There are plenty of things to do in Orlando besides the theme parks: watch a rocket launch at Kennedy Space Center, spot alligators on an airboat, swim in crystal-clear springs, shop the outlets or spend a day on the beach, all within an hour or two. Our Florida specialists, who visit every year, have picked 30+ ideas for 2027/2028 to fill your rest days, plus what's new at the parks if you're planning those too.
Some of the best things to do in Orlando are outside the theme parks. From Kennedy Space Center and thrilling airboat rides to natural springs, wildlife encounters and the Orlando Eye, there's plenty to discover. Most attractions are within a 30–60-minute drive of the main Orlando resort areas.
Discover America's space exploration history at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. See the Space Shuttle Atlantis, walk beneath a huge Saturn V rocket and, if your travel dates line up, watch a real rocket launch. It's around an hour east of Orlando, making it easy to combine with an afternoon at Cocoa Beach.
Known as Orlando's original attraction, Gatorland is home to thousands of alligators and crocodiles. Watch entertaining wildlife shows, explore the splash park and take on the Screamin' Gator Zip Line, which flies above the alligator ponds. It's a fun alternative to the larger theme parks and a great option for families.
The 400ft observation wheel on International Drive, now back to its original name, The Orlando Eye, offers fantastic views across Orlando and towards the Disney parks on a clear day. ICON Park is also home to SEA LIFE Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, Museum of Illusions, the Orlando StarFlyer and Blue Man Group, making it easy to spend an afternoon or evening here.
Experience Florida's wetlands on an exciting airboat ride, skimming across the water in search of alligators and other wildlife. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is around 30 minutes from Orlando, while Wild Florida is approximately 45 minutes away and also offers a drive-through safari park.
For a change of pace, visit one of Florida's beautiful natural springs. Wekiwa Springs and Kelly Park (Rock Springs), around 30–45 minutes north of Orlando, are popular for swimming, paddling and enjoying the clear spring water, which stays around 22°C throughout the year. Between November and March, Blue Spring State Park attracts manatees seeking warmer water, offering a wonderful wildlife experience.
Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk are great places to visit outside the theme parks, with no park admission required to explore. Both offer restaurants, shops and live entertainment, with plenty of options for an evening out. At Disney Springs, don't miss Raglan Road for Irish food and live music, while Universal CityWalk is home to attractions including Hollywood Drive-In Golf.
Just 20 minutes north of Downtown Orlando, Winter Park is a leafy, upmarket town with boutiques, cafes and restaurants along Park Avenue. Take the hour-long Scenic Boat Tour through its beautiful lakes and canals, passing waterfront homes and lush gardens. It's a lovely way to see a different side of Florida.
Old Town Kissimmee is a nostalgic entertainment area with retro rides, shops and a classic car cruise on Saturday evenings. Fun Spot America, with locations in Kissimmee and International Drive, offers wooden roller coasters, go-karts and family attractions. Nearby Celebration, the town originally developed by Disney, is a quieter place to enjoy a stroll, browse the shops and have lunch by the lake.
Orlando has plenty of family attractions beyond Walt Disney World and Universal. From meeting animals at Gatorland to getting creative at Crayola Experience, there are activities for all ages. An airboat ride is another memorable experience for families wanting to see Florida's wildlife.
You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy Orlando. There are several free attractions and experiences, from exploring Disney Springs to watching the car cruise at Old Town Kissimmee. You can also enjoy some of the Disney resort transport and explore the themed hotel lobbies without purchasing a theme park ticket.
Orlando doesn't wind down when the sun goes down. From spectacular Disney fireworks to live music, restaurants and entertainment venues, there are plenty of ways to enjoy an evening outside your hotel.
Florida's summer thunderstorms often pass within an hour, but if you encounter a particularly wet day, there are plenty of indoor attractions to enjoy. These are also useful options when you need a break from the sunshine.
Shopping is a big part of many Orlando holidays, particularly for visitors from the UK looking for American brands, designer labels and outlet bargains. Orlando has several major shopping destinations, from premium outlet centres to luxury shopping malls. Discounts vary by retailer, brand and season.
Orlando is a great base for exploring more of Florida, with beautiful beaches, historic towns and exciting attractions within driving distance. If you have extra time during your holiday, consider adding a day trip to Clearwater Beach, Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or historic St Augustine. These trips offer a different perspective on Florida and can be a great addition to a longer Orlando stay.
Of course, no Orlando Holiday is complete without a visit to the theme parks. Orlando has seven major theme parks across Disney, Universal and SeaWorld, plus LEGOLAND and four big water parks.
Universal's Volcano Bay, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach, and SeaWorld's Aquatica. Water parks are a great "rest day" from the main parks; check seasonal closures for Disney's parks.
Apart from Disney, Orlando has Universal's three parks (including Epic Universe), SeaWorld, Kennedy Space Center, Gatorland, airboat rides, natural springs, ICON Park and huge outlet malls. Beaches like Cocoa Beach are about an hour away.
The best free things to do in Orlando are Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk, riding Disney's resort monorail, Lake Eola Park and the Saturday car cruise in Old Town Kissimmee. You can also watch Magic Kingdom's fireworks from the Polynesian Village Resort's beach.
Most UK families spend 14 nights in Orlando to visit the main theme parks with rest days and a day trip or two. A week works if you focus on one resort and a couple of attractions.
Kennedy Space Center combined with Cocoa Beach is the most popular day trip from Orlando, about an hour east. For a classic beach day, Clearwater Beach on the Gulf Coast is about two hours west.
On a rainy day in Orlando, try Crayola Experience, the Orlando Science Center, SEA LIFE Aquarium, Museum of Illusions or indoor karting at Andretti. Summer storms usually pass within an hour, so park days are rarely lost.
At night, Orlando has fireworks at Magic Kingdom and EPCOT, dining and live music at Disney Springs and Universal CityWalk, the Orlando Eye and Blue Man Group at ICON Park, and dinner shows like Medieval Times.
For toddlers, Peppa Pig Theme Park, Magic Kingdom, SEA LIFE Aquarium and Gatorland's splash park are the best picks. Quieter mornings and a pool break in the afternoon help with the heat.
Yes, the easiest places to see alligators in Orlando are Gatorland and an airboat ride at Boggy Creek or Wild Florida. You'll often spot them in lakes and wetlands, too, so never swim in lakes.
Yes, Crystal River, about 1 hour 45 minutes from Orlando, is the only place in Florida where you can legally swim with manatees on guided tours, best from November to March. Blue Spring State Park, about 45 minutes away, is great for viewing them.
Beyond the theme parks, 2027 brings Arte Museum, an immersive digital art museum at ICON Park, and Category 10, a new live music venue at Universal CityWalk; 2026 openings like Sloth World and Museum of Ice Cream will also be new to most visitors. At the parks, 2027 adds Universal's Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift and Tropical Americas at Disney's Animal Kingdom, with Magic Kingdom's Cars and Villains lands expected from 2028.
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