When the word ‘Orlando’ is mentioned, only one thing pops to mind: Disney Land. But what about Orlando’s fun atmosphere, deep culture, and exciting sporting scene? Whether you live in Orlando or are here visiting, it can be frustrating trying to find things to do outside Disney Land. But from wakeboarding to bike rides, and relaxing spa days to tree-top adventures, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do in Orlando besides Disney.
If you’ve planned a trip of a lifetime to Orlando, you already live here, or you want to venture here for some team building activities, you might be wondering what to do in Orlando apart from Disney. Below, you can find the 23 best things to do in Orlando that don’t have anything to do with Disney or theme parks!
Table of Contents
- Take a visit to the Kennedy Space Center
- Try an Escape Game
- Explore some of Orlando’s many parks
- Get wild at Brevard Zoo
- An airboat tour of Lake Tohopekalgia
- Go shopping
- Bounce around on trampolines
- Explore the city by bike
- Watch an event at the Amway Center
- Feel the atmosphere at an Orlando Magic game
- Immerse yourself in nature at Wekiwa Springs State Park
- Try a unique exercise experience
- Eat at one of Orlando’s top restaurants
- Have a relaxing spa day
- Try a tree top challenge
- Rent a Polaris Slingshot
- Reach new heights at iFly
- Visit the Orlando Museum of Art
- Find some fresh produce at the farmer’s market
- Play a game of mini golf
- Go snorkeling with manatees
- Watch a movie under the stars
- Have wake-boarding lessons
The Best Things To Do in Orlando Outside of Disney and Theme Parks
If you’re looking for a fun day out that doesn’t involve Disney then there are plenty of options in Orlando. You can …
1. Take a visit to the Kennedy Space Center
Price: $75
Location: Merritt Island
The Kennedy Space Center is a hands-on experience where you can learn all about space pioneers, heroes, and legends. Open from 9 am to 5 pm, you can explore what goes on during a rocket launch, what the future holds for NASA, and learn more about some of the Kennedy Center’s most popular astronauts.
2. Try an Escape Game
Price: $39.99 per person
Location: International Drive
An escape room is a truly immersive and engaging activity that will provide fun for everyone, regardless of age. At The Escape Game Orlando you and your loved ones can work together to either break out of prison, explore the depths of the ocean, conduct a museum heist, or head on a group mission to mars.
3. Explore some of Orlando’s many parks
Price: Free
Location: Various locations across Orlando
Orlando is home to more than 148 beautiful parks, gardens, recreation grounds, and play areas. So, for those wanting to get some fresh air while in Orlando then you won’t be short of a place to go. Their biggest and most favorite parks include Loch Haven Park and Lake Eola Park.
4. Get wild at Brevard Zoo
Price: $29.95
Location: North Wickham Road
Zoos are the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Home to over 900 animals from across the world, Brevard Zoo is filled with lush, open-air habitats. To make your trip to the zoo completely unforgettable, you can book exciting experiences such as feeding the animals or aerial adventures.
5. An airboat tour of Lake Tohopekalgia
Price: from $30
Location: Lake Tohopekalgia
If you’re looking for a thrilling, yet comfortable, way to explore a different side of Orlando then an airboat tour is the ultimate experience. On these tours, you can see gators, bald eagles, and much more. There is a whole range of airboat tours you can take, starting from as little as $30. Some include lunch, some are private boats and others even depart at sunset to give you a beautiful experience.
6. Go shopping
Price: Free (but can quickly get very expensive!)
Location: All over Orlando
Orlando has tonnes of shopping centers that contain shops to suit all needs and budgets, from high-end luxury stores to high-street favorites. The Mall at Millenia is Orlando’s most famous mall and is great for those looking for things to do in Orlando near Disney. Inside there is a huge 150 stores to explore and, to refuel after a busy morning of shopping, there are many eateries too.
7. Bounce around on trampolines
Price: From $20
Location: W Pineloch Avenue
For those wondering what to do in Orlando besides Disney and Universal, a trampolining experience is not something to be missed! At the AirHeads Trampoline Arena, there are 107 trampolines to provide ample family fun! After, you can unwind with a game of dodgeball or basketball.
8. Explore the city by bike
Price: From $10 an hour
Location: State Road
Orlando is a very bike-friendly city and, therefore, makes it the perfect activity for those wondering what else to do in Orlando besides Disney. At West Orange Bike Rentals you can rent a bike for as little as $10 per hour and explore some of Orlando’s top spots, including the historic downtown.
9. Watch an event at the Amway Center
- Price: Varying depending on the show
- Location: W South Street
The Amway Center is Orlando’s home for legendary sporting and entertainment experiences. From WWE Raw to Jay Wheeler, there are shows to suit everybody’s taste and budget. After watching a nighttime show, you can head to one of the Amway Centers bars or restaurants, making this the perfect activity for those wondering what to do in Orlando besides Disney for young adults.
10. Feel the atmosphere at an Orlando Magic game
Price: from $25
Location: W South Street
Watching Orlando’s NBA basketball team, the Orlando Magic, in their home stadium is the ultimate Orlando experience. At the stadium, you can experience the thrilling action on the basketball court and be immersed in an electric atmosphere.
11. Immerse yourself in nature at Wekiwa Springs State Park
Price: $6
Location: Wekiwa Circle
Filled with 13 miles of hiking trails, bird-watching spots, and plenty of places to go swimming, Wekiwa Springs State Park is a beautiful spot that is located just minutes from Downtown Orlando. As you swim in natural water or spot some remarkable wildlife, you will feel a million miles away from Disney Lands’ bright and artificial lights.
12. Try a unique exercise experience
Price: From $10
Location: All over Orlando
Orlando has plenty of fun and exciting exercise classes which is the perfect activity for those wondering what to do in Orlando Florida besides Disney. From CycleBar to Club Pilates, Bootcamps to Pole fitness, there are fun things to try for anyone looking to keep fit in Orlando.
13. Eat at one of Orlando’s top restaurants
Price: Varying depending on where you go
Location: All over Orlando
Orlando has plenty of places to go for a fine dining experience. If you fancy steak then head to Kres Chophouse or the Capital Grille. If seafood takes your fancy then you can head to Eddie V’s Prime Seafood or Ocean Prime, and indulge in a fresh catch of the day.
14. Have a relaxing spa day
Price: From $40
Location: All over Orlando
Orlando has many spa day opportunities. From the expensive Grand Floridian or the Four Seasons to the more affordable Wyndham or Hyatt, there are plenty of spa day options in Orlando to give you something to do other than a theme park. It’s the perfect fun thing to do in Orlando besides Disney.
15. Try a tree top challenge
Price: $59.95
Location: Sinclair Road
A tree top challenge is an ideal activity for those wondering what to do in Orlando which is not a theme park or Disney Land. At Treetrek Adventure Park you can push yourself to the limit as you battle 97 unique treetop challenges, including a Tarzan swing and hanging nets.
16. Rent a Polaris Slingshot
Price: Varying
Location: South Orange Blossom Trail
A Polaris Slingshot is the ultimate joyride. At Central Florida Slingshot you can rent a Polorasis slingshot for the day and feel the wind in your hair as your cruise in this car/motorbike hybrid. You’ll feel super cool on the open road in the 3-wheeled roadster and it’s the perfect activity for those wondering what fun things to do in Orlando besides Disney.
17. Reach new heights at iFly
Price: from $69.99
Location: International Drive
iFLY Orlando offers an incredible and unique experience for visitors to Orlando. In a verticle wind tunnel, you will use technology that stimulates the feeling of skydiving. It’s a truly unique experience for anyone who wants to be indoors but wants something more hair-raising than looking at paintings in a museum.
18. Visit the Orlando Museum of Art
Price: $20
Location: N. Mills Avenue
The Orlando Museum of Art has plenty of exhibitions to explore if you’re ever stuck wondering what to do in Orlando except Disney. For just $20, you can spend an afternoon immersing yourself in culture and learning about the American Journey, the Ukrainian war, and J. Hyde Crawford, amongst many other exciting exhibitions.
19. Find some fresh produce at the farmer’s market
Price: Free
Location: N Eola Drive
Every Saturday between 10 am and 3 pm you can grab some fantastic seasonal produce at the Orlando farmers market. From freshly baked cakes and cookies to locally sourced meat and carrots, there is plenty to taste and buy here.
20. Play a game of mini golf
Price: $14.03
Location: All across Orlando
Congo River Orlando is the ultimate mini-golf experience in Orlando. They are located at various locations around the city meaning that you’re guaranteed to be close to one! Filled with tropical rainforest themes, tranquil waterful, a mysterious cave, and its very own bars, Congo river is the perfect place to unwind in Orlando.
21. Go Snorkeling with Manatees
Price: $179
Location: Crystal River
Regardless of where you are in the world, Manatees are always a treat to see. Under the guidance of Real Florida Aventures, an experienced tour operator, you will take a trip to crystal river and go snorkeling with Orlando’s most unusual residence. You do have to travel quite far to get here, but at least it’s far from the chaos of Disney Land.
22. Watch a movie under the stars
Price: Free
Location: Lake Eola Park or Winter Park
A very popular activity that isn’t Disney-Land focused (and is free!) is watching a movie in one of Orlando’s beautiful parks Typically at Lake Eola Park or Winter Park on set days during the summer months you can show up with your blanket, snacks, and chair and watch the movie.
23. Have wake-boarding lessons
Price: From $195
Location: Chase Road
On Lake Windermere, the Florida Ski School will teach you the art of wakeboarding. It’s the perfect thing for everyone to try, whether you’re an adult or a child, you’ll leave with a new skill and feeling accomplished. gm
Wrapping up
So if you’re looking for something to do in Orlando that doesn’t involve Disney then you won’t be lost for things to do. Whether you fancy giving wakeboarding a try, watching a movie under the stars, or having a relaxing spa day, you definitely won’t be bored here. Whatever activities on the list you decide to do, be sure to let us know in the comments section below!
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