For local events occurring during your Central Florida vacation, visit our Orlando event calendar.  Looking for a place to stay? Check out our list of the best Orlando hotels for families.

Things to Do in Orlando With Kids Other than Theme Parks

1. The Wheel at ICON Park

Take a ride on The Wheel at ICON Park for a fabulous view.

2. Sea Life Orlando Aquarium

Explore the oceans of the world at Sea Life Orlando Aquarium.

3. Tree Trek Adventure Park

Swing like Tarzan at Orlando’s Tree Trek Adventure Park.

4. Oviedo Recreation Gym

Take a safe climb on the rock wall at the Oviedo Recreation Gym.

5. Gatorland

Zipline directly over alligators at Gatorland.

6. Madame Tussauds Orlando

Take some silly family photos with "celebrities" at Madame Tussauds.

RELATED: 30 Things To Do with Orlando Babies Before They Turn 1

Only 27 first-magnitude springs exist in Florida, and Alexander Springs is by far one of the easiest to enjoy.

7. Florida's natural springs

Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of one of Central Florida's beautiful natural springs.

8. Orlando Watersports Complex

Learn how to wakeboard or paddleboard at the Orlando Watersports Complex.

9. Museum of Illusions

Journey through a land of wacky and weird fun at the new Museum of Illusions.

RELATED: Where to Pick Strawberries with Kids in Orlando 


Pick your perfect pack of colors at the Crayola Experience. Photo courtesy of Crayola 

10. Crayola Experience

Create your own crayon label and make masterpieces of color at Crayola Experience.

11. World of Chocolate Museum

Discover where chocolate comes from and taste chocolates from around the world at the World of Chocolate Museum.

12. Old Town

Mine for gold, thrill to a carnival ride, and enjoy live entertainment at Old Town.

13. Paddleboard

Hit the water on a paddleboard or kayak.

14. Go Mini Golfing

Play a round of putt-putt golf at a local miniature golf course. Florida is all about golf!

15. iFLY

Anyone over the age of 3 can find out what it feels like to defy gravity at iFLY.

16. See a Dinner Show

Cheer on your favorite knight or watch pirates battle while enjoying a family meal at these deliciously fun dinner shows.

17. Peterbrooke Chocolatier

If visiting Orlando over the summer, sign the kids up for a chocolate day camp at Peterbrooke Chocolatier.

18. Fun Spot

Drive bumper boats, race on a multilevel go-kart course, and ride a wooden coaster at Fun Spot, with locations in Orlando and Kissimmee!

RELATED: The Best Playgrounds in Orlando for Family Fun 


Experience the wonders of Kidstown at the Orlando Science Center. Photo by author

19. Orlando Science Center

Explore the expansive KidsTown area at the Orlando Science Center.

20. Disney Springs

Ok, it's technically a theme park, but you can get a Disney fix at a fraction of the cost at Disney Springs.

21. Ripley's! Believe It Or Not Odditorium

Walk through hundreds of odd exhibits at Ripley's! Believe It Or Not Odditorium.

22. Bike the West Orange Trail

Bike the 22-mile West Orange Trail for scenic exploration.

23. Hit the playground

Go park hopping outside of the theme parks by visiting some of Orlando’s best playgrounds.

24. Swan Boats at Lake Eola

Paddle the waters of Lake Eola on a swan boat.

RELATED: Best Things To Do in Orlando with Teens

Catch a show at the Orlando Repertory Theatre. Photo courtesy of the theater

25. See a show at the Orlando Repertory Theatre

The Orlando Repertory Theatre gives children a great introduction to theatrical performances.

26. International Drive

Hop on the I-Ride Trolley to explore International Drive.

27. Wildlife drive

Spot Florida wildlife from the comfort of your own car on a wildlife drive.

28. Winter Park Chain of Lakes

Cruise through majestic canals on a Winter Park scenic boat tour.

29. Visit Mount Dora

Visit the beautiful lakeside town of Mount Dora.

RELATED: Amazing Weekend Getaways from Orlando for Families

Have an unforgettable experience of feeding giraffes at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Photo courtesy of the zoo

30. Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Feed giraffes at the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens.

31. Westgate River Ranch

Go glamping at Westgate River Ranch.

32. Leu Gardens

Relax in a 50-acre botanical oasis while enjoying a traveling exhibit or take in a movie night at Leu Gardens.

33. Great Magic Hall

Be amazed by the many rooms of wonder at the Great Magic Hall.

34. See a movie under the stars

Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and enjoy dinner and a movie under the stars at the monthly Popcorn Flicks in the Park courtesy of Enzian.

35. Take a cooking class

Learn the basics of good nutrition and healthy food prep with a family cooking class at Kids Cooking Connection

36. Go hiking!

Explore a local nature trail with these 20 kid-friendly hikes.

37. Orlando Circus School

Clown around or fly through the air on a trapeze at Orlando Circus School.

38. Play inside at an indoor playground

Escape the Florida heat at these indoor playgrounds for kids. 

39. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Attend a special family performance at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.

40. SAK Comedy Lab

Introduce your kids to improv with family-friendly shows at SAK Comedy Lab.

41. The best public library is in Orlando

Visit the largest public library in Florida for a fun day of imagination through books and free family activities.

42. Ride the SunRail

Train-obsessed kids will enjoy rides around the city on the SunRail, where kids ages 6 and younger ride for free with a paying adult.

43. Hit an inflatable water park

Cool off at one of these Orlando area inflatable water parks.

44. Beat an escape room

Crack the code at family-friendly escape rooms.

45. Hit the beach!

Take a day trip and have fun under the sun at the many local Florida beaches.

46. See the Magic

Catch your local NBA team at the Amway Center.

RELATED: Bite into Orlando Fun by Visiting Gatorland with Kids

Take a stroll through Dinosaur World  and let your kids set the pace. Photo by author

47. Dinosaur World

Enjoy some Jurassic fun just an hour outside of Orlando at Dinosaur World.

48. Battleground Orlando

Challenge your family to a game of laser tag or paintball at Battleground Orlando.

49. See a rodeo

Catch some rodeo action at the Silver Spurs Arena.

50. Citrus Tower

Ride to the top of one of Florida’s first attractions, the Citrus Tower.

51. Cheer on the Bears

Cheer on the Orlando Solar Bears ECHL hockey team at the Amway Center.

52. Kennedy Space Center

Get an up-close view of the Space Shuttle Atlantis at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

53. Dolphin Cruise

Take a dolphin cruise and look for these gentle mammals near Clearwater.

RELATED: 20 Best Splashpads in Orlando

WonderWorks Orlando offers a wacky, wild world to explore. Photo courtesy of WonderWorks

54. WonderWorks

Conquer a glow-in-the-dark ropes course at WonderWorks, the famous I-Drive, upside-down attraction.

55. Kayak or paddle boat tours by night

Experience a magical nighttime tour on the Indian River Lagoon with a bioluminescent kayaking or paddle board tour.

56. Brevard Zoo

Cuddle an alpaca at the Brevard Zoo.

57. Segway rides

Glide through the scenic lakeside town of Mount Dora on a Segway.

58. Giraffe Ranch

Tour Giraffe Ranch on a camel or llama.

59. See Sanford

Prepare to be scared with a ghost tour of historic downtown Sanford.

RELATED: Kid-Friendly Hikes In and Around Orlando 


Take a relaxing kayaking tour of Shingle Creek. Photo courtesy of The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek

60. See manatees

During the winter months, spot Florida’s state marine mammal, manatees, at several locations around Orlando.

61. Hontoon Island State Park

Take a free ferry boat ride to Hontoon Island State Park.

62. Weeki Wachee Springs

Watch a live mermaid show at Weeki Wachee Springs.

63. Silver Springs glass bottom boat tour

Take a ride on the famous Silver Springs glass bottom boat tour. You might even spot one of the hundreds of wild monkeys that roam Silver Springs!

64. Visit the biggest McDonald's

Dine and hit the playspace at the world’s largest McDonald’s.

65. Monster truck tour

Tour a working Florida citrus and cattle ranch on a monster truck.

66. See Orlando City Soccer Club

Catch an Orlando City soccer club pro game.

67. Dave & Busters

Play and eat at Dave & Buster’s on I-Drive.

68. World's tallest swing ride

Take a spin on the world's tallest swing ride.

69. Tour the Dora Canal

Book a narrated boat tour through the Dora Canal.

70. Presidents Hall of Fame

Get a close-up view of a replica of Mount Rushmore at the Presidents Hall of Fame.

71. Pioneer Village

Visit a historical pioneer village.

72. Explore on an airboat

Explore Florida’s waterways and glimpse wildlife on an airboat adventure.

73. Cool down at a splash pad

Let little ones splash around at an Orlando splash pad, many of which are free!

74. Sugar Mill Restaurant

Cook your own pancakes at the popular Sugar Mill Restaurant at De Leon Springs.

RELATED: Free Indoor Playgrounds for Kids in Orlando

Experience the excitement of Daytona International Speedway. Photo by the author

75. Daytona International Speedway

See the 31-degree high banks of the Daytona International Speedway with a VIP tour.

76. Go go-karting

Rain in the forecast? Enjoy awesome indoor entertainment centers to keep the fun going!

77. Swim at a resort

Without paying for an overnight stay! Book a day pass to swim at Orlando's incredible hotels and resorts.

78. Watersports!

Enjoy watersports at the many lakes around Orlando.

RELATED: Tasty Orlando Restaurants Where Kids Eat Free

Enjoy 20 flavors at Orange Blossom Candies & Cream, including a Flamino Sundae made with strawberry ice cream! Photo courtesy of the shop

79. Indulge in ice cream

Cool off with an ice-cold ice cream treat.

80. Visit a museum

Orlando has a variety of diverse museums perfect for families to explore history, art, science, and more.

81. See the gardens

Take a stroll through Orlando's vibrant gardens.

82. Discover local donuts

Treat the kids to a sweet breakfast - donuts!

83. Berry Picking

If visiting in April or May, carve some time to pick fresh blueberries from a local u-pick farm.

84. Universal CityWalk Orlando

Visit CityWalk, Universal Orlando's entertainment district.

85. Mills 50

Snap Instagram-worthy photos at the murals at Mills 50.

86. Dine on the waterfront

Grab a meal overlooking the water at kid-friendly restaurants.

87. RiverWalk

Take a trip to downtown Sanford and walk the RiverWalk.

88. Take a day trip

Enjoy Florida's wonderful weather and enjoy a trip away for a day trip from Orlando.

89. Go off-roading

Go off-roading on an ATV or buggy tour.

90. Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake

Explore Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake, complete with walking trails, farm animals, playgrounds, disc golf, and more.

91. Hot air balloon ride

See Orlando by air on a hot air balloon ride.

92. Top Golf

Practice your golf swing and introduce your kids to the sport at Top Golf.

Say hello to Hammock Hollow at Bok Tower Gardens. Photo courtesy of the gardens

93. Hammock Hollow Garden

Kids will love the Hammock Hollow children's garden at Bok Tower Gardens.

94. The Florida Mall

Shop 'til you drop at The Florida Mall.

95. Reptile World Serpentarium

See a live venom extraction show at Reptile World Serpentarium.

96. Throw axes!

Treat your teen to an axe-throwing excursion.

97. Discovery Cove

Swim with dolphins, hand-feed birds, and more at Discovery Cove. It's not cheap, but it's an experience you'll never forget!

98. Wekiva Island

Spend a day at Wekiva Island's watering hole.

99. See a drive-in

Load up the car and take the family to a drive-in movie.

100. Cruise with Captain Memo

Take a pirate cruise, complete with a treasure hunt, face painting, water gun games, and more.

The list could go on and on... This should get you started on planning an amazing time in Orlando beyond the world-famous theme parks!