Find Other Attractions Besides Theme Parks in Orlando, FL

Looking for something more than just a day at the theme parks? Orlando is home to endless attractions and unique activities that are sure to entertain you all year round. Orlando is home to more than 200 attractions, from museums to zoos. There's something for everyone in this city.

Whether you prefer shopping, dining, or exploring an array of unique attractions you can enjoy a fantastic day in Orlando. You will find plenty of other attractions that are worth checking out.

Are you an extrovert who loves to spend time exploring new places? From zoo trips and aquarium exhibits to beautiful botanical gardens and historical museums—these are some of the best things in Orlando besides theme parks to help you reconnect with your adventurous self.

Check out these other best attractions in Orlando besides theme parks, including indoor and outdoor activities.

1. SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

If you're looking for something to do in Orlando besides going to the theme parks, check us out SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium. We are a great place to learn about marine life and see some amazing creatures up close. Our aquarium has numerous fish species and other sea creatures, including sharks, rays, and seahorses, so you're sure to find something interesting in our facility.

The best part is, you can also participate in hands-on activities like touching a sea star and taking a behind-the-scenes tour. You can participate in fish feedings as part of our behind the scenes tour. You can also choose to dive with Tiger sharks in our virtual reality experience.

2. Madame Tussauds

Another fun activity to do in Orlando besides checking out the theme parks is visiting Madame Tussauds. Madame Tussauds is the world’s greatest wax museum with locations all over the globe. The Orlando location is especially popular as it features Walt Disney.

This attraction lets you take photos with lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities or simply marvel at the incredible detail of the sculptures. Learn more about the history of wax figures and how they are made. Guests above the age of eight can also create their own wax hand with the help of one of our artists! They can choose their pose and colors, and then take their masterpiece home.

Madame Tussauds is a great place for all ages and will surely be a memorable experience during your visit to Orlando.

3. The Wheel at ICON Park

The Wheel at ICON Park is another attraction besides theme parks. The Wheel at ICON Park is a 400-foot tall Ferris wheel that gives visitors stunning panoramic views of Orlando and the city’s surrounding area. It’s located along International Drive, and near the Orlando theme park attractions. This facility is an excellent place for families with young children.

It's also a great place to take pictures during the day or night; thanks to the variety of spots, you can get good shots without worrying about blocking other people's views.

4. Kennedy Space Center

Kennedy Space Center is one of the world's most important space research centers, and it's a great place to visit if you're interested in outer space. The Space Center is a great option besides the theme parks. It's home to two visitor centers: the main entrance and the Rocket Garden, which is home to Saturn V rockets and space shuttle orbiters.

Plus, the surrounding area is full of beautiful beaches and other attractions. Take a stroll and take in some of Kennedy Space Center's historic buildings, like an Apollo-era launch pad. This is a great place to start if you're interested in learning more about space travel. Other exhibits include a theater that shows educational videos about space exploration.

So, whether you're visiting Orlando for a day or a week, add Kennedy Space Center to your itinerary.

5. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is another great option. The zoo has over 350 animals, including leopards, lemurs, giraffes, llamas, rhinoceros, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. The gardens are magnificent, and there's also a playground for kids.

Besides the animals, the zoo has a butterfly and botanical garden. Tour this place and learn more about the plants and animals at the zoo through educational exhibits and demonstrations.

6. Museum of Illusions

The Museum of Illusions is a well-thought-out, interactive, immersive experience that will keep kids (and adults) entertained for hours. It's an action-oriented museum with optical illusions, educational exhibits, and fun photo opportunities. Some items on display are trick mirrors, forced perspective, and vortex tunnels.

The museum also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs. If you're planning a trip to Orlando with kids, this is one place you have to check out.

7. Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition

The Titanic museum is a must-visit attraction for any visitor to Orlando. It's been close to 30 years since the blockbuster film Titanic's release, and its legacy continues to live on today.

The exhibition is called Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, and it features dozens of artifacts from the sinking of the Titanic, like a lifeboat, an iceberg replica, and even an actual piece of melted ice, commemorating the sinking of the Titanic.

The exhibition takes visitors through the critical events surrounding the sinking of the Titanic, including how it was built, its construction process, and the various dangers it faced while sailing, among other things. The exhibition also includes interactive features that allow visitors to learn more about these events and even relive them by participating in different simulations.

It's a fantastic way to learn about a key historical event from an unusual perspective. If you're a fan of the movie or just love historical artifacts, this is definitely one attraction you shouldn't miss.

8. Chocolate Kingdom Orlando

Chocolate Kingdom Orlando is an excellent option if you're looking for something other than theme parks in Orlando. Chocolate Kingdom is a working chocolate factory where you can see how chocolate is made from start to finish.

The best part is, you can also create your own chocolate bar, learn about the history of chocolate, and enjoy samples of delicious artisanal chocolate throughout the tour. You can even try making your own chocolate if you're feeling adventurous.

9. Crayola Experience

Crayola Experience is a hands-on exhibit that allows visitors to create their own crayon masterpieces. Located at The Florida Mall, Crayola Experience is an interactive exhibit that allows guests to design their own works of art using real crayons. Crayola Experience features more than 20 different media stations, including art supplies and props, where you or your kids can make an array of colorful creations. You also get to take home the artwork once you're done.

It's an interactive experience that focuses on the history and evolution of the world's best-known crayons. There are dozens of hands-on exhibits for kids to explore and play with. It's an affordable outing for families with young children or anyone looking for something fun in Orlando other than theme parks.

10. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is one of the best fun activities in Orlando and a great way to see the area's beauty from a different perspective. It's a great way to tour the Florida Everglades and get close to some of the wildlife. The airboats are great fun, and the guides are very knowledgeable about the area.

Get to see alligators, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Plus, go on a night tour to see the alligators feeding.

11. Gatorland

Gatorland is a true Florida treasure, and it is one of the premier attractions in Orlando. Gatorland offers visitors plenty of opportunities to interact with alligators, and it also features plenty of other fun activities for guests of all ages. For example, several playgrounds are perfect for young children, and many animal exhibits allow guests to get within striking distance of a number of the park's most famous residents, including alligators and crocodiles.

This is one attraction that should not be missed when visiting Orlando. There are also shows throughout the day that present the animals living at Gatorland. Some of these shows include feeding times where visitors can watch and even feed the animals.

You can also watch shows like Gator Jumparoo, and Alligators: Legends of the Swamp daily. If you want an adventure, there are overnight tours that take visitors into the swamps of Gatorland and allow them to experience the wildlife up close. Each tour lasts approximately 1-1.5 hours and includes transport and food for those who need it while exploring with their group.

12. Andretti Indoor Karting and Games

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games is a great place to visit if you're looking for something else to do in Orlando other than theme parks. The venue offers go-kart racing, laser tag, arcade games, and more. It's perfect for both kids and adults. There's something for everyone at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games.

You can race your friends or family members on the go-kart track, compete in a game of laser tag, or try to beat your high score in one of the many arcade games. There's also a restaurant and bar, so you can take a break from the action and refuel. The facility is enormous, so there's plenty to do. Plus, it's air-conditioned, so it's a great place to escape the Florida heat.

Regardless of what you choose to do, you're sure to have a great time at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games.

13. Kayaking

Orlando's waterways offer plenty of adventure! Kayaking is a great way to explore the area. You can rent kayaks from many places or even go on guided kayaking tours. Orlando has several options, ranging from short explorations to overnight trips. You can also rent kayaks for individual use in lots of places including the Blue Springs. This outing on the St. John’s River allows you to see the top predators up close.

If you're looking for things to do with kids of any age, kayaking is one of the best options because it can help children develop hand-eye coordination and balance. Additionally, it's an excellent activity for families to do together.

There are many other things for the avid adventurer in Orlando besides theme parks. These include visiting museums and parks and taking in the city's nightlife. Orlando is a great place to visit, with loads of activities.

14. Ripley's Believe It or Not!

Check out Ripley's Believe It or Not! for something different to do in Orlando rather than the usual theme park fare. It is a museum that features bizarre, odd, and exciting exhibits from around the world that will amaze and entertain you.

You can see shrunken heads, mummies, and other strange artifacts. There's also a fun interactive element where you can test your skills at some challenges. Ripley's is a great way to spend an afternoon if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks.

15. Golfing

Orlando is a center for some of the most remarkable golfing clubs in the world. Here you can find about 200 golf clubs. There are also plenty of affordable courses to suit all skill levels, so even first-time golfers can enjoy a round. Though the number of golf courses in the area is sizeable, it's worth noting that each facility has its unique features and allure. The golf courses in Orlando are popular because they have a lot of character and charm.

Some of the world-class golf courses in Orlando that provide you with beautiful views and offer a fantastic way to spend a day in the sun are:

• Shingle Creek Golf Club
• Orlando County National Golf Club
• Falcons Fire Golf Club
• Celebration Golf Club
• ChampionsGate Golf Club
• Ritz-Carlton Golf Club
• Grand Cypress Golf Club

16. Revolution Adventures

As an individual, family or group seeking a different experience other than theme parks, look no further than Revolution Adventures. Here you can experience adrenaline-pumping activities, from guided adventures on all-terrain vehicles rentals, Jet Ski rentals, archery, and fishing.

Visit Orlando

Orlando has plenty of other things to do alongside its theme parks. Here’s another favorite thing to do in Orlando: Take a cruise along Florida's gorgeous coastline, explore the natural beauty of Central Florida, and have a good time with some friends.

Whether you're looking to spend a day at Universal Studios or want to spend an afternoon away from the crowds and see some of Orlando's best sights, there are plenty of fun things to do in the locality besides the fantastic theme parks.