What To Do Around Orlando
It’s no secret Orlando is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the US. Millions of tourists flock here all year round to spend time in the theme parks, and on the beaches. But people often want to know what to do around Orlando outside the theme parks. Thankfully we’ve had the opportunity to experience a lot of what Orlando area has to offer with our homeschooling schedule. Hoping this will give you some inspiration to see more of Central Florida beyond the theme parks.
What to do in Orlando
Chocolate Kingdom Tour
Not far from Sea World, you can find Chocolate Kingdom. A fun, interactive experience about chocolate. Follow the journey of young Herman Bar, and his family. From Germany, to Switzerland, then Argentina, and finally Orlando.
A walk through exhibit, and a chance to create your own chocolate bar. This was a fun field trip we did a couple years ago with our homeschool friends.
Harry P. Leu Gardens
This 50 acre botanical sanctuary has been on my bucket list for far too long. The grounds also include the historic home of Harry P. & Mary Jane Leu, and were donated to the city of Orlando in 1961.
See A Show in Orlando
Dr Phillips Center
In the heart of Downtown Orlando, you’ll find the Dr Phillips Center for Performing Arts. You can find popular shows on tour with Broadway Across America.
Plus concerts, comedy shows, Orlando Ballet, and a variety of entertainment. Make it a date night, or a family day out.
Orlando Repertory Theatre
Roots going back to 1925, the Orlando Rep offers family friendly entertainment. Over the years we’ve seen many great performances. Also, a more affordable option for families. Theatres are smaller, with better views. You can even stick around to meet the cast. Most shows are geared toward the younger crowd.
Shakespeare Theatre
Those with teens can find options aimed at a more mature audience. Typically performing a Shakespeare writing, but you may catch other shows too. One of the funniest shows I’ve ever seen, was here. Every Christmas Story Ever Told was so hilarious, if you get the chance, go see it.
Orlando Science Center
As a homeschool family, we’ve enjoyed being members of OSC over the years. Full of interactive labs, halls, and workshops, the kids can keep busy for hours. Like some physics challenges of lifting each other up.
You have your choice of three different theaters. The Cinedome, a 3-D theater and movie theater. Offering up many options, we’ve loved watching things like National Parks in the Cinedome. Also, you can always count on OSC hosting some fun traveling exhibits, such as the Hall of Heroes. Which was one of our favorites, and you can read about it HERE.
What to do Around Orlando
Apopka
Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive
Florida is well known for it’s unique wildlife, and most notably, gators. The Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive is a short 15 minute drive from Disney. Perk…. It’s FREE!
Drive through this 11 mile wildlife preserve at your own pace, and take in the sites. You can get our tips for this gem HERE.
Maitland
RDV Sportsplex
When you think of Florida, I’m sure winter sports is not something that comes to mind. But, if you are looking for some indoor fun, and want a break from the heat, how about ice skating?
Ocoee
DEFY Orlando
Another indoor option to get some relief from Florida heat. Although you may still get a little sweaty. Challenge yourself to these obstacles. Trampolines, obstacle courses, and more, all under one roof. You can see our full review HERE.
Oviedo
Lukas Nursery Butterfly Experience
For those who love nature, Lukas Nursery Butterfly Experience is a quick trip from Orlando and Disney. Walk through the grounds, learn about gardening, farming, and butterflies.
Also, get a chance to encounter butterflies. We took a field trip a couple years ago, and you can read all about our time HERE.
Take A Dip In The Springs
Salt Springs National Forest Park
Springs in Central Florida are what I would consider, extremely underrated. We had been to several of the state parks with springs in them, but never took the time to truly enjoy them……until spring of 2019.
Now we’ve visited several springs in Ocala National Forest, and you can say we are addicted!! All unique in their own way, it’s a perfect way to spend the day in Florida’s natural beauty! You can read all about Salt Springs HERE.
Winter Garden
Winter Garden Heritage Foundation
In Downtown Winter Garden, just north of Disney, get a glimpse of what Central Florida life was like in the beginning. The Heritage Foundation includes the Heritage Museum, History Research and Eduction Center, and the Central Florida Railroad Museum.
Winter Garden was essential to transporting goods across Florida. Take a walking tour of the city, and learn about the historic buildings still standing today. Including the Edgewater Hotel. Is it haunted?? You can decide.
What Else Is There To Do Around Orlando?
I’m sure you know there are plenty more attractions around Orlando. I mean it is a top vacation destination in the US. But I hope this gives you a little more inspiration to see what else Florida has to offer outside the theme parks.
Julie, I love this recap of great opportunities to enjoy in the Central Florida area. You have so many I had never heard of! I cant wait to try the Butterfly Experience at Lukas, and you know how I feel about our freshwater springs. I haven’t been to Salt Springs in years, so it’s time to go back this summer. Alex took classes with the Shakespeare Festival and we love their vibe. Terrific post – thanks!
These are great! It’s so easy to forget that there is so much more to Orlando than just the theme parks.
We love the Springs, too. But, I have never been to Salt Springs, next time we’ll have to check it out. I forget about all of the fun things Orlando and the surrounding area have to offer. Thank you for the inspiration.
There really is a lot to do in Orlando beyond the theme parks. These are some I’ve never been to & hopefully could go to soon after this virus.
We almost never take the time to see anything beyond Disney when we go to Orlando. Definitely going to try and make some time for a couple of these places this year.
I’m slightly Bias when it comes to visiting the states as the only place I want to go is Disney, but I guess ill have to broaden the mind when it comes to visiting Orlando next time I’m there. Thanks for sharing this great content!
Haha!! You are not the only one who feels that way. I hear that a lot!
I would love to visit Orlando every year! There is so much to explore and experience!
There sure is. So much more than most people know.
I spent a little bit of time in the Orlando area while getting my Master’s in Gainesville, and only wish we’d known about the Butterfly Experience then! We did get to know a number of the springs, though, which were exceptional.
So many great ideas there! We loved seeing Bold the musical at the Dr Phillips Centre – it was incredible. We also really love the town of Celebration – there is so much to see!
Orlando sounds like a great place to visit. I had no idea it had so much to offer. Thanks for sharing!
Orlando is so interesting! Your post is really inspiring! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thank you!! We love living in the area!
What a spectacular place to be! So many things to do and fun to experience. Would love to go there!
We love living in the area!
This looks like such a great few ideas of stuff to do in Florida. Can’t wait to visit and check some of these places out.
Can’t wait to hear about it when you do visit.
I miss the scient center the most really.
I miss my girls being younger and getting to go more too.
I would love the Orlando Science Center and the Butterfly experience!
Great choices!! Hope you get to visit one day.