Things to Do in Orlando for Adults Besides Theme Parks

Orlando seems to be the home of theme parks including Disney, which is why many adults choose not to visit this area once their children are grown.  However, there are plenty of things to do in Orlando for adults and I can guarantee that you will not be bored or tempted to visit any of the theme parks during your stay.  

17 Things to Do in Orland for Adults

1. Watch Some Basketball

If you are a basketball fan, and you happen to be in Orlando during basketball season, you must watch a game.  The Orlando Magic play at the Amway Center and you can choose to sit courtside or out at the outside bar where you can see views of the city.  

2. Visit the Orlando Science Center

This private museum will have you wondering in amazement as you learn about everything science related.  The domed planetarium will have you gazing at stars, while plenty of educational films are played inside the Cinedome.  While there are multiple permanent exhibits, you will also have the opportunity to see temporary exhibits on occasion.  

3. Grab a Drink at the Orlando Brewing Company

This USDA certified brewery offers free tours six days a week and it is a must if you love trying new brews.  They offer approximately twenty different types of lagers, ales, and seasonal microbrews on tap and you can see how many of them are made during a tour.  If you happen to be nearby this location on Friday and Saturday nights, you will want to stop in to listen to the live music.  

4. Visit Lake Eola

This lake can be found in the middle of downtown Orlando and you will be amazed at the tranquility you can find in the middle of a large city.  You can watch a show at the Walt Disney Amphitheatre, but a better option is taking a ride on the swan paddle boats. On Sundays, the market arrives at the lake and it is an excellent place to grab some fruits and vegetables, as well as local cuisine.  

5. Walk Along the Trail at the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve

One of the many fun things to do in Orlando FL for adults is walking along the trail at the Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve.  The preserve is small with only four hundred and forty acres, but it is packed with peaceful settings and views. You may even think that it is paradise in the middle of a very large city.  

6. See the Art at the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art

This art museum can be found within Winter Park, which is historic in its own way.  While there is plenty of art to see, you will be most enthralled by the Tiffany pieces, which include glass windows, lamps, and jewelry.  

7. Go Shopping at the Florida Mall

Yes, there are malls all around the world, but you simply must visit the Florida Mall when you are in Orlando.  The Florida Mall is slightly different than the Mall at Millenia, which is the other mall in Orlando, because you can find more bargains there.  The Florida Mall offers more than two hundred and fifty stores, restaurants, and entertainment options within its more than one and a half million square feet.  

8. Venture Over to the Kennedy Space Center

If you are willing to take a short one-hour drive, the Kennedy Space Center will be at the top of your list of fun things to do in Orlando for adults.  You can see where the rockets are constructed, try out one of the interactive space flight simulators, and check out the Astronaut Hall of Fame. I recommend planning to spend the entire day at this attraction, because there is so much to do and see.  It might not beat taking a Disneyland Ride but it sure has it place up there. 

9. Spend Some Time in an Ice Bar

The world’s largest ice bar can be found in Orlando and this could be considered one of the best things to do in Orlando for adults.  There are two areas within the Ice Bar, and they are the Ice Bar and the Fire Lounge. You will be given a thermal coat and gloves when you arrive, and they will help you stay warm while you look at the frozen sculptures made from ice.  

10. Go Golfing

There are many golf courses down in Orlando, but Hawk’s Landing Golf Club at the Orlando World Center Marriott is considered the best in the city.  The entire course is surrounded by lush greenery and native wildlife, but you may not notice it too much as you are trying to get at least par on the challenging course.  

11. Listen to Some Music at the House of Blues

The House of Blues in Orlando is the perfect place to listen to some music while grabbing a bite to eat and something to drink.  They offer daily happy hours, so you can always find exactly what you need for a day or night out on the town without blowing your budget.  

12. Take a Ride on the Orlando Eye

If you have always wanted to see panoramic views of Orlando, then the Orlando Eye is a must during your stay in this fabulous city.  The Ferris wheel rises four hundred feet in the air, and you will get to stay inside an enclosed capsule as you enjoy views of the entire city.  On the clearest of days, you can see all the way to Cape Canaveral!  

13. Go for an Airboat Ride

In Kissimmee, which is right next to Orlando, you will find that you can take a Boggy Creek airboat ride.  After you board the airboat, you will find yourself soaring across the Everglades for forty-five minutes as you look at the native wildlife.  If you cannot find time to do this during the day, you can always take one of their nighttime expeditions.  

14. Experience Universal’s City Walk

Even though you might not want to spend some time at the theme parks, you can still have fun at Universal’s City Walk.  You can eat a delectable dinner at the Hard Rock Café, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, or Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville before going to see the Blue Man Group or venturing into a nightclub.  

15. Take a Stroll Along Lake Baldwin Trail

Lake Baldwin Trail can be found within Baldwin Park and it is not too far from the downtown area.  This is a wonderful two-and-a-half-mile trail that goes around the lake and while you can walk it, most people choose to ride a bike.  Surprisingly, this area does not ever seem too crowded, so you will never feel like you are dodging people as you are trying to get around.  

16. Visit Disney Springs

Disney Springs is quite like Universal’s City Walk, so you may want to pick one or the other if time is short.  This option will give you phenomenal views of the water and you can do much more shopping at this destination. If you arrive hungry or find yourself in need of food or drink when you are there, you can choose to dine at Raglan Road Irish Pub, Planet Hollywood, or the Rainforest Café.  

17. Visit the Central Florida Zoo 

This zoo is only approximately twenty minutes from Orlando, which makes it a perfect thing to do in Orlando for adults.  While you are there, you can see more than five hundred animals, as well as twenty-three acres of lush green plants and flowers.  If you are looking for thrilling adventures, you may want to consider their ZOOm Air Adventure Park.  

As you can see, there are so many fun things to do in Orlando FL for adults.  All you need to do is plan to do at least a few of these options during your vacation there and your days will be full of adventures that won’t include any of the rides at the local theme parks.  Obviously, some of these options will pique your interest more than the others, but they are all pretty much the best things to do in Orlando, Florida for adults.  

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