Orlando

• Universal's Endless Summer Resort Dockside Inn & Suites (well-regarded)
• STUNNING CONDO NEAR UNIVERSAL STUDIOS (relaxing pool)

Make waves on the water by kayaking

For things to do in Orlando outside of theme parks, why not try kayaking? Kayaking allows you to ride along with manatees and dolphins, and it is an activity suitable for all ages.

Kayaking areas are typically only 40 minutes to an hour from Orlando in the Springs area. Many different time slots are available with varying top-rated companies. Every paddling adventure is a unique chance to see wildlife and explore nature. Book your kayaking adventure in Orlando.

See diverse wildlife on an Everglades Airboat Tour

If you're ready to immerse yourself in local wildlife, jump aboard an Everglades Airboat Tour, where no two Everglades tours are the same.

With several being top-rated, you won't go wrong with any option. You will have the chance to see many different local wildlife species, including gators, fish, birds, and snakes.

miroslav_1/Depositphotos.com

Spot gators at Gatorland

At Gatorland, you can see more than just gators; check out the reptile farm and large cat exhibit, too. There is a zipline to ride and hands-on exhibits where you get up close to gators. An Orlando staple, Gatorland offers tours and shows both day and night. Book your Gatorland entry tickets.

Tee up at Hollywood Drive-in Golf

Hollywood Drive-in Golf has been a top tourist destination in Orlando since 2012. Every course is staged with intricate designs featuring varying themes, from lit-up futuristic themes to ones that embody the attraction's namesake; every hole is different and unique. There are high-quality food and drinks available, which is why it is one of the most popular Orlando attractions.

🏨 Accommodations close to Hollywood Drive-In Golf

• Wyndham Garden Orlando Universal I Drive (top-rated)
• TownePlace Suites by Marriott Orlando Southwest Near Universal (unwind poolside)

Soar at iFLY Orlando

iFLY Orlando is the premier indoor skydiving destination. You soar in an indoor wind tunnel, simulating an authentic skydiving experience.

If you hate heights, this is the way to try skydiving. Use your custom suit to raise and lower yourself inside the tunnel, allowing you to customize the level of intensity of your experience. Book your iFLY Orlando First Time Flyer Experience.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to iFLY Indoor Skydiving - Orlando

• Rosen Inn Closest to Universal
• Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando (well-priced for the area)

Paddle along the water on Lake Eola

Rent a paddleboard or see a concert on beautiful Lake Eola. There are restaurants and views of the Orlando skyline, making it the perfect stop for the day or night.

You can rent a swan paddle boat or take in a concert at the outdoor amphitheater. A self-guided walking audio tour around Lake Eola is also available to enjoy at your own pace. If you enjoy outdoor activities, a trip to Lake Eola has to be on your Orlando itinerary!

🏨 Places to stay close to Lake Eola

• Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown (scored highly by guests)
• Home2 Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown, FL (unwind poolside)

Grab a bite to eat at Pointe Orlando

When you want to eat, drink, and shop all in one place, head to Pointe Orlando. Here, you'll find dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops.

There is also an indoor playground, toys stores, a cinema, scooter rental, an improv theater, and a museum. Open to the public since 1997; there's something for everyone!

🏨 Accommodations nearby Pointe Orlando

• Hilton Grand Vacations Club SeaWorld Orlando (rated 4-stars)
• Embassy Suites Hotel Orlando International Drive South Convention Center (rated very highly)

sergey.miami2you.com/Depositphotos.com

Feel the energy at Universal CityWalk

When you want to shop, eat, and see a show, Universal CityWalk is the place to go! There are dozens of family-friendly restaurants with high-energy performances and shopping.

Enjoy a concert under the stars, or grab a drink at the world-famous Margaritaville; CityWalk has been a must-see destination since 1997.

☂️ Visit Universal CityWalk Orlando with a tour

• Universal Orlando Park-to-Park PROMO Tickets - USA Canada Residents

🏨 Accommodations near Universal CityWalk Orlando

• Residence Inn by Marriott Near Universal Orlando
• Hyatt Place Across From Universal Orlando Resort

Get colorful at the Crayola Experience

There's fun for everyone at the Crayola Experience. See how your favorite crayons are made, melt your own crayons to make your own custom creation, or play in the two-story playground. There are over twenty-six activities to enjoy, including the Crayola cafe, with high-quality eats for all. Book your Crayola Experience entry tickets.

🏨 Places to stay close to Crayola Experience Orlando

• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Orlando South (good value)
• Florida Hotel & Conference Center in the Florida Mall (highly rated)

timothyoleary/Depositphotos.com

Sail away on a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

If you're wondering what to do in Orlando other than theme parks, why not set sail on a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour?

No two tours are the same; see wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and alligators. Various tour lengths are available, and the guides always have interesting local facts about the Orlando Area.

Be amazed at Ripley's Believe It or Not

Ripley's Believe It or Not has many crazy and unique exhibits; every exhibit is meant to introduce you to a shocking or interesting person or animal. There are surprises linked to many exhibits, as the entire tour is created to keep you guessing.

🏨 Accommodations close to Ripleys Believe It or Not

• Quality Inn at International Drive (good value)
• Sonesta ES Suites Orlando International Drive Hotel (rated highly)

Say "ARRR" at Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf

Pirate's Cove Adventure Park is the perfect stop when you're looking for fun things to do in Orlando besides theme parks. Made to feel like you stepped aboard a pirate ship from the first hole to the last, there is a pirate theme throughout the entire adventure.

🏨 Places to stay near Pirates Cove Adventure Golf

• Hampton Inn Orlando International Drive Convention Center (good value)
• Rosen Plaza Hotel (4-star rating)

Travel back in time at the Titanic Artifact Exhibition

The Titanic Artifact Exhibition should be your first stop when you want interesting things to do in Orlando besides theme parks.

View actual relics recovered from the ship and learn more about the fateful voyage. You can watch a documentary movie, and many exciting facts are scattered throughout Book your Titanic Artifact Exhibition tickets.

🏨 Accommodations nearby the Titanic The Artifact Exhibition

• Holiday Inn Express-International Drive (good value)
• Hampton Inn & Suites Orlando Intl dr N (well-regarded)

Walk through the Harry P. Leu Gardens

The Harry P. Leu Gardens are for you if you love tropical plant life. There are hundreds of species of plants within the gardens, with family-friendly paths winding throughout. There are new exhibits added every month, so there's something new to do on every visit.

🏨 Accommodations close to Harry P Leu Gardens

• Comfort Suites Downtown (take it easy by the pool)
• DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown

Learn something new at the Orlando Science Center

There are so many things to discover at the Orlando Science Center. Since 1997, it has offered new learning-based activities in the Orlando area.

Kids can play with dozens of educational games and have hands-on learning with interactive science exhibits. There are kids' nights and S.T.E.M play to promote education.

🏨 Accommodation close to the Orlando Science Center

• Crowne Plaza Hotel Orlando Downtown

Make a splash at Nona Adventure Park

Nona Adventure Park has inflatable obstacle courses located on the water for an extra challenging experience. Try the 20-foot slide or jump on the trampoline, all while keeping your balance on the water.

There are courses for all ages to try, with different difficulty levels. Everyone is properly equipped in safety gear and closely monitored by the staff to ensure safety.

Escape the room at Escapology

Since 2014, Escapology has provided escape room puzzles in the Orlando area. The immersive experience locks you in a room with hidden clues you must decipher to unlock the door.

Large and small groups are welcome, and participants are encouraged to work together to find a way to beat the clock and escape the room.

🏨 Accommodations close to Escapology Escape Rooms Orlando

• Monumental Hotel Orlando (good value rooms)
• Marriott's Grande Vista (rated highly)

VIAVAL/Depositphotos.com

Relax at Icon Park

For things to do in Orlando besides Disney, check out Icon Park. There are museums, bars, a theater, stores, and outdoor concerts. The park also features a Ferris Wheel. Riding the wheel is a can't-miss tradition and allows you to see the Orlando Skyline from 400 hundred feet in the air.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to ICON Park

• Hampton Inn Orlando-Convention Center International Drive Area (relax by the pool)
• Hotel Kinetic Orlando Universal Blvd (rated 4-stars)

sainaniritu/Depositphotos.com

Marvel at the lifelike figures at Madame Tussauds

Meet your favorite celebrity in wax form at Madame Tussauds wax museum. An iconic destination, it features lifelike wax versions of celebrities and people of interest.

Every figure is meticulously detailed and made to look just like their real-life inspiration. There are over 200 figures to discover and a video on the museum's history. Book your Madame Tussauds Orlando entry tickets.

🏨 Stay nearby Madame Tussauds Orlando

• StaySky Suites I-Drive Orlando (unwind poolside)
• Homewood Suites Orlando International Drive

Speed through the waves at the Orlando Watersports Complex

Head to the Orlando Watersports Complex if you love jet skis and tubing. Since 1999, it has served the Orlando area as the premier watersports arena.

You can rent waterskis, boats, jet skis, kayaks, and paddleboards here. There are courses you can traverse or take a leisurely boat ride around the lake.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Chocolate Museum and Cafe

At the Chocolate Museum and Cafe, you can learn the history behind the discovery and creation of chocolate and see the process of producing the sweet treat from the bean to your plate. You can taste test and buy different types of chocolate and souvenirs you can bring home.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to the Chocolate Museum & Cafe

• Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort Villas, I-Drive Orlando (rated highly)
• Hilton Grand Vacations Club SeaWorld Orlando (magnificent waterside scenery)

sainaniritu/Depositphotos.com

Discover what lies within the ocean at the Orlando Aquarium

There's nothing like the wonder found at the Orlando Aquarium. Explore the ocean and see new and unique sea life while learning fun facts along the way.

Various exhibits feature strange, beautiful, and unusual fish from every ocean on Earth. You can walk through the underwater tunnel and learn about sea life conservation Book your Orlando Sea Life Aquarium entry tickets.

🏨 Accommodation near SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

• Drury Inn & Suites - Universal Orlando Resort

Things to Do Near Orlando Besides Theme Parks

AHamachers/Depositphotos.com

Explore the Everglades at night on a Boggy Creek Airboat Adventure

Keep your eyes peeled for gators, turtles, birds, and maybe even a Florida panther on the Boggy Creek Airboat Adventure.

Known for its informative tours in the famous national park, the Everglades, Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures gives you an in-depth look at Florida's natural settings. They specialize in the Everglades after dark with their night, sunset, and VIP rides. Book your Boggy Creek Airboat Ride at night.

felixtm/Depositphotos.com

Imagine what lies above at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers multiple exhibits highlighting the work done with NASA to promote space travel.

There is a guided tour, 3D shows, Rocket Garden, space-themed attractions, and actual shuttles that you can view. It also houses the world's most extensive astronaut gear and memorabilia collection. Book your Kennedy Space Center admission tickets.

Breathe deeply at Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

Head to the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve when you want a break from the crowds. Here, you'll find winding trails that lead you through quiet forests, teeming with local wildlife.

Trails are easy walks with no large hills or rough terrain, making them family-friendly. There are also many species of plants to discover.

Jshanebutt/Depositphotos.com

Shop at Disney Springs

Disney Springs offers world-class shopping and dining in Downtown Orlando. Previously known as Downtown Disney, there is family-friendly nightlife with concerts, a movie theatre, and a bowling alley here.

Dozens of restaurants and bakeries are available for casual to fine dining, and there are concerts in the outdoor arena overlooking Lake Buena Vista.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Disney Springs

• Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista Disney Springs Resort Area (mid-range)
• Holiday Inn Orlando Disney Spring Area (highly rated)

Relax at Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens is one of the top things to do in Orlando other than theme parks. Full of aromatic and colorful flowers, it's been a popular destination since 1929.

There is a strong sense of history and beauty here, especially on the tower itself, which boasts gothic architecture and stained glass.

Swing from tree to tree at the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park

The Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is the perfect place to visit when searching for things to do in Orlando, Florida, besides theme parks.

Run through the treetops along rope bridges and zip on the zipline. There is a 2-hour rope course with a trapeze swing in difficulty levels from easy to advanced. Check availability for the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park.

🏨 Stay nearby the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park Zip Line

• Festiva Orlando Resort Celebration a Ramada by Wyndham (unwind poolside)

Stroll through Shingle Creek Regional Park

Experience the sights and sounds of the real Florida at Shingle Creek Regional Park. It's an excellent choice for when you want to find things to do near Orlando, Florida, other than theme parks; you can discover the native plants and animals that call this state home.

Visit the middle ages at Medieval Times

Travel back to the middle ages as you dine and enjoy a show at Medieval Times. Enjoy dinner and a show with turkey legs and beer, and watch as you experience a live joust and period-appropriate costumes. The entire cast and staff stay in character for the duration of your visit.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

• Seasons Florida Resort (value for money)

Get dirty at Revolution Adventures

For a fast-paced, four-wheeling trip through mud and dirt, Revolution Adventures is the perfect stop.

Opened in 2007, Revolution Adventures has motorized and non-motorized adventures to choose from, including archery, dirt-biking, fishing, and clay shooting. You can also ride a buggy or the Mighty-Duck - an amphibious vehicle that takes on any terrain.

Discover the wild Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens lets you discover wild animals and native plant life. Opened in 1923, the zoo and attached gardens sit on 116 acres! There are many varieties of animals to observe, and the gardens feature a wide array of tropical and native Floridian plants.

🏨 Stay nearby Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Sanford - Lake Mary (scored highly by guests)
• Comfort Inn & Suites Orlando North (unwind poolside)

Get wild at Giraffe Ranch

For a safari tour you will never forget, visit Giraffe Ranch and take a trip to the Serengeti! You will get up close and personal to wild animals with the Giraffe feeding, hands-on exhibits, and safari tour. There is food available so you can spend the whole day with the animals.

In Summary

There is so much more to Orlando than just theme parks. Your next vacation can include outdoor adventures like paddle boarding, airboat rides, nature preserves, and dirt biking.

Or, if you're into indoor adventures, why not try out the aquarium, an escape room, or go-karting? Check out the Kennedy Space Center, the Orlando Science Museum, or the Titanic Artifact Exhibit for those who like bringing an educational slant to their fun.

No matter what your preference, there is an ideal Orlando vacation for everyone just waiting to be discovered.

So why not check out one of these fun and exciting destinations the next time you plan your Florida vacation and see how much more Orlando has to offer!

Give us feedback about this article

Learn more about Orlando:

• 30 Best Orlando Date Ideas You Must Go On
• 15 Famous Landmarks in Orlando, Florida, You Should Visit
• A Fun 2 Day Magic Kingdom Itinerary for Families
• The Ultimate 4 Day Orlando Itinerary
• Best Time to Visit Orlando for Weather, Prices, and Crowds

More articles about Florida:

• Where to Stay in Marco Island, FL - 4 Best Areas + Places
• 15 Florida Nicknames and the Reasons for Them
• 12 Miami Nicknames That Will Surprise You
• 50 Interesting & Fun Facts About Florida State
• 20 Fun Things for Couples to Do in Miami, Florida

Read more articles about the United States:

• 7 Kentucky Nicknames and the Stories Behind Them
• 8 Maine Nicknames You Should Know
• 8 Nicknames for Massachusetts You Should Know
• Where to Stay in the Blue Ridge Mountains - 11 Best Towns & Hotels
• 9 Pennsylvania Nicknames You Should Know

More articles about things to do:

• 35 Best Things to Do in São Paulo, Brazil
• Big London Bucket List - Top 12 Things You Need to Do
• Top 7 Things to Do in Oahu
• 13 Best Things to Do in Zagreb
• 8 Most Exciting Things to Do in Wyoming

More visual stories related to this article:

• 35 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides the Theme Parks Visual Story
• 35 Fun Orlando Destinations to Visit on Your Next Vacation
• 35 Fun Orlando Tourist Spots You Shouldn't Miss
• 35 Highest-Rated Sights to See in Orlando You Shouldn't Miss
• 35 Fun Places to See in Orlando Other Than Theme Parks
• 35 Fun Places to Visit in Orlando Other Than Theme Parks
• 35 Top-Rated Activities in Orlando Besides Theme Parks