When you think about Orlando, Florida, you probably think about Mickey Mouse, Disney World, and Universal Studios, but you should know that Orlando has many other interesting places to see and things to do other than just visiting theme parks. From museum hopping to kayaking to wine tasting; there are so many entertaining places to explore and activities to do when visiting Orlando.
Orlando is one of our favorite destinations in Florida, especially during the winter months. The city is an excellent base camp when exploring Central Florida. Because of its reputation for being a popular tourist destination, there are numerous lodging options that are perfect for people that are either traveling on a budget or seeking out luxurious 5-star accommodations.
Orlando has a little something for everyone. From adults-only to wholesome, family-friendly attractions. Orlando has a lot to offer besides just amusement parks. In this video, we’re going to be highlighting some of these activities and destinations so that your next trip to Orlando won’t just involve you waiting in lines and taking selfies with grown men dressed up as characters from children’s films.
Nona Adventure Park
If you’re looking for a unique thing to do on a hot Florida day, consider challenging yourself to a floating obstacle course over at Nona Adventure Park.
There, you and your family will find endless hours of entertainment swinging, running, climbing, and jumping at Adventure Lake. If you have younger children, keep in mind that the minimum age requirement to participate is 5 years old.
Kennedy Space Center
Here at Nasa’s launch headquarters, you can meet real astronauts, see rockets, take part in challenging simulated flight situations, and if you’re lucky, you can even witness an actual live launch. The Kennedy Space Center is located about an hour east of Orlando near a town called Titusville.
Attractions and exhibits are divided into distinct ‘Mission Zones’ and will take visitors on a historical journey chronologically from the beginning of mankind’s exploration of space to current missions and ongoing projects in space.
If you’re hoping to catch a real launch, Make sure you consult the Kennedy Space Center’s schedule of events to see if you can coordinate your visit around any upcoming launches.
Gatorland
If you’re an animal lover or just happen to have a fascination with the Everglades, this 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve is packed full of interactive exhibits, thrilling rides, and alligator-themed entertainment. Granted, some might just consider this to be another tourist trap, but there is a reason why Gatorland is also known as the Alligator capital of the world.
There are so many things to get into here. The park features 1,200 feet of zip lines, an observation tower, a train ride that takes you on a tour throughout the park, and even an aviary. Multiple live shows are scheduled every day so there is no shortage of live entertainment. Make sure that you check out the four rare white alligators that the park is fortunate enough to house. You might not ever get an opportunity to see one again.
WonderWorks
Travelers with younger children will appreciate this interactive museum and science center. Located just north of the Orange County Convention Center, Wonderworks features over 100 hands-on exhibits that will be sure to keep you and your family busy and entertained for hours.
The first thing that you’ll notice about WonderWorks is the building’s attention-grabbing upside-down construction. Once inside you’ll find a rope course, earthquake simulator, 6-D motion ride, laser tag, and tons of other activities and exhibits that won’t disappoint.
Hey, not to get too off-topic, but if you’re enjoying this video so far, make sure you take a second to show us a little token of your appreciation by giving it a like and by subscribing to the Viewcation channel.
Museum of Illusions
If you don’t mind having your perception of reality shattered, then you should really pay a visit to Orlando’s Museum of Illusions. There you will find more than 50 exhibits that will make you question your senses while seemingly defying the known laws of physics.
Take your world for a spin in the Rotating Room or get lost in space inside the Infinity Room. And if something’s been getting you down, take a load off in the fantastic Anti-Gravity Room.
Lake Eola
A fun and potentially romantic thing to do while visiting downtown Orlando is renting a Swan boat on Lake Eola. These boats can hold up to five people but they are also pretty perfect for paddling out onto the water with a hot date.
The lake which is located in the center of downtown is home to five species of Swan. They first showed up at the lake in 1922 and have been returning ever since. If you’re looking for something free to do before or after going out on the water, you can always take a walk on the paved trail that encircles the lake.
World of Chocolate Museum and Café
This destination is for all of you sweet-toothed travelers out there. At the World of Chocolate Museum, you’ll learn all about where chocolate comes from while sampling treats made right there in the facility and from all over the world.
One of the most intriguing attractions is the two dozen famous landmarks that are carved out of solid chocolate. If you’ve ever dreamed about what it would be like to take a bite out of the Eiffel Tower or The Statue of Liberty, you’ll never get closer to that noble goal than here.
Madame Tussauds
Famous for their life-sized, strikingly realistic wax figures of stars from film, television, music, sports, pop culture, and history, Madame Tussauds of Orlando is without a doubt one of the best spots in Orlando to take a selfie. While taking photos is not permitted in some Orlando attractions, Madame Tussauds actually encourages it. You can even meet some of the world’s most popular superheroes at the Justice League: A Call For Heroes exhibit.
The Wheel at Icon Park
Known as the Orlando Eye, The Wheel at ICON Park is a massive 400 foot Ferris wheel that offers riders an unparalleled bird’s eye view of the surrounding area. But The Wheel isn’t the only thing that ICON Park has going for it. You’ll also find attractions like thrill rides, arcades, and fun, family-friendly restaurants to eat at like Sugar Factory, Shake Factory, Tin Roof, and Yard House.
Sea Life Aquarium
Located at ICON Park, this aquarium is a great spot to spend a rainy day or to simply escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s not the largest aquarium in the world, but it is well designed to provide visitors with experiences that are up close and personal and is home to hundreds of species of sea creatures as well as dozens of interactive exhibits. Stroll through the 360-degree clear glass ocean tunnel and witness sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays swimming around you. Young children will also appreciate the hands-on touch pool.
The Escape Game Orlando
If you grow tired of thrill rides and museums, spend the afternoon with a group of friends or family solving one of several themed escape room games. You’ll be given an hour to put your problem-solving skills to the test as you work cooperatively to escape before you run out of time.
You’ll have the choice of several uniquely themed games like Playground, where you’ll be teleported back to your childhood to do some wacky classroom assignments, or Prison Break, where you and your friends will stage a daring escape from a prison cell.
Congo River Adventure Golf
If you’re interested in some award-winning classic family fun, Congo River Adventure Golf has what you’re looking for. This fully decked-out mini-golf course will take you on an epic adventure as you put through mysterious caves and tropical rainforests, feed live gators, play video games, and challenge your friends to one truly unique basketball hoops game.
The World’s Largest Mcdonalds
This huge two-story, 18,716 square foot, building features an arcade, playland, and a 30-foot tall statue of Ronald McDonald. And as opposed to your standard McDonald’s restaurant, this one offers way more in the way of food options than their typical menu. Enjoy a brick-fired pizza, omelets, pasta, and even Belgium Waffles. Plus, if you work up a late-night appetite, this epic McDonald’s is open 24 hours a day.
Orlando Science Center
Your next vacation doesn’t have to be just fun and games. You might just learn a thing or two if you visit the Orlando Science Center. The museum has four floors full of interactive exhibits, hands-on labs and workshops, two movie theaters, a domed observatory, and even a laser light show.
The Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve.
Located just a few miles away from Disney’s Magic Kingdom, the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve is a county park that features a small nature center, butterfly garden, picnic area, and 3.4 miles of hiking trails. It’s a wonderful place to take your family when you need a break from the crowds and it’s also a great spot to bring a packed lunch. And the best thing is, it’s also absolutely free to visit.
Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show
This 90-minute improvisational comedy show is well worth the admission price. The comedien’s featured in the show will draw you in with active audience participation. You’ll also witness magic tricks and even a little mind-reading. While you take in the show, you can enjoy a casual dining experience consisting of pizza, salad, dessert, and bottomless beverages.
It’s also worth noting that this show is appropriate for all ages so you won’t have to worry about any foul language or inappropriate subject material.
Gray Line Orlando Tours
Perhaps the best way to really see Orlando in all of its glory is on a Gray Line Orlando Tour. Their City of Orlando Tour is a great way for first-time visitors to experience all that Orlando has to offer. After all, Orlando is a major metropolitan area with a lively downtown scene. It always helps to have a guide that really knows the lay of the land.
The tour starts off by taking you through Lake Eola near Winter Park and then heads on over to the town of Celebration, an ideal community designed by Walt Disney himself where you can appreciate some of the unique architecture that this great American city is known for.
Orlando Watersports Complex
If you’re a fan of aquatic sports, you’ll be happy to learn that Orlando is home to one of the largest cable wakeboard parks in the United States.
Instead of being tugged along by a boat, a steady cable hanging over your head does all of the work. The park offers private lessons that teach first-timers how to get up riding on their own. Once you get the hang of it, you’re then allowed to practice on your own while attempting to pull off any tricks that you care to try.
While Orlando is practically synonymous with Disney and theme parks, there are literally hundreds of other attractions worth experiencing there. Sure, Disney World and Universal Studios are a blast to visit, but they don’t have to be the only places that you and your family visit on your next vacation.
Anyway, you’ve heard me ramble on for a while, now’s your turn to let your voice be heard. In the comments section below, let us know what some of your favorite things to do and see in Orlando are.
And before you go, make sure you take a moment to show us a little support by giving this video a like and by subscribing to the Viewcation channel if you haven’t already. Tap the bell to turn on notifications. That way you can keep up with all of our latest and upcoming videos.
And as always, Thanks for watching. We’ll see you soon.