10 Things to Do Besides Theme Parks in Orlando

Orlando is famously known as the Theme Park Capital of the World, home to iconic attractions like Disney World, Universal Resort, Legoland, and Sea World. While these destinations draw millions of visitors, there’s so much more to explore beyond the thrill rides and character encounters. From vibrant museums and diverse dining options to beautiful parks and lively nightlife, Orlando has something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or a repeat visitor looking for fresh experiences, here are some fantastic non-theme park things to do in Orlando:

Orlando is home to some oh-so-amazing performances by the Blue Man Group and Cirque du Soleil. The renowned La Nouba of Cirque du Soleil is situated at Disney Springs, which is just located 10 minutes away from Magic Kingdom. This well-known theatrical show features some cool gymnasts, acrobats, and vocalists. The Blue Man Group is located on City Walk at Universal Orlando with 3 well-known, blue-faced figures combined in a presentation with colorful lighting, music, film, and instruments.

Harry P. Leu Gardens covers over 50 acres of beautiful lakes and flower gardens. It offers educational events and programs at the historic Leu House Museum, where you can see various artworks and changing exhibits. Guided tours of the museum run every 30 minutes, and you can explore the gardens on your own. Whether you’re looking for inspiration or a peaceful escape, Leu Gardens is a great place to visit.

One of the adventurous things to do in Orlando besides Disney is to go water skiing, wakeboarding, or knee-boarding with a professional water sports facility at Orlando Watersports Complex. Certified instructors give private instructions in addition to pro and beginner-level courses. With their revolutionary cable system, you may practice the motions required for every sport before attempting it on the course. The facility provides a “Get Up Guarantee.”

Visiting Orlando Science Center is one of the best kids’ activities in Orlando other than Disney, featuring the world’s largest Digistar planetarium, fascinating science experiments, and interactive exhibits that make up the Orlando Science Center, a unique educational institution. It displays stunning exhibitions at the private museum including Nature Works, allowing visitors to interact closely with various reptiles. The stunning displays will teleport you back to the pre-historic era at Dino Digs. Moreover, the largest telescope in Florida is open to the public and is housed at the Crosby Observatory, which is situated atop the center.

Orlando offers a variety of stunning fishing spots, many of which are less than an hour’s drive from the city center. Two of the top destinations are the popular Kissimmee Lakes and Lake Toho, which hosts the Bassmaster Elite Series annually. Anglers can enjoy excellent bass and crappie fishing in several nearby lakes, including Lake Hatchineha, Lake Cypress, East and West Lake Tohopekaliga, and Lake Kissimmee. These lakes are also home to local wildlife, such as alligators and various bird species, making for a beautiful and exciting fishing experience.

A wide range of activities can be found along the mile-long International Drive, which is regarded as Orlando’s tourist center. The Sea Life Aquarium, America’s Great Escape Game, Madame Tussauds, and ICON Orlando are all located here. However, the best city views are offered by the 40-story Ferris Wheel in the heart of I-Drive, ICON Orlando. Along the Boulevard are numerous themed eateries, pubs, and shops. The vibrant appearance and exciting nightlife of International Drive have earned it the nickname “Vegas Strip of Orlando”.

The Mall at Millenia & the Florida Mall offers some of Orlando’s top shopping experiences. The Florida Mall is a retail center featuring more than 270 stores, 2 distinct food courts, and numerous department stores. The Mall at Millenia is regarded as an upscale retail center with a large selection of apparel, jewelry, and electronic retailers.

The Arts District is situated in picturesque Thornton Park and is home to numerous galleries, museums, distinctive shops, and eateries. On Sundays, the farmer’s market is set up at Lake Eola, where all the local vendors set up their shops offering everything from handmade soy candles to healthy juices. Whereas adventure seekers may rent paddle boats designed like swans for an enjoyable half-hour excursion.

An airboat trip is one of the most thrilling adventures you can experience in Orlando. You’ll get to explore the Florida Everglades on a one-hour tour that covers a vast area, allowing you to admire the incredible wildlife native to the region. Many airboat tour companies make stops to view rare bird species and even offer opportunities to feed alligators. One popular option is Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours, which is just a 10-minute drive from Walt Disney World, making it an easy and exciting addition to your Orlando itinerary.

The Orlando City SC, a Major League Soccer franchise, plays their home games at the Orlando City Stadium. The stadium is situated in Downtown Orlando, closer to the bar district, and the Amway Center. The stadium includes a 25,500-seat capacity and a massive cover to both minimize the crowd noise and to shelter from rain. There is a fan plaza that measures 10,000 sq. ft. Additionally, 12 acres of property to the east of Orlando City Stadium have been purchased for tailgating (pre-game celebrations).