100 Best Things To Do in Orlando with Kids Before They Grow Up (Other than Theme Parks)

Check out the ultimate things to do in Orlando with kids — including attractions, fun events, beaches & lakes, museums, famed landmarks, and much more!

We’ve rounded up a list of 100 things to do in Orlando with kids beyond the theme parks. From hiking to museums to themed dinners, these fun spots offer a variety of family entertainment and must-do activities for kids in Orlando. Get ready to forego the theme park ticket and experience the real Orlando!

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.

Money Saving Tips For Exploring Orlando

As you make your plans, save money with free ideas and activities with our awesome compilation of free things to do in Orlando with kids.

If you have plans to visit a bunch of Orlando attractions in a short amount of time (both theme park and non-theme park alike), look into a Go City - Orlando card, which includes entry into amazing, kid-friendly spots like Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, LEGOLAND Florida Resort, Wonderworks, and much more!

Top Things To Do In Orlando for Visitors

Both kids growing up in Orlando and those visiting will appreciate this list of iconic things to do in Orlando with kids. Here are more helpful round-ups for anyone visiting Orlando:

• Visiting Every Park at Walt Disney World with Kids: A 5-Day Itinerary
• Best Places to See Manatees Near Orlando
• Top 10 Natural Springs in Florida Near Orlando
• Best Things to Do and See in Disney Springs with Kids

Best Things To Do In Orlando with Kids by Age

• Top Things to Do in Orlando with Babies
• Top Things to Do in Orlando with Toddlers & Preschoolers
• Top Things to Do in Orlando with Teens & Tweens

And now...

100 Top Things to Do in Orlando With Kids Other than Theme Parks

1. ICON Park

Take a ride on The Wheel at ICON Park for a fabulous view, then explore the oceans of the world at Sea Life Orlando Aquarium.

Crenshaw Canopy Walk takes visitors on a journey through the trees at Bonnet Springs Park. Photo by the author

2. Bonnet Springs Park

Explore Central Florida's own Central Park: Bonnet Springs Park!

3. Tree Trek Adventure Park

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

See how high you can climb atop Planet Obstacle's 26-foot Spider Wall! Photo courtesy of Planet Obstacle

4. Indoor Rock Climbing

Take a safe climb on the rock wall at Orlando rock climbing gyms.

5. Gatorland

Zipline directly over alligators at Gatorland.

6. Hunt for Shark Teeth

Take a day trip to search for shark teeth at one of these Florida shark tooth beaches.

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

7. Florida Natural Springs

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

Tutu Tales Spa Parties brings kids spa parties to your Orlando spot! Photo courtesy of the spa

8. Kid-Friendly Spas

Treat your child to a royal makeover at a kid-friendly spa.

9. Museum of Illusions

Journey through a land of wacky and weird fun at the 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 Orlando

Create your own crayon label and make masterpieces of color at Orlando's 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. Dinner Shows

Cheer on your favorite knight or watch pirates battle, all 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: 30 Ways to Beat the Heat in Orlando: Heat Wave Indoor Activities and Outdoor Cool 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, as well as other awesome exhibits.

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! Orlando

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

22. Bike the West Orange Trail

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

23. Orlando Playgrounds

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 Disney Character Breakfasts & Meals: The Ultimate Guide to Disney World Character Dining

Catch a show at the Orlando Family Stage (previously known as Orlando Repertory Theatre). Photo courtesy of the theater

25. Orlando Family Stage

Orlando Family Stage 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. Orlando Boat Rides

Cruise through the local lake chains and majestic canals around Orlando.

The lighthouse at Grantham Point is iconic. Photo by the author​

29. 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

Make lasting memories, like feeding 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

Kids (and even some adults) will be amazed by the wonder of 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 free summer movies.

35. Cooking Classes

Learn the basics of good nutrition and healthy food prep with a family cooking class.

36. Go Hiking

Explore a local nature trail with kids on fantastic Orlando hikes.

37. Orlando Circus School

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

38. Indoor Playgrounds

Escape the Florida heat and rain at indoor playgrounds for kids. 

39. Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Attend family performances 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. Orlando Public Library

Visit the largest public library in Florida for a fun day of imagination through books and free family activities. While you're there, take a look at the extensive Disney collection area!

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. Inflatable Water Parks

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

44. Escape Rooms

Crack the code at family-friendly escape rooms.

45. Florida Beaches Near Orlando

Take a day trip and have fun under the sun at a local Florida beach near Orlando.

46. Cheer on the Orlando Magic

Catch the NBA's Orlando Magic at the Amway Center.

RELATED: Amazing Orlando Theme Parks for Toddlers

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. Silver Spurs 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. Orlando Solar Bears

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

52. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

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 & Splash Parks in Orlando

WonderWorks Orlando offers a wacky, wild world to explore. Photo by the author

54. WonderWorks

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

55. Bioluminescence Tour

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

56. Brevard Zoo

Cuddle an alpaca and meet more wild animals 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. Visit Sanford

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

RELATED: Aquatica Orlando: The Ultimate Guide for Wet & Wild Fun in 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. 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. Orlando Starflyer

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

69. Florida State Parks Near Orlando

Carve time to visit one of Florida's amazing state parks.

70. Wild Florida

See the headwaters of the Florida Everglades and visit the gator park at Wild Florida.

71. Pioneer Village

Visit a historical pioneer village in Central Florida.

72. Airboat Rides and Tours

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

73. Orlando Splash Pads

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: 6 Amazing Weekend Getaways from Orlando for Families

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-Karting

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

77. Resort Water Parks & Hotel Pools

Make the most out of your vacation and stay at an Orlando hotel with the ultimate water features!

78. Orlando Water Sports & Activities

Enjoy water sports 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. Orlando Museums

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. Local Donut Shops

Treat the kids to a sweet breakfast (or any-time treat): donuts!

83. Berry Picking

If visiting in April or May, carve some time to pick fresh blueberries from a local u-pick farm. If visiting in the winter months, visit a local strawberry 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 picturesque, kid-friendly restaurants.

Ride the currents at Typhoon Lagoon's lazy river. Photo courtesy Walt Disney World Resort

87. Lazy Rivers

Laze around in one of Orlando's lazy rivers. Many also wrap around cool slides and fun rides!

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

Venture off-road 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. Ninja Warrior Gyms

Test your strength at a ninja warrior gym and parkour obstacle courses.

98. Wekiva Island

Spend a day at Wekiva Island's watering hole.

99. Drive-In Movies

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

100. Go Camping

Spend a night under the stars at a family-friendly Florida campground, many of which are near Orlando!

The list could go on and on...This should get you started on planning an amazing itinerary of things to do in Orlando with kids, beyond the world-famous theme parks!