Epic Things to Do In Orlando Besides Theme Parks

The city of Orlando is all grown up! It is a diverse and exciting destination with plenty to do besides the theme parks. The culinary scene has matured into a star all on its own. The entertainment is epic, the art scene is surprisingly mature, and Florida is at its best in the many parks and outdoor resources accessible to visitors. 

The theme parks are unmatched anywhere in the world and offer something for kids of all ages, couples, singles, and even seniors. There is no doubt that the parks should be on everyone's bucket list. But there are so many epic things to do in Orlando besides theme parks. You have not really "done" Orlando until you've experienced some of the things on our list of epic things to do in Orlando besides theme parks.

So if you want to take a day or two off from the park scene or don't even have them on your itinerary - no problem, we've got a list that you're going to love. We have ideas for getting a touch of the magic without the admission prices and secrets to doing Orlando like a local. We'll tell you how to visit the best neighborhoods like Winter Park and all of their museums, art, and more. You'll find it all here. 

How about creating a family challenge with a day of Go-Kart racing, an escape room family face-off, an out-of-this-world mini-golf challenge, and a battle of wits with a mystery theatre?

Are you celebrating date night or a special occasion? No Disney needed! There are plenty of great spots. And don't forget your backyard. Most resorts offer excellent amenities and a day at the pool with their slides, games, and other activities can be a welcome respite from the crowds. You're in Florida! Get in the water and enjoy your resort without getting in the car. 

Our Epic Things to Do In Orlando Besides Theme Parks 

Our visitors who can't get enough of Disney and Universal will want to head over to Disney's Boardwalk, Disney Springs, or Universal CityWalk. Or maybe all three! No admission required! 

Disney's Boardwalk Entertainment District is Walt Disney World's shopping, dining, and entertainment district. It is a quarter-mile-long promenade made to look like a quaint mid-Atlantic seaside village from the early 1900s. You can stroll the boardwalk, play midway games and watch the evening street performers. The shopping, dining, and entertainment are plentiful. Sing along with dueling pianos, watch the ultimate sporting events, or dance away your evening. Dining venues include the Abracadabra Bar, Big River Grille & Brewing Works, and lots of other spots for sweets and goodies. 

Another option is Disney Springs, which houses Planet Hollywood, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, and much more delicious food. There are plenty of musical acts, 100 retail shops and lots more. This is a great place to get your Disney on outside of the theme parks. This is the Disney flavor without the theme park admission.

Universal CityWalk - This 30-acre open-air entertainment venue features plenty of restaurants, entertainment, and shopping. Get tropical with the Caribbean-inspired Bob Marley - Tribute to America or join the other parrot heads at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville. Enjoy some rock music at Hard Rock Cafe or show your stuff at the CityWalk's Rising Star, and rock out with a live band and backup singers. Dance until 2 am at the posh “the groove” or Red Coconut Club. Chill out in a free water taxi ride across the water to tour three of Universal's most deluxe resorts. 

Want to hang like a local? Head to Downtown Orlando for a bustling nightlife that offers up just about anything from ultra lounges to quaint and quiet wine bars. The action is non-stop, and they cater to every age and taste. We'll let you in on a secret. Downtown Orlando is home to some fabulous speakeasies. 

Try Mather's Social Gathering, hidden away on the third floor of a furniture building, or The Courtesy. Watch for the green door with the T-shaped handle to access The Treehouse. These hidden gems are a great find and offer up a private club vibe. Hanson's Shoe Repair will require the password from Twitter, but it will be worth the trouble. 

Downtown Orlando offers much more and is where you'll find many locals at the block party every weekend. The range of edgy restaurants is vast, including Artisan's Table for seasonally inspired food or Ember, with its huge outdoor terrace and Mediterranean fare. Other favorites are The Stubborn Mule and The Boheme. The nightlife rocks at Wall St. Plaza, home to seven themed bars connected by an open-air courtyard. 

Winter Park is a quaint and charming town full of culture, heritage, museums, galleries, outdoor eateries, and eclectic shopping. This favorite town in Central Florida is another of the Orlando locals' favorites. Enjoy the fabulous older homes that line the streets in this picturesque city. Relax in a gastropub or wine room, stroll the art galleries and museums, or find those perfect gifts in the upscale boutiques that also line the street. 

Some of the best dining is at Chez Vincent, for some traditional French cuisine, serving some of the finest French food. Dine tapas-style at Bulla Gastrobar for a lovely Spanish bar experience tasting lots of different fresh flavors and delectable cocktails. Save room for dessert at The Glass Knife. The choices seem endless. 

You have only to get to International Drive to discover another world of attractions, dining, and activities. ICON Park is an excellent spot with some pretty exciting attractions and dining venues. The parking is free too! Check out ICON Park and their signature ride, The Wheel, which will have you soaring high above the city and theme parks. This is a one-of-a-kind experience. While at ICON Park, you can also check out other attractions like Madame Tussauds.

Orlando has a vast range of outdoor attractions and recreational activities, including some ecotourism in the great outdoors. You are at the gateway to Central Florida's many options. Here are some of our favorite ways to play outdoors and things to do in Orlando besides theme parks. 

Orlando offers endless opportunities for ziplining, airboat rides, and wildlife encounters. You may want to start with Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, located in Kissimmee near Walt Disney World. You'll zip across the waters of the famous Florida Everglades at speeds of up to 40 mph, where you'll encounter a range of wildlife. Ask about night expeditions!

How about feeding a giraffe? Head over to the Giraffe Ranch in Dade City, just an hour from Disney. You'll feel like you're in Africa as you get to visit with giraffes and other species amongst the open grasslands and 47 acres of countryside adjoining the green swamp, full of orchids, pastures, and wetlands. 

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park is just what you need to burn off some of that vacation energy and excitement. They feature 97 challenges for climbers of all skill levels, including nets, swings, ropes, and a trapeze. You'll be clipped in a safety cable and take direction from a trained instructor, so don't worry about that! 

When you are ready to get away from the crowds, head to Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve and enjoy Florida outdoors. This country park is located just minutes from Disney's Magic Kingdom and offers a small nature center, butterfly garden, and 3.4 miles of trails. This is a great place to have a picnic, chill out and stretch your legs. 

Bok Tower Gardens is just 10 miles from LEGOLAND Florida and is a National Historic Landmark. The Gardens are 700 acres of citrus groves, woodland gardens, nature trails, and endangered plants. It is breathtaking year-round. 

Put family first on this family vacation by creating a day and evening of family challenges. Play through two "out of this world" 18-hole mini-courses that are based on two vintage creature classics - "The Haunting of Ghostly Greens" and "Invaders From Planet Putt." Hollywood Drive-In Golf at Universal CityWalk is lots of fun with this sci-fi night spent with the "little green men." Located in Universal's CityWalk, there's lots more to see and do while you're there. Check out Universal CityWalk above.

Is it time to put the family to the test with more challenges? Head on over to Andretti Indoor Karting & Games, where you'll find attractions for all ages. At this indoor amusement park, show your need for speed on a high-speed go-kart. This 150,000-square-foot facility features multi-level go-kart racing, 12 lanes of boutique bowling, 120 arcade games, laser tag, extreme rope courses, and much more. Let the challenges begin!!

Put those brains to the test with The Escape Room Game Orlando. Located on International Drive, this is the top escape room in the area. It is an immersive, 60-minute adventure where you'll work with your team to overcome challenges, follow clues and complete a mission. This is tons of fun for the family or a group. 

Take your love to a new height when you soar gently across the Orlando skyline with Orlando Balloon Flights. This is the world's first and safest form of flight. Pack the excellent wine and take off for romance.

Rent a swan boat at Lake Eola, just minutes from downtown, and enjoy the fountains and feed the real swans. 

Plan a day and evening in picturesque Winter Park. Stroll the gorgeous streets, and tour by water via Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. Browse the Morse Museum, where you'll see the largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s work. Pick a romantic spot for dinner like Chez Vincent and then coffee and dessert at The Glass Knife. Winter Park is the perfect date spot. 

Rent a private capsule on the Wheel at ICON Park and have a romantic toast to the city of magic. The Wheel soars 400 feet high, offering breathtaking views and a private view of the skyline. Add a bottle of champagne to up the ante. 

And for the most special of occasions, head over to Victoria and Albert's in Disney’s Grand Floridian for a fantastic dinner overlooking the water in a plush and vintage Victorian ambiance. Try the chef’s fixed menu for a true epicurean delight and a wonderful and memorable dining experience. 

The most overlooked destination in Orlando - your resort! Many of the resorts, even those not part of Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando, offer fantastic water parks, slides, and even lazy rivers. Explore what there is to do at your resort's pool and check out the activities and restaurants. You may just want to spend the day there having some aquatic fun in the pool or strolling their trails and parks. 

 There are hundreds of things to do in Orlando besides theme parks. For more ideas, check out more Top Things to Do in Orlando or these Free Things to Do in Orlando.