7 Magical Things To Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks That Will Make You Forget About Disney World

This post is all about the fun things to do in Orlando besides theme parks.

First thoughts on Orlando, Florida? For most, your mind immediately goes to Mickey Mouse and roller coasters. But here’s the good news—there’s a whole world of adventurous things to do in Orlando besides theme parks. To be clear, when I say, ‘Orlando theme parks,’ I’m referring to Disney World, Universal Studios, Seaworld, and Legoland. So, get ready to discover some incredible activities that will make you forget all about the big four and truly make your trip to Orlando exceptional.

Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks

Things to Do in Orlando Table of Contents:

1. ICON Park & I-Drive

ICON Park, located on International Drive (AKA I-Drive), is home to the Orlando Eye and a fantastic selection of dining and shopping. Just a 20-minute drive from Disney and 10 minutes from Universal, it’s the perfect central spot for your Orlando adventure. And with plenty of attractions right outside of Icon Park, you’ll find I-Drive offers a world of fun.

As can be seen, International Drive and ICON Park have so much to offer. Great attractions and excellent restaurants galore! Check out this informative ICON Park YouTube video from Chrissa Travels:

2. Discovery Cove

Discovery Cove is a paradise for everyone, from romantic couples to adventurous families. This all-inclusive day resort offers unlimited food and beverages, and a host of exciting activities. From swimming and snorkeling with stingrays to a tropical lazy river that meanders through a bird aviary, a rainforest, and an underwater cave, there’s something for everyone.

In my opinion, this really is one of the best things to do in Orlando besides theme parks. And if you’re craving a beach trip without the drive to the coast, Discovery Cove is the perfect solution. Also, if you need help packing for this little “beach” excursion read my Florida Travel Essentials post.

This video by one of my favorite YouTubers, PCDev, gives an exceptional rundown of a day at Discovery Cove.

3. Orlando Tree Trek

Orlando Tree Trek is a tree-top rope/obstacle course and zip line adventure. It is a great way to spend an afternoon with your kids, and I especially recommend it to families with kids ages 10+. By the end of your time here, you’ll all feel exhausted but accomplished. Thrill seekers are welcome, but there are courses for all abilities.

4. Visit the town of Celebration

Celebration is a nostalgia-infused community located in the infamous ‘Disney Bubble,’ full of southern charm and family-friendly activities. You may even want to stay here during your trip to the Orlando area. Celebration is a very walkable town with boutique shopping and great dining options.

While you’re here, rent a bike and tour through scenic trails, quiet neighborhood streets, and their downtown area with Celebration Bicycle Tours.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting on a Sunday, check out Celebration’s farmer’s market. Winter hours: 10a-2p and summer hours 9a-1p. Vendors offer fresh produce, a variety of foods, flowers, homemade crafts, and original art. All in all, Celebration has a great hometown feel and makes for a memorable family outing.

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5. Swim with Manatees

Crystal River, Florida, about a one-hour and 45-minute drive from Orlando, is worth the trek for this unique wildlife experience. Contrary to popular belief, Manatees can be seen year-round in this neck of the woods. Most people will tell you only to visit November through March, but Kings Bay Refuge has plenty of resident manatees that are viewable daily.

Still, the best time to see multiple manatees in the clearest water is during the winter season—I recommend anytime between mid-October and the end of April. You will see manatees about 98% of the time during the summer, but they are usually in murkier water, which isn’t preferable.

Multiple companies offer great manatee tours. You can swim and snorkel with manatees, or if you want to stay dry, take a manatee kayak tour or a boat cruise. Definitely check these experiences out to create some unique family stories.

6. Disney Springs

At Disney Springs, you can “Shop, Dine, and Play.” Disney Springs has something for everyone, with almost 100 different shops, over 60 places to eat, and a plethora of attractions, shows, and events.

See the main attractions and most popular dining and shopping options below.

7. See a Show

Orlando is a hub for incredible live entertainment just waiting to be discovered. From rocking live music and mesmerizing acrobatics to side-splitting comedy and immersive dinner shows, Orlando has something to offer everyone.

Cirque du Soleil’s Drawn to Life can be seen at Disney Springs. It’s an outstanding show with crazy acrobatics and beautiful imagery. We loved this show, but it might be a long one for kids under 8. With the Cirque du Soleil name, you know it will be a stellar performance.

The Pirates Dinner Adventure show is an action-packed, fully interactive 3-course meal. It is perfect for families looking for something unique and exciting to keep their kids entertained and active. Watch a great video about this adventure show from Chrissa Travels below.

If Medieval Times strike your fancy more than pirates, book this dinner show instead. It’s a similar experience, with a great show but with less audience involvement and no utensils for your dinner. It is medieval times, you know. Also, this show costs a little less than The Pirate’s Adventure, especially if you go through their website where they offer special deals from time to time.

Another popular interactive dinner performance is Sleuth’s Mystery Dinner Show. This is a witty scripted comedy show with a bit of improv thrown in to make dinnertime into a “whodunnit.” This might be best for couples and families with older children ages 10+.

In Summary

Overall, this post has been all about the best things to do in Orlando besides theme parks.

Orlando truly shines with its numerous attractions, promising fun and adventure beyond the gates of its famous theme parks. So next time you find yourself in this sun-soaked city, step off the beaten path and uncover the hidden gems that make Orlando a dynamic and diverse destination. From nature lovers to culture seekers, there’s something special here for everyone. Happy exploring!