- Top 5 Things to Do in Orlando
- 5 Things to Do in Orlando for Adults
- 5 Things to Do in Orlando with Kids
- 5 Outdoor Things to Do in Orlando
- 5 Free Things to Do in Orlando
- 5 Day Trips From Orlando
Orlando, Florida, is best known for its sprawling amusement parks, particularly Universal Studios and Walt Disney World. But that’s not all Orlando has to offer. There’s a whole world of culture, food, nature, and unique things to do in Orlando.
We’ve compiled a list of what to do in Orlando besides Disney and the other theme parks. If you’re moving to Orlando or simply looking for ideas for your next day trip to the area, we have some ideas for you.
What to Do in Orlando Besides Disney
To help you experience the city like a true local, we’ve pulled together 25 things to do in Orlando besides theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios.
This curated list highlights the locations for the best food, art, wildlife, outdoor adventures, cultural spots, and hidden gems. Plus, we’ve included links for each so you can easily plan your visit, book experiences, or learn more about each destination.
Whether you’re visiting Orlando for the first time or simply want some fresh ideas beyond the parks, this guide opens the door to everything that makes Orlando unforgettable.
Top 5 Things to Do in Orlando
With so many activities to choose from, it can feel overwhelming trying to decide what to do in Orlando. From our longer lists below, we’ve picked our top five things to do in Orlando so you can spend less time searching and more time doing.
Our five favorites are:
- Count the lounging gentle giant manatees at Blue Springs State Park. Or, if manatees aren’t your thing, enjoy kayaking through the crystal clear spring waters.
- Experience Orlando’s creative scene at CityArts in Downtown Orlando. With constantly changing exhibits and bustling events, CityArts is an attraction that never gets old.
- Adventure close to native alligators at the famous Gatorland. The park has several other exhilarating attractions.
- Sight-see all of Orlando from above in a hot air balloon tour. These thrilling adventures are one of the unforgettable things to do in Orlando.
- Grab the fishing gear from your Orlando self-storage and lure in some catches at some of Orlando’s many lakes.
What Orlando has to offer doesn’t stop here. Keep reading for the full range of the city’s many attractions.
5 Things to Do in Orlando for Adults
Is there anything fun to do in Orlando for adults? Yes! And Orlando isn’t all just family-friendly theme parks. It also offers a number of sophisticated experiences, including relaxing spas, exciting nightlife, and high-end dining. Here are our favorite things to do in Orlando for adults, as well as some recommendations on where to eat in Orlando.
1. Relax With a Pint—or a Tub—of Orlando’s Craft Beer
The Orlando Beer Spa is one of the most unique things to do in Orlando. Inspired by European beer spas, the owner brought the concept to Florida. Here, you can soak in a tub of hops and barley and enjoy the vitamins and minerals without the alcohol. With saunas, craft brews on tap, and private rooms, the spa delivers a fully immersive experience.
2. Catch an Improv Show at SAK Comedy Lab
As Orlando’s premier improv theater, SAK Comedy Lab was the launching pad of comedy stars like Wayne Brady and alumni who went on to Saturday Night Live, Scrubs, and The Office. There are shows most nights of the week, and you can even enroll in improv classes to develop your own comedy skills.
3. Experience a Thrilling View of Orlando in a Private Hot Air Balloon
A hot air balloon tour from Greater Orlando Balloon Rides is one of our favorite things to do in Orlando for couples. You can book a private sunrise balloon tour or join others in a shared balloon. Since the balloons rely on the wind, no two tours are alike, but each one ends with a traditional champagne toast.
4. Wine, Dine, and Shop in Orlando’s Bustling Districts
If you aren’t sure what to do in Orlando for adults, stroll through ICON Park and choose from dozens of attractions and restaurants. Or, head just north of Orlando to the Park Avenue District for fine dining and high-end boutiques.
5. Check Out Orlando’s Indie Boutiques, Art Galleries, and Lakefront Views
If you don’t want to travel too far north from Orlando but still want good shopping and food, Ivanhoe Village is a perfect option. On a short stroll through one of the best neighborhoods in Orlando, you’ll find boutiques, art galleries, breweries, and stunning sunsets along the water
5 Things to Do in Orlando with Kids
Orlando is packed with hands-on adventures, wildlife encounters, and unforgettable attractions perfect for every age. Here’s a list of ideas for what to do with kids in Orlando that brings together some of the area’s most family-friendly experiences.
1. Tour Citrus Groves in a Monster Truck
At Showcase of Citrus, the whole family gets to enjoy the fresh Florida air as you pick your own citrus, encounter exotic and farm animals, and mine gems. Admission is free; you only pay for the experiences you choose.
2. Play and Learn at the Orlando Science Center
If you’re looking for what to do in Orlando with toddlers, the Orlando Science Center is perfect with its hands-on exhibits, immersive theaters, and toddler-friendly play areas. Each area is carefully designed to inspire science learning in fun ways.
3. Get Close to Florida Wildlife at Gatorland
Known as the Alligator Capital of the World, Gatorland lets everyone in the family see gators from a safe distance, zipline over 130 giant alligators, and climb up Croc Rock.
4. Feed Native Butterflies
At Luka’s Nursery Butterfly Encounter, located northeast of Orlando, you’ll step into a conservatory full of hundreds of butterflies native to Florida. Here, you can participate in a hands-on feeding experience, where butterflies land on your fingertips after you dip them in nectar that attracts them. Don’t miss the button quail and exotic finches or picnic on the grounds.
5. Spark Curiosity at WonderWorks
With over 100 interactive exhibits in this iconic upside-down house, WonderWorks blends science, creativity, and fun. There’s something for everyone as you experience extreme weather, test your strength in physical challenges, learn what it feels like to train to be an astronaut, and enjoy a magic-themed dinner show.
5 Outdoor Things to Do in Orlando
With so much sunny weather, there’s no shortage of outdoor things to do in Orlando, making it the perfect excuse to get the gear out of storage. Just don’t forget to properly store your summer vacation gear once you’re done with these fun adventures.
1. Hike the Trails at Tibet Butler Nature Preserve
This scenic nature preserve features 3.6 miles of winding trails that offer a peaceful escape for spotting wildlife, birdwatching, and enjoying the natural side of Orlando. You can also catch a variety of exhibits at the preserve’s Vera Carter Environmental Center.
2. Camp, Swim, Paddleboard, and Kayak at Wekiwa Springs State Park
If you’re interested in outdoor day trips from Orlando, Wekiwa Springs State Park offers acres of gorgeous nature to recharge in. The site is considered a natural wonder for its prolific, crystal-clear freshwater, and the park offers miles of forested hiking trails.
3. Take a Boat Tour Along the Butler Chain of Lakes
Covering nearly 5,000 acres, these lakes are popular for peaceful boating days and bass fishing. You can book a tour from Orlando Lake Tours for just $25 per person and cruise through narrow canals shaded by moss-covered cypress trees.
4. Tour Orlando by Bike
Orlando has a handful of paved bike trails that allow you to see some of the best neighborhoods in the city by bicycle. On a ride, you can cruise between cafes and parks or enjoy the scenic views of Orlando’s lakes.
5. Fish at One of Orlando’s Many Lakes
Fish Orlando lists all the places where people can lure in bass, catfish, and even bluegill. Locations include urban ponds, lake chains, and large bodies of water, like Lake Ivanhoe. If you don’t have your own gear, it’s easy to find rentals or even fishing tours.
5 Free Things to Do in Orlando
If you’re wondering what to do in Orlando for free, there are plenty of outdoor spaces, community events, and more that you can enjoy without paying anything at all.
1. Visit the Farmer’s Market at Lake Eola Park
On Sunday mornings, this farmer’s market in downtown Orlando welcomes locals for fresh produce, crafts, baked goods, jewelry, and more. Even if you’re just window-shopping, it’s a great place to get inspired by all the creativity in the Orlando community.
2. Stroll Through the Urban Trail at Greenwood Urban Wetlands
This urban park is nestled in the heart of the city and is the perfect spot for lake views, leisurely strolls, and wildlife watching. There’s even a small dog park where your furry companions can get some exercise.
3. Don’t Miss the Limited-Time Art Exhibitions
CityArts in Downtown Orlando features seven gallery spaces, refreshed monthly to showcase local and international artists. Located within the Rogers-Kiene building, the venue itself feels like an art piece, thanks to its Queen Anne architecture. Visit on a Third Thursday to catch extended gallery hours and a lively street scene with music while you enjoy local food and drink spots.
4. Catch a Free Movie Night
Enzian is an independent cinema that hosts complimentary outdoor movie nights on their lawn as part of their Wednesday Night Pitcher Show program. All you need is a blanket to enjoy these free showings of cult classics.
5. Explore Florida’s Flora and Fauna
The Mead Botanical Garden is a must-visit for your list of what to do in Orlando. The park allows visitors to trek through 47 acres of tranquil nature for free. If you’re lucky, you might even get to witness the night-blooming Cereus plants as their white blossoms slowly open at dusk.
5 Day Trips From Orlando
Located in central Florida, Orlando is perfectly positioned for quick escapes. If you’re ready to explore beyond the city, here are some of the many attractions nearby.
1. Visit the Kennedy Space Center
Just an hour away from Orlando, the Kennedy Space Center is a must-see. You can walk underneath real rockets, get up close to the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and experience astronaut training, all while learning the history of NASA. If you’re lucky, you could also witness a rocket launch from Cape Canaveral.
2. See the Manatees at Blue Springs State Park
Hundreds of manatees gather in Blue Springs State Park. From the park’s boardwalks, you can spot these magnificent creatures lounging in the clear spring water. You can also kayak through the springs, but be warned, while the manatees are considered peaceful, they may just bump into you while you’re paddling.
3. Wander Through Bok Tower Gardens
The iconic 205-foot Singing Tower is the focal point of these gardens in Central Florida’s Polk County. However, the surrounding forests and blooming flora make nearly every pathway feel special. Seasonal flowers add a bonus, making each visit to the garden feel like a new experience.
4. Enjoy the Sun and Surf at Cocoa Beach
It may be a small town, but Cocoa Beach is known for its big surf. This makes it the perfect place to bring the boards and soak up some sun on a day trip from Orlando.
5. Take a Rustic Retreat at Westgate River Ranch
About an hour south of Orlando, this ranch-style escape offers horseback riding and ranges for archery and skeet shooting. Visit on a Saturday to catch the Saturday Night Rodeo. Or book a stay at one of the glamorous camping sites, also known as “glamping,” which let you enjoy Florida’s nature without giving up your favorite amenities, like a private bathroom.
Make Space for Your Orlando Adventures
There’s no shortage of ideas on what to do in Orlando. From wildlife encounters and vibrant cultural experiences to shopping and fine dining, we hope these lists inspire you on what to do in Orlando.
After all the fun, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all your gear, from kayaks, paddleboards, and surfboards to fishing rods, hiking sticks, and tents. A CubeSmart storage facility near you can help you make space at home and stay organized, making it easier to enjoy all the fun things to do in Orlando.
