Fun Things To Do In Orlando Besides Theme Parks

Explore fun things to do in Orlando besides theme parks, including activities for the whole family.

BOGGY CREEK AIRBOAT ADVENTURES

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is located an hour south of Orlando. They offer exciting rides on airboats that can reach speeds of 40 mph. Explore the untouched Florida Everglades during the 45-minute tour and spot exotic wildlife. Night expeditions, lasting an hour, are also available for a unique experience.

BREVARD ZOO

Brevard Zoo is one hour from Orlando on Florida’s east coast. It has over 900 animals in a lovely setting. Enjoy kayaking next to a giraffe, feeding parrots, and exploring the beauty of Florida landscapes alongside rhinos and kangaroos.

CATBOAT ESCAPES

Located in Clermont, 40 minutes west of Orlando, Catboat Escapes offers personal catamaran adventures on Florida’s clean waterways. Glide through wetlands, cypress trees, and vast lakes with entertaining stories from your guide about the Crooked River community.

CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS

In Sanford, near Orlando, Central Florida Zoo has 23 acres of gardens and over 500 animals. It’s about 40 minutes north. Go to Seminole Aerial Adventures for an insect zoo, reptile house, splash playground, and zip-line for family fun.

CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM

Visit Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA), just a 90-minute drive from Orlando, for a unique experience on Florida’s west coast. Immerse yourself in marine life rescue efforts, explore the working animal hospital, and engage in educational presentations. Enjoy feeding stingrays, taking behind-the-scenes tours, and going on eco-boat trips. See how we care for rescued animals.

CONGO RIVER GOLF

Embark on an award-winning miniature golf adventure at Congo River Golf in Kissimmee, near Walt Disney World® Resort. Navigate through the Congo-themed course, encountering tranquil waterfalls, mysterious caves, tropical rainforests, and challenging golf holes for an unforgettable African-inspired experience.

DINOSAUR WORLD

Experience the wonders of Dinosaur World, an outdoor museum in Plant City, an hour west of Orlando. Discover over 200 life-size dinosaurs in a natural setting. Children can search for fossils, watch shows, view artifacts, and see animatronic dinosaurs at a museum. A fun adventure for everyone.

EPIC PADDLE ADVENTURES

Immerse yourself in crystal-clear springs and picturesque lakes with Epic Paddle Adventures in Orlando. Explore the intercoastal waterways, search for marine life, and enjoy the sunshine. Epic Paddle Adventures teaches hands-on skills for water activities, boosting confidence and making lasting memories.

FUN SPOT AMERICA

Fun Spot America is a family-owned theme park in Central Florida. It has two locations. One is on International Drive in Orlando. The other is near Walt Disney World in Kissimmee.

While both offer the same level of fun, each provides a unique experience. Enjoy go-kart tracks and arcades at these family-friendly parks, including Orlando’s only wooden roller coaster. Fun for thrill-seekers and those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere.

GATORLAND

A longstanding attraction spanning over 100 acres, Gatorland offers affordable family fun in Orlando. You can see many alligators and crocodiles.

You can also visit an aviary. Watch a breeding marsh from a tower.

See Florida panthers. Have fun at a petting zoo and splash pad for kids. Gatorland has reptile displays, close encounters, and extra activities like the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line and Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.

GET UP AND GO KAYAKING

Venture 40 minutes north of Orlando’s central tourism districts to Rock Springs at Kelly Park. This place has a cold spring that is always 68 degrees, great for a fun family outing. Discover the beauty of the area with clear kayaks from Get Up and Go Kayaking for a special experience.

GIRAFFE RANCH

Visit Giraffe Ranch in Dade City to feed giraffes and see animals from around the world. The ranch is located just an hour west of I-Drive. Giraffe Ranch offers tours in a setting like Africa, with big trees and open fields.

Reservations are needed for these tours. The ranch is on 47 acres next to the Green Swamp in Florida. It has orchids, pastures, and wetlands.

HOLLYWOOD DRIVE-IN GOLF AT UNIVERSAL CITYWALK

Immerse yourself in nostalgia at Hollywood Drive-In Golf, part of Universal CityWalk in Universal Orlando Resort. Play on two state-of-the-art, 18-hole courses paying homage to vintage horror with “The Haunting of Ghostly Greens” and science fiction with “Invaders From Planet Putt.” Enjoy this vibrant district’s unique blend of entertainment, open-air dining, and shopping.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER VISITOR COMPLEX & NEARBY MUSEUMS

Embark on a space odyssey without leaving Earth at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Witness actual rocket launches, meet astronauts, and undergo immersive training experiences. Located just an hour from Orlando’s tourism districts on Florida’s east coast, it’s a perfect day trip. Explore the past, present, and future of space exploration.

Improve your visit by exploring nearby attractions. Some options include the American Space Museum & Space Walk of Fame. Another option is the family-friendly Wizard of Oz Museum. TripAdvisor ranks The Wizard of Oz Museum No. 5 among children’s museums in North America.

LUXE RENTALS

Discover Orlando’s waterways in style with Luxe Rentals, which are open daily as long as the sun shines. Whether seeking a thrilling family jet ski ride or a relaxed sunset cruise for a date night, they turn dreams into reality. Expert instructors accompany you on the water, ensuring safety and comfort throughout your adventure.

NONA ADVENTURE PARK

Make a splash at Nona Adventure Park, offering water-based, family-friendly fun. Dive into the inflatable aqua park, conquer the obstacle course, try the wake cable course, or test your skills on the ropes course, climbing tower, and rock walls. Located in Lake Nona, minutes from Orlando International Airport, it’s a hub of unique experiences.

ORLANDO KART CENTER

Orlando Kart Center (OKC) has outdoor go-karting with real curbs and bumps, near Orlando’s tourist spots and the airport. Their gas-powered karts reach speeds of 45 mph. For added excitement, race your go-kart if you have one.

ORLANDO STARFLYER

Try the Orlando StarFlyer, a 450-foot-tall ride on International Drive, going 60 mph for an exciting time. Prioritizing safety, this family-friendly thrill ride is a highlight at ICON Park in the International Drive Entertainment District.

ORLANDO TREE TREK ADVENTURE PARK

Unleash your inner Tarzan at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park, minutes from Walt Disney World in Kissimmee. The park has 97 challenges for different skill levels, like swings, nets, ropes, and a trapeze. Trained instructors ensure safety with secure clips and demonstrations.

PIRATE’S COVE ADVENTURE GOLF

Ahoy, landlubbers! Swing into affordable fun at Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf on I-Drive. Navigate two nine-hole courses with a pirate’s touch, featuring cascading waterfalls, dungeons, tropical greenery, and a pirate ship.

REAL FLORIDA ADVENTURES

Unlock the secrets of the Sunshine State with Real Florida Adventures. With over 40 years of exploration, they share their energy and passion, offering expertly guided tours. Have fun in Florida with rocket launches, kayaking, snorkeling with manatees, and riding airboats at Kennedy Space Center.

REVOLUTION ADVENTURES

Rev up the excitement at Revolution Adventures, a 230-acre off-road motor and fishing venue near major tourist attractions. Take charge on guided adventures with all-terrain vehicles, dune buggies, or ARGO amphibious Mucky Ducks. Enjoy bass fishing on the private lake, try archery, and experience clay shooting—equipment included.

THE SHOWCASE OF CITRUS

In Clermont, an hour east of Orlando, explore The Showcase of Citrus—a 2,500-acre estate cultivating 50+ citrus varieties. Pick your citrus, embark on monster truck tours, try gem mining, or enjoy a leisurely picnic. Activities cater to all ages, promising a day of wholesome family fun.

SPIRIT OF THE SWAMP AIRBOAT RIDES

Embark on an intimate journey through natural wonders at Spirit of the Swamp, just 30 minutes southeast of I-Drive. Glide on small, six-passenger boats, offering an up-close encounter with swamps, marshes, and incredible wildlife. Private airboat rides provide an even more personalized experience.

TANK AMERICA

Experience armored thrills at Tank America—the exclusive Florida destination for tank driving. Drive a real Abbott tank through obstacles and hills on a half-mile course without any military commitment. Enjoy this unique adventure experience.

WALLABY RANCH HANG GLIDING FLIGHT PARK

Soar safely at Wallaby Ranch Hang Gliding Flight Park, southwest of Walt Disney World. Enjoy the thrill of Discovery Tandem Flights and hang-gliding instruction using the latest tandem aerotowing techniques. Create unforgettable moments in the skies throughout the year.

WEST ORANGE TRAIL BIKES & BLADES CO.

Explore the scenic 22-mile West Orange Trail from Winter Garden to Apopka. West Orange Trail Bikes & Blades Co. operates in Winter Garden, near Orlando. They rent bikes and trailers by the hour, day, or week.

The types of bikes available for rent include road, sports, kids, and comfort bikes. Enjoy the convenience of hotel delivery for an immersive biking experience in nature.

WILD FLORIDA AIRBOATS, GATOR PARK & DRIVE-THRU SAFARI

Explore Wild Florida’s 4,200 acres of swamps and wetlands, the start of the Florida Everglades, for an exciting adventure. Airboat rides provide close encounters with gators, birds, eagles, and native flora. Enjoy complimentary admission to the wildlife park, featuring hands-on gator demonstrations. Visit Safari Park for a self-guided drive-thru tour with 100+ exotic animals, only 45 minutes south of I-Drive.

WINTER PARK SCENIC BOAT TOUR

Discover Winter Park’s hidden gem with the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, a tranquil one-hour cruise through picturesque waterways. Located 30 minutes north of Orlando’s central tourism districts, the tour highlights Rollins College, Kraft Azalea Gardens, Isle of Sicily, opulent mansions, and abundant wildlife, offering a relaxing and narrated experience.

ZOOTAMPA

Discover the wonders of ZooTampa, 90 minutes from Orlando’s tourism districts. Encounter endangered Florida panthers, witness care for majestic manatees, and embark on an African safari. ZooTampa promises diverse wildlife experiences, making it a captivating destination for animal enthusiasts.