Are you looking for a unique experience in Orlando, Florida?
You’ve spent days in theme parks walking miles upon miles, but you can’t wait to get on the next ride.
This post will help you find some smaller venues, which offer something more original and off the beaten track.
First Word on Theme Parks in Orlando
How can one find something unique to do in a city with 60 million visitors per year? There is something for everyone, from ghost tours to paddleboats to the largest rose gardens in Florida.
Orlando Florida has a reputation as the world’s theme park capital for good reason. Orlando is known for its theme parks. Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, LEGOLand and SeaWorld are just a few.
We love the parks, but we also like to explore the smaller places.
Orlando is the largest city in the US, so there will always people wherever you go. The places listed here are quieter than the bigger theme parks and offer a variety of things to do.
If you are planning a trip to Orlando and want to be close to the action, make sure to visit the Official Disney Resorts site .
ORLANDO: UNIQUE THINGS YOU CAN DO
Here are 15 things you can do in Orlando Florida that are unique. Hope you enjoy it.
STRAINING YOUR NECK AT GIRAFFE RANCH
Have you ever been licked or nipped by a Zebra, or ridden by a Camel? I was lucky enough to have done all three and survived to tell the story.
You can experience wildlife at Orlando’s Giraffe Ranch by taking a Segway Safari Tour, a Camelsafari Tour, or a Driven Safari Tour.
What are they all like? All of them take you to see an amazing variety of African, Asian and Australian animals, from hippos and rhinos to lemurs, ostriches, and even ostriches. Each tour includes the opportunity to hand feed some giraffes. Be on the lookout for that blue tongue measuring two feet long, I promise it will amaze you.
GO ON GHOST HUNT WITH AMERICAN GHOST ADVVENTURES
Have you ever been on a Ghost Hunt?
Are you fascinated by the supernatural world? You can explore Downtown Orlando’s darker side (literally).
The American Ghost Adventures takes you on an exciting ghost tour, which includes some history and ghost stories. You will also have the opportunity to investigate some of downtown Orlando’s most haunted locations. You know that you are in for an unforgettable experience when the sign states you can either bring your own ghost hunting gear or use ours.
The BOK Tower Gardens are a great place to stroll through.
What is the commonality between acres of trees and Singing Tower?
Both are located at Bok tower Gardens, just outside Orlando in Lake Wales. The Singing Tower, a 205-foot tall circular pink and gray marble building, has a carillon at the top with 60 giant bells that are connected to a piano like device. When played the sound fills the garden. There are over 250 acres of trees and reflective pools. Winding paths, a bird sanctuary, and winding pathways make this a great place to spend a sunny day.
SPOOK HILL: DEFY GRAVITY
What do gravity, illusions and roads all have in common with each other?
Spook Hill, located in Lake Wales near Bok Tower Gardens, is also known as a “gravity hill”. This anti-gravity phenomena is unusual enough to warrant investigation, especially if Bok Tower Garden is down the road. It puts you at the base of a small hill. Your car will start moving uphill when you place it in neutral. Perception can be a wonderful thing.
Indoor Skydiving at IFLY
Have you ever tried skydiving before? You’re a little nervous about jumping out of a plane.
You can do indoor skydiving with iFly Orlando. You can feel the thrill of skydiving just a few feet above the ground with the help of the latest vertical wind tunnels. You’ll have a blast with your group, and you’re sure to leave with a big smile on your face whether you’re 5 or 105.
IVANHOE IS AN INDIE VILLAGE.
Love the independent scene? You want to know where the hipsters live, the art lovers browse and the wine connoisseurs gather?
Ivanhoe Village is a collection of eclectic retro shops, art museums and boutique wineries. Rock & Roll Heaven is a great place to look for vintage clothing or records. At the Imperial Wine Bar, you can enjoy a glass or beer from Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company. The many lakes and paths that make up this small area of Orlando are perfect for a stroll or a bike ride.
ORLANDO SCIENCE CENTER: MYSTIFY YOURSELF
Love science? You want to learn the secrets of the Universe and answer age-old questions in an entertaining setting?
If you want to be happy, then the Orlando Science Center will bring you happiness. There’s no place better to play and learn than at a science centre. It has four floors of interactive exhibition halls, an observatorium, theaters, laboratories, and workshops. It is also a great indoor activity for rainy days, with its ever-changing exhibits, giant 3d screens, dinosaur hands-on exhibit, and large playrooms.
WALK AROUND THE LAKE EOLA
What do swans (and ducks), turtles (and turtles) and an amphitheater all have in common with each other?
All of them can be found in Orlando around Lake Eola. You can walk the mile-long trail that skirts this beautiful lake in just an hour. You can easily spend several hours in this area between the artisan markets and nearby restaurants.
You can take a ride in an electric swan-boat at night if you’re a tourist, but you can also sit on one of the benches to watch real swans walking and swimming.
PADDLE BOAT ON LAKE FAIRVIEW
Do you have a fear of speed and land?
Paddle boats on Lake Fairview are a great way to make you smile. You can choose from a wide range of boats to rent for an afternoon on Lake Fairview. Rent everything from canoes and kayaks to fishing boats and pontoons.
MADAME TUSSAUDS ORLANDO – STRIKE A POSE
Ever wanted to be able to stand right next to your favourite celebrity? Have you ever wondered how tall or round a famous person is?
You can probably see their doppelgangers in Madame Tussauds, located in Orlando.
Gimmicky? Yes. Quirky? Definitely. Unique? If you are not a master wax carver, or a painter who has uncanny abilities to make life-like replicas of celebrities, then the answer is yes. Madame Tussauds in Orlando is a must-see if you are a celebrity maniac. There are wax museums all over the world.
SINK YOUR BLUES AWAY ON TITANIC ORLANDO
Ever wondered what it was like to live on the Titanic?
Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, whether you are a history buff or just adored the movie, is a wonderful way to go back in time and explore the marvel of this fateful ship.
The two-hour romp lets you experience the history of the ship as a passenger. You will receive a replica boarding card. If you are a Titanic fan, then this is a must-do in Orlando. It features more than 300 artifacts and full room recreations.
WONDERWORKS – Tackle the Unbelievable
Have you ever walked into a building upside down?
This place left a lasting impression on me, even though I was trying to get away from amusement park. Wonderworks has over 100 interactive exhibits. It’s more of an entertainment experience than a learning one, but you’ll still learn something.
There are many activities worth trying, including sleeping on nails or playing a gigantic piano.
Enjoy a hike in the TIBET BUTLER Preserve
What do the largest amusement park in the world and a nature preserve have in common with each other?
Orlando is the only place where you can find both. The Tibet-Butler Preserve is the best place to escape the theme park chaos in Orlando.
The preserve has raised boardwalks, many trails, marshes and trees as well as plenty of birds, turtles, and small animals. It is an excellent way to escape the crowds. It has a small visitor center with clean restrooms, which is a nice way to spend the morning after a busy day.
WALKING AMONG THE ROSES IN HARRY P. LEEU GARDENS
Have you ever been in a garden of roses so big that you don’t know which way you came from at all?
Harry P. Leu Gardens is home to the largest rose garden in Florida. The 50-acre estate is only minutes away from Downtown Orlando and contains over 40 plant collections. There are also different gardens, including a herb garden, a bamboo, and a butterfly garden. This is a place that you should not miss if you are a fan of camellias. They also have the largest collection in North America.
GLIDE THROUGH BOGS AT BOGGY CREEK AIRBOAT VENTURES
What have huge fans and flat-bottomed metal small boats in common?
Both can be found at Boggy Creek Adventures. Airboat rides are a great adventure, whether you choose the smaller 16-person boat or the more personal tour.
You’ll see everything as you cruise, from wading cranes and turtles basking under the sun to huge alligators. Although you may be able convince yourself that you are going to the area to enjoy nature, it’s really a lot of fun to ride in those airboats.
Do you know of any other places worth visiting in Orlando? We would love to hear about your unique places in Orlando!