10+ Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

These amusement park alternatives will throw you for a loop...

By Lindsay Eagan

O-town offers so much more than rides and rollercoasters! You've got unique museums, magic shows and adventure golf, to name a few. And if you fancy getting your nature fix, find out how you can explore the Everglades on a thrill-seeking airboat tour.

If you're visitng the Orlando area but are looking for things to do in Florida other than the theme parks, don't worry! There's plenty of things to do in Orlando for those who crave a gentler thrill.

Central Florida is a traveler's paradise - fabulous weather, delicious cuisine, and attractions to appeal to any and all visitors.

Explore your cultural side with museums. Cultivate your tan on the beach or a cruise. Indulge your inner child (or your own children) with a visit to a classic amusement park. Whatever you have in mind, Orlando's got you covered for things to do.

To help you plan that perfect Florida vay-cay, here's a list of fun things to do in Orlando besides theme parks, including other entertainment and amusement options to help maximize your experience.

The Wheel at Icon Park

The Wheel at ICON Park is located on International Drive and is part of the I-360 complex. Be sure to add this high up on your list of things to do while in Orlando. First opened in 2015, this 400-foot observation wheel has quickly become an "iconic" part of the Orlando skyline and Orlando experience.

The Wheel offers stunning views of downtown Orlando and on a clear day, you may be able to see Cape Canaveral to the East. Viewing the Wheel from the ground up will give you a greater sense of its magnitude. The wheel is lit every evening and sunset flights may be a perfect choice.

Kennedy Space Center

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Visit NASA's launch headquarters, the only place on Earth where you can meet astronauts, see rockets, experience flight simulations, and even see a real launch (check the launch schedule in advance). The Kennedy Space Center is just an hour east of Orlando near Titusville and well worth the drive! The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex features educational and engaging "Mission Zones" where attractions and tours are organized by chronological era--from the beginning of space exploration to current and ongoing projects in space.

Interested in seeing a real launch? Check the Kennedy Space Center schedule of events and see if you can plan your visit around any of the upcoming launches. Launch viewing is included with all general admission tickets to the Kennedy Space Center.

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Museum of Illusions

Ready to have your perception of reality challenged?! Enter the world of the Museum of Illusions, home to over 50 exhibits where you’ll find yourself defying the laws of gravity, shrinking to miniature size, and gazing into infinity...

Have your world shifted 90 degrees in the Rotating Room, get lost in space inside the Infinity Room, and experience mind-bending optical illusions in the fantastic Anti-Gravity Room.

You won't want to forget to bring a camera so you can capture some awesome memories, but if you do then don't fret, the Museum of Illusions has a built-in photo experience in some of the key exhibits!

Gatorland: The Alligator Capital of the World

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Also known as the 'Alligator Capital of the World,' Gatorland is a must-see for anyone who wants to get a real feel for Everglades' nature, culture, and animals. This 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve is filled with engaging exhibits, exciting rides, and thrilling gator-themed entertainment.

There are so many things to do here, but we'll name a few of our favorites: take advantage of 1,200 feet of zip lines for the whole family, participate in “rookie” gator wrestling for young visitors, climb an observation tower, take a train ride through the park, and step inside an aviary.

Check out one of the multiple shows scheduled daily. Be sure not to miss the four rare "white" alligators that call the park home.

Boggy Creek Airboat Tour

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No Florida trip is complete without an airboat ride!

Embark on a Boggy Creek Airboat adventure and explore the Central Florida Everglades, home to lots of alligators, turtles, birds, and other diverse Florida wildlife. Enjoy the speed and thrills of skimming above the water's surface while getting an up-close look at plenty of native wildlife in Central Florida.

This is the perfect thing to do for families, combining an adrenaline rush, appreciation of the environment, and Florida's natural beauty. If you're visiting in the summer, consider an evening tour to avoid the high heat of the mid-day.

WonderWorks

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Image Credit: WonderWorks Orlando[/caption]

Young travelers will especially appreciate the 100+ hands-on science exhibits at WonderWorks, while parents will love the educational elements. Just north of the Orange County Convention Center on I-Drive, WonderWorks' upside-down construction is attention-getting!

Inside visitors will find laser tag, a rope course, a 6-D motion ride, and lots more. Lie on a bed of nails and learn about how the distribution of your weight keeps you from getting impaled, experience a 5.3-degree earthquake simulation, design your own roller coaster, feel the winds of a 74-mile per hour hurricane, and many other exhilarating activities!

Madame Tussauds

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Image Credit: Madame Tussauds Orlando[/caption]

World-famous for their life-sized, realistic wax figures, Madame Tussauds Orlando is selfie heaven. It's the ideal destination for your star-struck teens, your cartoon-loving little ones, and your Netflix-bingeing selves.

Pose with such famous “people” as Kung Fu Panda, Jimmy Fallon, Pitbull, Scarlett Johansson, Brad Pitt, Michael Jackson, Shrek, and many more. While photos are not allowed in some Orlando attractions, Madame Tussauds encourages them! This is a self-guided attraction so take your time visiting with your favorites stars.

Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show

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If you're looking for something unique to add to your dining itinerary, the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show is it. This 90-minute improv comedy show is a delight not to be missed.

Enjoy the comedic stylings of your hosts as they pull you into the entertainment with active audience participation. You can also marvel at magic tricks, watch your host predict the future, and even have your mind read. At the same time, you'll be able to dine on a casual but tasty meal of pizza, salad, dessert, and unlimited beverages. Take the kids to experience a wonderful evening out they'll never forget!

SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando

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Part of the I-360 complex along I-Drive, SEA LIFE Aquarium provides a glimpse into the future of aquariums. This attraction is engineered to provide visitors - especially young ones - with experiences that are up close and personal. Explore the world's oceans through amazing plexiglass windows and tunnels. Visitors will get to see sharks, rays, turtles, and a hands-on touch pool experience.

This is a visually stunning day out for adults and an educational one for children. The gift shop at the end offers a variety of souvenirs and gifts and provides a prize for small visitors who complete their 'passport' through the aquarium.

Congo River Adventure Golf

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If you're in the market for some good, old-fashioned family fun, Congo River Adventure Golf has got you covered. This award-winning mini-golf course is beloved among visitors for many reasons.

Here you can explore caves, feed live alligators, play video games, challenge family members to Florida's most unique basketball hoops game, and take part in gem mining. Play the Exploration Game, a game within a game as you go through your adventure. Find the necessary artifacts and return to Safari Headquarters to claim your reward.

Be sure to budget in enough time to fully enjoy everything Congo River has to offer!

Gray Line Orlando Tours

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One of the best ways to really "see" Orlando is on a Gray Line Orlando Tour. Their City of Orlando Tour is an excellent option for first-time visitors and it comes highly recommended by travelers. Orlando is a large metropolitan area with a vibrant downtown. Start with a cruise through Lake Eola around Winter Park and through the town of Celebration, where you can enjoy the unique architecture of this global city.

After you get off the boat, you'll have time to stroll around Park Avenue, Orlando's shopping and dining district filled with cute boutiques, great wine bars, and more. Finally, pay a visit to the City of Celebration, an ideal community designed by none other than Walt Disney himself.

Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours

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Relax aboard a scenic pontoon boat tour of the pristine Chain of Lakes in Orlando's Winter Park area. These Winter Park boat tours offer hour-long, guided cruises through three of the seven lakes and two, narrow man-made canals on the tranquil waters. Tours include views of opulent private homes and mansions, palms swaying in the breezes, and the occasional alligator basking on the shoreline.

The Escape Game Orlando

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After some theme park-style fun with a challenging twist? Get a group of friends or family together and solve one of several themed escape room games. You’ll have 60 minutes to put your problem-solving skills to the test and work as a team to escape before it's too late.

Take your pick from loads of uniquely themed games including Playground, where you’ll be transported back to your childhood to do some crazy classroom assignments, and Prison Break where you'll carry out a daring escape from your cell.

Save on Admission to Popular Orlando Attractions

Besides these there are even more things to do in Orlando and Go City is a better way to sightsee in Florida. If you buy one pass you can choose from dozens of Orlando activities and save up to 50% off combined admission vs paying at the gate. It's a no-brainer really.

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International Drive Attractions - Fun Things to Do on I-Drive & at ICON 360 Orlando

On International Drive you'll find attractions that appeal to the whole family - from theme parks to the largest observation wheel on the East Coast.

Lindsay Eagan

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Christmas in Orlando

You might think of Orlando as the place to be during the warmer months, but trust us when we say that you won’t want to miss out on Christmastime in the city. We’re talking exciting seasonal experiences, spectacular light displays, and awesome winter villages. Whether you’re new to the area or a seasoned visitor, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. If you’re travelling with family, be sure to check out the special events held at some of the city’s most famous theme parks. For something a little more traditional, head over to the annual Winter Park Christmas Parade. Or, if you want something a little more low-key, the lights at Harry P. Leu Gardens are well worth the visit. And, if you're still struggling to come up with ideas for what to do during the most magical time of the year – don't worry! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite things to see and do during the holiday season. Hit the Classics A trip to Orlando just wouldn’t be complete without making a stop at Magic Kingdom – and what better time to visit than the holidays? A total American classic, the park is often dubbed the happiest place on earth – and it’s easy to see why. Favorite mainstays include It’s a Small World, Space Mountain, and of course, the iconic Cinderella Castle. Magic Kingdom not only impresses throughout the year with an abundance of famous rides and attractions to be enjoyed – it also happens to offer special events around Christmastime. When visiting during the month of December, be sure to check out the seasonal parades, firework displays, and magical ‘’snowfalls’’, transforming the park into an enchanting winter wonderland. Thoroughly whimsical and joyful to boot, this one should rank at the very top of everyone’s itinerary! With the cooler weather and smaller crowds during the holiday season, it’s a great time to check out some of Orlando's world-class adventure parks. Standing out as a unique celebration of human achievement, Epcot is a go-to for many first-time visitors to the city. Spanning over 300 acres and encompassing over four different ‘’neighborhoods’’, each with their own theme, there’s a lot to see and do here for every type of traveller. During the festive season, the park brings the wow factor with its International Festival of Holidays – a fantastic celebration showcasing various traditions from cultures across the globe. We love this idea because it’s interesting and presents a little something for everybody. Don’t miss it! Find Fun Activities Located along the tropical Southeastern coastline, Orlando is home to many wonderful green spaces just waiting to be explored. Established way back in the 1800s, Harry P. Leu Gardens is a beautiful site to visit any time of the year. In the early days of the park’s development, the Leus travelled all over the world, bringing back a wide variety of exotic greenery to fill their gardens. Today, the plot is open to the public all year round, with special events being held for certain holidays. For the ultimate Christmastime experience, be sure to check out the Dazzling Nights display, running all throughout the month of December. With beautiful lighting installations, music, and food, this stop is sure to put a smile on your face. Always well worth the visit, Legoland is forever brimming with fantastic things to delight the whole family. Named after the popular toy brick company, this place ranks way up there with Magic Kingdom as one of our all-time favorites. Living up to its slogan ‘’Built for Kids’’, the park offers around 30 child-friendly rides and attractions for ages 2-12 – but that’s no reason that we shouldn’t get involved! Christmas is an especially great time to visit, since you’ll get to enjoy all of the regular attractions, but with a little added holiday cheer. During the month of December, the park goes all out, with special light shows, pantomimes, and of course, a Lego tree and Santa Claus. Well, what else would we expect? Soak Up the Atmosphere If you’re looking for spectacular light displays, look no further than the Night of a Million Lights. Billed as the ‘’Number One Thing to Do In December In Orlando’’, this fantastical winter wonderland is bursting with holiday spirit. Despite its name, the event runs for 52 nights, and with over 3 million lights donated by local theme parks, it’s quite a show. Still, the outdoor exhibitions aren’t the only thing to see here. Enjoy festive snacks as you walk. Take a train ride through the village. Browse the stalls at the Christmas market. Situated at the Give Kids The World Village, this traditional boardwalk is much more than just a great seasonal stop; buying a ticket will go towards helping families in need. Incredibly charming and atmospheric, there’s no place that captures the spirit of Christmas quite like this one in the city. For those looking for a traditional way to celebrate the holidays on vacation, head over to the annual Winter Park Christmas Parade. Standing as the oldest continuous holiday celebration in Central Florida, this flamboyant event is a total must-see if you’re the type to get uber-excited around December 25th (we know we are!) A longstanding favorite for locals and visitors alike, the parade offers a quintessential seasonal entertainment experience quite like no other. With over 80 participating organizations, you’ll be able to enjoy marching bands, animated displays, and of course, Santa Claus! Incredibly wholesome and full of life, we don’t recommend skipping out on this one. Just be sure to arrive early so you can catch a great view! There are a lot of ways to get into the holiday spirit in Orlando. From dazzling light displays to exciting events, you’ll find that there are countless ways to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year in the city. Trust us when we say, you most certainly run out of things to do here during the festive season. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris

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Orlando in October

Fall is arguably the best time of the year to plan a visit to Orlando. Though the city isn’t exactly known for its crisp breeze and fall foliage, autumn provides a much-welcomed break from Orlando’s high summer temperatures. Thankfully, this time of the year is still warm, which means that you can still visit all of the area’s wonderful outdoor attractions, just as you would any other time of the year – but with less of a fuss! Trust us when we say that you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing from exciting things to do in the area. The city’s world-class amusement parks are an absolute must-see for thrillseekers and those travelling with family. If you’re looking to spend some time in nature, look no further than Harry P. Leu Gardens. Or, immerse yourself in the true culture of the city at Winter Park Autumn Art Festival. So, grab your planner and get ready to jot some things down. Whatever you choose to do, we’re sure it’ll be great! Hit the Classics No visit to Orlando would be complete without checking out Universal Studios. Drawing in millions of visitors each year, this place is considered to be one of the most popular theme parks in the United States – and with good reason! Movie buffs and pop culture aficionados alike will enjoy its playful theme geared towards the entertainment industry, while there are over 30 rides and attractions to enjoy all year round. Still, if you’re anything like us, Halloween is your favorite holiday – and thankfully, Universal pulls out all the stops. For a spookier experience, don’t miss out on the park’s haunted houses, scream-filled scare zones, and live shows. Exceptionally frightful and undoubtedly awesome, this place certainly knows how to do Halloween justice! A total classic for those of all ages, Magic Kingdom is one of those places that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime. Standing out against all other outdoor attractions in the city, this iconic Orlando mainstay is now a fundamental part of American culture. Walking around the park can be a little overwhelming for some, but we always recommend you hit the highlights – If an adrenaline rush is what you’re after, head over to Splash Mountain. For those looking for something with a little less bite, It’s a Small World would be your best bet. Or, for a true slice of Americana, try The Hall of Presidents. No matter where your interests may lie, you’re sure to find something for you. Though this place is known for its whimsical aesthetic all year round, it transforms to offer something a little different during the month of October. For all the Halloween lovers out there, don’t forget to check out the After Hours Boo Bash and Minnie’s Halloween Dine. The ultimate crowdpleaser that never goes out of style, we love this place because it always puts a smile on our face. Find Fun Activities Those travelling with family might appreciate the next item on our list. Another top player in the fantasy land game, Legoland garners enduring popularity for its specialist theme and kid-friendly rides. Based upon the popular children's toy after which it is named, the park is designed for children aged between 2-12 (but don’t tell us what to do!) Legoland is split into twelve separate areas, each with their own unique theme, and even includes botanical gardens which are preserved from its previous site. When Halloween rolls around, you can also catch costume competitions, themed shows and a pumpkin trail. We recommend checking the website before heading out, so you know when the special events are taking place. Of course, it wouldn’t be autumn without Oktoberfest. Held every year at Avalon Park, the fun never stops coming at this lively historic festival. Bringing Bavarian tradition to the City Beautiful, there’s a lot of fun to be had here. Sip a nice cold one in the beer garden, get festive with some Alpine dancing, and enjoy a hot bratwurst fresh off the stove. In addition, there are child-friendly games and activities, so nobody is left out! With its incredible atmosphere, we honestly couldn’t think of a better way to bring in the fall. Try Something Different If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend the afternoon in Orlando, why not check out the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival? Running every October for over forty years now, this community-oriented sidewalk show proudly features the work of over 180 first-rate local artists. Walking around the festival, you’ll see everything from digital pieces and photography to fine art and sculpture. Still, there’s a lot more to see than just art here, with live music and comedy, and of course, an abundance of food to be enjoyed. The perfect stop for all creative types, we definitely don’t recommend skipping out on this one! With the cooler weather throughout the month, we highly suggest checking out some of the area’s beautiful green spaces. Founded in the late 1800s, Harry P. Leu Gardens is a big favorite for locals and visitors alike. The Leus travelled all over the world, bringing back exotic greenery to fill their gardens. Thankfully, the park is open to the public all year round, offering a great respite from the city. The park has a tropical rain forest, Florida's largest formal rose garden, and even a butterfly garden to be explored. Take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, and don’t forget to make a stop at the Leu House Museum. Whichever way you choose to enjoy this lovely botanical oasis, there’s more than enough to see and do here. If you're looking to get in touch with Mother Nature, or simply just a quiet spot of contemplation, this is the way to go about things. October brings pleasant temperatures and wonderful energy, making it a great time to explore Orlando. The city is in full swing, with exciting events popping up all over the area throughout the entire month. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or just passing through, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest. Of course, Halloween is the highlight of the month, and you can get in on the fun and festivities at almost every turn. Other big favorites include Oktoberfest and the Winter Park Autumn Art Festival, where you can soak up that incredible atmosphere. Still, don’t forget to seize the opportunity to enjoy the city’s best outdoor attractions in the cooler weather. To find out how to save money on your trip, check out our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. For more details, make sure to connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.

Sarah Harris

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