10 Best Things To Do In Orlando, Florida

Photo: by Cody Board

Our 10 Best Things To Do In Orlando, Florida article presents 10 choices for travelers outside of Florida’s legendary Disney World. Of course Disney World. is the biggest, most popular reason that most vacationers go to Orlando, Florida. Their acclaimed-themed attractions steal the spotlight. In this well-kept beautiful city of Orlando, there are so many other attractions to see. With an average temperature of 75 degrees, it is a spectacular place to visit. But, do not take for granted the water parks, zoos, shows, recreational parks, airboat tours, and other exciting things that Orlando has to offer. Kids of all ages have a dream to go to Disney World. To see Mickey Mouse and the Magic Kingdom. But we are going to focus on other fun things in Orlando that are easier on the wallet.

Orlando has a population of over two million people. It is also one of the busiest cities for conventions and conferences; their convention center is actually the second largest in the United States. Orlando, Florida, also has the largest University campus in the United States, the University of Central Florida. Orlando is mostly wetlands with many lakes and swamps. There are 115 neighborhoods and 19 skyscrapers in the city. The tallest skyscraper is 441 feet tall and was built in 1988.

Orlando, Florida, is a spectacular place to vacation. We are going to cover 10 things to do in Orlando, outside of Disney World. The city has so many fun, interesting, and adventurous things to participate in and see. Places that a lot of people probably do not even know exist unless you live in the city.

# 10 – The Escape Game

We open up our 10 Best Things To Do In Orlando, Florida list with the fabulous destination called The Escape Room. It is family-friendly and definitely an adventure to look into when you are in Orlando. This is just one of a handful of “escape” venues to visit. The Escape Room has exciting twists, turns, and surprises. You are locked in a room and have one hour to figure out how to get out. You sift through clues, hints, and mini-games on your mission to escape. It is a great team-building experience. It would be best if you had teamwork, concentration, and a sense of adventure to get through the many different rooms that they have to offer. Some of the rooms include; special ops, gold rush, playground, and prison break. This is a challenging experience for tourists to see if they have what it takes to get out of the room before their sixty-minutes is up?

# 9 – Discovery Cove

Visit the beautiful 30-acre tropical Oasis and experience some exciting animal encounters. Discovery Cove has waterfalls, lagoons, coral reefs, and white sand beaches. You have the opportunity to feed exotic birds, swim with the dolphins, or snorkel among thousands of tropical fish and rays. The meals, snacks, snorkels, sunscreen, and more are included in the price of your Discovery Cove adventure. You will also experience marmoset monkeys, otters, and many other stunning critters. This is a great place to spend the day with your children. Give them a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get close to some animals that otherwise, they would never see up close and personal.

# 8 – Wild Florida Adventure Park

The only gator and airboat experience in the area. Located just 45 miles from the Disney World area, it is along the gorgeous shores of Cypress Lake. You can book a gorgeous day tour at Wild Florida, an exciting night tour, or a relaxing sunset tour (perfect after a day of other adventures and attractions). Take a walking tour, boating tour, swamp tour, or a nature tour. Included in the price of your airboat tour; exploring the outstanding gator park full of a variety of native and exotic animals. If you get hungry, they have an on-site BBQ establishment with delicious food, including fried alligators.

# 7 – The Wheel

If it is the last thing (or the first thing) you do in Orlando, you need to go to The Wheel. See Orlando’s view from 400 feet in the air. The ride takes about 20 minutes per rotation, and you get a spectacular view of Central Florida. Just as with the airboat tours, you can ride The Wheel during the day, sunset, or night. If you go at night, you can see all of Orlando and the spectacular lights or even fireworks from some of the theme/amusement parks.

# 6 – iFly

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to skydive, then iFly is a great place for you to visit. Make sure to book your “flight” in advance. Get the experience of jumping out of an airplane without the anxiety and safety concerns. iFly has world-class instructors that will take you through a thorough and detailed orientation. They will answer any questions you have and address any of your concerns before you even have your suit on. This is a family event, and people of any age can participate. They have had three-year-olds and 106-year-olds book this experience. No matter your size, shape, ability, or disability, iFly is a wonderful, thrilling experience that can accommodate and welcomes EVERYONE.

# 5 – Universal Volcano Bay

I was going to avoid anything Universal, or Disney World. related, but I just had to include Volcano Bay. My 9-year-old got all wide-eyed at seeing the enormous volcano. It looks absolutely amazing and beautiful. In the middle of an abundance of water, the huge volcano has a wide variety of slides that you can explore. Some of the slides may give you second thoughts once you reach the top and get ready to go down. Volcano Bay also has a winding river, a beach, raft rides, and more. Spend a wet, fun day in the sun at Universal’s Volcano Bay. They also have cabanas that you can rent, and you can try some of the scrumptious foods from the establishments scattered about.

# 4 – Wonder Works

Combine tons of fun with education, and you have Wonder Works. It is a 35,000 square foot space full of amazing things to experience. Wonder Works was actually a private laboratory located in the Bermuda Triangle. An experiment went off course, lifted the lab, and carried it to International Drive in Orlando. When it landed, it was upside down, but amazingly everything on the inside was unharmed and still intact. There are more than 100 exhibits that are hands-on, challenging your mind and igniting creativity. Laser tag, indoor glow in the dark rope course, light and sound zone, and imagination lab are just a few of the activities that the whole family will enjoy. How about unlimited pizza, salad, adult beverages, soda, and dessert? Then stick around for the interactive, funny magic comedy dinner and enjoy.

# 3 – Gatorland

110-acres to explore. Over 1,000 alligators, crocodiles, breeding marsh, petting zoo, gift shop, and original one-of-a-kind reptile shows, among an abundance of other activities and experiences. At Gatorland, there’s also the NEW White Gator Swamp. It features giant white leucistic and albino alligators. How many of us can say that we have seen an albino alligator? I didn’t even know there was such a thing. You can also take a ride on the Gatorland Express and cool off at Gator Gully Splash Park. All of the above plus more is included in a single-day pass to Gatorland. If you are looking for a little extra excitement, you can upgrade and add the Screamin’ Gator Zip Line or the Stompin’ Gator Off-Road Adventure.

# 2 – Andretti Indoor Karting & Games

Another excellent attraction for the whole family, young and old, to experience together. It is an entertainment complex and restaurant with so many things to do that you could spend almost your whole vacation doing. There are 150,000+ square feet of excitement, adventure, and laughs. 12 lanes of bowling, 120+ arcade games, an extreme rope course, high-speed electric super karts, and a full-service restaurant and bar. That is not even half of what Andretti Indoor Karting & Games has for you to do. The building is all climate controlled with over 100 HD televisions, fresh American food, and a Brick Pizza Oven. You can also enjoy 6 CXC VR Racing simulators. The whole family could spend an entire day here and have the time of their lives.

# 1 – Crayola Experience

I had to put this as number one on our top 10 things to do on the Orlando list. Everyone loves to color, enjoys using their imaginations, and Crayola has been around for many, many years. The Crayola Experience gives you 26 hands-on activities to do. There are 2 stories, over 70,000 square feet, and so many Crayons and markers! You could definitely spend an entire day here, creating keepsakes with the kids. Learn how crayons are made, melt crayons into shapes, and climb the 2-story color playground. Make sure you check out the world’s largest crayon and hand-pick, from 99 colors, your package of crayons or markers. The Crayola Experience also has a huge retail store full of all things Crayola. There is a toddler area, Cafe Crayola (all the food is Crayola inspired), and so many more activities your kids will not know what to do first.

As mentioned at the beginning, Disney World. Everyone knows about it and goes to Florida to go to Disney World. It is just about every little kid’s dream to see Mickey Mouse and the Magic Kingdom. I wanted to provide you with other, more affordable options. Even the top 10 things to do in Orlando are only a fraction of what this amazing city has to offer. Many museums, recreational parks, boating, fishing, water parks, and a downtown area full of shopping and great food. There is just such an abundance and variety of things to do in Orlando, Florida .. don’t take the smaller activities for granted.

BigCityReview.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business or any organizations is allowed to republish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission.