If the City Beautiful does one thing without flaw, it’s entertainment. Our theme parks are larger than life and in demand for good reason, but there are more ways to fulfill our affinity for thrills than just the parks. All around the city are can’t-miss places where you can step into another world, test your bravery or maybe even learn something new.
Craving the adrenaline rush of a roller coaster? Try getting up-close-and-personal with an alligator at lunch time. Missing being immersed in out-of-this-world theming? Pop into Orlando Museum of Art or Orlando Science Center to really enter a new realm. Want to test your luck in the splash zone? Grab a float and a towel and meet us at Wekiwa Springs.
Here are Orlando’s best attractions that aren’t major theme parks.
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando
Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve located right here in Orlando, along South Orange Blossom Trail. The spot was founded 73 years ago by Owen Godwin on former cattle land, and has ever since been a wildlife adventure and adventure park. Guests can watch the gator feeding shows, hold baby gators or hang out in the petting zoo. Credit: Gatorland/Facebook
777 E. Princeton St., Orlando
If you want to experience some naturally occurring thrills while learning about the world around you, Orlando Science Center has it all. With options and exhibits fit for all ages, it’s a great spot to take the kiddos or enjoy with a group of friends. Credit: Roberto Gonzalez, Orlando Science Center/Facebook
3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a relatively cheap spot perfect for all ages, with scads of animal habitats and tons of educational opportunities. Besides the many wild encounters, the zoo also offers its Wharton-Smith Train Depot, home to a one-quarter-scale model of an authentic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad streamliner, The Champion. Skip the steps and ride around the zoo’s property in style. Credit: Central Florida Zoo/Facebook
2416 N. Mills Ave., Orlando
Soak in some art, learn a bit about your community’s creativity and immerse yourself in all things inspirational at Orlando Museum of Art. Founded in 1924, the museum is home to a rotating series of temporary exhibitions and traveling shows complemented by mainstay works. Guests can also take advantage of the year-round workshops held on site, like art appreciation classes, lectures, films, guided tours, kids’ events and more. Credit: Orlando Museum of Art/Facebook
1151 Tower Blvd., Lake Wales
Open 365 days a year, this historic landmark is known for its Art Deco singing tower and nearly 50 acres of scenic gardens to explore. Bok Tower Gardens single-day admission is $17 and will get you access to garden areas and the 3.5-mile Pine Ridge Preserve hiking trail. Credit: Bok Tower Gardens/Facebook
1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood
Get some much-needed summer sun without having to plan an entire day trip at this Central Florida favorite. Just under a 30-minute drive from Orlando, Wekiva Island offers plenty of water fun for kids: Rent a kayak or paddleboard, play beach volleyball or just splash around in the cool, clear waters. Credit: Wekiva Island/Facebook
445 N. Park Ave., Winter Park
This attraction remains a less touristy sight well worth seeing. The Morse Museum houses the most comprehensive collection of the works of stained glass pioneer Louis Comfort Tiffany in the world, including the masterpiece that is the Tiffany Chapel. Credit: via The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art/Facebook
1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka
This stunning spring is less than 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, inviting locals to escape the city and enjoy all that nature has to offer. The emerald water is perfect to dive into and cool off with friends and family. There’s ample space to have a picnic, making it a top contender for Orlando’s best summer hangout. Wekiwa Springs also has its very own food truck for those who didn’t pack enough snacks. Credit: Photo via Shutterstock
It may not sound like the most thrilling activity to do around town, but these tours draw out crowds for a reason. Tourists and locals alike stand to learn something from these slow-traveling vessels and their brave and entertaining guides. You’ll get to see all the flora and fauna in the area, plus you’ll get a front-row seat to see the biggest, fanciest homes Winter Park has to offer. Credit: Photo via Winter Park Boat Tours/Facebook
65 E. Central Blvd., Orlando
Not only is it inexpensive, the Orange County Regional History Center will keep children busy for hours on end — with educational fun! Admission is $8 per adult and $6 per child between 5 and 12 years old, but on the third Thursday of each month, admission is free from 5 to 8 p.m. Credit: Photo via Orange County Regional History Center/Facebook
5705 East Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, St. Cloud
If you’re willing to take the long route for your Orlando-to-Tampa (or vice versa) travels, Reptile World is a must-do. This reptile zoo features more than 75 species of snakes, lizards, crocodiles, alligators and more. It’s operated by herpetologist George Van Horn, who also puts on venom-milking shows with the park’s resident snakes. Credit: via Reptile World Serpentarium/Facebook
1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando
Head to the Harry P. Leu Gardens for a day admiring the greenery and learning about Florida’s natural landscape. You can also upgrade your summer movie night with Leu Gardens Movie Night. Pack a picnic and bring the whole family for an outdoor movie. Make sure you get there early to claim your spot. Credit: Leu Gardens/Facebook
1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
Enzian Theater has a sizable and attractive patio surrounding its Eden Bar, perfect for enjoying a drink or small bite before catching a movie. From cult classics to the latest buzzing blockbuster, the theater offers daily showings sure to please. Check their schedule for matinees, kids’ showings and special events. Credit: image courtesy Enzian Theater
8375 International Drive, Orlando
It’s theme park-adjacent, but it’s much more modest than the House of Mouse and its peers. Icon Park offers Madame Tussauds Orlando, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium and Museum of Illusions and more at the 20-acre International Drive entertainment complex. Take a ride in the Orlando Eye observation wheel and take in the Central Florida views from 400 feet up. Credit: Photo via Icon Park/Facebook
8449 International Drive, Orlando
Found within Icon Park, the Sea Life Aquarium offers all the under-the-sea classics: kid-friendly touch tanks, fish big and small, and plenty of blue-hued photo ops. Credit: Orlando Sea Life Aquarium/Facebook
4510 W. Vine St., Kissimmee
You don’t have to re-watch Game of Thrones to get in the medieval mood. Right here in Orlando we’ve got jousting knights, mass amounts of bourgeois screaming for bloodshed, and the expectation that you’ll eat with your hands. If that last part’s got you twisted, drink away your reluctance with a strawberry Maiden’s Kiss. Credit: Medieval Times/Facebook
5250 International Drive, Orlando
This massive indoor amusement center offers plenty to do for the whole family, including a bowling alley, go-karts, a movie theater and more. Dezerland is also home to the Orlando Auto Museum, showcasing thousands of vehicles, all valued at more than $200 million. Credit: Dezerland Park/Facebook
400 E. Kelly Park Road, Apopka
Described as Orlando’s own natural lazy river, Rock Springs Kelly Park is the perfect opportunity to relax as you let the river show you around. With the option of kayaking, canoeing and paddle boarding, there are several nooks and crannies to explore at Rock Springs, not even including the various nature trails. Credit: Shutterstock
2218 Carrington Drive, Orlando
Wildflower Farms is a small farmstead located right here in Orlando. Reserve a spot for one of their special kid-friendly events, like Family Time on the Farm ($17 per person) and Fables on the Farm ($14 per person). There’s also baby goat yoga ($25 per person) and plenty of opportunities to run wild with cute critters. Credit: Wildflower Farms/Facebook
747 Machete Trail, Oakland
This trail cuts across a boardwalk along the Lake Apopka shoreline before twining into a shady oak hammock. Hikers have a good chance of spotting animals in the adjacent wildlife preserve. Largely considered a hidden gem, this 150-acre preserve and its network of trails is nestled between Clermont and Winter Garden. Credit: Google Maps
