What To Do in Orlando: 11 Fun Things Besides Theme Parks

When you think of Orlando, you might picture the “Theme Park Capital of the World”! Well, you’re not wrong—Orlando is home to many famous amusement parks such as Universal Resort, Disney World, SeaWorld and LEGOLAND, to name a few. But, have you ever thought about visiting Orlando for its other attractions besides amusement parks?

If you’re wondering what else you can do in Orlando aside from ride roller coasters, you’ve come to the right place! Orlando is a vibrant city in central Florida with plenty of parks, restaurants, cocktail bars, museums and performing arts centres—the options are endless! Discover the other side of the city with our list of cool places to visit in Orlando besides amusement parks.

What to Do in Orlando: 11 Fun Things

1. Check Out Orlando’s Museums
2. Take a Boat Ride on the Everglades
3. Visit the Kennedy Space Center
4. Visit Downtown Orlando
5. Escape the Hustle and Bustle at Lake Eola Park
6. Watch an NBA Game in the Kia Center
7. Go Shopping in the Orlando Outlets
8. Get a Drink in Thornton Park
9. Take a Day Trip
10. Explore Harry P. Leu Gardens
11. Fly Over the City in a Helicopter

1. Check Out Orlando’s Museums

Whether you’re a history buff, a science geek or just want to spend a fun-filled day of learning with the kids, there’s a museum in Orlando for you! If you want to visit multiple museums, we recommend visiting Loch Haven Park. This large green space is home to nine important museums in Orlando, such as the Orlando Science Center, the Mennello Museum of American Art, the Orlando Museum of Art and more.

For those travelling as a family or in a group, we highly recommend visiting the Museum of Illusions where you’ll see mind-boggling magic tricks and illusionism and put your observation skills to the test! Or, for those who love a good selfie, why not buy tickets for the Madame Tussauds wax museum in Orlando?

2. Take a Boat Ride on the Everglades

The Everglades is a natural region of flooded grasslands in the southern area of Florida. This enormous wetland is a rich ecosystem home to many unique species and is the only place in the world where you can see alligators and crocodiles coexisting. On top of that, the Everglades is the only place in the United States where you can see crocodiles!

One of the coolest things to do in Orlando is take a boat trip along the Everglades. If you want to explore the Everglades and are brave enough to come face to face with some crocodiles and alligators, you can book this Hovercraft Tour of the Everglades.

3. Visit the Kennedy Space Center

Continuing our list of fun things to do in Orlando, let’s go to infinity and beyond! The Kennedy Space Center in Orlando is the largest aerospace complex in the United States. In fact, it’s where all manned missions to space have been launched since 1968.

Built to serve as a base for the Apollo program and inaugurated in 1967, this facility is packed with attractions to make you feel like a real astronaut for a day—from space shuttles to recreations of iconic moments in history. They also have modern simulations that recreate the feeling of flying a rocket. If you’re an aspiring space scientist, make sure you get your hands on a ticket for the Kennedy Space Center!

4. Visit Downtown Orlando

Downtown may be Orlando’s Central Business District, but it’s also a great option for those travelling to the city for leisure. If you love watching shows and performances, we highly recommend visiting the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. This major performing arts centre hosts theatrical performances, operas, and other shows of all kinds!

More of a fine arts and architecture kind of person? Check out the eclectic art collections at the CityArts Factory. Or why not visit the Saint James Catholic Cathedral, whose neo-Romanesque architecture makes a sharp contrast with the cutting-edge steel and glass design that characterises the surrounding skyscrapers?

5. Escape the Hustle and Bustle at Lake Eola Park

Orlando has great parks to relax in and get some fresh air, including the sprawling Lake Eola Park. Aside from the giant lake dotted with graceful swans, you’ll also find a Chinese pagoda, a giant sculpture coming out of the ground, and a large fountain that you can paddle around in a swan-shaped boat!

On the west side of the park is the Walt Disney Amphitheater, which usually hosts numerous plays and other outdoor shows. As well as that, just a short walk from the amphitheatre is the Orange County Regional History Center, a five-story museum dedicated to the history of Central Florida.

For those who like to walk, the shores of Lake Eola Park offer pleasant trails for a nice stroll. The park is also a great place for bookworms since the Orlando Public Library sits just on the corner of the lake.

6. Watch an NBA Game in the Kia Center

If you’re a big basketball fan, your trip to Orlando wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Kia Center, home to The Orlando Magic! The most striking feature of this indoor arena is its capacity—up to 18,500 spectators can enjoy a Magic game here.

The stadium is also just a 20-minute walk from Lake Eola Park, making the Kia Center a convenient stop after a relaxing afternoon in the park. If you’re a true basketball fan, we highly recommend buying tickets for an Orlando Magic game!

7. Go Shopping in the Orlando Outlets

For shopaholics, a visit to the Orlando outlets is a must—the chance to shop the most coveted designer brands at irresistible prices awaits! If you’re a fashion lover, you could spend days getting lost in these outlets full of international brands such as Armani, Asics, Calvin Klein, Coach, Lacoste, Michael Kors and The North Face.

Why not take advantage of the chance to shop till you drop with your favourite brands all in one place? If this is right up your street, check out our day trip to the Orlando Outlets.

8. Get a Drink in Thornton Park

Just a five-minute walk from Lake Eola Park is Thornton Park. This residential neighbourhood full of bars, pubs and restaurants is perfect if you’re looking for a place to have a drink in Orlando.

You can find anything your heart desires! Bars with good craft beer, organic juice shops, gourmet burger restaurants, the list goes on. Thornton Park is also known for its famous wine bars, where you can enjoy Florida’s excellent wine products.

9. Take a Day Trip

If you’re spending more time in Orlando, why not dedicate a day to visiting another of Florida’s gems? For those of you who love a cultural day trip, don’t miss out on a trip to St Augustine, which happens to be the oldest city in the United States.

Founded by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain in September 1565, St Augustine holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European-founded city in the United States. If a day of exploring the city’s heritage and rich history is your cup of tea, you can do so by booking our St Augustine day trip.

If you’re more of a sea and sun holiday person, you’re in luck! There are many paradise-like beaches to be found in and around Orlando. One of our particular favourites is Clearwater Beach. Although it’s a bit further afield, a 2-hour drive out of Orlando, it’s known as one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States!

The beach stretches for 2.5 miles (4 kilometres), making it perfect for long walks along the shore, as well as the typical beach day activities like sunbathing and paddling. If you have little ones, a beach day is a must. For a day trip to the beach without the hassle of renting a car, check out our Clearwater Beach day trip!

10. Explore Harry P. Leu Gardens

The Harry P. Leu Gardens are the green lung of Orlando. This large 19th-century estate is located on the shores of Lake Rowena. The landscaping design of the garden makes it an ideal place to go for a stroll and get a break from the hectic pace of the city.

The garden is further divided into several sections. One of the highlights is the Butterfly Garden, whose flowers attract numerous butterflies and hummingbirds. Also worth a visit is the Vine Collection, where you’ll see a wide array of climbing plants native to tropical and subtropical climates.

Adjacent to the gardens is also the Leu House Museum, whose exhibit is dedicated to the origins and subsequent historical evolution of this picturesque garden area in Orlando.

11. Fly Over the City in a Helicopter

What better way to explore a city than from the sky? If you’re travelling to Orlando in search of a new experience, a helicopter ride over the city could be for you! See all of the city’s attractions from a bird’s eye view as you soar above the skyscrapers.

If you want to tick flying in a helicopter off your bucket list, book this helicopter ride over Orlando.

All in all, Orlando is a destination with so much more to offer besides its world-renowned theme parks. No matter what type of traveller you are, you’ll find plenty of activities to keep you busy in Orlando. If you’d like more inspiration for things to do during your trip, you should check out all of the activities offered by Civitatis in Orlando—you’ll be spoiled for choice!