ashenSo you are looking for fun things to do in Orlando Florida, besides visiting the theme parks right? Well, you’ve come to the right spot. In this guide we will talk about the fun activities to indulge yourself in Orlando, apart from the many theme parks. Of course no visit to Orlando would be fulfilling without spending your time at the Universal Orlando Resort or at least the Walt Disney World. But setting those aside for now, we will first see what else Orlando has to offer for us to have some adolescent fun.
The outdoor activities and fun in Orlando are limitless. There are up close wildlife encounters, museums, ziplining, airboat rides, golfing, nightlife and dining choices and so much more. Kind of venturing a geographically diverse region. Let’s get to it without further delay.
Lake Eola Park
We are about to start with a not so fun activity yet it prepares you for what’s about to come. Situated in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is the perfect spot for anyone to take a walk and relax, either individually or as a group. The sidewalk trail is flat and circular and it is about a mile in length. You can also rent swan paddle boats and get out there with the live swans if you enjoy being in the water. Also the Walt Disney Amphitheater is inside this park and it hosts live concerts and other such activities. You can also feast your eyes in the best downtown skyline views.
Paddle Board Adventures
Once in a lifetime experience with the next level stand-up paddle boarding with a unique neon-lit night paddle on one of Orlando’s many inner-city lakes. Get one step closer to the aquatic life of Orlando Florida as you explore crystal clear springs, discover intriguing marine life on the intercoastal.
Discovery Cove
So you’ve gotten yourself an aquatic activity by participating in paddle board adventures. How about getting closer to the actual marine life? At the Discovery Cove, a subsidiary of SeaWorld, You can interact with dolphins, sharks, all sorts of tropical fish and rays all while enjoying the warmth of the Florida sun. There are also other activities such as playing with otters, feeding tropical birds etc. Everything including unlimited food and drinks is included in one ticket.
iFLY Orlando
For the adventure lovers who cannot keep the adrenaline locked in. You can practically experience skydiving at iFLY Orlando with the exception of jumping out of a plane! You get to feel the intense vertical wind in your faces and practice mid-air maneuvers in a secure indoor facility. Think of it as a simulation before getting into the real deal, if you ever have the intention of doing so.
Escape the Escape room
A great opportunity to test your observational and analytical thinking skills. For those of you who haven’t watched the movie Escape Room, you have to work as a team to escape from the room of your choice. Options include Prison Break, Mysterious Market, Heist, Trip to Mars, and .Gold Rush.
Giraffe Ranch
Interacting with the wild and marine life is one of the major fun things to do in Orlando Florida. Step into the African continent and feed Giraffes. It spans 47 acres and adjoins the second largest wilderness area in Florida which is the Green Swamp. You get to experience a variety of flora and fauna at the Green Ranch. It is located in Dade City, a little over an hour’s duration west of I-Drive. This is the first of many fun things for adults to do in Orlando.
Crystal River
The Crystal River is one of the greatest spots in Orlando for the aquatic lovers. You can snorkel and get up close with the marine life including coming face to face with creatures such as the manatee. Advice to bring your own snorkel equipment and swimsuits rather than use the ones provided in tours.
Hot air balloon adventure
How about enjoying a bird’s eye view of Orlando from a hot air balloon? Now that definitely qualifies as a fun thing to do in Orlando Florida. For some who are freaked out by heights, this sure can be intimidating and nerve wracking. But for others, it is even better as you get to see how the city is at dawn. The tour mostly includes a glass of Champagne and a convenient breakfast, proving it to be one of the most memorable things to do in Orlando. So definitely participate in a hot air balloon adventure in the region.
Airboat Adventures
The Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures prove that not every fun thing to do in Orlando has to be tied with a man made place. You can take an airboat ride through the tall grasses and deep waters of the marshy swamp areas of Florida. The headwaters of the Everglades is found in Orlando and as you take the boat ride, you’ll get to see turtles, fish, alligators and various other animals.
Tree Trek Orlando
If you are legit interested in testing the outdoor tree climbing skills in you, then the Tree Trek is the perfect spot for you. There are fun things to do in Orlando for adults as well. If you are a physically fit adult, might as well give it a try.15 acres of open-air area to explore, tourists can participate in all sorts of challenges like ziplines, trapeze swings, suspension bridges, ropes courses, cargo nets, and swinging logs. Mostly obstacles range from 10 to 50 feet high, there’s something for every level of confidence. So if you are an adult, then maybe stick to the lower levels.
Reptile World Serpentarium
Yet another challenge to the adrenaline junkies. Hold a snake at the reptile world serpentarium. Do you think you are up to the task of holding snakes and making friends with them? There are 75 different species of snakes amongst these reptiles. You also get crocodiles, alligators, lizards and many more reptiles. Gain an experience here, so that the next time a snake shows up at your house, you can get an idea how to deal with it.
Fun Things to Do in Orlando at Night
Let’s take a look at the fun things to do in Orlando at night. Just to keep the good vibes continuous and flowing.
Rock Dinner Show
Considered as one of the best fun things to do in Orlando at night, the Rock Dinner Show consists of five-star dinners together with rock and pop entertainment. Enjoy your dinner with the melodies of music played and immerse yourself in a high-energy musical journey.
Mango’s Tropical Cafe
If you aren’t a fan of the rock and pop entertainment, head over to the Mango’s Tropical Cafe and treat yourself with a mojito, margarita followed by a delicious meal. There is Caribbean style dancing and entertainment to augment your dining experience at the cafe. If you want, you can always head over to the on-site nightclub afterwards.
Outta Control dinner show
The Outta Control Dinner Show is a show that combines magic and comedy to make sure you laugh your ribs off. Tickets include unlimited hand-tossed pizza, and enough beer and wine to keep your mood in sync with the never ending comedy!
Icon Park Orlando
So now that you’ve had your dinner, how about soaking in a bit more of the Orlando nightlife? Watching the light show the wheel puts on each night at Icon Orlando 360 is one of the things to do in Orlando for free. It costs money to ride the Ferris Wheel, but to feast your eyes on the lightshow is a treat given to you for free.
Lakeridge Vineyards
More fun activities for the adults to engage in Orlando. Laid on 80 long acres, Lakeridge Winery hosts free tasting tours and festivals year round. Tasting tours are offered Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am until 5:00 pm and Sunday from 11:00 am until 5:00 pm. Might be too early to taste wine at night, but you can’t argue that there is fun behind it.
Magic Kingdom Fireworks
The fun activity at night free of charge to feast your eyes on. Catch the optimum outside-the-park views by hopping on the free tram to the ticket and transportation center. You can also view this at the Disney’s Boardwalk and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Which brings us to the next activity to engage in the Orlando nightlife.
Disney’s Boardwalk
Add more to your itinerary for what you can do at night for free in Orlando, is the Disney’s Boardwalk. Packed with free entertainment in every corner, you are in for a mesmerizing experience that Orlando has to offer free of charge. Since parking is limited, guests are recommended to use Disney’s complimentary transportation to get to the Boardwalk.
Finally, Let us cover the world famous theme parks to make this post a full coverage of the fun things to do in Orlando Florida.
Walt Disney World
Unarguably the number one attraction in Orlando where everybody wants to collect memories. The whole area consists of four theme parks, two water parks, a dining and shopping district and more than 20 on-site, Disney-owned hotels. Enjoy a Broadway-quality live show, ride mind blowing roller coasters, meet your favorite cartoon characters. Explore and immerse in the Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, Blizzard Beach Water Park and many other avenues to your heart’s content.
Universal Orlando Resort
The dream world of all Harry Potter fans. Step into the magical Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at the Universal’ second major park, the Island of Adventure. There is a short train ride on the Hogwarts Express that connects the wizarding universe of both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure. Easy pace the streets of Hogsmeade Village, go deep into the Forbidden Forest to meet up with magical creatures and stop by Hog’s Head and Three Broomsticks. Additionally, you also get the Jurassic World Velocicoaster, Revenge of the Mummy and The Simpsons, not to mention the live entertainment all over.
SeaWorld Orlando
The Mako roller coaster is the major attraction at this site and everybody should enjoy a ride here. Because it is the fastest and tallest roller in Orlando. You can also Swim with dolphins, enjoy entertaining seal and turtle shows. There is also a Sesame Street-themed area for kids to enjoy. Not to forget the Ice Breaker roller coaster that is going to open up on February 2022. There are so many stunning and unique features included in this ride such as the reverse launch into a beyond vertical drop which is sure to pump your adrenaline into a new level.
Summary
So there you go. Some of the best hand picked activities for kids, youngsters and adults to enjoy. These are some of the best enjoyed fun activities in Orlando Florida apart from the theme parks. But please make sure to check out at least one of the theme parks as they are sort of the center points of the whole region, and your trip will be incomplete with the lack of a theme park experience. So how many of these have you been to? Let us know in the comments below. Make sure to also check out these best lodging deals in Orlando regardless if you are traveling solo, couple or with family. Additionally, you can also check out our post about the things to do in Huntsville, AL and plan your next trip there.
