24 Family Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks (2024)

My family recently made the pilgrimage to Orlando. This was not our first trip, BUT it was our first trip with extended family. We ordered the matching T-shirts. We spent hours on the phone trying to figure out the new fast-pass-magic-genie system (not sure that we ever really did). And so that we didn’t leave the family fortune with that dressed-up mouse, we figured out some pretty fantastic family things to do in Orlando besides theme parks.

Orlando may be synonymous with theme parks, but beyond the roller coasters and castle spires lies a treasure trove of family-friendly activities. When a break from the usual water park and amusem*nt park-hopping frenzy is in order, the following experiences promise fun, adventure, and even a bit of education (shhhh… don’t tell the kids). Come along with us as we dive into a world of circus shows, pirate-styled dining, and unique experiences, like gliding through a river on a see-through kayak. Here’s our guide to the 24 best places to visit with family (and the best things to do!) in Orlando besides theme parks.

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Explore the Artistic Side: Cirque de Soleil – Drawn to Life

Prepare to be mesmerized. Cirque de Soleil’s Drawn to Life is animation meets acrobatics. (This unique experience is sooo much better than going to a movie theater!) In this dazzling show, which is a collaboration between Cirque de Soleil and Disney, beloved characters come to life through breathtaking how-the-heck-do-they-do-that performances. The artistry and athleticism on display will leave both kids and adults in awe. Want to know one of the best things about this show? This is an evening of magic that doesn’t involve standing in line for a ride… which we are so here for!

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Taste the Magic: Dining at Raglan Road

Step into the lively atmosphere of Raglan Road, an Irish pub located in Disney Springs. Enjoy traditional Irish fare (yes, eating shepherd’s pie in July is a weird flex, but we found that it was strangely satisfying) while listening to energetic live music and watching award-winning dancers. Parents can savor a pint of Guinness while the kids enjoy bangers and mash. The warm, inviting environment makes it a perfect place for families to relax and enjoy a meal together, with a side of cultural immersion. (It’s also a really great place to be a Ginger, so if you have red hair like me and two of my boys, get ready to finally fit right in!)

Disney Springs’ Drone Light Show: A Spectacle in the Sky

One of the best places to be when the sun sets is at Disney Springs. (Make it amazing by signing up for a sunset tethered hot air balloon ride on Aerophile. When night falls, visitors can look to the skies above Disney Springs for a technological marvel: the Drone Light Show. Hundreds of synchronized drones create intricate patterns and images, lighting up the night in a display that’s nothing short of spectacular. This aerial ballet is a must-see, blending cutting-edge technology with artistic expression to captivate audiences of all ages. (Who needs Hollywood Studio’s Fantasmic Light Show when this one is free!?)

Splash into Fun: Aquatica Waterpark

When it’s so hot that Aladdin is ready to trade in his magic carpet for an air-conditioned ride, Aquatica Waterpark offers a perfect escape. Wave pools, lazy rivers, and exhilarating water slides provide a cool alternative to traditional theme parks. Younger kids can enjoy the gentler attractions while thrill-seekers tackle the more daring rides. It’s a day of sun-soaked fun that guarantees everyone leaves with a smile.

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A Swashbuckling Evening: Pirate Dinner Adventure Show

The Pirate Dinner Adventure Show is an interactive experience, meaning after tossing a few ales back, even grandma will be shouting Ay’ Matey. But really, it’s a delicious meal with high-flying action that invites the audience to join a band of pirates on their quest for treasure. With sword fights, acrobatics, and a touch of comedy, it’s an evening of entertainment bound to make waves with the whole family.

WonderWorks Orlando: Science Meets Fun

At WonderWorks Orlando, science and fun collide in the most delightful way. This science museum has plenty of interactive experiences for the whole fam! It is packed with hands-on exhibits like an anti-gravity chamber that make learning one heck of an adventure. From experiencing hurricane-force winds to lying on a bed of nails, the engaging activities will spark curiosity and just might inspire young minds, making education anything but boring.

Mind-Bending Fun at Icon Park’s Museum of Illusions

Right off of International Drive is a world where reality is questionable. The Museum of Illusions in Icon Park is a fascinating attraction that features optical illusions, holograms, and mind-boggling installations that challenge visitors’ perceptions. Family photos become works of art, and every corner offers a new puzzle to solve, ensuring a visit full of as much wonder as laughter.

Thrills and Grills at Icon Park’s Max Action Arena

Combine heart-pounding excitement with family fights, I mean fun, at Max Action Arena. This venue offers an array of thrilling activities, from virtual reality experiences to axe throwing (not at your brothers!).

Catch Some Fun at Sea Life Orlando Aquarium at Icon Park

For visitors who have always dreamed of snorkeling but dread the idea of the wet suit, welcome to Sea Life Orlando Aquarium’s 360-degree ocean tunnel. No need to don a wet suit here; walk through a tunnel of sharks and sea turtles in your street clothes! The whole family will love this clean, engaging aquarium that has plenty of interactive exhibits to keep everyone entertained for hours. (This is a great, air-conditioned alternative to SeaWorld Orlando!)

Colorful Fun at The Crayola Experience

As a teacher, I think that opening a new box of crayons is one of the happiest feelings. So much possibility! The Crayola Experience at The Florida Mall is like walking into a new box of crayons – Happiness 2.0! As a brand that has childhood creativity at the forefront of everything that they do, visitors can expect a Willy Wonka-style factory of colorful fun things to do. One of my favorite exhibits is the factory tour, where guests get to see how crayons are made. And one of my all-time favorite things is the giant crayon caddy. It is a coloring dream come true!

Reach for the Stars: Kennedy Space Center

Sure, Hollywood Studios can put guests on a flying bicycle in the ET ride, but can they put guests in front of a rocket that’s about to launch into outer space? Blast off to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral for an out-of-this-world experience. This iconic site offers a chance to learn about space exploration through interactive exhibits, astronaut encounters, and even a shuttle launch simulation. It’s a day of cosmic discovery that will ignite the imagination and inspire future astronauts in your family. (And, no, we cannot lock your brother in the spaceship and send him to Mars.)

Paddle and Play: Get Up and Go Rock Springs Kayaking

Immerse yourself in nature with a kayaking trip at Rock Springs. Get Up and Go Kayaking takes paddlers on clear kayaks through a river of vibrant aquatic life. It’s a peaceful and invigorating way to explore the natural beauty of Central Florida, offering a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle.

Interactive Learning: Orlando Science Center

The Orlando Science Center has exhibits on topics ranging from dinosaurs to space travel. It offers an educational adventure for curious minds, both young and old. Interactive exhibits like my personal favorite, Kinetic Zone, live science shows, and a planetarium almost as big as space itself make it a destination where learning is synonymous with fun.

Go Wild: Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens offer a perfect blend of wildlife and nature exploration in the Orlando area. Wander through seriously lush gardens and get up close with a variety of animals, from big cats to playful primates. The zoo also features a splash pad and a zip line, so little ones can cool off and get their wiggles out.

Nature’s Beauty: Harry P. Leu Gardens

Stroll through the serene landscapes of Harry P. Leu Gardens, a 50-acre botanical oasis. The gardens provide a picturesque escape full of camellias, roses, and tropical plants. It’s a truly peaceful retreat in the middle of “Vegas-for-Kids” Orlando, where families can relax, explore diverse plant collections, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Take a Stroll: Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola Park is an urban oasis located in the heart of downtown Orlando. Take a leisurely walk around the lake, rent a paddleboat, or simply enjoy a picnic with a view. The park’s swan boats and playgrounds make it a favorite spot for families looking to unwind and soak in the city’s scenic beauty. There’s also a fun scavenger hunt available for adventurous art buffs.

History Uncovered: Orange County Regional History Center

Delve into Orlando’s rich past at the Orange County Regional History Center. Housed in a historic courthouse, the museum showcases exhibits chronicling the region’s history from indigenous cultures to modern times. It’s an educational journey through time that offers a deeper understanding of the area’s heritage. And yes, Orlando existed before Mickey Mouse and the Magic Kingdom.

Cultural Immersion: Orlando Museum of Art

The Orlando Museum of Art houses a diverse collection of artworks, from contemporary pieces to ancient artifacts. The museum provides an enriching experience for art enthusiasts of all ages because it includes special family-friendly programs like Sketching in the Gallery.

Animal Adventures: Gatorland

Experience the thrill of Gatorland, where you can get up close with Florida’s iconic reptiles if that’s what you are into. The park features alligator shows, a zip line over the gator breeding marsh (ummm…), and a chance to feed the animals (nope). It’s an adventure (or death trap) that’s sure to excite and educate (and possibly kill), offering a unique glimpse into the world of these fascinating creatures. Want to see an alligator in the wild? Sign up for one of Orlando’s many airboat rides. However, an airboat tour might have you second-guessing a dip in a Florida spring.

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Peaceful Retreat: Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

Escape to the tranquility of the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve. This hidden gem offers hiking trails, boardwalks, and a chance to spot local wildlife in their natural habitat. It’s a Serene (capital S intended) destination for families looking to connect with nature and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It also makes a great escape for family members who need a bit of solace after tackling the parks with their entire family.

Hit the Trails: West Orange Trail

The West Orange Trail is another scenic route perfect for biking, walking, or rollerblading away. Stretching through cute little towns and loads of greenery, the trail makes a great way to explore the surrounding areas while staying active. Family-friendly stops along the way (like Lake Apopka’s Butterfly Garden) make it even more fun.

A World of Chocolate: Chocolate Kingdom Factory Tour

Indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to the Chocolate Kingdom Factory Tour. This interactive tour with adorable royal guides takes guests through the chocolate-making process, with samples and a chance to create a custom chocolate bar. It’s a delectable adventure that’s both fun and delicious.

Boat Tours: Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour

Take to the water with the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. This guided tour navigates through a chain of lakes, offering great views of gorgeous private properties and interesting commentary. It’s a relaxing and informative way to see another side of Orlando’s natural beauty.

Shopping Spree: The Mall at Millenia

For a cute new outfit, head to The Mall at Millenia. This upscale shopping center features a range of stores, from high-end boutiques to popular brands. With dining options like Brick and Bowls and a two-story Starbucks, it’s a one-stop destination for a fun-filled day of shopping and family bonding.

When You Go

Planning Your Visit

Our family’s favorite time to visit Orlando is in October! The weather is perfect—with highs of 85 degrees and lows of 65 degrees. There are fewer people, which means fewer lines and less stress. And everything is decorated for Halloween.

Getting to Orlando from LA

United, American, and Delta all fly directly to Orlando from LA. The flight to Orlando International Airport is just under five hours long. From the airport, visitors can expect a 15-minute drive into downtown Orlando.

This is an excellent discount site for rental cars! We’ve literally saved hundreds using it.

Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) is a free and/or membership-based site that sends emails when airline fares drop to an incredible rate. You can also go on their site to search for specific destinations. We’ve saved literally half the regular fare using this site. Some deals can even be booked with points. Best travel investment we’ve made.

To get discounts on tours in the area, we recommend Get Your Guide or Viator (which offers 51% off last-minute tours!).

To save time (and because we travel so much), we got an annual travel insurance policy for the whole family from this site. They have affordable policies for individual trips too and tools to make picking one easy.

Where to Stay In Orlando

I would be remiss not to mention the perks of staying outside the theme parks at one of Orlando’s many incredible resorts.

My entire extended family stayed at The Marriott Grande Vista in Orlando. This sprawling resort was the perfect fit for us. Grandma attended the morning water aerobics classes. My sister-in-law and I loved visiting the gorgeous spa for massages and pedicures. My husband, oldest son, and brother-in-law had an excellent experience golfing. The pools (yes, multiple) and hot tubs provide the kids with hours upon hours of entertainment. Not to mention the activity center where they could fish, play badminton, or make a tie-dye shirt! While there were so many excellent reasons to leave the resort, as outlined in this article, our favorite thing about the vacation was the time we spent at this fantastic resort.

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Before this trip, my family stayed at Marriott’s Cypress Harbor Villas. Like Grande Vista, this resort (which is actually just across the street from Grande Vista) offers guests huge living spaces with fully-stocked kitchens, whirlpool tubs, screened-in porches, bicycle rentals, free boat rides, outdoor games, and more. To be honest, the only reason that we didn’t stay here again is that it was fully booked.

So, my best advice for readers planning an epic extended family vacation to Orlando is to choose the resort thoughtfully. It is fun to stay at a theme park resort, to be sure, but it is lovely to be able to leave the theme park behind for a bit. Staying in a place made with adults in mind – adults with a family – including kids, definitely makes an Orlando vacation feel like an actual vacation.

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