10 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
Orlando has some of the most incredible theme parks in the world including Disney World and Universal Studios. However, there is so much to do in Orlando other than the theme parks, so here is my list of things you can do besides theme parks on your trip to Orlando:
Manatee Kayaking
During the cooler months, consider heading to Silver Springs, where you can take a kayaking tour and potentially spot Manatees in their natural habitat.
Silver Springs is around an hour and a half's drive from the Disney complex, but it's well worth the journey if you're looking to experience a different side of Florida.
The springs themselves are incredible but kayaking and seeing Manatees is probably my favourite experience in Orlando. They’re such beautiful animals, and seeing them in the wild is an unforgettable experience.
I’ve linked a tour here*.
The tour company I’ve linked to has a Manatee Guardian certificate, which I think is really important. For this experience I recommend checking that the company follows ethical practices and prioritises the animals’ wellbeing.
Mini Golf
Orlando has some amazing mini golf locations.
Disney has two fantastic mini golf locations, each offering two completely different courses. It’s a great way to do something a little different while still enjoying the Disney atmosphere.
Please note: Disney mini golf is an additional cost and is not included with a disney ticket.
The first course is Fantasia Gardens and Fairways Miniature Golf.
Fairways Miniature Golf
The more challenging of the two courses. It doesn’t have as much theming as some of the other Disney courses, but if you’re looking for a proper game of mini golf rather than a themed experience, this is a great choice.
My boyfriend actually said it was the best mini golf course he has ever played, so it’s definitely worth considering if you are a fan of mini golf!
Fantasia Gardens
The more family-friendly option that is inspired by Disney’s Fantasia. The course features colourful music themed decorations, statues and scenes from the film, making it fun for families and Disney Fans.
Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course
If your looking for something more fun and geared up for kids, Winter Summerland is a great option. This course has a fun Christmas theme and is split in two: Summer and Winter.
The festive theming makes this a particularly fun choice.
However, if you are looking for a mini golf course away from the parks consider Pirates Cove located on International Drive and themed after pirates with decorative elements such as sunken ships, waterfalls and dungeons.
Airboat Ride
An airboat ride is a fast-paced and exciting way to experience Florida’s natural wetlands. As you speed across the water, you may spot alligators, turtles and a huge variety of birds along the way.
It’s a really fun and adventurous experience. That being said, I’ll be honest, when I’ve been on airboats before, I haven’t seen a huge amount of wildlife but it is great for a thrilling experience. I have linked a tour that looks good here*.
4. Winter Park
One of my favourite places to visit in Orlando outside of the theme parks is Winter Park. Located just north of Downtown Orlando, this charming area is know for its picturesque streets, boutique shops, beautiful lakes and in my opinion some of the best food stops in the Orlando area.
Here are three things I recommend doing in Winter Park:
Having breakfast at Briarpatch
This is my favourite breakfast spot in the Orlando area and it is one I return to every time I visit.
The food is delicious, and they offer dishes from avocado toast (my personal favourite), to all kinds of benedicts, pancakes and french toast.
Explore the boutique shops
One of my favourite things about Winter Park is simply wandering around its charming streets and discovering the independent shops. You will find everything from crystal shops and olive oil stores to bookshops and boutiques, making it a lovely place to browse at a slower pace
Take the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
For something a little different, book a trip on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. This relaxing one-hour cruise takes you through a series of beautiful lakes and narrow canals, offering a chance to admire the lush scenery, waterfront properties and impressive homes along the way.
My Tip
I would combine Winter Park with a leisurely breakfast at Briarpatch, a wander around the shops and the scenic boat tour. It makes a lovely half-day trip and is one of my favourite ways to enjoy Orlando beyond its famous theme parks.
5. Level 99
Maybe I’m slightly cheating by including this one, but Level 99 was the best thing I did on my last trip to Orlando, so I couldn’t leave it off this list!
Located in Disney Springs, Level 99 is an interactive challenge room experience. Where you and your group can do challenges ranging from physical activities to puzzles that test your problem-solving skills.
You can book either a 1.5 or 2.5 hour session.
I’ve previously done The Cube and the Crystal Maze in London, and I have to say, Level 99 beats both of them.
One of the things I love about Level 99 is that you go round completely independently. You can choose which rooms you want to attempt, meaning you can focus on the challenges that appeal to you rather than having to follow a pre-determined route.
There’s such a huge variety of challenges that everyone in your group should find something they enjoy. This is definitely one of my must-dos for your trip.
6. Kennedy Space Center
Around an hour to an hour and a half from Orlando, Kennedy Space Center is well worth a visit, particularly if you have an interest in space exploration. Some of the most significant moments in space history have taken place here.
Today, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex lets you explore the history of the space programme, see real rockets up close and learn about future missions.
There’s plenty to experience, from the Shuttle Launch Experience simulator to the bus tour, which takes you around NASA’s spaceport and offers a closer look at the facilities used for space exploration.
It’s a great day trip if you fancy a break from the theme parks and want to experience something a little different during your time in Orlando.
7. Apopka Wildlife Drive
One hidden gem I only recently discovered is Apopka Wildlife Drive, and it’s well worth adding to your Orlando itinerary if you enjoy wildlife.
This completely free, 11-mile drive takes you along a one-way route through Florida’s beautiful wetlands, where you can spot an incredible variety of wildlife. We saw so many alligators that it genuinely felt like going on our own alligator safari! You can also look out for turtles and a huge variety of birds along the way.
It’s a fantastic way to spend a morning away from the theme parks and experience a different side of Florida, without spending a penny. Just make sure you check the opening days and times before visiting, as access is limited to specific hours.
8. East End Market
If, like me, you love discovering great food when travelling, I highly recommend adding East End Market to your Orlando itinerary. This neighbourhood food hall brings together a fantastic selection of independent food businesses, local chefs and Orlando's food entrepreneurs. It’s a great place to wander around, try something new and discover some of the city's best independent food spots.
My Top Spots to Try
Winter Park Biscuit Company
A fully vegan restaurant that will genuinely blow you away, you will forget you are eating vegan food. Definitely try the Chik Strips.
Domu
A popular spot for modern Japanese cuisine, Domu is particularly well known for its ramen and delicious wings. It was featured in the 2022 Michelin Guide, making it a great addition to your Orlando foodie bucket list. I'd recommend ordering the wings alongside a bowl of whichever ramen takes your fancy.
Gyukatsu Rose
Featured in the 2026 Michelin Guide, Gyukatsu Rose is another great option for Japanese food lovers. Specialising in gyukatsu, a Japanese dish of breaded and fried beef cutlets, it's a chance to try something a little different. They also serve Japanese breakfast sets.
Gideon's Bakehouse
If you've visited Disney Springs, you might recognise Gideon's Bakehouse, famous for its cookies. The East End Market location can be a great alternative if you'd rather avoid the queues that often build up at Disney Springs. My personal favourites are the Original Chocolate Chip and Banana Bread cookies, so make sure you pick one up while you're here!
These are just a handful of the fantastic businesses you'll find at East End Market, with plenty of other independent eateries and food stalls to explore. I'd recommend arriving hungry, taking your time to wander around and seeing what catches your eye. It's a lovely way to experience a different side of Orlando beyond the theme parks.
9. Great Movie Escape
Once again, this is slightly cheating as it’s located on Universal property, but if you have some extra time in Orlando, The Great Movie Escape is a really fun activity and well worth considering.
Located at Universal CityWalk, it’s a separate attraction with an additional cost, so you don’t need a theme park ticket to take part.
There are two adventures to choose from: Back to the Future and Jurassic World. However, this is much more than your traditional escape room. You’ll move through multiple rooms, tackling different challenges along the way, with incredibly detailed sets and special effects throughout.
It’s a seriously high-budget production and is done incredibly well. If you’re a fan of either film, it genuinely feels like stepping straight into the movie, making it a great option for something a little different during your Orlando trip.
10. Visit St Augustine
I haven’t visited St Augustine yet, but it has been on my list for so long! Located around a two-hour drive from Orlando, it looks like the perfect day trip if you fancy exploring somewhere a little different from the theme parks.
St Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the United States, making it a fascinating place to explore, with plenty of history, charming streets and beautiful coastal views.
One of the best ways to see the sights is to take a trolley tour, which will take you around the city's main attractions. I’d also recommend spending some time wandering along St George Street, where you can browse the boutique shops, discover historic buildings and stop off at one of the many cafés.
For something a little spookier, add the St Augustine Lighthouse to your itinerary. It's known for its haunted history and is a popular stop for anyone interested in the city's ghost stories.
Although I haven’t made it here just yet, St Augustine looks like a beautiful place to spend the day and a great addition to your Orlando itinerary if you want to experience a different side of Florida.
Final Thoughts
While Orlando is best known for its incredible theme parks, there is so much more to discover. From kayaking through Florida's beautiful natural springs and spotting alligators in the wild to exploring charming towns, discovering independent food spots and trying something completely different at Level 99, there really is something for everyone.
Whether you're planning a longer Orlando holiday or simply want to add a few different experiences to your Disney or Universal trip, I'd highly recommend making time to explore beyond the parks. Some of my best memories from my trips to Orlando are from experiences outside the theme parks.
If you're planning your own trip, take a look at my Ultimate Orlando Itinerary for more tips on how to make the most of your time in Florida.
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