When most people think about Orlando, they think theme parks. However, the Central Florida area is filled with fun, adventurous attractions for families looking to explore life outside thrilling roller coasters.
Here's a look at seven non-theme park activities to experience in Central Florida.
It’s time to color outside the lines and have fun at the interactive Crayola Experience Orlando. With 26 hands-on activities inside the 70,000-square-foot building, kids can create their own masterpieces and learn how crayons are made. At the Wrap it Up station, kids can create their own crayon and personalize it with a customized wrapper and crayon name. And the indoor color playground lets little ones have fun and be active. The Crayola Store features one-of-a-kind souvenirs with the Pick Your Pack wall allowing fans to create their own assortment, choosing from Crayola's most popular colors.
$22.99 in person, $19.99 online, ages 2 and under free.
Take a look at the real Florida and go on an adventure at the 4,700-acre Forever Florida Wildlife Conservation Area. Choose from zip-lining, horseback rides through the preserve or try the trail buggy adventure exploring the preserved lands via an open-aired safari truck elevated five feet off the ground for great wildlife viewing. For those dreaming of being a cowboy, sign up for the (pricey) Cowboy for a Day experience at the property's Crescent J Ranch.
Prices vary depending on activities.
This 110-acre park is home to the largest collection of white alligators, along with a free-flight aviary, nature walks and petting zoo. Learn more about alligators and crocodiles at the Gator Jumparoo show and the popular Gator Wrestlin' show. For those seeking adventure, the Screamin' Gator zip line sends riders high above the Nile and Cuban crocodiles and the alligator breeding marsh. For a behind-the-scenes look at the park, the Adventure Hour tour provides access to the alligator breeding marsh and unique photo opportunities.
Adults $26.99 online, 29.99 in person; children ages 3-12 $16.99 online, $19.99 in person; ages 3 and under free.
From A-List celebrities to political figures, don't forget the camera when visiting Madame Tussauds Orlando. With wax figures featured throughout the attraction, it is the ultimate selfie spot for pictures. Get up close and personal with the life-sized statues and examine the attention to detail in each one
Adults $25 online, $27.50 in person; ages 3-12 $20 online, $22.50 in person; ages 2 and under free.
Climb aboard a fully-enclosed, air-conditioned capsule to experience the views of Central Florida. The Orlando Eye stands at 400 feet tall with 30 capsules taking riders on a unique 23-minute experience, including a pre-flight 4D cinema experience. Watch the sunset or spot Cape Canaveral on a clear day. Save money on tickets by purchasing online. To celebrate a special occasion, get the Champagne Experience with complimentary toast and priority boarding. The Eye is brightly colored at night; see the lighting schedule to see what colors it will shine during your visit.
Adults $25 online, $27.50 in person; children ages 3-12 $20 online, $22.50 in person.
Take time to learn about nature, the human body and mechanics at the Orlando Science Center. The hands-on exhibits also feature a planetarium with numerous shows playing throughout the day and an atrium showcasing wildlife alongside alligators, turtles and fish. The museum's CineDome has a screen measuring 8,000 square feet with projections shown through a fish eye lens making discovery larger than life. KidsTown, located on the first floor of the museum, offers imaginative, hands-on role playing experiences such as a doctor, mechanic and even sorting oranges at the orange grove factory.
Adults $20.95; ages 3-11 $14.95; ages 2 and under free.
More than 5,000 sea creatures call the Sea Life Aquarium Orlando their home. From colorful fish, turtles, sharks and more it is a place of education and discovery. The hands-on touch tank provides an immersive experience for guests and the 360-degree ocean tunnel offers a unique view of the sea life. Discovery Experience offers interactions with the dive team to learn what it takes to care for the sea creatures.
Adults $25 online, $27.50 in person; ages 3-12 $20 online, $22.50 in person; children 2 and under free.
For more information on non-theme park activities in the Orlando area, go to www.visitorlando.com.
