13 Things To Do in Orlando Other Than Theme Parks

Orlando Florida is a well known travel destination for adventurers world wide seeking new experiences at one of its many theme parks. However, if you're not up for the busy and loud  theme parks (or simply can't spend that much money), and hanging out by your pool aren't what you've got in mind, it's important to consider other alternatives. Here are some great options of things to do sure to keep you going and enjoying your vacation time in Orlando!

13 Things to do in Orlando besides theme parks

1. Top Golf

There's no need to be an avid golfer in order to enjoy sipping on some drinks or snacking on great food from 1 the 100+ hitting bays over 3 levels at Top Golf in Orlando! The golf balls are equipped with tracking technology so you can watch the replays of every shot on HDTV in your bay. You can opt to play a specific game through the system or stick to a simple driving range approach and the system will keep the scores for everyone in your groups! Top Golf Orlando makes for a perfect group activity for a couple hours, and you can even keep on top of things during your great time through the free Wi-Fi.

Tip: Save money by going in on Tuesdays for half price game play, which is charged by the bay and not by person. ( It doesn't apply to the 5$ per person lifetime membership fee for Top Golf.)

2. Shopping 

While not cost friendly (unless you specialize in the art of window shopping), there are great deals that can be found in Orlando. Orlando International Premium Outlets and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets are two outlet malls where amazing deals can be found (check out our tips for saving money while shopping in outlet malls). There are also various malls and other stores offering a variety of products to shoppers.

3. Winter Park

Located near Orlando, this area is visited for its charming cobble stoned lanes offering various bistros, lovely stores and a lovely farmer's market. Visitors, snowbirds and locals alike enjoy taking a stroll down Park Avenue, as well as the surrounding area with gorgeous homes, vibrant nature and vast outdoor space. If you prefer to have a seat, consider taking a tour on the Winter Park Scenic Boat Ride. All-in-all, Winter Park makes for a wonderful free destination, where you can simply stroll around to take in the fountains and charming decor, or enjoy some shopping and fine cuisine.

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Thinking of visiting some beaches? Click here for
everything you need to know about visiting Fort De Soto Park!

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4. Sport Games

There are many excellent sports teams for which Orlando represents their home, so why not take in a game that's not available in your home town? From the exciting NBA team's Orlando Magic basketball games, to MLS' Orlando City Soccer Club, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) National Campus, NWSL's Orlando Pride women soccer or ECHL's Orlando Solar Bears ice hockey games, there's something for everyone. Whether you're an die-hard sports enthusiast or have never seen a game, take a leap and head out to a game!

5. Miniature Golf

Orlando seems to have attracted a multitude of mini golf courses, which makes this such an easy and fun outing for all. No need to be a master golfer to enjoy the extravagant set ups of these popular gems. There are varying themes such as Hollywood Drive-In Golf, Orlando Putting Edge or Congo River Golf, and each of these have their own additional activities available on site (such as Congo River Golf's offering of feeding live alligators, or Hollywood Drive-in Golf which offers two 18 hole courses for twice the fun).

Tip: Most of the mini golf experiences offer various discounts, such as for online purchases of the passes.

6. Dinner Theatre

From mystery dinner theatres to rock, treasure tavern, pirates or magic shows, there is a long list of available diverse diner theatres available in Orlando. Decide what interests would best suit your group and have a quick search, you're bound to find something for everyone.

7. Disney Springs 

While Disney Springs (previously known as Downtown Disney) are technically part of Walt Disney World Resort, it made this list as a great free and less crowded alternative to the theme parks. Built around a lake and comprised of 4 districts (Marketplace, The Landing, Town Center, and West Side), this complex offers over 100 shopping options, over 60 dining choices along with multiple entertainment possibilities. It's a great place to do some shopping (including Disney store merchandise), grab a bit to eat or simply walk around and take in the sights and sounds. The Rainforest Café, for example, has a "volcano eruption" every 30 minutes, while there are water taxis in the shape of cars "driving" folks around on the water.

8. The Crayola Experience

Looking to get your creative juices flowing? Check out the Crayola Experience, an activity for children and adults alike where you can participate in 26 hands-on experiences involving art and technology while discovering colors through a whole new light. This location offers 2 levels and 70 000 square feet of creative fun.

Cocoa Beach, Florida

9. Beach Day

Florida boasts a multitude of breathtaking beaches, with some of them within driving distance from Orlando! One of the closest options is to head to the East Coast and explore Cocoa Beach, which is approximately a 1 hour drive. Alternatively, you can also choose to head to the West Coast where you can check out many beaches including the popular Clearwater Beach (which is approximately a 2 hour drive). Either way, grab your towel and sunscreen, put on your bathing suit and get ready to dig your toes in the sand and while swimming away any stress!

10. Escape Room

This immersive role-playing game requires you to be mentally and physically involved in the specific adventure of the room in which you're playing in order to solve puzzles and riddles, combine hints and clues with a proper strategy as your team is "locked" in one or multiple rooms with a limited time to solve the room's mystery. From alien or cowboy mysteries to murders that require solving, there's a variety of themes waiting for you and your group to discover.

Restaurant in St. Augustine, Florida

11. Nature Park

If you've had enough with buildings and crowds and are instead seeking an escape from this business, consider heading into nature.  There are gorgeous parks (including State Parks ) within driving distance from Orlando, including very popular Kelly Park (where you can go tubing down a river in 70-degree spring water), Blue Springs State Park or Crystal River ( which is known for its many manatees).

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Change of travel plans and decided to experience a theme park after all?
Make sure to read this Guide to Orlando's Universal Studio Theme Park!

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12. Airboat Ride

Ever wanted to experience a ride on an airboat while trying to spot some natural wildlife? You're in luck! Multiple companies offer airboat tours in the surrounding areas of Orlando. These flat bottomed boats propelled by big fans make their way across large bodies of water in the hopes of catching a glimpse of anything from an alligator to turtles or wild hogs. Tours vary in duration and pricing, so do your research ahead of time to ensure you book the one that's best suited to your specific needs and you'll certainly experience an amazing memorable adventure!

St. Augustine, Florida

13. Day Trip

If you want to expand your experience of Florida, why not check out some of the great experiences awaiting you outside of Orlando? Popular day trips include St Augustine which is known as one of the oldest cities in the US and boasts gorgeous cobblestone streets, as well as Devil's Den where you can swim up to 33 million year old fossils. Other alternate destinations include previously mentioned Clearwater Beach or Daytona Beach (home of Daytona 500), Gainsville, Kennedy Space Center or Miami.

With so many options to chose from, Orlando has activities for every traveler!

Learn more about United States travel at https://www.thedimetravelers.com/unitedstates.html