Things to Do - Theme Park Alternatives

iFLY is an indoor skydiving experience that creates true free fall conditions, just like skydiving, without having to jump out of an airplane.

iFLY Orlando's 1,000 hp vertical wind tunnel generates a wall-to-wall cushion of air, on which you safely float.

There’s no parachute, no jumping, and nothing attaching you to planet Earth. It’s just you and the air, it’s the most incredible adrenaline rush.

No experience is necessary. Just about anyone can fly, including those with physical disabilities.

Children as young as three, to adults as young as 103 have flown with us. Obviously there are only a few exceptions 😢 if you’ve dislocated a shoulder or have had a neck injury you might not be able to fly.

iFly is located at the Universal end of International Drive.

Just imagine yourself zipping above the treetops over Florida’s most pristine nature preserve, waving at the wildlife below while safely zipping 30 mph across sky bridges, forests and wetlands.

Forever Florida is a unique eco-tourism attraction located in St. Cloud, Florida; just one hour southeast of Orlando.

Departing from a picturesque Florida cattle and horse ranch, guest’s journey deep into the 4,700-acre Forever Florida Wildlife Conservation Area.
This very special place encompasses 9 distinct ecosystems and is pristinely preserved just as nature intended.

Guests experience natural streams, forests, pastures, wetlands and learn about the wide array of Forever Florida’s wildlife including alligators, black bears, white-tail deer and the endangered Florida panther.

The unique adventures include: The Zipline Adventure, Coach Adventure, Horseback Adventure, and the heart pumping Thrill Pack.

Also available is the full-service Cypress Restaurant.

Warbird Adventures

Warbird Adventures This is a vintage flight school and air museum These are not simulators!!! This is the real thing.

Come fly like the aces of yesteryear in some of the most significant military aircraft in history and prepare yourself for the experience of a lifetime!

Whether you want a thrilling aerobatic adventure or a smooth straight-and-level flight, the experience will never be forgotten.

Great for first time fliers, nostalgia buffs, modelers and pilots.

You take the controls in the front seat for your Discovery flight and one of our very experienced instructors will teach you everything you want to learn about flying these beautiful pieces of history. It's a 100% hands on experience.

Paddling Center - At Shingle Creek

Paddling Center This is a great place to Kayak, Canoe, SUP, Paddleboard Rentals and get Guided Eco-Tours.

Explore the natural beauty of the real Florida that is Shingle Creek.

The ONLY kayaking outfitter near Disney, Convention Center and Local Attractions.

They rent single kayaks, tandem double kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards.

Their guided eco-tours are led by Nature Experts who are ACA Certified Guides and Kayaking Instructors.

All rentals and tours include paddling instructions. Located on Shingle Creek - explore into a Beautiful Cypress Forest and see wildlife in its natural setting.

The BEST way to see the natural side of Florida in a natural, relaxing, tranquil atmosphere.

Showcase of Citrus

Are you looking for something unique and fun to do? The Showcase of Citrus is the place to be!

They offer a variety of experiences you and your family won’t want to miss. 

The Showcase of Citrus, Florida’s Fresh Air Attraction, is a family owned and operated 2,500 acre estate cultivating over 50 varieties of citrus that began in 1989.

Located just outside of Orlando, in the rolling hills of Clermont, you’ll find a family friendly environment where visitors of all ages can enjoy spending the day outdoors together.

From U-pick citrus to monster truck tours through the ranch, from gem mining in a real sluice box to simply having a relaxing picnic, there is something for everyone of all ages.

Being open every day of the year means that most days you can see the family working together around the estate. 

Orlando Science Center

Orlando Science Center for 60 years has been a place that inspires curiosity and exploration.

Truly one of the great activities for Orlando families, the Science Center encourages learning in a fun way.

It's the perfect educational activity, fun and knowledge all under one roof.
For visitors from out of town, Orlando Science Center is a must for your “things to do in Orlando” list.

With four floors of exciting exhibits, amazing giant screen movies and engaging live programming, the Science Center is the perfect family destination.

It's also the ideal rainy day activity – fun for your entire family and completely indoors!

Celebration

Celebration is the town Disney built.

It has only been in existence since 1994, but is carefully laid out and designed like a classic American small town from the early 20th century.

Colors are bright, buildings are larger than life, it's the classic Disney 'America that never was'.
Designed along the lines that Walt Disney himself drew up (Epcot was his original vision) businesses sit side by side with residences in Celebration Town Center.

Shops, restaurants, offices, banks, a movie theater, and a hotel line a walkway that encircles a small lake.

This arrangement purposefully encourages leisurely strolls and lingering meals at outdoor cafes.

The architecture gives the town a real fairytale atmosphere, and you almost forget it is a working, living, breathing town.
As a tourist, its Celebration Town Center you'll want to see, not so much the outer residential neighborhoods.

The fun to be had is mainly in the wandering and gawking, but there are 'real' things to do, such as carriage rides, plenty of places to eat and drink, and some quite unique shops.
Its a unique place, right on the shoulder of Magic Kingdom, and its a place every Disney fan should pop in to and say hi; its what Walt would have wanted.

This is a great place to visit for Halloween, Christmas or Easter as they have special events and the homes are decorated according to the holida.

Winter Park is essentially a suburb of Orlando, but most definitely has its own charm.

For a laid back day out you will find it filled with lovely shops and places to eat, public parks, and several galleries and museums.

Its a very scenic and pretty city, and is known for its liberalism, history and the various festivals that take place year round.

You can easily while away a morning, or an afternoon, browsing the shops, sitting in parks with 100 year old trees, and eating at any of the many cafes.

In addition, you can take a boat tour on the Scenic Boat Tour, which offers hour long guided cruises through three of the seven lakes and two, narrow manmade canals on the tranquil Winter Park waterways.

You'll get to see some of Florida wildlife (cranes aplenty, possibly a gator sunning itself) but the real draw is seeing some of the mansions built around the water, harkening back to the founders of Winter Park, wealthy businessmen from up north.

You'll also see Rollins College, one of the most prestigious arts colleges in the U.S

It's a great day out and a really pleasant way to spend a few hours and recharge the batteries.

Airboat rides

For a unique and different adventure to anything you will experience why not try an airboat ride.!

There are a few options for airboat rides in the area such as Kissimmee Swamp Tours, Boggy Creek Airboat Rides and Old Fashioned Airboat Rides.

If you want a touch of natural Florida, these are for you.

You get to travel through the Central Florida wetlands, firstly on a slower ride to allow photos, filming,viewing etc, then up to speeds of 45 mph as you skim across the 'beautiful Central Florida Everglades'.

What you get to see varies day by day, but you can expect to see exotic birds, turtles, cypress trees, and (if you are lucky) the Florida alligator in their own natural environment.

The boat pilots are all experts, and very good at seeking out anything interesting, and pointing out interesting sights.

You will find it a great experience, and one the kids will especially love.

There are several options you can try - A 30 minute or a 60 minute scenic airboat ride on 17 passenger airboat, 45 minute airboat tour on 6 passenger boat, and the 1 hour night airboat ride.

There is also a 'Extreme Swamp Safari', which goes to places the main tour doesn't, so something for the braver among you there!

Zip-lining & Outdoor Skiing in Orlando

An aerial park filled with oodles of obstacles and challenges, Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park features four obstacle courses, each one gradually increasing in height and challenge level.

Set on over seven acres of natural pines, this adventure park will have you zipping, climbing, balancing and leaping all afternoon.

The zip line highlight of the park is the giant 425-foot zip line located in the adult course. Reservations are strongly recommended. 

New Nov 2020 is Treehoppers & Snowcat Ridge This will be the first Florida Outdoor and Dome Ski-Slope too!

The Brevard Zoo is not just home to some awesome wildlife; it’s also where you’ll find Treetop Trek Aerial Adventures. Beginners can enjoy the Canopy Walk which includes 21 elements and two zip lines 20 feet above ground.

Seeking more thrills? The Challenge Reloaded includes everything in the Canopy Walk plus additional challenges and thrills. At 40 feet above ground with 600 feet of ziplining, you’ll zip over the wetlands and past the gators. This course features a total of 35 game elements and 14 zip lines and will take anywhere from 2.5-3 hours to complete. 

The Black Diamond Challenge, which includes everything in the Challenge Reloaded, kicks it up a notch with even more challenges added.

If you’re pressed for time but want the thrills, you can do the Zip Only which will take you on 9 zips around the zoo with heights of up to 50 feet above ground.

Adventure Golf & Top Golf

Even if you can drive a golf ball 300 yards, it doesn't matter. 🏌🏻 🏌🏻‍♂️ 🏌🏻‍♀️

Getting it through the windmill makes you a champion here!

That's the beauty of miniature golf-it's a sport the entire family can play.

It's where the greens aren't always green, and the holes offer more twists, turns and colorful distractions than your average PGA Tour stop..... come on, how can you not smile as you line up a putt into an alligator's mouth?

There are a number of miniature golf courses around the Orlando area, decide if you want a Pirate Adventure, explore the Congo River, or experience an Hawaiian Rumble, some even give you the chance to feed alligators!

These courses are a fantastic experience in the evening when all lit up. Check out the sites for coupons or the local coupon books.

Top Golf Welcome to Topgolf – the premier entertainment destination in Lake Mary..... a place where you can come for birthday parties, date nights, or just a night out with friends, and everyone will have a great time.

BOK Tower Gardens