15 Best Things to Do in Orlando Besides Theme Parks (All Within 1 Hour of Orlando)
Planning a trip to Orlando but looking for things to do beyond Disney World and Universal Studios? You’re not alone. While Orlando is famous for its theme parks, Central Florida is packed with hidden gems, outdoor adventures, unique attractions, and relaxing resort experiences that don’t require a park ticket.
Whether you’re visiting Orlando on a budget, taking a break from the parks, or searching for local favorites, these are the best things to do in Orlando besides theme parks, all located within an hour of Orlando.
Best Orlando Attractions Under $50
1. Spend the Day at Margaritaville Resort Orlando’s Fins Up Beach Club
Cost: Starting at $35 weekdays
Looking for a resort day without the resort price tag? A day pass to Margaritaville Resort Orlando’s Fins Up Beach Club gives you access to a tropical-style pool, waterslides, lounge chairs, live entertainment, and vacation vibes just minutes from Disney.
Why it’s worth it: One of the best budget-friendly resort day passes in Orlando.
Location: Kissimmee (25 minutes from Orlando)
2. Explore Old Town Kissimmee
Cost: Free
Old Town Kissimmee is one of the area’s most underrated attractions. This walkable entertainment district features classic car shows, live music, restaurants, shops, and carnival rides.
SEO Keywords: Old Town Kissimmee, free things to do in Orlando, Kissimmee attractions
Location: Kissimmee (25 minutes)
3. Take an Airboat Tour at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
Cost: $35–$45
Experience real Florida by speeding across the headwaters of the Everglades. You’ll likely spot alligators, turtles, bald eagles, and other wildlife.
Why visitors love it: One of the most popular outdoor activities near Orlando.
Location: Kissimmee (30 minutes)
4. Visit Lake Eola Park
Cost: Free
Located in downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park offers beautiful skyline views, walking paths, swan boats, and year-round events.
It’s one of the best free attractions in Orlando for couples, families, and solo travelers.
Location: Downtown Orlando
5. Walk Through Celebration, Florida
Cost: Free
Originally developed by Disney, Celebration feels like a picture-perfect small town complete with lakeside walking trails, charming architecture, local restaurants, and seasonal events.
Why it’s unique: It feels like stepping into a Hallmark movie.
Location: Celebration (20 minutes)
Best Things to Do Near Orlando Under $100
6. Swim at Wekiwa Springs State Park
Cost: Under $10 admission plus rentals
Crystal-clear spring water stays around 72 degrees year-round, making Wekiwa Springs one of the best outdoor attractions near Orlando.
Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or simply spend the day swimming.
Location: Apopka (30 minutes)
7. Visit Wild Florida Adventure Park
Cost: $40–$90 depending on experiences
Wild Florida combines wildlife exhibits, animal encounters, airboat rides, and opportunities to see zebras, giraffes, sloths, and alligators.
Best for: Families and animal lovers.
Location: Kenansville (45 minutes)
8. Experience Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
Cost: $70–$90
Watch knights battle on horseback while enjoying a four-course feast.
This is one of the most entertaining dinner shows in Orlando and a favorite for families.
Location: Kissimmee (20 minutes)
9. Explore ICON Park and Ride The Wheel
Cost: $30–$80 depending on activities
ICON Park is home to restaurants, bars, shops, and The Wheel, a 400-foot observation wheel offering incredible views of Orlando.
Best time to visit: Sunset.
Location: International Drive
10. Go Clear Kayaking at Rock Springs Run
Cost: $75–$95
Paddle through crystal-clear spring water in a transparent kayak while spotting fish, turtles, and native wildlife below.
Instagram-worthy? Absolutely.
Location: Kelly Park/Rock Springs (40 minutes)
Best Orlando Experiences Worth Splurging On ($100+)
11. Spend the Day at Discovery Cove
Cost: $120–$250+
Discovery Cove is one of Orlando’s most highly rated attractions. Unlike traditional theme parks, attendance is limited, creating a peaceful, all-inclusive experience.
Enjoy snorkeling, lazy rivers, tropical lagoons, meals, and drinks.
Location: Orlando
12. Take a Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
Cost: $175–$250
Float above Central Florida’s lakes, forests, and orange groves as the sun rises over the horizon.
This is easily one of the most memorable experiences near Orlando.
Location: Davenport and surrounding areas (30–45 minutes)
13. Book a VIP Airboat Wildlife Adventure
Cost: $100–$150
Take your airboat experience to the next level with longer rides, smaller groups, and enhanced wildlife viewing opportunities.
Perfect for: Nature lovers and photographers.
Location: Kissimmee area
14. Enjoy a Luxury Spa Day at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando
Cost: $150+
Need a break from sightseeing? Treat yourself to a massage, facial, or wellness treatment at one of Orlando’s top luxury spas.
Best for: Couples trips, girls’ getaways, and self-care days.
Location: Orlando
15. Take a Helicopter Tour Over Orlando
Cost: $120–$250
See Orlando’s lakes, resorts, downtown skyline, and famous attractions from the air.
It’s a unique perspective most visitors never experience.
Location: International Drive area
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Orlando besides Disney?
Some of the top non-theme park attractions include:
- Margaritaville Resort Orlando Day Pass
- Wekiwa Springs State Park
- Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
- Discovery Cove
- ICON Park
- Lake Eola Park
- Celebration, Florida
Are there free things to do in Orlando?
Yes! Some of the best free attractions include:
- Lake Eola Park
- Disney Springs
- Celebration
- Old Town Kissimmee
- Orlando’s downtown art and mural districts
Is Kissimmee worth visiting without going to Disney?
Absolutely. Kissimmee offers airboat rides, resort day passes, wildlife parks, dinner shows, shopping, and outdoor adventures that are enjoyable even if you never set foot in a theme park.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for the best things to do in Orlando besides theme parks, you’ll find no shortage of adventures within an hour of the city. From swimming in natural springs and spotting alligators on an airboat tour to spending the day poolside at Margaritaville Resort Orlando, these experiences showcase a completely different side of Central Florida.
The next time you’re planning an Orlando vacation, consider mixing in a few of these hidden gems—you may end up loving them even more than the theme parks.
