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8 Family Things to Do in Orlando That Doesn't Include Disney

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If you want to have some fun with the family in Orlando this summer without the sky-high prices and ubiquitous mouse ears, look no further. This list of fun attractions in Orlando is sure to have something for everyone. Many of the attractions below can be easily packaged with Go Card Orlando which will help save you up to 55% on all attractions, and some even include spots in the Tampa Bay area.

 

Post written by Tory Royal, with added contributions by Family-Friendly Tampa Bay

Please note that affiliate links may be found below. We only endorse deals that we honestly believe are helpful. Enjoy the deals below without any additional cost to yourself.

 

1. Combination Fun & Orlando Attraction Deals!

Ride the Orlando Eye, a 400-foot tall observation wheel, on International Drive. Explore the Kennedy Space Center, watch a live Gator show at Gatorland or choose a combination of 35+ popular Orlando attractions all for one low price. You can’t find a better deal that will get you a variety of attractions through the Go Card Orlando. This card is great for residents and visitors to Orlando. Most of these attractions are perfect for all age groups.

Check out the different available Orlando Attraction deals when you visit the Orlando Go Card website.

2. Orlando’s “Museums on Us”

Various Orlando locations

The “Museum on Us” program offers Bank of America and Merrill Lynch card holders free admission to four museums (The Orlando Science Center, Orlando Museum of Art, Mennello Museum of American Art and Orange County Regional History Center) during the first full weekend of every month. Free admission is for card holders only, not their guests.

Check out the Orlando Science Center, with incredible exhibits, interactive activity stations and “live” science shows. The center is also home to the largest publicly accessible refractor telescope in Florida and three separate movie theaters with admission included in ticket price.

Adults are $19.95, kids 3-11 are $13.95.

 

3. Lake Eola Park

512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL 32801

Located in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is 43 acres of beautiful landscaping surrounding the serene lake. The park features a massive play structure for kids, space for picnicking and other organized sports and games. Ride one of the swan boats across the lake, $15 for half an hour and holds up to five people. Catch a free music or dance performance at the amphitheater. The last Friday of every month, the city shows a free movie on the east lawn at 8 p.m. And every Sunday, vendors from across the city gather for the Farmer’s Market.

The iconic light show at the fountain starts nightly at 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.

 

 

4. Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

8201 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

Open 365 days a year, from 9 a.m. to midnight, enjoy a self-guided tour of Ripley’s “Odditorium”: 10,000 square feet featuring the strange, the (sort of) terrifying, and of course the unbelievable. The museum offers 600 artifacts, 16 galleries, one sinkhole and a ton of goofy, spooky fun. This might not be an ideal trip for the little ones, but older kids and kids-at-heart will be sure to get a kick out of this twenty first century circus sideshow. Step inside, if you dare!

Adults are $19.95, kids 4-11 are $13.99. Tickets offered at a discount price online.

 

5. Crayola Experience Orlando

8001 S Orange Blossom Trail #1300A, Orlando, FL 32809

Make your day a little colorful by visiting the Crayola Experience Orlando where you will be immersed with all things Crayola. You can easily spend hours or even the whole day exploring their 26 hands-on-attractions, including naming and wrapping your very own crayon, indoor playground, art activities, star in your own coloring page and so much more interactive experiences that will keep your kids entertained.

For only $29.99 per person for an annual pass, you can come back as many times as you want for one full year. There are always discounts available online, so make sure to check out their website before your next visit.

Check out our attractions tab for a complete list of all their unique experiences.

 

Photo Courtesy: Crayola Experience Orlando

 

6. Wonderworks

9067 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819

A great rainy day alternative to any amusement park, this indoor smorgasbord of fun and fancy combines entertainment with education in a whole new way. Enjoy the six interactive Wonderzone exhibits, an “outta control” magic-dinner-comedy show, an indoor ropes course, laser tag arena, and motion theater.

Adults are $29.99, kids are $23.99. General admission does not include the dinner show, which can be bought separately or at a combination price with admission to the rest of the attraction—adults $52.99, kids $37.99.

 

 

7. Volcano Bay

6000 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819

This newly opened water theme park which features 18 attractions and a 200-foot tall volcano that “erupts” throughout the day,  the rides range from thrilling to chilling, suitable for all age groups. The TapuTapu technology implemented at the park, removes the necessity for waiting in long lines.  This theme park has received mixed reviews. This is a new park so they are still trying to work out the kinks.

From looking at reviews from visitors to Volcano Bay, here are some tips they have mentioned and some things to be aware of if you decide to make the trip:

  1. Arrive early. The park opens at 9 a.m.
  2. Pre-purchase your tickets online to avoid the long lines at the gate.
  3. You will need to ride their free shuttle bus in order to enter the park. It’s a very short ride.
  4. If it rains, wait it out. Florida weather changes quickly.
  5. Bring your own towel.
  6. Keep your hard-sided coolers at home. Those are not allowed at the park.
  7. Folding chairs are not allowed.
  8.  You are allowed to bring some food to the park as people have dietary needs or are traveling with children.
  9. You can only reserve one ride at a time. Depending on how full it is, it may drastically limit the amount of rides you’re able to ride for that day.
  10. It has a lot of potential.

 

 

8. Fun Spot America Orlando (also includes a Kissimmee location)

5700 Fun Spot Way, Orlando, FL 32819
(407) 363-3867

If your family is looking for a traditional amusement park experience without the ridiculous prices and long wait times for rides, check out Fun Spot America out. There are rides and games for everyone: multi-level go-kart tracks, the tallest wooden coaster in Florida, thrillers and Kiddie Rides for the little ones.

Open 10 a.m. to midnight, play games in the arcade and then get a bite to eat. Tickets can be purchased as a flat-rate single day entry fee or on a pay-as-you-ride scale. The great part about Fun Spot is that you only pay to play and eat. That’s it! So you don’t need to pay to enter and walk around the park. That makes it very affordable for parents or grandparents who are just along to watch their kids play.

Tickets start at $40.95 if you purchase it online through their website. A $5 discount from the gate price. They do offer seasonal promotions which can significantly reduce the admission fee.

Courtesy of Fun Spot America

 

We hope you have found these non Disney attractions helpful. Know of any other ones? Let us know. Become a fan on FacebookTwitterPinterest, and Instagram for daily updates.

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