Are you coming to Orlando, Florida but not interested in visiting the world-class theme parks? No problem! Orlando is home to many entertainment venues, museums, outdoor locations, and shopping centers for the whole family. Of course, Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando are great attractions to visit, but if you are looking for something to do besides the theme parks, check out our list of the top 25 Things to Do in Orlando!

Entertainment


Orlando does not fall short of exciting entertainment for the whole family. Discover the best attractions in Central Florida outside of the major  Orlando theme parks!

 

#1. Fun Spot America

Get in on the action by hopping on some Fun Spot America Orlando rides. Have a blast racing on Orlando’s best go-kart tracks, or speed down the only wooden roller coaster in Orlando. With two locations in Central Florida, they welcome families looking for classic amusement park fun!


 

#2. Crayola Experience

Bring out your creative side at this one-of-a-kind family-friendly attraction. Enjoy dozens of fun activities that help you explore art and technology to express yourself. Your day at Crayola Experience in Orlando includes becoming the star of your coloring page, exciting shows, a two-story playground, creating drip art, and more!


 

#3. WonderWorks

Located on International Drive, this all-ages amusement park is where education and entertainment combine. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, you can stretch your mind and spark your creativity. After exploring the exhibits, you can opt for a glow-in-the-dark Indoor Ropes Course, a Laser-Tag arena, or a 4D XD Motion Theater.


 

#4. Ripley’s Believe it or Not!

If you love the weird and wonderful, you’ll want to visit Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Orlando. This attraction is a one-stop destination full of interactive activities, and incredible exhibits ranging from shrunken heads to things you wouldn’t believe could be real.


 

#5. Gatorland

Experience family fun at the Alligator Capital of the World! Get close and personal with alligators and crocodiles of all sizes, including rare white leucistic alligators. At Gatorland Orlando, you can also zip off the Screamin’ Gator Zipline, which flies over alligators and crocodiles at nearly 30 miles per hour!


 

#6. SEA Life Orlando Aquarium

Explore the underwater world with Florida’s only 360° tunnel. SEA Life Orlando Aquarium is one of the exciting attractions in ICON Park. You can come face-to-face with thousands of sea creatures, including sharks, turtles, stingrays, and octopuses.


 

#7. Escapology

Work as a group with your family or friends to find clues, solve puzzles, and escape! Escapology Orlando offers 7 unique 60-minute adventures that vary in difficulty. The options include Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express and Scooby-Doo and the Spooky Castle Adventure.


 

#8. Dezerland Park

If you want to escape the Florida heat or rain, we recommend visiting the indoor recreation center, Dezerland Park Orlando. This local attraction features over 800,000 square feet of fun activities, including Florida’s longest and fastest indoor Go Kart track, a bowling alley, bumper cars, and a Trampoline park.


 

#9. Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

One of the top things to do in Orlando that you can’t miss is the exciting Andretti Indoor Karting & Games. This indoor fun center offers hours of entertainment for the whole family. From laser tag to classic arcade games, there is no shortage of excitement.


 

#10. The Wheel

Experience one of Florida’s best views with the Wheel at ICON Park. The 400-foot Observation wheel slowly brings you to the very top to enjoy spectacular views of the city’s skyline. After the 18-minute attraction, you will find an array of shops and restaurants to enjoy your evening.


 

#11. Kennedy Space Center

Visit NASA’s main launch center of human spaceflight. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex gives visitors a peak into the world of space and technology. Here you can find educational exhibits, interactive experiences, and activities showcasing the stories of humans in space.


 

Museums


While museums may not be a must-see for everyone, we recommend adding them to your Orlando vacation. Orlando museums offer diverse art galleries, cultural institutions, and interactive experiences.

 

#12. Madame Tussauds

Get up close to the stars. Enter the world of Madame Tussauds Orlando, where you can come face-to-face with your favorite celebrities, heroes, and historical figures. Some of the celebrities and historical figures you can encounter include Pitbull, Neil Patrick Harris, Aquaman, and Martin Luther King Jr.


 

#13. Orlando Science Center

Let your imagination run wild and explore the science adventure at the Orlando Science Center. Find entertaining and educational interactive experiences for all ages to discover and learn. If science peaks your interest – this is the ideal place for you!


 

#14. Orlando Museum of Art

The Orlando Museum of Art is a leading cultural institution in the region where you can see America’s history through exhibitions and paintings. It is dedicated to advancing access to the world’s most incredible art, inspiring our community, and fostering individual creativity.


 

#15. The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art in Winter Park presents the world’s most comprehensive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The museum displays jewelry, pottery, paintings, art glass, and more. The collection also includes American art pottery, paintings from the late 19th and early 20th century, graphics, and decorative art.


 

Shopping


Whether you are looking for souvenirs to bring back home or your favorite brands to shop at while on vacation, Orlando has it all! Check out the best shopping locations in Orlando.

 

#16. Disney Springs

For a fun-filled day of shopping, dining, and live music, head to Disney Springs. Take the family on a shopping spree, catch a movie at the AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theater, or soar to the sky in the world’s largest hand-painted helium balloon.


 

#17. The Mall at Millenia

The Mall at Millenia is a one-of-a-kind shopping experience, combining the best in high-end retail with world-class dining, all under one roof. Find your favorite designers and brands like American Eagle, Lululemon, and Neiman Marcus.


 

#18. Universal CityWalk

Universal Citywalk is where family entertainment and dining meet. You can explore themed restaurants like Bubba Gump Shrimp & Co., which captures the American spirit of the popular movie, Forrest Gump, along with other CityWalk places to eat. You can also shop Universal Orlando Resort souvenirs, including the Wizarding World of Harry Potter merchandise, and enjoy entertainment like Universal’s Great Movie Escape.


 

#19. The Florida Mall

The Florida Mall offers a variety of shopping and dining options, including department stores, specialty shops, and restaurants. As one of the most popular malls in the area, they offer popular brands and experiences like Banana Republic, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and the Crayola Experience.


 

Outdoor Activities


Surround yourself with nature by discovering beautiful gardens and authentic Florida adventures to bring out your daring spirit.

 

#20. Harry P. Leu Gardens

Discover 50 acres of a beautiful lush, botanical oasis. Located just minutes from Downtown Orlando, Harry P. Leu Gardens is the perfect outdoor adventure for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature and see the beautiful azaleas, vines, tropical philodendrons along with other tropical plants.


 

#21. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

Experience the thrill of the wind on your face and the beauty of nature from the Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures in Kissimmee, Florida. Enjoy a safe, fun, educational tour with your family or friends while gliding across the water and skimming between tall grass.


 

#22. Wild Florida

Get ready for an unforgettable experience in the Everglades! Wild Florida includes airboat tours that take you through the beautiful wetlands, the Alligator Park, where you can visit more than 200 native and exotic animals, and the Drive-thru Safari Park for a unique animal encounter.


 

#23. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a fun and educational day trip destination for the whole family. Discover more than 350 magnificent animals, including the one-horned Indian rhinoceros and the red-footed tortoise. The adventure continues at their breathtaking Botanical Gardens, where you can wander the Butterfly Garden and other beautiful wilderness collections.


 

#24. Blue Spring State Park

Enjoy the Florida sun at the beautiful Blue Spring State Park Florida. At this popular destination, you can encounter gentle manatees from the underwater observatory in the main spring, enjoy scenic boat tours, get a canoe or kayak rental, go paddleboarding, and take joy in other outdoor activities.


 

#25. Bok Tower Gardens

Bok Tower Gardens stands on 250 acres of breathtaking gardens, nature trails, a bird sanctuary, and more. Here you will find something for everyone to enjoy, including the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden, where children (and those who are a kid at heart) can partake in discovery-based learning.


 

The major theme parks are great attractions to visit in Orlando, Florida. However, if you are trying to stay away from big crowds or if you want to explore Central Florida beyond the theme parks, there are many fun things to do in Orlando. Whether you have an adventurous heart, want to encounter an alligator, or are looking for family-friendly activities to enjoy with the little ones, Orlando has something for you. So, check out our affordable travel Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida vacation packages and start your 2024 travel plans!


Check the rest of our Orlando blogs!


Things To Do In Orlando When It Rains – For when you need activities inside.

Things To Do In Orlando For Couples: Ultimate Guide – A super extensive master list for couples.

Mardi Gras Universal Orlando | Best Way to Celebrate 

Best Places to Eat in Universal CityWalk | Top Picks for You

10 Must-See Attractions for All Ages at Universal Orlando

Best Rides at Islands of Adventure


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