When you’re in Orlando vacation planning mode, the first thing you’ll probably add to your list is theme parks. Orlando is, after all, the theme park capital of the world. The lure of Disney and Universal is undeniable.

But there’s a whole world of adventure just waiting to be discovered if you venture off the beaten path. Whether you’re seeking art, nature, cuisine, or adrenaline-pumping adventures, Central Florida offers an array of activities for every member of the family to enjoy.

Come along with us as we embark on a journey to uncover our top picks and hidden gems beyond the Orlando theme parks.

Orlando Vacation Planning: Top Picks Beyond the Parks

Explore the Wildside
at Gatorland

Explore the Wildside at Gatorland

Want to get up close and personal with a gator without risking life and limb? Then Gatorland is just the place for you to experience toothy grins and scaly tails.

Known as the “Alligator Capital of the World”, there are thousands of gator and crocodile residents, along with four extremely rare, white albino alligators. Plus, you’ll discover an range of exotic birds, wildlife and a whole range of critters.

 

There are gator shows, up close and personal encounters and behind the scenes tours. If you’ve taken enough brave pills, you can join in with Rookie Wrestling, or sit back and watch the pro’s in action.

If you aren’t too afraid of heights, you can fly on the Screemin’ Gator Zip Line. Ride along 1200 feet of ziplines above the treetops. Glide over the Alligator Breeding Marsh while looking down at over 100 alligators below.

There are plenty of other animal and reptile encounters too and a petting area where the kiddos can check out all kinds of lovable creatures.

All in all, Gatorland is great family fun for all ages.

Gatorland: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837
Web: Gatorland

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Orlando Vacation Planning:
Swim With Dolphins

Swimming with dolphins is on many an Orlando vacation planning list. And it’s one you can tick off your bucket list at Discovery Cove. Get up close and personal with these beautiful intelligent creatures during a 30 minute interactive adventure.

Discovery Cove is a one-of-a-kind all-inclusive day and the perfect way to top any Orlando vacation.

Feed beautiful birds in Explorers Aviary or snorkel up close to otters in Freshwater Oasis. Swim in a tropical river and explore an underwater cave.

We really loved our SeaVenture experience when we did it recently. Special dive helmets give you the unique experience of taking a stroll underwater. You’ll come face to face with sharks. Divided by a 20 foot panoramic glass wall that is! You’ll be able to touch sea creatures and walk through schools of fish as you make your way along the reef floor.

 

And, in between adventures, enjoy unlimited food and drink, all included in the price. Soak up the sunshine as you take a break and relax in Serenity Bay. Swim with rays and discover hidden grottoes and caves in the Grand Reef. If you really want to unwind, ride the soothing current of Wind-Away River.

And you won’t feel crowded. There’s an attendance cap and Discovery Cove is large enough that you’ll feel well away from the world.

And once your day at Discovery Cove is over, you can add on Seaworld Orlando and Aquatica – SeaWorld’s water park. Or head over to Busch Gardens in Tampa too. There are a variety of packages available.

Discovery Cove6000 Discovery Cove Way, Orlando, FL 32821
Web: Discovery Cove

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Feel the Rush
on an Airboat Tour

Do you have a need for speed and thrills? Or are you more in love with nature? Take an airboat tour with one of the local airboat operators and you can do both. It’s a must do for any Orlando vacation planning list.

It’s Florida, what could be more natural than a trip through the headwaters of the Everglades?

Knowledgeable and experienced captains give you the low down on all you need to know about the wildlife that call the marshlands home. You’ll see a wide variety of critters and birds and, of course, gators.

Enjoy the thrill as you skim across the water through the wilderness and gator territory. Bird and wildlife is in abundance and you may even spot an American Bald Eagle. Majestic!

Kissimmee Airboat Operators:

Kissimmee Swamp Tours | Gator Airboat Rides | Spirit of the Swamp | Marsh Landing Adventures | Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures | Wild Willys Airboat Tours

6 Reasons You'll Love Orlando Vacation Homes

Get Back to Nature
at Wekiwa Springs

If you want a day away from the crowds while you experience real Florida, take a trip to Wekiwa Springs State Park.

At the headwaters of the Wekiva River, the park offers access to thirteen miles of trails for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. You can rent bicycles for the trails or canoes, kayaks and paddleboards to meander along 16 miles of waterways.

Want to cool off? A dip in the crystal clear waters on a hot day is perfect. The spring pumps out over 40 million gallons of fresh water each day. Take water tubes, snorkels and goggles with you, or you can purchase them at the concession.

If you’re feeling energetic, you can take the 13 mile jogging and hiking trail. There are shorter trails too.

Wekiwa State Park

The unique ecosystem makes it perfect for a rare variety of wildlife to call this preserve home. Keep a look out for wild turkey, tortoise and white-tailed deer. If you navigate the waterways, you’ll see alligators, turtles and otters as well as a huge variety of plant life.

The park can get busy during peak dates, so when you’re Orlando vacation planning, do plan to get there before 11am if you’re visiting during busy Holidays. Weekends can fill to capacity by 10am, so plan for midweek. During quieter times of the year, the park will seem deserted.

Wekiwa Springs State Park: 1800 Wekiwa Circle, Apopka, FL 32712
Web: Wekiwa Springs State Park

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Orlando Vacation Planning:
Experience a Safari Adventure

If you have animal lovers in your group, this is the perfect pick to add to your Orlando vacation planning list. Nestled in the heart of Central Florida’s pristine wilderness, this 260-acre preserve offers safari tours through lush landscapes inhabited by free-roaming herds of exotic animals from around the world. From grazing antelopes to towering giraffes, you can get up close with over 450 animals representing more than 50 species that call Safari Wilderness home.

You can either take a drive-thru safari tour in your own vehicle, or board one of the custom made safari vehicles accompanied by knowledgable expert guides.

Orlando Vacation Planning Safari Wilderness Ranch

If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, you can opt for one of of the unique tours available, such as a Camel Safari Tour, ATV Safari Tour Horseback Safari Tour or Kayak Safari Tour.

Whichever option you take, you might see waterbuck, zebra, ring-tailed and red-ruffed lemurs, camels, watusi cattle, giraffe’s and a range of local wildlife too.

Safari Wilderness Ranch, 10850 Moore Road, Lakeland, FL 33809
Web: Safari Wilderness Ranch


We hope this glimpse of the family friendly attractions on offer helps your Orlando vacation planning go more smoothly. Whether you’re seeking thrills, creativity or a connection with nature, you’ll find there’s no shortage of adventure just waiting to be discovered!

Orlando Vacation Planning: Accommodation

If you are planning an Orlando vacation, we would love to welcome you to one of our cozy Orlando Vacation Homes. They make an awesome alternative to hotels for comfort, space and privacy!

Sleepy Hollow 3 Bedroom Home

Sleepy Hollow

3 Bedroom Resort Home ~ From $210 a night ~ Sleeps 7

Serendipity 5 Bedroom Home

Serendipity

5 Bedroom Pool Home ~ From $300 a night ~ Sleeps 12

Breezy Oak Villas

4 Bedroom Pool Homes
From $225
Sleep 8