Must-Do Experiences in Orlando Beyond the Theme Parks (And Dining Tips Too!)

Our clan adores visiting Orlando, and it’s not solely because of the amusement parks. While we do relish zooming through roller coasters and stepping into fantastical realms, exploring a vibrant, multicultural metropolis along with its natural surroundings is equally enchanting. Since we reside slightly more than an hour away from Orlando, whenever we crave those positive urban energies and wish to experience life outside our usual neighborhood, Orlando presents itself as an excellent choice for us.

We’ve selected some top picks for enjoyable experiences in Orlando and nearby areas that can easily complement a visit to the theme parks or provide standalone entertainment options. These activities are perfect for families traveling with children yet equally appealing for adults seeking excitement—perhaps as part of their leisure time during a business trip or conference stay. Should you have queries regarding our recommendations or require additional suggestions, feel free to drop us a comment or message.
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Entertainment, Art, and Heritage in Orlando

Perhaps it’s due to us residing in this quaint little town (St. Augustine, FL), or perhaps my inner city dweller just refuses to let go; either way, I thoroughly enjoy all the exciting activities happening in Orlando. We frequently visit to utilize our yearly passes at Universal Studios or similar attractions, yet we equally look forward to scheduling visits for specific events. Our top picks include sports matches and art exhibitions downtown. These cultural offerings make perfect complements whether your primary reason for visiting includes theme parks or not.

The Kia Center hosts Orlando Magic games or Solar Bears games.

Traveling doesn’t typically make us think about attending sporting events as a family activity, yet we end up enjoying them quite a bit. From Pride Nights during Orlando Magic games (which feature basketball) to catching Solar Bears (a hockey team) matches against our hometown’s minor-league squad, we frequently get swept up in the excitement alongside throngs of local fans. One thing I particularly appreciate is how Orlando’s sports teams provide reasonably priced tickets for families—a rarity in many urban areas home to professional and semiprofessional clubs.

Tip:

we like to
get Magic tickets
As presents for our children, since experiences tend to be more valuable than material items. Among all the sports events we attend, Orlando Magic games consistently prove to be the most enjoyable.

Cirque du Soleil – Attracted to Life

There’s a unique magic in watching Cirque du Soleil with children. We enjoy it immensely.
Taking the children to Broadway Shows
, so this perfectly complements that. Our family looks for activities that attract both diverse participants and spectators, and
Drawn to Life
At Disney Springs, this show stands out as a refreshing break from the theme parks. Experiencing Cirque du Soleil offers an excellent fusion of artistic elegance and athletic prowess, infused with a touch of Disney’s magic. These venues usually create inclusive atmospheres, particularly embracing the LGBTQ community, making the entire event—from the preshow activities to the after-experience—enjoyable and inviting.

Tip:

If you’re heading to Walt Disney World, consider reserving time for Drawn to Life on a separate day from your park visits. This way, you can fully appreciate the leisurely atmosphere of this experience as well as the free performances in the parks without feeling rushed.

Get
Drawn to Life
tickets here!

Leu Gardens

There are several stunning botanical gardens in Orlando, but the
Leu Gardens
Our favorites are these places where we enjoy visiting during special exhibits—like the dinosaur display in the gardens—which always delights us. No matter what time of year, it’s perfect for family outings with children. One of our most cherished areas is the butterfly exhibit; however, exploring the Leu House offers another wonderful experience. This site enhances the overall visit and conveniently sits along your route when passing through Orlando.

Dr Phillips Center shows

In a small town, we often enjoy the vibe of a bustling city. An evening downtown in Orlando can be delightful, featuring a nice dinner followed by catching a performance at the Dr Phillips Center, which serves as the city’s premier venue for theatrical productions. This place attracts major, well-known traveling shows.
Broadway shows
, including ballet and symphony performances during the holidays. We’ve also witnessed the Orlando Philharmonic playing live scores as we watch the movies!

Incorporating a Trip to the Theme Park

Certainly, you’d want to check out a theme park when you’re in Orlando. Many families plan their trip specifically to experience Universal Orlando or Walt Disney World, which is perfectly fine. While Orlando offers numerous other entertaining activities, if your priority includes dedicating one or two days to a theme park, here are our recommended choices.

A Day at Universal’s Islands of Adventure

I never imagined we’d become Annual Passholders for a theme park, yet here we are with Universal passes for many years. No matter if we’re setting up a lengthy weekend getaway to Universal or simply visiting for the day, Islands of Adventure remains our preferred destination. Be it wearing our “Love is Universal” merchandise during events or merely spending time together as a clan, enjoying ourselves at Islands of Adventure ranks high among our favored day trips.

Universal Studios Florida is also quite enjoyable, and that’s where you can explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Diagon Alley. However, for a single day visit, we prefer Islands ofAdventure. With Universal’s Epic Universe now open, you might consider spending a day there as well, though I’d suggest waiting until it gets more established before visiting.

brand new

Before planning your visit, keep in mind that the lines remain quite lengthy. You’ll enjoy more rides and attractions during your day at Islands of Adventure as the newer park is calming down.

A Day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

We prefer taking our theme park visits in smaller portions, typically sticking to just one park during each trip. Ever since the children were young, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has become our favorite spot. Whether it’s a “Dad’s Day at Disney” or we’re showing off the parks to friends who are visiting from elsewhere, this place offers an ideal blend of excitement and relaxation for all of us, catering well to everyone’s tastes.
Walt Disney World visits
low-stress and all fun.

Certainly, we adore Magic Kingdom and
Animal Kingdom
My go-to spot for a laid-back Disney World experience is this place, but when seeking the utmost enjoyment with shorter wait times, preferred meals, and all-around superior activities, we recommend Hollywood Studios as the ultimate choice for a single-day trip there, particularly if you’re a fan ofollywood Studios.
Star Wars fan
!

Tip:

If you’re in Orlando for business and only have an evening free to check out Disney World, you still can.
obtain a special Event Admission Pass
This lets you enter the park post-5:00 PM. Admission times might differ based on the day, but it’s available as an alternative!

The Aquatica Water Park located within SeaWorld Orlando

We haven’t visited SeaWorld and therefore don’t have any recommendations about it, but let me share what I know regarding your query.
Aquatica
Their fantastic water park offers a truly enjoyable day out. It features a wide variety of waterslides catering to all levels of excitement, plus it includes an aquaria feature which sets it apart from typical water parks. As a Florida resident, you can frequently obtain discounted admission tickets, and surprisingly, due to the high volume of visitors focused on themed attractions in Orlando, Aquatica usually sees less traffic than one would expect.

Spending a day at Aquatica is among our top activities when visiting Orlando; however, it isn’t without challenges. From constantly applying sunscreen throughout the day to managing sudden closings due to frequent thunderstorms, every trip may come with some ups and downs. Despite these issues, it remains highly enjoyable, and we always find it worthwhile to spend the entire day there.

Get Aquatica tickets here!

Top Orlando Parks and Natural Areas

Orlando boasts an impressive downtown area with numerous attractions, yet venture beyond the central district and you’ll discover some of our most cherished locations in Orlando—the PARKS! These green spaces range from urban oases perfect for a brief respite during your day to natural retreats where you can immerse yourself in the outdoors. Plus, exploring these scenic areas offers opportunities to spot wildlife like alligators right here in the vicinity of Orlando.

Lake Eola Park

A key aspect of traveling comfortably with children is incorporating relaxation periods and playtime wherever feasible, such as in a bustling location like Orlando. Conveniently situated near downtown, Lake Eola Park offers an ideal setting for allowing the little ones some freedom. While us fathers unwind, our kids can enjoy the park’s playground facilities before rounding off our visit with leisurely boat rides across the lake. This enjoyable pastime works well regardless of the season.

Even though it might seem cliché, hiring one of the swan-shaped boats ranks among the top activities when visiting Lake Eola Park. While kayaks and other paddle crafts are available, the swan boats have become somewhat emblematic and amusingly entertaining.

Paddling at Shingle Creek

Our clan loves discovering bits of natural beauty close to urban areas, and Shingle Creek fits the bill perfectly! This park offers paths ideal for strolling through the cypress swamp or cycling; however, our favorite activity involves renting kayaks and paddleboards. Paddling through the cypress woods provides an authentic Floridian adventure, plus its proximity to various Orlando attractions makes it very convenient! Additionally, the team at the equipment rental area is incredibly welcoming and supportive as well.

When it comes to being close to the city yet feeling completely removed from everything, Shingle Creek truly stands out. Although it’s situated in Kissimmee, accessing this place is simple and definitely makes the trip worthwhile.

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive

First-time visitors to Florida often expect to see alligators lurking at nearly every turn, and surprisingly enough, their expectations aren’t far off. One place we absolutely love for spotting alligators along with various bird species is the Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive. Our clan could spend hours here during each visit without ever tiring of this do-it-yourself wildlife adventure. Post-adventure, we always make sure to head over to Wekiva Springs State Park next door for some refreshing swims.

The reason why Lake Apopaka Wildlife Drive stands out as an awesome destination and among our top picks for activities in Orlando is because of the abundant wildlife present. Its name truly reflects its essence, offering impressive sights beyond just bird watching. Allocate about 90 minutes to fully appreciate your time driving through, with ample opportunities along the way to step out and delve deeper on foot. Additionally, spotting numerous young alligators throughout the year adds to the thrilling experience here!

Paddling Along Winter Park’s Chain of Lakes

Every time we venture onto the water, we’re greeted warmly regardless of our destination, making the Winter Park Chain of Lakes ideal for admiring the scenery and socializing with residents. Whether we bring our equipment along or join a guided trip, each paddle through the interconnected lakes and channels offers an enchanting encounter. Waving at people tending to their gardens or relaxing on porches sipping coffee adds to this distinctive adventure, giving it almost a fairy-tale quality.

This could be a very long day out on the water or a brief one, depending on your preference for paddling distance. You get to choose exactly how far you want to go. If you’re planning to do
simple kayaking excursion (reserve it here)
It’s a briefer option compared to tackling all the lakes. The extended paddling route allows you to halt at an island within the biggest lake for a refreshing pause. Whichever path you choose, it remains enjoyable!

Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

What often astonishes visitors coming from other states when they come to see us is the abundance of boardwalks and nature reserves scattered throughout our area, even in places like Orlando.
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
It’s one of the top spots to visit with children when in Orlando as it’s conveniently near your other plans. From the walkways and paths, you might spot turtles and birds, and perhaps even catch sight of alligators and armadillos if you’re fortunate enough. This makes for an enjoyable family destination that adds a touch of natural charm.

There are numerous boardwalk parks in the Pensacola or Sanibel regions, making it quite special to have such a delightful one centrally located within the state. As someone who loves bird watching, this spot ranks among my top picks for activities in Orlando. However, whether you’re seeking respite from theme parks or urban attractions, this place makes for an excellent choice. Additionally, they offer an air-conditioned visitors’ center featuring informative displays, perfect for those interested in incorporating some educational elements into their trip.

Mead Botanical Garden

Buried within Orlando’s neighborhoods lies the
Mead Botanical Garden
This spot is like a secret treasure that requires some effort to discover. It’s an accessible public garden featuring various horticultural zones and designs, complete with a petite outdoor theater. The atmosphere is tranquil yet engaging for families. Besides exploring the botanical aspects, visitors can enjoy elevated walkways and pathways throughout the area. I hold this location dear and consider it among my top picks for parks in Orlando.

Top Unusual Orlando Eating Spots

As many visitors to Orlando will primarily spend their time near the theme parks and hotels, discovering distinctive cuisine might prove challenging. While plenty of tourists are content with widely available dining options found in various cities, Orlando also boasts numerous excellent local eateries. You simply need to know where to seek them out.

Se7en Bites

While some folks hunt down well-known eateries, we simply head to places that serve great local cuisine.
Se7en Bites
it’s a top choice for us for multiple reasons, ranging from its Southern delights to its
Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives
Hits, and being LGBTQ-owned is an added advantage. Even though we experience warmth and appreciation from everyone across Orlando, backing our LGBTQ peers is important to us when we travel, even near our own homes.

Relax if you arrive and find a queue; the lines progress swiftly thanks to their streamlined system for serving meals. Imagine an inside food truck atmosphere, and you’ll get my drift. The place serves breakfast and lunch exclusively, though one can easily picture how impressive their dinner offerings might be if they decided to broaden their operating hours.

Cafe Tu Tu Tango

We don’t dine out much around I-Drive since we prefer exploring the local eateries within Orlando itself. However, Tu Tu Tango stands out as an excellent choice due to its proximity to Universal Studios, making it convenient for regular trips. The quality cuisine coupled with live performances from locals makes this place quite charming.
Cafe Tu Tu Tango
It’s “the arts” merging with exceptional cuisine in the unlikely setting of I-Drive.

The true standout of dining at Cafe Tu Tu Tango is the immersive atmosphere. While the cuisine is excellent with an impressive variety of tapas, what truly distinguishes this eatery is being surrounded by vibrant local artwork created right before your eyes by resident artists, complemented by a staff passionate about art. This creates an exceptionally distinctive setting for enjoying a meal. It’s a favorite spot of mine.

Boxi Park Evenings (Catering Trucks)

We make an effort to seek out restaurants and food trucks that offer something truly distinctive to the city we’re visiting.
Boxi Park
That’s precisely what it is. Enjoying a meal outside and discovering new options for each person can add excitement during our visits to Orlando. At Boxi Park, street tacos, fried chicken, and live music create a varied experience for the evening, and the audience also reflects a rich diversity.

I’ll concede that Boxi Park isn’t conveniently located (it’s near Lake Nona off the 417 highway), yet it’s well worth venturing outside the bustling downtown and theme park zones for an enjoyable evening outdoors savoring meals, beverages, and entertainment beyond typical Orlando experiences. The venue caters beautifully to families with activities like yard games. It ranks among my top spots for dining, plus the children always look forward to having a good time whenever we visit.

Our Top Picks for Orlando Area Hotels

Truthfully, when we visit Orlando, we typically focus on theme park excursions, with other activities planned around them. This often leads us to stay near these parks, whether inside or very close to the resort hotels. Although we’ve lodged in every Universal hotel and over half of the accommodations within Disney World resorts, here are some of our top picks among those options.

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort

Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort
It has been our preferred choice for lodging whenever we visit Orlando over the years! Even when we’re not planning to spend much time at Universal Parks, we still prefer staying here. Our children really enjoy the massive two pools, while we appreciate the cozy family-style hotel suites that resemble charming vintage studios. Nothing compares to the convenience of its location or the atmosphere at Cabana Bay. Plus, as an extra perk, Florida residents frequently get special discounts at Cabana Bay, making it consistently rank among our favorite places to stay in Orlando.

Universal’s Endless Summer Resort

When looking for an affordable and enjoyable place to stay in Orlando, we often choose Universal’s Endless Summer Resort. Whether you opt for staying at Beachside or Dockside, both options provide excellent experiences for families. The resort offers a welcoming atmosphere where everyone shares the common goals of having fun and relaxing in a laid-back environment. Despite being relatively new,
The Stella Nova and Terra Luna hotels
I still prefer the Endless Summer hotel.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground

Totally distinct from all the other places we’ve visited in the Orlando region,
Fort Wilderness Resort
Walt Disney World offers an incredibly enjoyable way to pretend you’re camping while still having access to all the excitement of the theme parks. The children love participating in various outdoor activities throughout the resort, such as renting golf carts. As for the adults, we appreciate being surrounded by a beautiful Florida pine forest and starting our days immersed in nature. Overall, I find this entire experience quite delightful, from taking the boat rides to enjoying the dinner shows.

Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

It could be a tremendously large resort, but
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
It’s one of my top choices for accommodations at Walt Disney World. I really enjoy the design of the resort, its swimming areas, dining options, and even the transportation services throughout the area. The large chess set and impressive fountains add charm as you stroll around during downtime, while savoring dinners at what I consider some of the finest eateries across all of Walt Disney World only cements why this remains among my preferred spots to lodge in Orlando.

No matter if we’re stopping by for a summer day trip, during Pride Month, or celebrating the holidays, we always find Orlando welcoming and enjoyable. This has consistently been one of our go-to getaways for the weekend, with endless activities available. Should you have any queries regarding our chosen activities or require additional suggestions covering the entire region from one coastline to the other, feel free to drop us a comment or suggestion.
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