When booking flights to Orlando, the first thing that most people think about is paying a visit to Disney World, or the Universal Resort. But there is so much more to see and do, and there is something for everybody in Orlando.

So whether you’re just not that into theme parks, or you’re looking for some other activities to plan into your trip, we’re here to bring you our top 20 things to do outside of the theme parks!

Entertainment & The Arts

Orlando Fringe Festival

If you’re a fan of the arts, you should try to coincide your visit to Orlando with the Fringe Festival. This annual celebration of theatre and performing arts follows the example of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival to bring you fantastic and uncensored entertainment.

Artegon Marketplace

For a shopping experience that goes beyond your usual run of the mill chain stores, head to the Artegon Marketplace. Find expertly crafted one of a kind goods, as well as enjoying the dining and entertainment on offer and experience Orlando as a local!

Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

The Morse Museum is home to the world’s biggest collection of work from the artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany, including leaded glass windows and lamps, art glass, jewelry, paintings and pottery. It also houses his chapel interior from the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago and art and architectural objects from his Long Island country estate.

Modernism Museum

Experience modernism at this fantastic museum in Mount Dora. Featuring pieces that marry form with function, and demonstrate excellent craftsmanship, the Modernism Museum will make you see furniture in a very different light!

Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

Music lovers should check the calendar of upcoming events from the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. With a regular schedule of great musical performances, be sure to plan attending a show into your trip!

Escapology

With a TripAdvisor excellence award, Escapology is well worth a visit. In groups of 2-6 players, your challenge is to solve clues, and beat the clock to escape from the room within 60 minutes! A fun challenge, and great for bonding or team building.

American Ghost Adventures

Even if you are skeptical about the paranormal, you should definitely check out the American Ghost Adventures tours while you are in Orlando. They offer a great insight into the history of Orlando, and you just may come across a few shadowy figures during your investigation…

Food & Drink

Chocolate Kingdom

For a great day out with the kids, why not take a tour of Chocolate Kingdom? Learn how chocolate is made on this great factory tour, which is both educational and fun! You can even customise your own bar of chocolate!

Orlando Culinary Tour

If you love food, or want to learn more about the food scene in Orlando, the Orlando Culinary Tour will be an excellent way to spend an afternoon or evening. Learn new skills, take a tour of the East End Market and Quantum Leap Winery, and much more. A truly unique experience for any foodie!

Dine at Ethos Vegan Kitchen

If you are looking for somewhere where you can eat vegan, allow us to point you in the direction of Ethos Vegan Kitchen. Their menu is 100% vegan, and they serve up hearty, home-style dishes, with organic ingredients where possible! Perfect for the health conscious diner.

Orlando Brewing

Brewing only the highest quality beers, which meet the German Purity Law of 1516, and use certified organic ingredients, Orlando Brewing offer free tours of the brewery Monday - Saturday at 6pm. They also hold regular events such as open mic nights, and trivia events!

Sleuths Mystery Dinner Shows

Become a detective, at a Sleuths Mystery Dinner! These improvisational comedy shows are a lot of fun, in which you attempt to solve the clues and figure out who committed the crime, all while enjoying dinner.

Animals & Outdoors

Back to Nature Wildlife Reserve

Back to Nature Wildlife Reserve play a very important role when it comes to protecting and caring for Florida’s native wildlife. You can visit for wildlife walks and to see the resident animals, and learn more about their mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and then release and wildlife in need of their help.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

A great alternative to Sea World, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium rescue marine creatures who are injured, and nurse them back to health before releasing them. Much like the Back to Nature reserve, a visit will be educational and enjoyable!

Exotic Animal Experience

A truly unique experience, the Exotic Animal Experience allows you to get up close and personal with your favourite exotic animals, and really interact with them. A trip will be nothing like your typical visit to the zoo, and all of the animals have been brought up together and are not separated in cages!

Mead Botanical Gardens

The Mead Botanical Gardens in Winter Park is open every day, and free to the public. There is plenty to see and do, and it’s a great way to spend the day if you need to escape the city and surround yourself with nature, or want a free activity to enjoy!

Boggy Creek Airboat Rides

Learn about the everglades by taking a tour with Boggy Creek Airboat Rides. One of the most experienced tours in the area, they offer several different excursions, and you will feel like you are flying as you skim across the water!

Paddleboard Orlando

Fancy learning how to stand up paddleboard? Or perhaps you’ve done it before and want to enjoy one of the great paddleboard tours offered by Paddleboard Orlando during your holiday. Experiences range from paddling with manatees, to exploring the 1850s venetian canals of Winter Park!

Lake Eola Park

Rent a pedal boat shaped like a swan, or go for a stroll or a run around the lake. If you need an oasis of calm in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is the place to visit! They also have a Sunday Market that draws crowds from all over to enjoy the food, artwork, and entertainment.

Air Force Fun Helicopter Tours

See Orlando like you’ve never seen it before - from the air! Fly over Orlando’s famous attractions, and keep an eye out for landmarks! Air Force Fun offer several different packages depending on how much you want to see, and your budget!