15 Things To Do In Orlando Other Than Theme Parks

I think most of us have an image come to our minds when thinking of Orlando, Florida. That image is mostly comprised of The Most Magical Place on Earth: Disney World. However, there are so many more cool things to do in Orlando other than theme parks! I hit the ground running this summer trying to find as many unique things to do in Orlando as I could for you guys. So, let’s get into it:

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Things To Do In Orlando Other Than Theme Parks:

1. Ghost Walk Tour – $26+

As a fellow ghost-obsessed traveler, I was actually shocked with how many stories and spots around Downtown Orlando that I didn’t realize were haunted. Our guide was an incredible storyteller, and we had actually upgraded our experience to add some additional hauntings on. Let me tell you…they just kept getting creepier. For real ghost fanatics, make sure to rent an EMF Activity Detector to fact check your guide’s creepy tales along the way.

2. Chocolate Kingdom – $24+

Calling all chocolate lovers! This is one of the sweetest activities in Orlando and a great option for a rainy day. No matter what age you are, I think we can all agree on one thing: Chocolate is fire. This factory has been family-run for over three generations. The chocolatier got together with his Disney producer wife and let me just say: They knew how to entertain us. The 45-minute chocolate factory tour explained the history and process behind making chocolate, of course, with samples all along the way.

3. SEA LIFE Aquarium Orlando – $31+

The SEA LIFE Aquarium in Orlando is home to Florida’s ONLY 360-degree ocean tunnel, where sharks, rays and turtles will literally swim right above your head. There were over 5,000 sea creatures to find here, so both the adults and the kids in the group were kept on their toes while wandering through. In the end, there were also some fun interactive touch pools to explore, too. Have you ever touched a starfish? What about an anemone?

4. Madame Tussauds Orlando – $31+

Even if you’ve been to a Madame Tussauds before, trust me when I say every location is worldly different. The Madame Tussauds in Orlando was home to the classic celebrities and actors, as well as a historical Florida characters exhibit, a presidential suite and even an immersive Justice League theme where you literally become one of the superheroes and can lift a helicopter to save the city alongside your favorites.

Pro Tip: If you plan on visiting both SEA LIFE Aquarium and Madame Tussauds in Orlando, book the combo ticket to save $21 per person. It’s a great deal and the attractions are right next to each other for seamless afternoon plans. You can also add a ride on the Orlando Eye onto your package for a discounted rate.

5. Orlando Eye – $29+

Ferris Wheels are one of the most classic family-friendly activities on vacation, but with good reason! The Orlando Eye gets you a birds eye view from 400 feet in the air (minus the thrill that that Starflyer will get you). However, you’ll be able to see Universal, Epic Universe and Walt Disney World in the distance, which is pretty cool, no matter what time of day you visit.

6. Starflyer – $12+

Got an adrenaline junkie in the group? The World’s Tallest Stand-Alone Swing Ride is located right in ICON Park and honestly, it’s pretty inexpensive for a title like that. You’ll head up to 450 feet in the sky and get flying up to 45 mph, which is a pretty thrilling thing to outside of the theme parks in Orlando. Note that there is a height minimum of 44 inches and liquid courage is available nearby if needed.

7. Gatorland – $37+

This 110-acre theme park could easily consume an entire afternoon on vacation. From babies to 14-foot gators, and even albino gators, you’ll likely see more Florida wildlife than you’ve ever even known to exist. Activities include live shows, a zip line over the alligator breeding marsh and off-road swamp vehicle riding. You can even visit Gatorland at night for their Night Shine, where you’ll get a bucket of raw hotdogs, a flashlight and a whole lotta swamp eyes on you.

8. Wild Florida Drive-thru Safari Park – $35+

Want to feel like you’ve been transported to another country without leaving Florida? At this safari park, you can take a self-guided 4-mile ride through 170 acres of natural scenery and get up close and personal with the wild side. There are over 150 exotic and native animals that call this park home and you can do as many laps as your heart desires with your ticket. Afterward, you can access the Wild Florida Gator Park for free with your ticket and find over 200 additional animals, like gators and capybaras.

9. Polynesian Fire Orlando Luau – $75+

It’s like going to an island luau, except indoors and air-conditioned, which is honestly necessary in this Florida heat depending on the time of year you visit Orlando. Inside, you’ll be transported to the Polynesian islands with a live band, all-you-can-eat buffet, full bar and an exciting fire knife finale to bring the dinner to a close. It’s definitely one of those dinner plans that will make you truly feel like you are on a vacation.

10. Dezerland Park – FREE

Being the largest indoor attraction in Florida, Dezerland Park is another great option for a rainy day in Orlando. Inside, you can visit the Orlando Auto Museum that spans over 850,000 square feet and features over 2,000 cars, including the world’s largest collection of James Bond cars, aircraft and props- but that’s not all. There’s a massive arcade, pinball machines, axe-throwing, go-kart racing, mini golf and event old time photo shoots (that were hilarious might I add).

11. Medieval Times Dinner Theater – $83+

Flash back to the medieval times with this thrilling sword fight over dinner. Six knights will joust in front of your royal feast battling until victory. The horses are actually Pure Spanish horses and the meal is four courses, so it is definitely a (k)night to remember for both the young and the old.

12. The Outta Control Magic Dinner Show – $39+

The only thing better than unlimited fresh-tossed pizza, salad, beer, wine and dessert would be dinner AND a show. This magic show takes place at 6:00 PM each night and is filled with mind-bending illusions, confusing tricks and hands-on participation just when your eyes can’t trust your mind.

13. Blue Man Group Show -$85+

To be honest, it’s been literaly YEARS since I’ve seen the Blue Man Group Show, but I still remember just how exciting it was (even as a teenager)! This is an entertaining show for all ages that blends comedy with music and surprising technology. It’s an easy one to squeeze into your itinerary, too, as the shows only last about 2 hours.

14. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! – $30+

If you’re not into seeing the usual stuff on vacation like pools, theme parks and dinner shows, this may be the experience for you. Ripley’s is filled to the brim with hundreds of rare artifacts and interactive exhibits that can excite any age. I’m talking a 3,197-pound meteorite, film props like Superman’s cape and even astronaut gloves all under the same roof.

15. LED Glow Clear Kayak or Paddleboard Tour – $75+

Skip the theme parks and embark on the outdoorsy side of Orlando instead. There’s a super cool tour where you can choose between an LED Glow Clear Kayak or Paddleboard then head out onto the beautiful Lake Ivanhoe with the city skyline as your backdrop. The experience is about 2 hours long and is both beginner-friendly and kids-friendly, making it a fun addition to your Orlando adventures.

I hope this quick guide gave you a nice head start on planning things to do in Orlando other than theme parks during your vacation. However, if all else fails, you’ve always got the beautiful resort pools to fall back on. If you’re heading to more cities when in Florida, make sure to check out Unique Things to do in Miami Under $100. Happy adventuring!