Discovering Orlando Beyond the Theme Parks:
When most people are thinking of things to do in Orlando for adults then they assume for Disney, Universal Studios, and everything International Drive has to offer to its tourist. But, if you’re like me, and visited Orlando several times, you know that the theme parks are great, there is so much other stuff to do besides the Disney and Universal attractions. There are a lot of adult attractions in Orlando like aquarium experiences, the ICON Park Wheel, and things that combine entertainment, culture, and recreation. Even if you’re there for three days, you can find things to do that will be more rewarding than what you find on the tourist path.
If you plan on renting a car in Orlando, driving is simple. There is so much entertainment in Orlando that navigating the city is more fun, and less stressful than the packed tourist attractions. There are recreation and entertainment alternatives to family attractions at ICON Park. You can book a trip through Kayak Stays that includes nightlife, theme park alternatives, and tons of adult things to do in Orlando while staying within your budget and time limits through Kayak Stays.
If you want kid-free options to spend your adult time in Orlando, always consider activities that engage the entertainment districts, travel hubs, and attractions built around the tourism industry. Orlando’s adult attractions, such as the observation wheel at ICON Park, is just a few examples for local, sightseeing, or amusement park experiences. Whether you are vacationing from the Northeast, Midwest, or the Southern U.S., you can easily find things to see that will help you to budget for the best attractions and experiences that Orlando has to offer adults.
Unique Things to Do in Orlando for Families:
Reasons to Visit Bok Towers
Bok Tower Gardens is a perfect destination for families who want a nice quiet place to visit while in Orlando apart from the usual theme parks. It’s located in Lake Wales, but is still a perfect day trip from Orlando. It has beautiful scenery along with historical context. It was built in 1929 by Edward W. Bok, a Pulitzer Prize winner and peace activist. He has also a remarkable life story, being a six year old immigrant from the Netherlands who moved to America and eventually started a purposeful life in Pennsylvania and made the winter retreat we see here today.
The gardens are placed on top of Iron Mountain. This is another name for a rare mountain in the center of Florida which is at 295 feet at its peak. Because of its relatively low height, families can see great views from the top. During the visit, families can see vast rolling lawns, play under the shade of old trees, and enjoy picnics as they listen to the 60 bell Singing Tower’s carillon.
What makes Bok Tower Gardens unique is the combination of beauty, peace, and learning opportunities. The land was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr. His family name is associated with many important sites such as Central Park, the White House, and the Jefferson Memorial. He transformed a dry sandhill and brought beauty to the country. There are now 700 acres of citrus groves, woodland gardens, nature trails, conservation lands, and endangered plants that are protected.
Wildlife loving families love the bird sanctuary where many species of birds can be viewed. There are Olmsted plantings and ancient trees, which attract a variety of 126 species of birds. Bok Tower Gardens create a perfect learning destination for children, parents, and preschoolers. If you’re traveling to Orlando with your family then this attraction is perfect destination. There are beautiful sights to see, unlike many Orlando attractions, there are not large crowds and you do not have to wait in a long queue.
The Museum of Illusions, located in Orlando, Florida, is a perfect stop for families visiting ICON Park. This museum is a great option if you want to take a break from the rides and do something a little more active, while still being indoors. The Museum of Illusions contains 50 mind-bending exhibits that utilize tricks and deceptions to teach visitors about perception. This museum feels like a combination of a puzzle room, a photo center, and a learning exhibit.
This museum is great for families with analytical kids activities because it makes math, psychology, and science more fun and interactive. This museum is often considered entertainment for kids to learn new things. Visitors do not have to suffer through long and boring descriptions. The Museum of Illusions creates opportunities for guests to learn about the tricks of the brain through photos and by stepping into different rooms. This makes the museum a perfect place to go if your family prefers more natural and fun learning.
The Infinity Room, Gravity Room, and Ames Room are some of the most popular exhibits. The Infinity Room gives the illusion of infinite space using reflections. The Gravity Room makes the illusion of jumping out of the room possible. Photographers love the Ames Room because it distorts the size of the people standing in it.
The Museum of Illusions is great for families. The illusions are super interesting, and parents can help their younger kids to understand them. Older kids can pose for awesome pictures. Just make sure to check the ticket prices. They can get a little crazy pictures during peak season in Orlando.
Madame Tussauds:
Madame Tussauds is located in ICON Park on International Drive. It’s another great family friendly option. It’s a great place to get out of the heat and combine some entertainment, pictures, and a bunch of famous people. All the wax figures on display are super and help you to feel like you’ve met a celebrity from any profession.
There are wax figures from every category from movies, music, sports, tv, and history. This is awesome for families with kids of different ages since the younger kids can get excited about the movies and superheroes, while the parents can get nostalgic about the older wax figures.
The Justice League portion of the museum is super cool and highlights a photo with a bunch of superheroes. This is a super awesome option for kids who love movies and comic book stories, but it help to bring excitement to the museum.
The Madame Tussauds museum is the place to be for families who love taking pictures. There are many photo in each room and, as an added bonus, pictures here are fun. If there is bad weather outside, this is a great museum to visit. There are many other great things to do all in the same area as the museum since it is located in ICON Park.
Sea Life Aquarium
Sea Life Aquarium which is located in Orlando, is the perfect mix of education and fun for families. While some families prefer the more action packed experiences, Sea Life is a great alternative. Educating visitors about the ocean and the life that resides there, families are able to see and learn about the underwater world without even leaving Orlando.
Comparing Sea Life to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, Sea Life may be small but is still packed full of fun. One of the coolest experiences families will have is the chance to walk through a 360°, surrounded by ocean life. A walk through tunnel of fish, sharks, sting rays and turtles is a breathtaking experience that kids will never forget.
Feeling connected to ocean life is something Sea Life hopes to achieve and they are able to accomplish this goal with the many touch and learn stations. However, these hands on experiences are great ways to engage with ocean life and learn about different species and their roles in their underwater home.
Learning about the different creatures of the ocean is something Sea Life excels and guests will have the chance to see colorful coral reefs and southern sea animals. The visual and calm nature of the aquarium makes it easy to explore and interact with the many exhibits at your own pace. A visit to Sea Life Aquarium is the perfect way to take a break from the Orlando heat and be sure to get some great family photos.
Malls for Adults
Shopping isn’t exactly the greatest family activity, but Orlando outlet shopping can be integrated into a family trip. Orlando outlet shopping is the largest mass of outlet shopping malls, shopping centers, premium and factory outlets, making this a shopping heaven. Although the title of this section implies that shopping is primarily an adult activity, the outlets are family friendly. Many malls also have food courts, casual stores, and nearby entertainment.
The Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets just off I-4 and near Disney World is a popular outlet to combine high-end designer and more common name brand shopping. Shoppers can find outlets for shopping from Versace, DKNY, Kate Spade, Lucky Brand, and Coach, Banana Republic, and Nike. These all help families shopping for updated clothing, shoes, gifts, or things for the family trip.
The other major shopping option is Orlando International Premium Outlets on International Drive. It has around 180 stores and includes Lacoste, Michael Kors, and Victoria’s Secret. Being located conveniently in the middle of many hotels and shopping attractions means families can easily stop in without a long trip being planned. Malls also get many reviews, and these help families shop at the malls that best suit their needs.
The Florida Mall is a popular place to shop in Central Florida. Families can shop at stores such as M&M’s World, Sunglass Hut and Armani Exchange. Mall at Millenia also provides stores like Pottery Barn, Macy’s, Louie Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Jimmy Choo. While theme parks are the main attraction, these malls provide a fantastic break and allow families things to do and see different things.
Morse Museum:
Morse Museum in Winter Park, FL is a good place to take a break from the busy Orlando tourist sites. Winter Park has a small town feel, and a long history as a holiday escape for Northern US vacationers. The Winter Park Museum also shows a different side to Central Florida than the way we think of modern day Orlando.
The museum is formally named the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. This museum is notable for its collection of American Art works from the Tiffany family. The different mediums of art also include paintings, glass, ceramics, and other decorative arts. Even the most art reluctant family members will appreciate the beauty in the colors and designs of the works of art.
The museum is situated not far from Park Avenue, which has many small shops and restaurants. This is a great way to spend a day at the museum and a leisurely lunch with a family walk around Winter Park’s calm streets. I-Drive is only about a 30 minute drive away, and makes for a perfect getaway from the busy theme park for families and adults.
This museum is perfect for families with older children and teens, and those that appreciate art and history. Although there is no loud amusement park fun to be found here, that is exactly what makes it a special attraction. If you want to experience the beauty and culture of the Orlando area, look no further than the Morse Museum.
When you’re looking for things to do in Orlando with your family, then check out the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. It’s fully family friendly, and a great way to enjoy nature, being a much quieter and more historic side of Central Florida compared to the hustle and bustle of Orlando. The tour even lasts just one hour, making it easy to even fit into a half-day plan.
It is usually starting at Lake Osceola, the tour moves through three different lakes and many narrow canals that have a friendly boat captain who serves as a tour guide. The captain will tell visitors stories about the area, giving families a narrated history lesson that is much more enjoyable than any of the school history classes, letting the families combine history with sightseeing.
One of the interesting parts of the tour is all the history to be learned about the many different expensive mansions dotting the lakes. Most of the wealthy homeowners are those who wanted to escape winter and would travel south for the winter. The captain will provide visitors with the names of past owners and residents, giving families a great sense of the local history and the wealthy Northerners that settled into Florida.
Children will enjoy the boat ride as a journey into adventure, and parents will enjoy a calm break from the stress of traveling. The combination of history, nature, and architecture makes the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour simple and fun for the whole family.
Orlando Museum Of Art and Orlando Science Center
If you’re in Orlando and looking for a fun way to spend the day indoors and still learning, the Orlando Museum Of Art and the Orlando Science Center are the perfect options. They also show that Orlando has attractions apart from the rides and shows.
Between the Orlando Museum Of Art, or OMA, collections of 19th century to modern day American art are the museum’s collections of ancient Americas and African collections. It is a great way for families to get away from the theme park crowds and kids can learn about the history and culture of art, while adults can appreciate the experience.
The Orlando Science Center is the more interactive option. The center has hands on exhibits of not only health, but also electricity, physics, and mechanics. This type of learning through play is great for kids, because sometimes it is easier to learn when you are able to touch, test, and experiment, rather than just read.
The Museum Of Art and the Science Center together offer families the perfect way to experience both art and science. When combined, they are the perfect way for families to learn and have fun indoors on their Orlando vacation.
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures provides an exciting day away from the city’s mainstream attractions. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is about an hour south of Orlando. Their tours travel through the wetlands, marshes, and grassy prairies. This differentiates them from most Florida attractions since most of them take place within the many theme parks, water parks, and attractions packed within the city.
The boat tours at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures are offered in 30 and 60 minute increments. Their boats are airboats that can seat six, and are designed to travel over the swamp and marsh at speeds near 40 mph. It’s an exhilarating ride, but the focus of the tour is it’s an opportunity to view wildlife.
Guests have the chance to see bald eagles as well as one or several alligators. The guides often cover the marshes’ ecosystem and explain the importance of these natural areas. The tour operations are held to the U.S. Coast Guard’s regulations.
This airboat adventure strikes a good balance of an exciting outdoor activity based in nature, and an educational experience about Florida’s wildlife and wetlands. As a good guideline, they recommend a 30 minute tour for children who may have a lower threshold for boredom. You can Walk-ins which are typically accepted until about 5:00 pm, making their tour a great flexible outdoor activity.
Gatorland is a great combination of wildlife and show elements for families with some excitement a few notches above a typical zoo. It is the self proclaimed ‘Alligator Capital of the World’ and covers a massive 110 acres. Gatorland lets families explore the animals of Florida in a much safer and more moderated way than some other wildlife attractions.
As the alligator and crocodile shows are the main draw of the attractions, families are able to learn how to better understand these reptiles via the viewing areas and presentations. Of course, with any animal attractions, it is essential that you monitor their animal care and education presentations to ensure there is no potential animal mistreatment. Learning about the animal care and reptiles of Florida is the value of the attraction for the majority of families.
Gatorland offers a great value for typical and exciting wildlife attraction that’s also a really great zoo for families. The most exciting part of Gatorland for the thrill seeking families is the 1,200 ft. Screamin’ Gator Zip Line, where you can see all the alligators and crocodiles below you as you’re zipping.
Day Trip to the Space Shuttle Atlantis:
If you’re looking for a day trip from Orlando, Atlantis at Kennedy Space Center is one of the best. It gives you a glimpse into the history of the American space program and is a one hour drive from Orlando. This is a perfect day trip for big machine and space program enthusiasts of all ages.
The Kennedy Space Center displays it in an awesome way that gives you an idea of its size and the importance of the role it played in American history. There is no comparison to the history you get from the Atlantis and the Kennedy Space Center in person than you will ever get from a movie or a model. The displays and exhibits help you learn about the Shuttle and the astronauts and their work in Space.
There is also the enormous Saturn V moon rocket and countless other artifacts and exhibits. Many of the exhibits are interactive and help you learn about the missions and the life of an astronaut. Going through the exhibits, kids will understand all of the factors and the bravery it takes to journey through space that make it possible.
Kennedy Space Center not only gives a completely different kind of wonder than the other Orlando attractions, but it also shows the real achievements humanity has been able to accomplish. It will help inspire kids to dream and ask big, and help them understand how much work and planning goes into every answer.
Disney Springs
Disney Springs is a dining, shopping, and entertainment destination, full of options beyond the theme park. It is a collection of neighborhoods with many outdoor, walkable restaurants and storefronts.
With 150 stores and restaurants, the shopping experiences include Disney merchandise, upscale stores, and trendy fashions. Guests can shop at the Disney Character Store, UNIQLO, ZARA, Free People, Oakley, and more. There’s something for everyone in the family.
Restaurants featuring famous chefs are just one of the reasons people visit Disney Springs to eat. José Andrés, Masaharu Morimoto, Wolfgang Puck, and Guy Fieri are a few of the celebrity chefs who have restaurants here. The casual restaurant options for kids, allow adults to enjoy an elevated meal. Some visitors enjoy a light bar crawl, but Disney Springs is very family-friendly.
Among the many attractions here, one popular option is the tethered helium-balloon ride that gives an exceptional view, as it rises to 400 feet. Disney Springs is easily a full dining and shopping day destination, or a complimentary theme park attraction in the evening. It is an excellent option for families.
Here’s a candidate for your next round
Orlando loves golf, with about 25 listed golf courses and 34 golf courses in a 20 mile radius (with 21 of those being public, 9 private and 4 municipal) according to Golf Link. Golf lovers across the country should consider Orlando one of their best golfing vacation options.
Golf is great because the whole family can get involved at the same time, with multiple skill levels. The Arnold Palmer Golf Academy is one of the best options in Orlando for family oriented golfing. The Palmer Golf Academy tries to take a more active, constructive and educational approach to golf, and with more age friendly options of family golf improvement, the academy is better equipped to help more active families.
More families opt for Top Golf these days when they want a more casual golfing experience. Located in the Orlando Convention Center area, Top Golf is a game that combines a fun, competitive scoring system of golf, darts, and bowling, with no need to walk a full golf course. Families have opted to go to Top Golf more sometimes because it’s simply a better experience than a full golf course.
This heading is a great because it demonstrates the variety of family activities you can find in Orlando beyond theme parks, shopping, or museums, with Indoor and Outdoor options. Sports are always a good choice.
Disney’s Epcot
Disney’s Epcot is a super fun theme park that combines entertainment with education. Epcot is themed around the achievements of humanity and civilization. Disney describes this section of the park as a permanent World’s Fair. Epcot opened over 40 years ago.
Epcot differs from Disneyland in that Epcot has specific areas that are more geared towards attraction or entertainment experiences for more adult audiences. Epcot features bars and seasonal festivals and has more cultural and culinary focused experiences. Epcot still has rides and other exhibits geared towards a younger audience.
Epcot’s World Showcase lets you enter themed areas that celebrate countries of the world. Visitors to the German Pavilion will find a themed Oktoberfest area, the Biergarten Restaurant, and traditional German food and beer. The French Pavilion has cultural exhibits and offers an Ice Cream Martini dessert from L’Artisan des Glaces that can be made with either beer or vodka and features martini ice cream and whipped cream.
If your family has older teenagers, Epcot is a super fun place for your family to spend the day. Epcot features the magic of Disney while also combining educational and cultural aspects into one amazing place.
Going to Lake Eola in Orlando at the end of the day is a great way to enjoy Downtown Orlando. Lake Eola is a great relaxing spot for families to take a break from the daily hustle and bustle of dealing with big attractions, or shopping, and running around different places. It is easy to access Downtown and is located in the center of the City.
The Lake has a one mile walking path that is perfect for a relaxed family walk. The path is easy to walk and gives visitors different views of the lake, the city skyline, the trees, and the open spaces. There is no need for tickets, long lines, or an elaborate travel itinerary to appreciate the lake.
What makes Lake Eola even better is the swans. It is fun to view this gentle giant from the waters edge, or you can go for a ride in a swan paddle boat. The paddle boats add just enough fun of a small adventure for the kids.
The late afternoon views can be a really nice break for the family from low cost and relaxed activities in Orlando. Lake Eola takes you to a local, less crowded, and less intense Orlando rather than the shopping centers and theme parks.
