7 Non-Theme Park Things to do in Orlando
Orlando is known for its theme parks and high-octane entertainment venues, but this sunny city has even more to offer
Spend some time getting to know Orlando beyond its big attractions. You'll find opportunities to get outdoors to enjoy nature and learn about the area's wildlife. Want to fuel your adventurous side? Go zip-lining through treetops, ride horseback through a forest—or even serve up a snack to a hungry alligator! With so much to offer, let’s take a look at the Orlando travel guide of the top 7 non-theme park ideas.
1. Orlando Science Center—From Dinos to Outer Space
Explore everything from outer space to prehistoric creatures that used to roam earth at the Orlando Science Center. Meander through the dinosaur exhibit as your kids stare in awe at the toothy grins smiling down at them. Then head for Jurassic Ridge, a 540-square-foot excavation site where the whole family can dig for buried fossils. Children under 48 inches tall are welcome at Kids Town, a miniature hands-on city with everything from an orange juice processing plant to an automotive garage.
You may have already taken a spin on Disney World’s Space Mountain, now take a deeper look into space at the Our Planet, Our Universe exhibit. It features fascinating images from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and hands-on science exploration stations. Visit the Crosby Observatory and peer through its telescope in search of galaxies, nebulas and neighboring planets. Another popular exhibit at the Orlando Science Center is Severe Weather Center 9, a working replica of Orlando’s local station, WFTV’s weather set.
2. Gatorland Orlando—Real Gators and Zip Lines
There's nothing artificial about the gators at Gatorland. Though sometimes referred to as a theme park, this attraction is smaller and offers a more intimate experience than the mega parks of today. Take part in Adventure Hour, a supervised visit to the Alligator Breeding Marsh where the whole family can help feed the hungry gators. Pack your flashlight and head out into the darkness for the Gator Night Shine, a walk along the elevated pathways across the marsh. Tour guides bring food to encourage the gators to get nice and close. Be brave and enter the Gator Wrestlin' Arena to pose for a picture while sitting on the back of a live gator.
As if feeding a live gator didn’t get your heart racing, take a ride on the Screamin' Gator Zip Line. Five zip lines, ranging from 230 feet to more than 500 feet in length, launch from towers up to 65 feet high. You can fly along at nearly 30 miles per hour—but don’t look down—you’ll zip over the Alligator Breeding Marsh along with other park attractions.
3. Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens—Animals and Adventure
Spend the day at the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Sanford, a 22-mile drive north from Orlando. If you’ve got little ones, the property also features the Massey Services Insect Zoo, a hit with kids that love creepy-crawlies and the hands-on Barnyard Buddies Children's Zoo. Other kid-friendly attractions include the Little Florida Railroad, Animal Carousel and the KaBoom! Playground.
The Zoom Air Adventure Park lets you explore the zoo from tree level. A series of zip lines, landing zones and rope bridges takes you through the tree canopy overlooking the animal enclosures. Be sure to check out the WOW Balls attraction—where you can literally walk on water. Step inside your own transparent bubble and make it spin, roll and float on the surface of a giant pool, then cool down at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground near the zoo entrance.
4. Lake Eola Park—Swan Paddle Boats
Located near the heart of downtown, Lake Eola is the go-to place when you're looking for a little exercise close to hotels in Orlando that are in the center of the city. A pathway encircles the lake, perfect for power walking, running or just taking in the scenery. Rent a swan-shaped paddle boat and get out on the water. Each boat holds five people, so make it a family affair. The Relax Grill, near the paddle boat rentals, offers dining with a view.
If you visit on a Sunday, take advantage of the Eola Sunday Market. On Fridays, catch a movie under the stars at the Walt Disney Amphitheater. Bring blankets and chairs and find a comfy spot on the pet-friendly lawn. Grab a snack or refreshment for the show from your choice of local food vendors as well as a beer and wine garden.
5. Forever Florida—Nature Preserve and Adventure Park
Looking for adventure? Drive about 50 miles south of downtown to Forever Florida, a 4,700-acre nature preserve in St. Cloud. Explore the wilderness by zip line, on horseback or on a motor coach tour. On Saturdays, the Starlight and Moonlight Zipline Adventure lets you run the course at night, for a thrilling nighttime ride.
Experience what life could have been like for Native Americans in the 1500s as you follow ancient Indian trails on The Horseback Adventure. You might even get a little wet as you ride across Bull Creek. More experienced riders can saddle up for the Rawhide Roundup and participate in a real cattle drive.
Go on your very own safari on The Wild Coach Adventure. Snap pictures of alligators, bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys and even the rare Florida panther while riding in an open-air motor coach that roams over dry land and through swamps. It’s free for kids 5 and under. Don’t forget the camera!
6. Harry P. Leu Garden—Fragrant Flowers and Butterflies
Think you’ve got a green thumb? Harry P. Leu was an avid gardener and horticulture enthusiast. He and his wife traveled the world to bring back exotic plants to add to their collection. When the pair died, their house and the 50 acres of manicured gardens were donated to the city of Orlando. Walk the pathways that lead through a tropical rain forest and a formal rose garden. Explore the butterfly garden, where these delicate winged creatures might even land on your nose. Cap off your visit with a tour of the couple's vintage home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
7. Kelly Park/Rock Springs Run—A Relaxing Day of Tubing
Tubing and swimming beckon water lovers to Rock Springs, roughly 30 miles north of Orlando. The natural spring water has an average temperature of 68° F. It's a popular spot that is often filled to capacity in the summer, so go early. Kelly Park is open year-round and has full-service concession stands, shaded picnic pavilions and a playground providing fun for all ages.
More to Explore
Orlando Waterfront Dining
No coastline? No problem. You can still have dinner with a view at these spots.