55 THINGS TO DO IN ORLANDO BESIDES THEME PARKS - By Orlando Parents Family Fun Magazine

55 THINGS TO DO
    IN ORLANDO
BESIDES THEME PARKS

By Orlando Parents Family
      Fun Magazine

    orlandoparentsmag.com

55 THINGS TO DO
         IN ORLANDO
     BESIDES THEME PARKS
   When people think of Orlando, they automatically think of
theme parks. While theme parks are fun, and we do love going
 to them, we don’t want to go to them all the time. But what is
    there to do in Orlando besides theme Parks? Here are 55
          activities that you can do in Orlando instead.

INDOOR ACTIVITIES
  SHOWS
            OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

      ANIMALS
                            BOWLING
 GAMES
                   GO KARTS
    RIDES
                  WATER FUN
    SPORTS

       ON A BOAT

Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks –
                   Indoor Activities
Chocolate Kingdom Interactive Factory Adventure Tour
This interactive journey near International Drive reveals how chocolate
transforms from the bean into a creamy, dreamy treat. Guided by a prince and his
dragon sidekick, you’ll go through the attraction’s Cacao Tree Greenhouse,
Chocolate Museum, Mystical River of Chocolate and Bean-to-the-Bar Factory,
which uses old-world machinery. You’ll even have the chance to create a
customized chocolate bar!

Crayola Experience
Enjoy a full day of creative play and colorful fun with more than two dozen hands-
on activities at this family-friendly attraction, located at The Florida Mall®.
Covering two stories and 70,000 square feet, Crayola Experience invites you to
name and wrap your own Crayola crayon, and learn how crayons are made in a fun
live show. You can also sculpt colorful creations at the Crayola Model Magic
compound, watch as your digital art comes to life on a huge interactive wall, and
melt crayons down into shapes.

Escapology
At this International Drive attraction, you and up to seven companions race
against the clock to find clues, solve puzzles and escape inside of 60 minutes.
Scenarios include Antidote, Budapest Express, Cuban Crisis, 7 Deadly Sins, Mansion
Murder, Narco and Under Pressure.

Madame Tussauds Orlando
Orlando’s chapter of this world-renowned attraction is part of ICON Park on
International Drive. Here, you can see lifelike stars from film and television,
music, sports, pop culture and history. And now, you can even meet some of the
world’s best-known superheroes as part of Justice League: A Call for Heroes, an all-
new exhibit featuring the stars of DC Entertainment’s Justice League!
Looking to visit Orlando attractions with the family? Save up to 30% on kid
friendly tours and tickets in Orlando

Morse Museum of American Art
See the works of Louis Comfort Tiffany and other artists and jewelry designers
at the Morse Museum of American Art. You will see paintings, lamps, pottery,
jewelry, art glass and decorative art.

Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is a private science museum located in Orlando,
Florida. View millions of stars in the domed planetarium and peer into their
largest public refracting telescope to catch a breathtaking glimpse of the
Florida night sky.

Putting Edge
This is an indoor mini golf arena which glows in the dark. Your kids will
definitely enjoy a game of mini golf in the dark at Putting Edge, definitely very
different from what they’re used to. They also have video games and snacks
for an additional charge.

Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Don’t be fooled by this International Drive attraction’s outward appearance:
It’s not really falling into a sinkhole! It’s just one of many odd and
unbelievable sights, sounds and experiences at the 10,000-square-foot venue.
Inside, the whole family can enjoy fascinating, interactive exhibits and explore
an impressive variety of artifacts and displays in 16 unique galleries. And the
self-guided, self-paced tour means you’ll have plenty of time to see it all.

WonderWorks
The original “indoor amusement park for the mind” melds education and
entertainment into more than 100 hands-on exhibits for all ages. Features
include six interactive “Wonder Zones” based on a range of themes, as well as
laser tag, a three-story ropes challenge course and the XD Theater 4D Motion
Ride. Also home to The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show, you’ll find it
in the famous upside down building that’s part of Pointe Orlando on
International Drive.

World of Chocolate Museum
Discover this and more at the world of chocolate Museum tour. Where you will
learn everything about chocolate history and try chocolates from around the
world.

Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
                    – Shows

Capone’s Dinner & Show
Knock three times, give the secret password and discover the era of
mobsters, dames and prohibition at this dinner attraction near Walt Disney
World in Kissimmee. The one-of-a-kind speakeasy and cabaret features
singing, dancing, sensational costumes, stand-up comedy, romance and
goofy gangster action, plus lots of audience participation.

Mango’s Tropical Café
Located in the heart of International Drive, Mango’s offers a lavish dining
experience like no other. Watch in wonder as the world-famous Mango’s
Dancers perform on an Italian glass mosaic after walking past an amazing
terrazzo mural. Outdoor covered patio spaces include a sidewalk café and a
second-floor veranda, which are surrounded by the copper sculpture
Mambo Bar, the mystical Samba Bar and the lovely Mermaid Bar.

Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Orlando’s original dining entertainment experience presents a heart-
pounding show that tells a tale of devotion, courage and love. Travel
through the mist of time to an age where bold knights on spirited horses
display the incredible athleticism and thrilling sword fights that have made
Medieval Times one of America’s most popular dinner attractions. Housed
in an actual castle, they’re located close to Walt Disney World in
Kissimmee.

Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows
You are invited to step into a world of comedy, mystery and intrigue at
Sleuths, located on International Drive and suitable for all ages. Mingle with
unusual characters as you become the detective and solve the crime through
a live interrogation where the action is fast and the laughter is contagious.
Dinner includes hors d’oeuvres, a choice of entrée and dessert, as well as
unlimited beer, wine and soft drinks.

The Great Magic Hall
Watch a magic show that is performed by tricky magicians and also be a part
of it. They also have the World’s Greatest Magic Shop and your kids can
purchase some things to try their own magic tricks art home.

House of Blues Orlando
For a unique taste of the local culture, together with an intimate immersion
into the Orlando music scene, come check out the House of Blues in Orlando,
Florida! Home to countless award-winning performances over the years, this
top-tier venue regularly plays host to some of the top blues musicians to
grace the face of the planet today.

Pirate’s Dinner Adventure
Attend a fun pirate adventure and dinner at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. It has a
cast of singers, actors, and stunt performers, among others. It is a real action-
packed with cannon blasts which every kid is guaranteed to enjoy.

Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks –
                 Outdoor Activities
Leu Gardens
Visit Leu Gardens, a 50 acre botanical garden in downtown Orlando.
See a variety of plants, vegetables, herbs and even animals. Bring a
picnic lunch with you and find a nice shady spot to sit down for a bit
and just enjoy the ambience.

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
Looking for thrills? You’ve come to the right place! Orlando Tree Trek
Adventure Park is a progressively challenging aerial obstacle course
set high atop the trees in a natural pine forest, each one more
exhilarating than the last.

Revolution Adventures
An off-road motor and fishing venue set in 230 acres of Florida
countryside, this attraction is close to all major tourist attractions.
You’re invited to jump in the driver’s seat for the guided adventure of
a lifetime on all-terrain vehicles, dune buggies or even ARGO
amphibious Mucky Ducks. Revolution also offers bass fishing on its
private lake, as well as archery lessons and clay shooting. Plus, all
equipment is included.

Wekiwa Springs Park
Visit Wekiwa Springs State Park and explore their trails on foot, bike or
horseback. If you want to cool off after hitting the trails, or just in
general, take a swim in the Wekiwa Springs. You can also go
snorkeling in the crystal clear water.

Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
                          –Animals

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
At the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens you can
experience interacting with animals for around the
world such as rhinos, giraffes, monkeys and leopards

The Florida Aquarium
Take a deep dive into the world’s oceans at The Florida
Aquarium. Here you’ll learn about the ocean’s many
animals as well as Florida’s natural habitat and other
ecosystems all through interactive and immersion
galleries. The Florida Aquarium is also home to a
500,000 gallon tank where you can enjoy a closer look
at some of the greatest creatures in the world.
Giraffe Ranch
Have you ever fed a giraffe? At this attraction in Dade City, about an hour from
Walt Disney World, you’ll get to know giraffes and other species from around the
world, all in a setting that seems right out of Africa with huge live oaks and open
grasslands. Offering tours exclusively by reservation, it’s on 47 acres of
countryside adjoining Florida’s second largest wilderness area, the Green Swamp,
complete with native orchids, lush pastures and rolling wetlands.
Taking the kids out to do activities in Orlando doesn’t have to break the bank!
Save up to 30% on kid friendly tours and tickets in Orlando

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Officially characterized as a U.S. National Wildlife Refuge, one of 562 nationally
protected spaces within the United States dedicated to the continued
preservation of America’s wildlife, vegetation, and fish, the Merritt Island National
Wildlife Refuge hosts more organized life than perhaps you’ve ever experienced.
Home to over 1,000 plant species, which together with 117 species of fish, 330 birds
species, 31 individualized mammal species and 68 reptile and amphibian species
make for a truly unforgettable visit, the site itself is captivating from the moment
you set foot upon its lands.

Safari Wilderness Ranch
Take a closer look at unique animals in the Safari Wilderness Ranch. You will get
to see zebras, deer, ostriches, camels, red lechwe, and more. If your kids love
animal encounters, then this is perfect.

Wild Florida Airboats, Gator Park & Drive-Thru Safari
Travel deep into 4,200 acres of protected swamps, marshes and rivers that make
up the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. On your journey, you’ll get an in-
depth look at the gators, birds, eagles, trees and plants that can be found in the
area’s beautiful wetlands. What’s more, airboat tickets include complimentary
admission to the wildlife park and a hands-on gator demonstration. And now,
you can drive a car through their Safari Park for a self-guided tour with more
than 100 exotic animals and native Florida wildlife!

Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
                      –Bowling

Kings Dining & Entertainment
This is the perfect place to bowl, eat and lounge in a comfortable, fun and
luxurious environment. Located at Vue at ICON Park on International Drive, it
features 22 bowling lanes, billiards, ping pong and even bocce ball, plus two
premium bars serving innovative cocktails. It also boasts a chef-designed
menu centered around fresh takes on American classics.

Main Event Orlando
Eat, bowl and play with state-of-the-art bowling, virtual and interactive
games, billiards, a high-ropes adventure course, 61 HDTVs, and chef-driven
dining, all in a 50,000-square-foot facility. Main Event also boasts the first-
ever, free-roam, multiplayer, virtual-reality game! It’s part of the Pointe
Orlando dining, entertainment and shopping hub on International Drive.

Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
                      – Sports

BATL Backyard Axe Throwing League
No questions “axed” at this downtown Orlando attraction, which features
multiple axe-throwing lanes, expert coaching, and delicious food and drinks.
Bullseye!

Drive Shack Orlando
Just 15 minutes from Orlando International Airport, Drive Shack invites golfers
of every age and skill level — as well as people who have never picked up a
club — to experience an all-new take on golf. Instead of worrying about pars,
birdies or holes-in-one, you’ll play fun games like ShackJack, which is based
on classic blackjack, or Monster Hunt, where you destroy monsters to save a
princess. And it’s all complemented with gourmet food and beverage options.

Topgolf Orlando
Love golf? Never played it? Either way, you’ll have a blast at Topgolf, which is
adjacent to the Orange County Convention Center in the International Drive
area. Featuring a fun take on the game that uses a scoring system similar to
bowling or darts, the venue also has an impressive food and drink menu.
What’s more, all of the attraction’s 102 climate-controlled driving bays have
HDTVs and music selection.

Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
                      – Games

Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s is a large entertainment facility filled with everything you’d
need to have a fun time, arcade games, a full sports bar, and a great
restaurant. Dave and Buster’s is a great alternative to the theme parks; here
you can have tons of fun without having to spend hours queuing up for rides.
It’s the place where the fun lasts through the night, and you can eat, drink,
play and watch sports, all under one roof.

GameTime
Game Time before, it is a huge arcade, over 100 games, with two locations in
the Orlando area, one in Ocoee and the other in Kissimmee. If you are used to
small arcades, then you will be pleasantly surprised by Game Time. The Game
Time in Kissimmee is 24,000 square feet and the one in Ocoee is 25,000 square
feet. That’s a lot of fun packed into one space!

Happy Days Family Fun Center
Let your kids play arcade games in Happy Days Family Fun Center. Among the
games are Pinball Machines, Arcade Machines, Classic Arcade Games, and 360
Play, among others.

In the Game
Remember the hours of fun you used to have in the arcade running from game
to game, beating high scores and winning awesome prizes? It’s time to pass
on the tradition to your kids with a fun afternoon at In the Game. Not only does
In the Game have arcade games, but they also have a few additional
attractions which your kids will be clamoring to play. They have an Escape
Room, a Mirror Maze and a VR Game with 4 different game options. Visit In the
Game to play some games, win some prizes and create awesome memories
with the family.

Mind Immersions
Play all types of Virtual Reality Games at Mind Immersions including. The
gaming studio is divided into three main sections: individual game rooms,
motion games, and group games. In all areas, the player or players get to
decide what game they want to play.

VR Territory Orlando
This virtual-reality arcade on International Drive boasts more than 30 games
and experiences. Options include multi-player games, solo experiences, and
even a VR escape room for two to four players.

Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
                      – Go-Karts
Andretti Indoor Karting & Games
Race with a legend at the only indoor karting experience endorsed by Mario
Andretti! Adjacent to International Drive and the Orange County Convention
Center, this 150,000-square-foot facility features multi-level indoor karting, 12
lanes of boutique bowling, more than 120 arcade and prize games, two-story
laser tag, six virtual-reality racing simulators, a motion theater, and an extreme
ropes course with a curved-rail zipline, as well as a full-service restaurant and
bars.

I-Drive NASCAR
Rain or shine, racing excitement is always guaranteed at this indoor attraction on
International Drive. In addition to state-of-the-art electric race karts, I-Drive
NASCAR has an arcade with more than 60 games, a four-lane bowling alley, three
pool tables, and a full bar and restaurant offering 180-degree views of the action.

Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
                        – Rides

Fun Spot America
Fun Spot America is Central Florida’s only family-owned theme park, and it has
two locations: International Drive in Orlando and Kissimmee near Walt Disney
World. Both provide the same level of fun, but they are distinct enough to allow
for completely different experiences. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or someone
who prefers the lights and sounds of an arcade, these parks offer plenty of
excitement for the entire family, including multi-level go-kart tracks and
Orlando’s only wooden roller coaster.

iFLY Orlando Indoor Skydiving
If you’ve always wanted to experience skydiving but aren’t too keen on the
whole “jumping out of a plane” aspect, head to this attraction on International
Drive. There’s no parachute and no jumping. Instead, you’ll float on a cushion of
air thanks to iFLY’s innovative wind-tunnel technology. It’s safe for guests as
young as 3, and you’ll be guided by a personal flight instructor.

Orlando Balloon Flights
Go up — way up — and away with Orlando Balloon Flights. Float gently across
the Orlando skyline as you enjoy the world’s oldest and safest form of flight
while checking something memorable off your bucket list. Flights start just a
short distance from Walt Disney World.

Orlando StarFlyer
Towering 450 feet over I-Drive — 50 feet taller than its neighbor, The Wheel —
this ICON Park attraction is the world’s tallest swing ride. Climb aboard to enjoy
speeds of up to 60 mph from 425 ft in the air…if you dare.

Screamin’ Gator Zipline
Screamin’ Gator Zipline is voted as the best zipline in the U.S. Experience a
thrilling ride in this zipline while flying over the crocodiles and alligators.
Besides, you will see the beautiful scenery overlooking Gatorland.

The Wheel at ICON Park
Technically speaking, this attraction
— formerly known as the Orlando
Eye — is outdoors, but you’ll
experience it in climate-controlled
comfort aboard one of the roomy,
WiFi-enabled capsules. Towering
over International Drive, the 400-
foot-tall observation wheel will give
you an unbeatable view of Orlando.
It’s the centerpiece of the ICON Park
entertainment and dining complex.

Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
                    – Water Fun
Buena Vista Watersports
Most of the time Orlando’s weather allows for some fun water adventures.
Buena Vista Watersports is the place for water play with water skiing, wake-
boarding, tubing, a sandy beach and more. You can do it all on the 400-acre
private Lake Bryan.

Crystal River Watersports
On Florida’s west coast, opt for a three-hour “Swimming With Manatees” tour
or a 90-minute “Eco Tour,” with the chance to see otters, dolphins, wild pigs,
gators and, of course, manatees. This attraction also offers SCUBA training
and fresh-water dive tours.

Extreme Jet Ski of Orlando
Get your heart pumping and hire a jet ski from Extreme Jet Ski of Orlando.
Located 4 miles from Disney, this place lets you take a ride across the lake for
an amazing adventure. Hire rates start at around $55.

Nona Adventure Park
Nona Adventure Park is a water based family fun center. They have an aqua
park with a variety of obstacles, including climbing walls, whirlpools and
slides, as well as two cable runs where you can wakeboard, kneeboard and
water ski. If you want to stay dry, they also have a climbing tower with rock
climbing wall and ropes course.

Paddleboard Orlando
Experience a paddle adventure and learn to stand up on paddleboard in just
a few minutes at Paddleboard Orlando. Also, they have paddleboard
adventure trips, private paddleboard parties, and a lot more.

Things to do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks
                  – On a Boat

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
Located in Kissimmee near Walt Disney World, this attraction invites you to
glide across the headwaters of the Florida Everglades at speeds up to 40
mph aboard six-passenger airboats that have been inspected and
approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. During the 45-minute tour, you’ll
encounter areas untouched by man and see a wide range of exotic wildlife.
Night expeditions, which last an hour, are also available.

Kissimmee Swamp Tours
Offering 60- and 90-minute airboat rides through the pristine headwaters
of the Florida Everglades, this attraction offers unique adventures in the
great outdoors. They’re located minutes from Walt Disney World.

Sailing Orlando
Climb aboard the 25-foot vessel and feel the wind in your hair. If you’ve
ever wanted to go sailing, now is your time. Perfect for getting out on the
water and watching the sunset or just having a nice, relaxing day on the
water.

Winter Park Scenic Boat
This Winter Park Scenic Boat tour takes you through the beautiful chain of
lakes in the Orlando’s Winter Park neighborhood. This is led through a one
hour guided tour on seven lakes and two canals.

Which place are you
    looking forward to
       trying out?

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