Family-Friendly Things to Do in Orlando Other than Theme Parks

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Whether you live in Orlando or have visited here hundreds of times, you may be looking for other things to do that are not theme parks. There are lots of family-friendly attractions in Orlando beyond Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. The following are a few of our favorite family-friendly things to do in Orlando.

Crayola Experience

The Crayola Experience Orlando is one of five locations across the country. These are a lot of fun for all ages. From a toddler play area to graphic design stations, it’s worth the visit just to make your own crayon. There are over 25 stations of colorful activities that kids of all ages can get involved in. My favorite was coloring my creation and bringing it to life on the computer screen with Color Magic.

Read my review here.

Wonderworks

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Orlando besides theme parks, head on over to Wonderworks. Over 100 interactive exhibits exist at Wonderworks. These are kooky, scientific, and just plain fun. Not to mention, walking into an upside-down building is sure to spark some wonder into your kiddos.

Buy tickets here.

Read our review here.

Orlando Rep

Have you ever considered the theater for a family-friendly attraction in Orlando? The Orlando Rep Theater is a professional theater that specializes in family-friendly fare. The entertainment is always of high quality and Broadway-caliber. Tickets are $15-25. They also offer sensory and ASL shows.

Buy tickets here.

Read my review here.

Icon Orlando

As long as you don’t have a fear of heights, plan a trip through the Orlando skies at the sixth-largest Ferris wheel in the world. If you’ve ever seen pics of the London Eye, you’ll have a good idea of what Icon Orlando looks like.

Buy tickets here.

Central Florida Zoo

The Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a simply stunning place to visit. Whether you’re looking for someplace new to visit during your Orlando vacation, or you’re a local looking to break out from quarantine without going to the theme parks, the Zoo has protective measures in place, plenty of easy walking trails, and of course, dozens and dozens of adorable, interesting, and exotic animals.

Read the full review of the Central Florida Zoo here.

Buy skip the line tickets here.

Fun Spot

Okay, so Fun Spot might be a theme park according to their website. And yes, it is an amusement park with roller coasters, go-karts, and other popular carnival-style attractions. See a full list here.

Get an Orlando Explorer Pass starting at $50 for tickets to 3 attractions, including Fun Spot. You can also choose Icon Orlando and Wonderworks previously mentioned. 

Orlando Tree Trek Adventure

Orlando Tree Trek offers zip lines and ropes courses and suspension bridges in a pine forest. Orlando Tree Trek is close to Walt Disney World and definitely not one of the things to do in Orlando that you’d normally think of! This will keep the kids engaged!

Get tickets here.

Read our review here.

Forever Florida

Forever Florida is another zip line course and this one has a zip line coaster. They are another of those family-friendly attractions in Orlando that also has horseback riding, camping, a trail buggy, and outdoor adventures.

Get your tickets here.

Disney Springs

If you’re staying on Disney property, you’ll likely head over to Disney Springs for an afternoon. For kids, check out these family favs.

• The Lego Store
• Rainforest Cafe
• Splitsville Bowling
• Coca Cola Store – get a flight of floats at the restaurant on top

Read our Family Friendly post on Disney Springs here.

Sea Life Aquarium

Looking for underwater things to do in Orlando? Sea Life Aquarium has more than 5000 animals including sea turtles, seahorses, octopus, and jellyfish. They also offer free talks with caretakers and hands-on safe to touch stations for kids.

Get your tickets here.

Enzian Movies in the park

Looking for something laid back to do? Check out Enzian Movies Popcorn Flicks in the Park in Winter Park. Happening only once a month, be sure to check the calendar.  The event is free. Movies are usually classic flicks, fun for the whole family, and bring that drive-in movie shared experience to everyone. Enzian is a fantastic dine-in movie theater that also offers Peanut Butter Matinees and summer programs for kids.

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