Holidays in Florida can mean a lot of things: uncomfortably warm weather, even more traffic than usual, and the annual hosting of visitors. This year, if you want to keep the family busy with impressive Orlando hidden gems (and no theme parks), here are 25 activities for you and your out-of-towners to enjoy.

Wander through the Orlando Museum of Art

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: Photo via Orlando Museum of Art/Facebook
Dine and shop local in the Milk District Orlando The official headquarters of the dairy company T.G. Lee gave this community its name nearly 100 years ago, and today, the area rages on as a hub for shopping, dining, drinking and plenty of live entertainment. Catch a specific event like one of the area’s block parties, live music showcases, vintage shopping events, bar crawls and more — or go for a leisurely stroll. You’re sure to find a good time no matter the occasion. Credit: Photo via Etoile Boutique/Facebook
Test your nerves at Gatorland 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: Photo via Gatorland/Facebook

Take a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour


It may not sound like the most thrilling activity to do around town, but these tours draw crowds for a reason. Tourists and locals alike stand to learn something from these slow-traveling vessels and their brave, actually 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
Go manatee sighting at Three Sisters Springs 1 hour, 35 minutes from Orlando It’s manatee central here. Known as the manatee capital of the world, Three Sisters Springs might be the best spot to swim and spot one of the massive animals. Even if you decide not to do a manatee tour, the clear water allows everyone to get the chance to lay eyes (never hands!) on one. Credit: Photo via Three Sister Springs/Facebook

Paddle your way through Lake Eola Park

512 E. Washington St., Orlando
Right in the heart of Orlando is Lake Eola Park, a glistening body of water surrounded by ample space for picnicking, sightseeing and taking a breather just outside of the bustle of downtown. It’s an essential spot for Orlandoans to know – and bonus points for actually riding in the tourist-adored swan boats. Credit: Photo via Lake Eola Park/Facebook

See a show (and grab a drink) at Enzian Theater

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: Photo via Enzian Theater/Twitter
Get wild at Central Florida Zoo 3755 W. Seminole Bouelvard, Sanford The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a relatively cheap spot perfect for all ages. The zoo offers scads of animal viewings 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: Photo via Central Florida Zoo/Facebook
Sip the day away at Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards 19239 U.S. Highway 27, Clermont Lakeridge Winery brings a tiny taste of Napa Valley to Central Florida. The more-than-80-acre plot of grape-planted vineyards is the perfect place to get lost in Central Florida. Traveling wine lovers and connoisseurs can sample local wines and spend the day in the sunny countryside. Credit: Photo via Lakeridge Winery and Vineyards/Facebook
Become one with nature at Rock Springs Kelly Park 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: Photo via Google Maps

Wally’s Bar and Liquors

1001 N Mills Ave., Orlando
Wally’s has more than once brought home the title of best dive bar in Orlando, according to Orlando Weekly readers. There’s a full bar, patio, darts annndd its very own liquor store. Everything a nightspot needs to supply a good time. Credit: Photo via Wally's Bar and Liquors/Facebook

Conquer a meal at Medieval Times

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: Photo via Medieval Times/Facebook

In your car searching for a precious parking space outside East End Market on a Saturday morning

“Let’s loop around again. And again.” Credit: Photo via East End Market/Facebook
Visit Safari Wilderness Ranch 10850 Moore Road, Lakeland Lakeland’s Safari Wilderness offers its guests a first-hand drive-through experience featuring plenty of exotic wildlife. Safari Wilderness prides itself on being totally different than a zoo or theme park; its emphasis is on immersing its guests in nature. Credit: Photo via Safari Wilderness Ranch/Facebook

Become a student at Orlando Science Center

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: Photo via Orlando Science Center/Facebook
Paddle, kayak, swim or sunbathe on Wekiva Island 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood Wekiva Island offers some ideal outdoor fun without requiring an entire day trip. This Central Florida destination is just under a 30-minute drive from Orlando, and 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: Photo via Wekiva Island/Facebook

Prance through Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Boulevard, 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: Photo via Bok Tower Gardens/Facebook
Grab a bite at a cult-classic Orlando restaurant Multiple locations Orlando locals love to eat. The city is home to dozens of restaurants with cult-like followings, like Beefy King, the Briarpatch and, of course, Kappy’s Subs. Family-owned since 1967, Kappy’s offers a little glimpse into Orlando’s restaurant history, serving classic American fare (like subs, burgers and dogs) across a good old-fashioned all-American diner counter. If you’re a big group, you might want to plan to pick up your sandwiches to go. Credit: Photo via KappysSubsfl.com

Best Restroom


Winner: Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Finalists: Tori Tori, The Glass Knife Credit: Photo via Dr. Phillips Center/Facebook

Run wild at Wildflower Farms

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 ($16 per person) and Fables on the Farm ($13 per person). There’s also goat yoga and plenty of opportunities to run wild with cute critters. Credit: Photo via Wildflower Farms/Facebook
Feed your creativity at Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art 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: Photo via Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art/Facebook

Inhale some fresh air at Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs, FL 32779
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 floridastateparks.org

Soak up some sun with a hotel pool day pass

Multiple locations
There’s plenty of local resorts and hotels offering pool day passes for locals to get some splashing in. At the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, for one, there’s a wave pool, a family pool with a 125-foot waterslide, an adults-only pool and an 850-foot lazy river. After a dip in the pool and a game of mini golf, guests can grab some food from one of 10 unique restaurants nearby. Credit: Photo via Omni Orlando Resort/Facebook
Twin Oaks Conservation Area 2001 Macy Island Road, Kissimmee This grassy trail is perfect for the less experienced hikers, although it is geared toward all abilities. Along the 1.9-mile path, hikers are almost guaranteed to spot plenty of birds throughout the tall grasses and oak trees that line the board walk trail. Credit: Photo via osceola.org
Icon Park 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

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