Whether you’re already living the sunshine state of life at EverBe, are planning a visit, or relocating to Central Florida soon, you might be looking for fun and unique ways to enjoy Spring Break in Orlando with your family—beyond the usual theme parks. Here are 10 unforgettably cool things to do in Orlando besides theme parks that will make your spring break. Even better, these hidden gems are experiences that you can enjoy year-round.
Outdoor Adventures and Nature
While Orlando is famous for its world-class theme park attractions, our area also offers some of Florida’s most beautiful outdoor spaces where you can pedal, paddle, bloom, and connect with nature.
🌊 Paddleboarding & Kayaking at Wekiva Springs
Escape the crowds and explore crystal-clear waters that are a constant 72 degrees year-round no matter how hot it is while spotting wildlife like manatees and turtles. Rent a clear kayak for an extra cool experience! And don’t stop there, dive into your favorite search engine to get immersed in even more of Florida’s natural springs.
🚲 Pedal the Nearby Trails
Take the family for a scenic bike ride along Cady Way Trail that meanders around Fashion Square Mall and Lake Baldwin before connecting to the Cross Seminole Trail in Winter Park. The wide trail offers lots of shade and places to hop off and explore, like the Butterfly Encounter at Lukas Nursery and downtown Oviedo, where you can enjoy a local brunch tradition at The Town House Restaurant then go next door for a delicious scoop of Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Don’t have bikes for everyone? Head to the West Orange Trail where you can rent them at Killarney Station. This 22-mile paved trail winds through beautiful landscapes and charming towns like Winter Garden, with a variety of shops, cafés, and rest areas.
🌺 Explore Leu Gardens’ Spring Bloom
Enjoy a peaceful stroll through the stunning Leu Gardens, which features 50 acres of vibrant flowers, butterflies, and hidden paths—a great spot for a family picnic with items you can pick up from the new onsite Foxtail Marketplace.
Indoor Edutainment and Thrills Beyond the Big Parks
Looking to learn or be thrilled? These local attractions—among the coolest things to do in Orlando besides theme parks—deliver unique indoor experiences that get your adrenaline pumping and your imagination soaring.
🔬 Orlando Science Center’s Spring Break Camp & Exhibits
Check out hands-on science fun at Orlando Science Center, with interactive exhibits, a giant T-Rex skeleton, a planetarium, and hands-on STEM experiments all within a nice, cool air conditioned space—the opposite of those theme park ride lines.
🏎️ Drive Go-Karts at Andretti Indoor Karting and Games
Race like a pro on a multi-level indoor track! This adrenaline arena also has an arcade, laser tag, and VR experiences, making it a great all-in-one adventure spot, especially on a rainy day.
Wildlife and Animal Encounters
Experience Florida’s incredible wildlife up close! These attractions offer authentic encounters with native species and exotic animals.
🐊 Visit Gatorland’s Screamin’ Gator Zip Line
See thousands of alligators, enjoy live shows, and for a real thrill, zip-line over the alligator marsh at Gatorland!
🦜 Safari Drive-Thru at Wild Florida
Go on a real safari just 45 minutes from Orlando! Drive through a 470-acre wildlife park and see zebras, giraffes, bison, and even Florida panthers.
💨 Airboat Adventures at Lake Jesup
Glide across one of Florida’s largest lakes for a whole new perspective on the wild side of nature, including American alligators and exotic birds. Evening airboat tours also offer stunning sunset photo ops.
Unique Local Experiences
Want to discover more local flavor? These iconic spots showcase Orlando’s culture and craveable creativity.
🦢 Lake Eola Park
The jewel of downtown Orlando is a great spot for a picnic, play date, and walkable art tour. Rent a swan boat to pedal around the lake, watch the colorful hourly water dance of the fountain, and see if you can find “the Mayor’s pet rock.”
🍩 Themed Dessert Tour Around Orlando
Do a DIY dessert crawl at Orlando’s most unique sweet spots:
✅ The Glass Knife – Picture-perfect donuts & cakes 🍩🍰
✅ Gideon’s Bakehouse – Half-pound cookies 🤤🍪
✅ Wondermade – Fluffy clouds of handcrafted marshmallows ☁️💥
