There’s no denying that Orlando has become synonymous with being the home of the theme parks.
And this is only going to accelerate more as Universal prepares to open its newest Universal Epic Universe on May 22, but there is more to do beyond the rides and thrills of the parks.
If you’re looking for other activities to do in Orlando, I’ve put together some of the best.
I’ve been lucky to visit the city a number of times over the years, with it offering a vast array of activities for tourists and locals.
According to the Visit Orlando website, “it takes 121 days to fully experience everything there is to do in Orlando” which doesn’t come as a surprise when you start diving into the activities.
Six places: Where to go in Orlando that isn’t a theme park in 2025
1. Florida swamps
If you’re looking for where to go in Orlando in 2025, you can definitely experience Orlando on the water and there are a number of activities to enjoy.
There are a number of airboat tours which help you take advantage of the mangroves, swamps, and marshes while seeing some Florida wildlife.
It will depend on the one you go for, but the tours are usually education-filled as the guides explain all about the ecosystem in Florida.
2. Head to the stadium for some high-profile sporting events
There are two stadiums in Orlando – Camping World and Inter & Co.The latter is soccer-focused and based in downtown.
In 2025, the two stadiums will host a number of high-profile sporting events including the 2025 Hula Bowl, FC Series international soccer matches, the NFL Pro Bowl Game and then the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup competition.
3. Sweat it out while playing pickleball
Pickleball has grown considerably over the last year or so, with the communities in Orlando also feeling the buzz.
A new pickleball concept social, named Hamlin House, featuring indoor and outdoor pickleball courts is opening later in 2025 in the SoDO district.
There are other courts which are up and running already too like Pickleball Orlando. The Orlando Racket Sports club offers the largest indoor center currently for the sport and they often run tournaments.
4. Find some deals at the outlets
Orlando is home to some great outlets, offering named brands at more affordable prices.
On every trip to the city, I often dedicate some time to browsing as it’s a fun way to spend a day for a shopping lover.
There’s the Orlando International Premium Outlets, International Drive Outlet, Orlando Outlet Marketplace, and Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets.
5. Indulge in chocolate at the local museum
Situated on International Drive is the Chocolate Museum and Cafe. For those with a sweet tooth, this is the perfect spot as you can join a guided tour and learn a little more about the history of cacao.
And the best part? The end of the tour includes a tasting where you can sample some award winning chocolates.
For those looking for more, the museum offers experiences like the ‘Wine and Chocolate Pairing’ or ‘Fondue Tour.’
6. Head on a road trip to the Kennedy Space Center – where to go in Orlando in 2025
While NASA’s Kennedy Space Center isn’t actually in Orlando, it’s too good to not include.
It’s actually based in Cape Canaveral which is a beachside community about an hour drive away from the Orlando area.
As you’d expect, a visit here will teach you all about space and the astronauts who venture throughout it.
If you’re visiting on the right day, you could even get to see a launch.
Featured Image: AI-generated via Ideogram