Read update
- More things to do in Orlando
Summary
- The Orlando Museum of Art offers a diverse collection, showcasing art from different cultures and historical periods, providing an enriching experience. ($20 adult admission)
- Harry P. Leu Gardens is a peaceful botanical garden nestled by Lake Rowena, featuring themed gardens and events, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility. (Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803)
- Icon Orlando 360, a 400-foot Ferris wheel, provides stunning views of Orlando and beyond. Capsules are closed and temperature-controlled, enhancing the enjoyable experience. (Address: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819)
When most people think of Orlando, Florida, they think of Walt Disney World as it offers attractions for the whole family. And that makes perfect sense since the most magical place on Earth put the city on the map and helped make Central Florida one of the world’s best travel destinations.
But, believe it or not, there is more to do in Orlando than visit Disney World, Universal Studios, or SeaWorld. Travelers can plan a whole trip to Orlando that doesn't involve amusement parks, as there are many things to do in the city beyond Disney.
While the theme parks are a wonderful experience and definitely worthy of your time, you would be missing out if you didn’t look into other options around the metro area. If you need a break from thrill rides and crowds or are just looking for some ideas to fill up your vacation itinerary, here is a list of things to do in Orlando other than Disney. So, don’t get too focused on the Magic Kingdom because you will miss out on the other fun things Orlando has to offer, like...
UPDATE: 2023/08/04 18:55 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA
More things to do in Orlando
Disney World is arguably Orlando's main attraction, but there are many things to do in the city that doesn't involve Disney World or other amusement parks. This list was expanded to include even more attractions, such as museums and parks.
26 Orlando Museum of Art
The Orlando Museum of Art has a diverse collection that spans centuries and continents, showcasing paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. With thought-provoking exhibitions and educational programs, it offers a window into different cultures and historical periods.
The museum fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of art's transformative power, from classical masterpieces to contemporary creations. Whether visitors are art enthusiasts or seeking inspiration, the Orlando Museum of Art promises an enriching experience.
- Address: 2416 N Mills Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
- Prices: $20 (Adults), $18 (60+), $8 (6-17 years old), Free ( 5 years old or younger)
25 Harry P. Leu Gardens
Harry P. Leu Gardens is an urban oasis in Orlando, spanning 50 acres of lush landscapes and botanical wonders. Nestled beside Lake Rowena, this botanical garden offers a serene escape, showcasing a stunning array of plant species worldwide. Visitors can see themed gardens, including roses, camellias, and tropical plants while soaking in the natural beauty and tranquility.
The gardens also host events, workshops, and educational programs, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful respite in the city's heart.
- Address: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
24 The Wheel
Formerly the Coca-Cola Orlando Eye, The Wheel is part of the I-360 complex in the heart of Orlando and is a 400-foot Ferris wheel that has quickly become an iconic part of the Orlando skyline. Obviously, the views are stunning, and on a clear day, you can see as far as Cape Canaveral – which is over 50 miles away.
Icon Orlando belongs to the same organization that owns and operates the famous London Eye, and they used a cutting-edge suspension design for construction that provides for the smoothest Ferris wheel ride ever. And, the capsules are closed and temperature-controlled, making the experience even that more enjoyable.
- Address: 8375 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
23 Pirate’s Cove
Voted the “Best in Florida” for mini golf, Pirate’s Cove features two 18-hole courses – Captain’s Course and Blackbeard’s Challenge. The shady, pirate-themed adventure features lush, tropical landscaping, innovate hole designs, and cascading waterfalls, and, it is a nice escape from the hot Orlando sun.
There are actually twenty-five Pirate’s Cove locations around the country – mostly in vacation-type areas like Branson, Missouri, and Williamsburg, Virginia. But since mini-golf is always a big part of many family vacations, we thought it was important to mention one of the best mini golf courses you will ever come across. Plus, it’s an affordable option the whole family will enjoy.
- Address: 8501 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
22 Ripley’s Believe It Or Not
If you are looking for a nice slow-paced afternoon in a cool space, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! In Orlando is a unique option. The 10,000 square foot “Odditorium” appears to be falling into a sinkhole, but it’s really just a large building with sixteen separate themed galleries that features a collection of rare items and oddities. You will see things like a shrunken head, a Tibetan skull, a Beyoncé portrait made out of candy with a dress made from licorice sticks, and an authentic vampire killing kit.
You can take pictures during your self-guided tour, and a great spot for a photo is inside the world’s largest tire or at the anti-gravity pool table.
- Address: 8201 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States
21 Kennedy Space Center
We cheated a little bit with this entry because Kennedy Space Center is technically about an hour drive from Orlando. But, considering visitors can see real launch areas and rockets, meet astronauts, and experience flight simulations, it is totally worth the drive.
The site is full of history and admission includes an Apollo/Saturn V exhibit, an Atlantis Space Shuttle exhibit, the Shuttle Launch Experience, and the Astronaut Memorial.
They organize the attractions and tours chronologically, so you can learn about space exploration from the beginning to current projects. This is the kind of place that you can spend an entire day in, so make sure you allow enough time for your visit.
- Address: 9339 Jeff Fuqua Blvd, Orlando, FL 32827, United States
20 World of Chocolate Museum
Do you want to know how chocolate is made? Or maybe sample some of the best chocolate in the world? Then take some time to visit the World of Chocolate Museum for an educational tour that ends with a visit in their tasting room, so you can sample some of the finest chocolate from around the world.
The 45-minute guided tour starts with a short presentation before you enter a tropical rainforest to learn about cacao. Next, travel back in time to learn about the rich history of chocolate before entering the sculpture area, where you will see 25 of the world’s most recognizable landmarks sculpted from solid chocolate.
Visitors also get to see how they make chocolate and the required equipment, plus some retired machinery. From bean to bar – you will see it all.
- Address: 11701 International Dr #400, Orlando, FL 32821, United States
19 Find An Escape Room In Orlando
Escape rooms are a big thing in cities across the country, and Escape Game Orlando is a fun activity that will give you and your family a chance to connect with their inner detective during an adventure-filled day. Escape Game Orlando offers constantly rotating situations – The Heist, Mission: Mars, Prison Break, Classified, and Gold Rush – where you and your team apply your problem-solving skills to break free.
Once you choose which room you want to try, the objective is to escape before you run out of time. Each escape scenario has a unique feel, and it is a thrilling way to bond with friends and family. Everyone’s decisions and actions contribute to your group’s success, so working together is key to making it out in time.
18 World’s Largest Entertainment McDonald’s and Playplace
Why would we put a McDonald’s on this list? Well, have you ever been to a McDonald’s shaped like a giant bag of fries? With 19,000 square feet, the world’s largest Entertainment McDonald’s and Playplace is in Orlando, and it can accommodate tons of visitors each day thanks to their touchscreen ordering system. (Full disclosure – the largest McDonalds in the world is technically at Olympic Village in London.)
In addition to the traditional menu that features Chicken McNuggets and Big Macs, this location also has build-your-own pizza and pasta – plus there is a dessert bar.
Along with the Playplace, this McDonald’s also has dozens of arcade games for the kids to enjoy, and a Chuck E. Cheese-style prize wall.
- Address: 830 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32805, United States
17 Charles Hosmer Morse Museum
The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum in Winter Park features the largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany glass in the world. Tiffany – a famous 19th-century designer – created lamps, jewelry, paintings, and pottery, and each piece is fascinating.
From leaded-glass windows to his most memorable lamps, you can enjoy each piece of stained glass, and also learn how he made his art. The Tiffany collection also features his personal memorabilia, letters, photographs, designs, and early experiments.
The Morse museum also features an American decorative art collection supplemented by European glass and ceramic pieces from Rene Lalique and Carl Faberge.
- Address: 445 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, United States
16 Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
The quiet 440-acre Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve gives visitors a glimpse of Florida’s natural scenery while offering the chance to escape crowds and the afternoon heat. A nice change from the loud theme parks, the preserve has a lake with views of the wetlands and well-groomed easy to moderate trails for a family walk or hike.
The trail system loops through the region’s major habitats, including Bayhead swamp and longleaf pine forest and scrub, and you can listen for the cry of an osprey or the hoot of a barred owl. The nature center also has a picnic area and butterfly garden and gives quick lessons in the area’s wildlife and habitats.
- Address: 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836, United States
15 Lake Eola
Located in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola is another option if you want to escape from the theme park crowds, and it provides the chance to enjoy a half-mile nature walk while getting great views of the Orlando skyline.
The landscaped grounds feature plenty of birds and plant life, and you can also feed the swans. But your trip would not be complete without a ride on the swan paddle boats, so you can enjoy the scenery in a fun, unique way.
If you get hungry, you can eat lunch or dinner at the Relax Grill. And on Sundays, there is a city market where you can buy local cuisine, homemade breads, fruits, and veggies.
14 Orlando Science Center
If you and your family are down for a little learning in a fun way, the Orlando Science Center is a great place for curious minds to explore. This destination has four floors of exhibits, plus a cinedome in a spherical theater and live programs.
You can view stars in the domed planetarium and look through the largest public refracting telescope to see incredible views of the night sky.
The private museum also features traveling exhibits that highlight current trends like the Hall of Heroes, where visitors go inside the world of superheroes and crime fighters. It blends science and science fiction and allows you to discover your own superpowers.
- Address: 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, FL 32803, United States
13 Gatorland
Image by Julie Clarke from Pixabay
This must-see look at the Everglades is the “Alligator Capital of the World.” The 110-acre wildlife preserve and theme park has exciting rides and exhibits that all have a gator theme. Visitors will find 1,200 feet of zip lines, and they can take a train ride through the park, then climb the observation tower.
Gatorland has the largest collection of white leucistic alligators – which are extremely rare – plus a huge collection of alligators and crocodiles from babies to fully-grown 14-foot monsters, snakes, tortoises, and birds.
The park also has a petting zoo, live animal shows, and an off-road adventure.
- Address: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32837, United States
12 Boggy Creek Airboat Rides
Image by Kevin Phillips from Pixabay
You can explore the Everglades in Central Florida by going on an airboat ride and get your chance for an up-close look at the diverse Florida wildlife that includes alligators, birds, and turtles. Skim across the surface of the water at speeds up to 35 miles per hour in a unique sea craft that gives you a rush of adrenaline, and at the same time, and appreciation for the environment.
Available tours include half-hour, one-hour, private one-hour, sunset, and nighttime. If you opt to go during the day, be sure to bring your sunscreen. And, it’s also a good idea to have a set of binoculars on hand.
- Address: 2001 E Southport Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34746, United States
11 Wonderworks
Another scientific destination in Orlando is Wonderworks, which features dozens of hands-on exhibits. Once you get inside the attention-getting upside-down building, you will find a rope course, laser tag, and a 6D motion ride.
Wonderworks is a mix of fun and education, where you can learn how to lay on a bed of nails without getting impaled, design your own roller coaster, feel a 74-mile per hour hurricane, and experience an earthquake simulation with a magnitude of 5.3 on the Richter Scale.
Make sure that your kids wear closed-toe comfy shoes and pants or shorts (no skirts) if they want to climb the ropes course.
- Address: 9067 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
10 Crayola Experience
The Crayola Experience offers visitors the world’s largest selection of unique Crayola souvenirs and products. It includes interactive attractions where chemistry and technology combine to give you a colorful adventure.
You can take a selfie with Bluetiful, the world’s largest Crayola crayon that is over fifteen feet long and weighs 1,352 pounds, and then watch Crayonologists as they make crayons live in front of you with real factory equipment.
And, if you are feeling really creative, you can create your own crayon, then wrap it up and take it home. The entire experience is self-guided, so you can go at your own pace, and stay for as long as you want.
- Address: 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809, USA
9 The Vanguard
If you have the option of leaving your kids at home or back at the hotel, the adults can go out for a night on the town at The Vanguard. Formerly known as Firestone Live then Venue 578, this nightclub is set in an old tire store, and the incredible sound system will wake up your inner party animal.
The Vanguard has over 100 concerts every year, and names like Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne, and Busta Rhymes have all played at the venue. It also plays host to music festivals and entertainment-driven events. Also, on the complex are two other music options – Odd Jobs, a cocktail lounge that focuses on up-and-coming and experimental acts, and Blackstar, which features more established acts.
- Address: 578 N Orange Ave, Orlando, FL 32801, USA
8 Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition
If you are a history buff or a big Leonardo DiCaprio or Kate Winslet fan, the Titanic: Artifact Exhibition is a must-see during your trip to Orlando. Actors playing the roles of actual passengers and crew will host your tour, and during your visit, you will see actual artifacts from the infamous ship recovered from the bottom of the Atlantic.
There is also a replica stateroom and a life-size reproduction of the famous staircase. And, at the end of your tour, you can touch a frozen iceberg replica and then experience the water temperatures that passengers felt before losing their life at sea.
- Address: 7324 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, USA
7 iFly Orlando
If you don’t feel like actually jumping out of a plane, but would like to experience the power and excitement of human flight, iFly indoor skydiving in Orlando is a sweet option for your vacation. You start off by receiving training from a flight instructor, where you learn the hand signals and proper body positioning.
Then, you gear up in a helmet, flight suit, and goggles before entering the flight chamber. Your experience in the wind tunnel will last around 60 seconds, but how many times you fly depends on which package you choose. Usually, the entire iFly experience for a first-timer lasts around an hour and a half from beginning to end.
- Address: 8969 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819, United States