Other than the Disney and Universal Resorts in Orlando, there are tons of non-theme park related fun for visitors, from up-close animal interactions with sea creatures and alligators to quirky museums that educate fellow guests on outer space and Mother Nature. Here are the top 10 attractions to visit other than theme parks!
Before you start planning your itinerary, we recommend getting the Go Orlando Explorer Pass (from $50), which saves you up to 42% compared to regular door price tickets at individual attractions. Explore the package options of going for two to five attractions from the 30 attractions available and have a digital pass sent right to you. Remember to plan ahead of time on which attractions you would like to visit in a day as only one attraction visit is allowed per day. The 30-day multi-attraction pass is useful if you are staying for over a week and would like to spread out the attraction visits over a few days. Best of all, you can purchase this pass right here on Native!
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium
Located along International Drive, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is home to over 5,000 sea creatures. Key interests include floor-to-ceiling displays, interactive touch pools, and a 360° underwater tunnel which features fascinating creatures like the sea turtles, stingrays and reef sharks.
Address: 8449 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
Opening hours:
Wednesday – Thursday: 11am - 5pm
Friday – Sunday: 11am - 6pm
Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Admission fees (Door Price | Online):
Adult ($28 | $25.50)
Child ($23 | $20.50)
Gatorland
Alligators are known to thrive in Orlando, so much so that even a park revolving around this reptile has opened. Gatorland is full of thrills and nail-biting adventures: zip 1,200 feet past 130 giant alligators in their breeding marsh, get up close with a live reptile, and watch an educational gator show where the trainers show the massive power of the alligators.
Other than alligators, visitors can also expect to see other animals like wild cats, snakes, tortoises, and birds at the park ,while the faint of heart can visit Allie’s Barnyard to pet and feed domesticated farm animals.
Address: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837
Opening hours:
Monday - Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Admission fees:
Adult: $29.99
Child: $19.99
Seniors above 55 years old: $24.99
*Online purchase of tickets receives $3 off
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
Step away from the hustle and bustle of the city and go on a hiking trail at Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve. The 3.6 mile wide wilderness preserve features an osprey lookout, tortoise habitats, and a chance to see small alligators if you are lucky. With levelled terrain and paved wooden walkways, a hike through this preserve won’t be too taxing on your body. To avoid the crazy torrential weather, the best time to visit Tibet-Butler would be from April to May and September to October.
Address: 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836
Opening hours:
Monday - Sunday: 8am - 6pm
Boggy Creek Airboat Tour
Speed across the water at 45mph on a U.S. Coast Guard boat that brings you to the wetlands of Central Florida, where you can get up close to local wildlife birds, alligators and turtles. This adrenaline-rushing ride comes in tour packages that last from 30 minutes to 1 hour, with options to go for a sunset or nighttime boat ride.
Address: 2001 E. Southport Rd Kissimmee, FL 34746
Opening hours:
Monday - Sunday: 10am – 4pm
Admission fees (for a 30-minute tour):
Adults: $28.95
Child: $24.61
Contact Details
Website
Kennedy Space Center
Aspiring astronauts will take delight in the experiential journey of a real astronaut’s life. Learn about space exploration, experience interactive space simulations, and enjoy live shows at the Kennedy Space Center.
Address: Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Opening hours:
Monday - Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Admission fees:
Adult: $29.99
Child: $24.99
Madame Tussauds
Meet and take pictures with your famous movie characters and Hollywood celebrities like Michael Jackson, David Beckham and Oprah Winfrey. Other than the standard picture opportunities with A-lists stars and iconic characters, participate in the multi-sensory Justice League: A Call for Heroes experience.
Address: 8387 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819
Opening hours:
Wednesday – Thursday: 11am - 5pm
Friday – Sunday: 11am – 6pm
Monday – Tuesday: Closed)
Admission fees:
Adult: $27.50*
Child: $22.50*
* inclusive of VIP photo downloads
Chocolate Kingdom Factory Adventure Tour
Sample your way through the Chocolate Kingdom in Orlando with a 45-minute tour that takes you behind the scenes of a chocolate factory and lets you learn how delicious chocolates are made from scratch.
Other than free samples, visitors receive a complimentary standard bar of chocolate to take home. At an additional cost, you can even personalize your chocolate bar!
Address: 9901 Hawaiian Ct. Orlando, FL 32819
Opening hours:
Monday - Sunday: 10:30am – 6pm
Admission fees:
Adult: $16.95
Child: $12.95
WonderWorks Orlando
The peculiar upside-down building of WonderWorks has already got people tilting heads; one can only imagine what else is in store for them inside. An interactive destination where you get to learn and play at the same time, WonderWorks features attractions and exhibits like a 4D motion ride, laser tag and an experiential hurricane and earthquake simulation.
Address: 9067 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819
Opening hours:
Monday - Sunday: 10am – 10pm
Admission fees: ,
Adult: $27.99
Child (below 13): $22.99
The Wheel @ ICON Park
One of the best things to do at night in Orlando is to go 400 feet above the city on a Ferris Wheel. The Wheel gives you a remarkable view of central Florida, and lets you learn about the sights you see on the way up with the help of an attached Apple iPad tablet.
Address: 8375 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
Opening hours:
Wednesday – Sunday: 1pm – 9pm
Monday – Tuesday: Closed
Admission fees: $27.99 per person
Congo River Adventure Golf
The jungle-themed miniature golf course is one of the attractions in Orlando with the latest closing time, where you can hit your way through 18 challenging courses that are fun for both children and adults alike. Other than mini golf, this destination also has a gator enclosure, and even offers you a chance to feed them!
Address: 5901 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819
Opening hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 10am – 11pm
Friday – Saturday: 10am – 12am
Admission fees:
Adult: $13.99
Child (below 9 years): $12.49
