If you think you’ve seen all there is to see in Orlando after going to the Mouse House and Harry Potter World you’re dead wrong.  There is so much more to do in Orlando than going to the major theme parks. From hidden gems like nearby manatee hangouts and underrated art galleries, here are a few Orlando area activities even locals enjoy.

Go to the beach, any beach Beaches within driving distance If you’re in Orlando you can drive in most directions and will come to the coast before long. If you go east you’ll find surf and if you go west you’ll hit the flat water of the Gulf. Either way, flip a coin and see where it takes you. Photo via clearwater.beach / Instagram
See manatees at Blue Springs State Park 2100 W French Ave, Orange City, 386-775-3663 Blue Springs State Park During the winter as the waters get colder these sea cows swim up river to the springs where the water is a constant 68 to 70 degrees. It’s a perfect time to see these guys chilling in the warmer water. Photo via namrhein12 / Instagram
Splash around and grab a drink at Wekiva Island 1014 Miami Springs Dr, Longwood, 407-862-1500 Wekiva Island Located on the Wekiva River, this little party island is the perfect place to enjoy the fresh spring fed water, while kicking back and having a drink. If you have a little more taste for adventure though, rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard to explore the waterways and feel like you’re in the heart of real Florida. Photo via wekivaisland / Instagram
Take an airboat tour through the swamp at Black Hammock 2356 Black Hammock Fish Camp Rd, Oviedo, 407-365-1244 Black Hammock Airboat Rides This is one of the best ways to see gators in the wild. These boats can get you deep in the marshes and swamp for the best viewing experience. Not to mention there is also a bar and restaurant for unwinding after all that adventure. Photo via fletcher_h / Instagram
Cheer on the Magic or the Lions 400 W Church St, Orlando, Orlando City Stadium 655 W Church St, Orlando Amway Center With three different professional teams and a semi pro team in Orlando there’s never really an off season. You’ve got the choice to watch soccer, basketball or hockey and chances are someone will be playing relatively soon. Photo via a_govic / Instagram
Let your kids go nuts and actually learn something at the Orlando Science Center 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, 407-514-2000 Orlando Science Center Science is modern-day magic and can blow your mind. The Orlando Science Center provides the perfect place to combine learning with fun and spark minds of all ages. Photo via orlandosciencecenter / Instagram
Eat, shop or take classes at East End Market 3201 Corrine Dr, Orlando, 321-236-3316 East End Market With a variety of restaurants and shops East End Market is focused on culture, particularly focusing around quality food. The restaurant Domu also has an awesome wine Wednesday special where it is all you can drink for a flat, reasonable price. Photo via nikkilynne13 / Instagram
Whack golf balls as hard as you can at Top Golf 9295 Universal Blvd, Orlando, 407-218-7714 Top Golf Orlando is known to have a few golf courses but, if you don’t have the patience for a full 18 holes and just want to go for distance Topgolf driving range is a cool way to do it. Plus, they have food and drinks and it’s not really your traditional driving range. Photo via topgolf / Instagram
Eat dinner while watching the silver screen at the Enzian Theater 1300 S Orlando Ave, Maitland, 407-629-0054 Enzian Theater The Enzian is one of the best ways to catch dinner with a show. They are constantly showcasing amazing independent and award winning films, plus their outdoor bar is worth the visit itself and the full menu they offer during movies could stand alone as an independent restaurant. Photo via ninemiranda / instagram
Check out all the museums at Loch Haven Cultural Park 777 E Princeton St, Orlando, 407-246-2283 Loch Haven Cultural Park Loch Haven Cultural Park is home to a number of theaters and museums that really bring the arts to life in Orlando. Whether you’re interested in going to the ballet or the fire museum there is something cool and different to see here. Photo via bouuucche / Instagram
Simulate falling out of a plane at iFly 8969 International Dr, 407-337-4359 iFly indoor sydiving Ever want to jump out of a plane, but nervous about turning into a human slushee upon reaching the earth? Well at iFly the giant fan below your feet will allow you to have the same sensation of falling out of the sky, without the possible consequences of the real thing. Photo via keikutz / Instagram
See all the beasts at the Central Florida Zoo 3755 NW Hwy 17-92, Sanford, 407-323-4450 Central Florida Zoo There’s something about going to the zoo that takes you back to your childhood and reminds you of grade school field trips. Check out a variety of animals, some of which are native to the state of Florida. Photo via kal.cakes / Instagram
Take a scenic boat tour through the Winter Park chain of Lakes 312 E Morse Blvd, 407-644-4056
Get up close and personal with wild animals at Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge 10525 Clapp Simms Duda Rd, Orlando, 407-568-5138 Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge This non-profit is committed to rescuing, raising, rehabilitating and releasing animals that are either injured or orphaned. It’s open to the public and worth a visit to see these guys getting back on their feet. Photo via btnwildlife / Instagram
Spend a day at Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando 512 E Washington St, Orlando Lake Eola The farmers market at Lake Eola, every Sunday, has local vendors selling everything from from food to art. It’s also a great place to bring your dog or paddle around the lake on one of the signature swan paddle boats. Photo via Lake Eola
Learn to wakeboard or waterski at Orlando Watersports Complex 8615 Florida Rock Rd, Orlando, 407-251-3100 Orlando Watersports Complex Whether you’ve never gotten up on a wakeboard or are a professional you’ll be able to enjoy getting on the water here. OWC also has their “get up guarantee,” meaning that if one of their coaches can’t get you riding then it’s your money back. They are also bringing a new inflatable waterpark this spring. Photo via orlandowatersportscomplex / Instagram
Drink a beer and play Mortal Kombat or Donkey Kong at Player1 8562 Palm Pkwy, Orlando, 407-504-7521 Player1 Video Game Bar Player1 offers a huge drink menu and an even bigger videogame menu. With everything from old-school to new, this is the perfect place to get smashed while playing Smash Bros. Photo via spyderpool / Instagram
See massive alligators and other Florida wildlife at Gatorland 14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, 407-855-5496 Gatorland Since Gatorland has been around since 1949 it has some a bit of that old Florida tourism feel, but where else can you see thousands of alligators without having to worry about one taking a chunk out of you? There are other native Florida animals as well, and even a zipline over a gator pit. Not a bad place to walk around and enjoy a Bud Lite Lime. Photo via zane.loce / Instagram
Waste the whole day with a good ole bar hop up on Virginia Drive Virginia Dr & N Mills Ave, phone Virginia Drive If you’ve explored all your drinking options near the parks and downtown Orlando, there is a gem of different bars just north of downtown. This pub crawl map holds a variety of dives to lounges. It has a little bit for everyone. Photo via hellobookitty / Instagram
Go explore Park Ave in Winter Park 110 N Park Ave, Winter Park Downtown Winter Park Park Ave is loaded up with all kinds of shops and restaurants. If you wanted to check out the majority of the shops you could deffinitly make a day out of it. They also have awesome restaurants and killer wine rooms running the whole stretch. Photo via techietravler86 / Instagram
Race your friends at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games 9299 Universal Blvd, Orlando, 407-610-5020 Andretti Indoor Karting and Games As it says in the name this indoor go kart track offers more than just racing. They have bowling, an obstacle course, laser tag, and more. It’s the perfect place to release your inner kid and feel guilt free about it. Photo via andrewfisher20 / Instagram