You may be coming to the theme park capital of the world for mouse adventures and wizardly wonders, but there’s so much to do in Orlando beyond the parks. Whether you are looking for things to do in Orlando away from the crowds or you want to experience the many outdoor activities, take a break from parks and explore. There’s endless fun for all the family.
No waiting in line shoulder to shoulder or jostling through crowds, just lots of space and fun for all ages.
Top Picks For Things to do Away from Crowds in Orlando & Kissimmee
Table of Content:
- Celebration Walking Trails
- Explore Historic Downtown Kissimmee
- Airboat Rides
- Kayak Tours
- Tree Treks
- Off Road Tours
- Private Island Boast Tour
- Wild Safari
- Drive In Movies
- Horseback Trails
- Ride A Swan at Lake Eola
- SunRail Train Hop
- Showcase of Citrus
- Exotic Animal Experiences
- Baby Goat Yoga
- Cycling Trails
Cycle or Stroll Around Celebration
Celebration is a beautiful picturesque town just outside Disney World that offers easy cycling or relaxing walking trails. Take a seat in one of the lakeside rocking chairs and watch the world go by.
Explore Celebration on Foot
Exploring Celebration on foot is perfect for getting away from crowds. There are several boardwalk and pathways that take you around the lake and through woodland and nature trails and it’s rarely busy. You’ll see plenty of birds and wildlife and maybe spot a gator or two.
The nature trails have signs giving educational info about plants and the wildlife that call the woodlands home.
We’ve created a map showing 4 easy scenic walking trails. Click the map below to open up the walking trails in google maps.
- Celebration Walking Trail 1 – Boardwalk and Lake – 2 miles
This scenic walk will take you through boardwalk nature trail, along a small lake and around the back of some fabulous waterfront homes. It leads you back through residential areas. - Celebration Walking Trail 2 – Lake Circle – 1 mile
This trail takes you right around the lake and leads you back through Celebration Lakeside Park.
- Celebration Walking Trail 3 – Scenic Nature Walk – 1 mile
This trail will take you along walking paths through natural Florida woodland and alongside the river. - Celebration Walking Trail 4 – Lake & Monument Walk – 3 miles
This walking trail will take you around the Boardwalk, along the back and front of Celebration’s “Millionaire’s Row” and back towards the town centre passing by the Veteran’s Memorial.
Cycle Tours Around Celebration
Celebration Bike Rental and Bicycle Tours offers the perfect solution for outdoor activities. Take a one and a half hour bike tour through quiet neighborhoods, scenic winding trails and waterfront pathways.
This 7 mile ride is flat and perfect for every level of cycler. Pedal slowly down street of fabulous mansions, observe native wildlife and experience a vibrant downtown.
You can either take a guided socially distanced tour, or rent bicycles to explore at your own pace.
Web: Celebration Bike Rental
There are plenty of outdoor dining options in Celebration if you want a bite to eat. Take a seat on one of the outdoor dining patios, or pick up a sweet delight at Kilwins, Wonderland Cookie Dough or Le Macaron. You can pick up a treat for furry members of the family at Woof Gang Bakery.
Share on Pinterest
Explore Historic Downtown Kissimmee
Although only a few miles from Disney, Historic Downtown Kissimmee could be a Walt Disney world away and is ideal for a day of outdoor activities.
Kissimmee was incorporated as a city in 1883 and quickly grew into a vital cattle community. Kissimmee can also claim bragging rights for inventing the drive thru! It was the first city in the USA to offer a service window to serve cattlemen on horseback from the saloon. It was also the only place in the USA to have grass streets where cattle grazed. Hence the name, Cow Town.
Take some time to explore this pretty downtown area with a rich history.
Kissimmee Antiquing
Anyone loving antique hunting will be spoiled for choice with two huge unique stores. Laniers Marketplace and Echoes of Yesterday are both loaded with gems from a bygone era. And don’t let the exterior fool you.
Both stores pack a mighty punch once you get inside. Lanier’s is over 18,000 square feet!
Downtown Kissimmee Historic Walking Tour
Throughout the Kissimmee Downtown area, markers showcase historic information. The Osceola County Courthouse is Florida’s oldest operating courthouse and has been in continuous use since its opening in 1890. A tour of the surprisingly spacious 250,000 square feet is enlightening and educational.
Kissimmee Main Street created a walking guide showcasing historic locations. You’ll also find notices on buildings explaining their historic importance.
Monument of The States
Take a stroll towards Kissimmee Lakefront Park and you’ll come across the 21-tier Monument of States.
The monument contains 1500 stones collected over 22 years from every state in the US plus 20 foreign countries. Donations came from governors, a prime minister, visitors and Franklin D Roosevelt. These include meteors, stalagmites, petrified wood, teeth and bone.
A 562 pound concrete bald eagle perches on top of the monument.
Kissimmee Lakefront Park
It’s rarely busy at Kissimmee Lakefront Park, making it the perfect place to away from the crowds.
Situated overlooking Lake Tohopekaliga, the 25 acres Kissimmee Lakefront Park offers playgrounds, a splash-pad, walking trails, covered pavilions, BBQs and picnic areas, a lakefront walk, fishing plus historical monuments and plaques.
Activities Away From Crowds: Take An Airboat Ride
An airboat ride is one of the many outdoor things to do in Orlando and Kissimmee away from crowds.
Kissimmee has an abundance of lakes and waterways and is the headwaters of the Everglades. As the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, the wetlands are teeming with all kinds of wildlife including alligators, snakes, bald eagles and countless other species.
An airboat ride is fun, thrilling, educational and entertaining for all ages. Your captain will be super knowledgeable about the aquatic plants, native wildlife and, of course, gators. Your master guide will know the best places to view them in their natural habitat.
You’ll enjoy a slow drift down the winding marshes and an exhilarating high speed journey across the lake. A real wind through your hair experience.
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures
Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures offers much more than just airboat rides. This 32 acre park also offers bike and buggy rentals, a gem and fossil mine, a baby gator pond and picnic pavilions.
You’ll also find the Big Mountain family in an authentic Native American lakeside village, giving you a glimpse into a forgotten way of life. You can learn all about ancient hunting techniques and the culture of the Jororo tribe that used to thrive in Central Florida.
Private shows are available for one family at a time: Adults $12.00, Kids aged 6 -12 $7.00, 5 and under free. See full info.
Airboat rides start at $28.95 per person for adults and $24.61 for children for a half hour tour on 17 seat airboats. One hour tours are also available.
Socially Distanced Tours: If you want a totally private experience, you can arrange an airboat tour for a minimum of 4 at $63 per head and have the whole boat to yourself, or $252 if there are less than 4 in your group.
Sunset tours and nighttime tours are also available.
Check out Groupon for any special deals and offers.
Finally, when you’ve worked up an appetite, you can get mouthwatering BBQ and Southern style fixings at Boggy Bottom BBQ. (Open Tuesday-Sunday. 11:30am to 4:00pm). See full menu.
Where: Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, 2001 E. Southport Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34746
Phone: 407-344-9550
Web: www.bcairboats.com
Spirit of The Swamp Airboat Tours
Spirit of The Swamp are the perfect choice for outdoor activities in Kissimmee. You can take a more intimate and private tour just for you and your family on 6 seat airboats.
This is one of the outdoor activities in Orlando that can be totally tailored to your group.
These smaller airboat tours provide padded seats and shade, plus high-tech headsets that allow you to ask your captain questions about what you’re seeing, and talk to others in your group too.
Spirit of The Swamp offer 3 Airboat Tours:
- 1 Hour Tours – $49.95 for adults and children 11 or older. 10 and under are $44.95
- 90 Minute Tours – $65 for adults and children 11 or older. 10 and under are $60
- 2 Hour Tours – $85 for adults and children 11 or older. 10 and under are $80
Where: Spirit of The Swamp, 2830 Neptune Road Kissimmee, FL
Phone: 321-689-6893
Web: Spirit of The Swamp
Explore The Waterways on a Kayak Tour
Tour the waterways is great fun and one of our favorite outdoor activities in Orlando and Kissimmee.
You’ll learn all kinds of fascinating facts about the creatures and critters that call these waterways home. On land you might spot raccoons, coyotes and deer. In the water and at the waters edge you might spot otters, turtles, gators and snakes.
Kayaking in Kissimmee with The Paddling Center at Shingle Creek is great fun. They offer local guides who are very knowledgable of the waterways and will show you tons of wildlife. When we went we got to hold a snake!
Kayaks can hold one or two and are easy and fun. Two people together might take a little bit of time to perfect working together, but the learning curve is part of the fun. On your own, kayaking is a breeze. Or you can opt for a paddleboard or canoe.
The Paddling Center offer a variety of tours including guided eco-tours, offsite adventure tours, full moon tours and featured tours at Blue Spring to see manatees and Florida wildlife. Most tours are either 1.5 hours or 2 hours duration.
You can also hire equipment and take self-guided tours along secluded streams through a cypress forest. You’ll eventually make your way down to beautiful Lake Tohopekaliga.
Where: Paddling Center at Shingle Creek Regional Park, 4266 W Vine Street, Kissimmee 34741
Phone: 407 344 0881
Web: The Paddling Center
Take To The Tree Tops
Orlando Tree Trek has a selection of activities. This cool adventure park offers outdoor activities which are great fun. Make your way along ropes and wooden bridges of various shapes and sizes strung from tree to tree. A safety harness ensures you will be totally safe every step of the way.
After an introduction to the equipment and a trial walk along the easiest of bridges gives you the chance to get the hang of it.
We tried Orlando Tree Trek and had a great time, and we’re no spring chickens! Here’s Ken taking baby steps!
There are several courses to suit all levels and you can do some or all. Keeping your balance and hold on the safety rope might be challenging at times, but your struggles will most certainly bring a chorus of encouragement (or giggles) from friends and family.
- A Giant 425 Zip Line
- 97 Arial Challenges
- 2 Separate Kids Courses
- Course Levels:
Green Course: Minimum Elevation/Minimum Skill
Blue Course: Medium Elevation/ Medium Skill
Silver Course: Advanced Elevation/Medium Skill
Red Course: Advanced Elevation/Advanced Skill
Kids Course: 2 Separate courses featuring 21 challenges
Where: Orlando Tree Trek, 7625 Sinclair Rd, Kissimmee, Florida 34747
Phone: 407-390-9999
Web: Orlando Tree Trek
Take An Off Road Tour
Revolution Adventures is an adventure park set in 230 acres with woodland tracks and dirt trails. It offers a wide range of activities. You’ll find ATV tours, Side-by-Side Buggies, Clay Shooting, Archery and Bass Fishing.
You can even drive a Mucky Duck!
Reservations must be made in advance, so there’s no hanging around in crowded lines.
- The ATV Experience:
A 2 hour self drive tour over sand and grass tracks and possible mud holes if there’s been a little rain. Must be 18 or over. - The Mucky Duck Experience:
This 8 wheel amphibious all weather vehicle lets you drive over tracks and trails and across water. Great fun for all the family.
The driver must be 18 or older with a full driving license and the vehicle can take an additional 3 passengers, who must be aged 3 or over.
You can also master your skills at clay shooting or archery, or fish in a 65 acre private lake stocked with Trophy Bass.
Where: Revolution Adventures
4000 State Road 33, Clermont, FL 34714
Phone: 352-400-1322
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8:30AM-4:30PM | Sat – Sun: 8:30AM-4:30PM
Take A Private Island Boat Tour
The ultimate open air activity to get away from the crowds. Rent your very own private island charter and explore remote beaches, offshore islands and sandbars. Just you and your family with Captain Todd and maybe the odd dolphin or two!
Private Island Charters offer tours from the Tampa Bay area and will create a trip to suit you and your family. Enjoy swimming in crystal clear waters, collect shells, explore sandbars and see some of Florida’s natural wildlife. Total peace and tranquility.
For more info, see our experience of taking a private island charter with Todd. We had an amazing day and can’t wait to do it again!
The perfect choice for getting away from crowds.
Web: Captain Todd
Phone: 727-534 8818
Take A Self-Drive Safari at Wild Florida
This self guided drive-thru safari lets you drive your own vehicle and view over 100 native Florida wildlife and exotic animals. Just you and your family socially distancing from the world!
Over 85 acres of untouched scenic landscapes will take you close up to a variety of animals, including giraffes, zebra, eland antelope, scimitar oryx, American bison, mouflon sheep and more.
And once you’ve finished your tour, you can head over to the elevated platform to feed giraffes.
Wild Florida Gator Park
The Gator Park is also included with your safari where you’ll find even more animals and lots of gators. Meet Crusher, a 1000 gator and learn all about the American alligator. You can also see Snowflake and Blizzard, albino alligators, and their offspring.
During the Exotic Animal show, you can watch hands-on demo’s and see even more animals including Nala the Florida Panther, Stella and Safari the African crested porcupines and Luke the Ring-tailed Lemur.
There are upgrade options available, including Sloth Experience, Porcupine Encounter, Lemur Experience and Albino Encounter.
Wild Florida Airboat Tours
Wild Florida also offer 30 minute or 1 hour airboat tours. Being in the midst of 4200 acres of protected swamps and marshes without a building in sight is the ultimate in open air activities in Orlando! Just you and the wonders of nature. If you don’t want to share an airboat with anyone else, you can have a private tour for $72 per head, with a minimum of 4 passengers.
And when you’ve worked up an appetite from all your outdoor activities, head over to the Chomp House Grill for some local eats, including gator, burgers, sandwiches, seafood and more.
Where: 3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739
Phone: 1-866-532-7167
Web: Wild Florida – Closed Sundays.
Watch A Drive In Movie
A movie under the stars with nobody sitting right in front of you munching popcorn!
A great way to watch a movie in Orlando. And a little dose of nostalgia thrown in for good measure.
Ruskin Family Drive-In Theater
Since opening in 1952, the Ruskin family have been operating under the same deep routed family values to provide a family friendly environment. They offer movies on a 2000 square foot screen every night, rain or shine.
There’s a snack bar offering super value eats including pizza, burgers, hot dogs, chili, grilled cheese, popcorn and beverages.
In keeping with the family atmosphere, no alcohol is allowed on the premises and there are strict guidelines on acceptable behavior.
Admission for TWO movies is $6 for 9 and over, $1 for kids aged 5 to 8 and free for younger children. Pets on a leash are welcome as long as they don’t bark or disrupt the movie for others. Cash only is accepted for admission and snacks.
Where: 5011 U.S. Hwy 41 North, Ruskin, Florida 33572
Phone: 813-645-1455
Web: Ruskin Family Drive-In
Silver Moon
The Silver Moon in Lakeland opened in April 14, 1948 with an admission fee of 35 cents! It has gone through several owner changes, hurricanes and tornadoes and has relocated premises. Silver Moon offers two screens, usually showing first-run movies with double features every night.
There’s a snack bar offering goodies including pizzas, nachos, hot dogs, corn dogs, burgers, candy, popcorn and more. Movie goers are encouraged to purchase from the snack bar rather than take food, to help support the theaters.
Where: 4100 New Tampa Hwy, Lakeland, FL 33803
Phone: 863-682-0849
Web: Silver Moon
Fun Lan Swap Shop & Drive In
This flea market by day transforms into the Tampa Nightly Drive In theater at 7.30pm each night. The theater shows a variety of movies 365 nights a year.
Where: 2302 E Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33610
Phone: 813-234-2311
Web: Funlan Swap Shop & Drive In
Joy-Lan Drive In Theater
The Joy-Lan Drive In Theatre in Dade City has been welcoming families since it opened on October 31, 1950 and offers first run movies every night.
There’s also a snack bar serving made-to-order pizza, hot dogs, burgers, nachos, hot and cold beverages, popcorn, cotton candy and more.
Where: 16414 US-301, Dade City, FL 33523
Phone: 352-567-5085
Web: Joy-Lan Drive In Theater
Hit the Horseback Trails
Escape the crowds as you explore the real Florida countryside on horseback. Enjoy scenic trails and total peace and quiet while you enjoy one of our favorite outside activities in Kissimmee.
Lazy H Ranch
Mosey on down and get the best socially distanced seat in Florida on the Lazy H Ranch western horses. This small family ranch is located in the heart of Kissimmee on the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga.
The family are 7th generation Floridians with rich rodeo ties. During your western horseback tour, you’ll learn all about Kissimmee’s unique cow town history. Listen to Florida Cracker tales as you explore the shores of Lake Tohopekaliga, 100 year old hammocks and scenic ranch lands.
One hour and 90 minute horseback trail rides are offered weekdays, generally mornings before the weather gets too hot. A minimum of two riders and a minimum age of 8.
Advance reservations are essential.
Phone: 407 414 3113
Web: Lazy H Ranch
All Hitched Up
All Hitched Up in St Cloud offer beginner, intermediate, advanced and adventurous trails for up to 4 people.
- Intro Trail “Slow & Easy” 20-30 mins ages 4+ (2 riders min)
- 1 hr Lake Ride Beginner Friendly
- 1.5 +/-hr Int/Adv “Splash Ride” to the Lake
- 2-2.5hr Advanced “Splash Ride” Trail
- 3-3.5hr Advanced “Splash Ride” & BYO Picnic
- Lesson & Trail Combo at Barn 1hr
Must be booked in advance.
Phone: Text Sabrina 407-908-8716
Web: All Hitched Up
Ride A Swan at Lake Eola
The swan boats on Lake Eola in the heart of Downtown Orlando are an iconic part of the City Beautiful’s history. And being in the middle of a lake is the perfect choice to get away from crowds in Orlando!
These peddle powered paddle boats have enough room to seat up to 5 with a 1,400 pounds maximum weight. You’ll get a swan’s eye view of the downtown area surrounding the lake and see the majestic black and white swans and ducks who call Lake Eola home.
The Swan Boats are available for half hour rentals at $15 or you can rent for one hour too. You’ll find the Swan Boat dock on the west of the shores, by Relax Grill. Pooches are welcome on board too and there is a wheelchair accessible Swan Boat.
Do take time to take a stroll around Lake Eola and explore a little of the Downtown Orlando area. It’s beautiful.
If you don’t want to bother with tackling the I-4 traffic or have the hassle of parking, you can hop on the SunRail train from Kissimmee or Poinciana. As long as you avoid busy commuter morning and evening times, the trains are usually pretty quiet. They don’t run at weekends, only Monday to Friday. Church Street is the Downtown Orlando SunRail station, which is just a few minutes walk from Lake Eola.
Where: 195 North Rosalind Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801
Web: Swan Boats Lake Eola
Take a SunRail Train Hop
SunRail is a commuter train service that runs from Poinciana to DeBary, with 14 stops in between. As long as you avoid the busy morning and evening commute times, the two tier trains usually have lots of seating so you will have space to socially distance.
There are several stops along the route at beautiful local towns. You could easily spend a half or full day at exploring each of the locations we suggest below. (The other stops are mainly for commuters and wouldn’t be of interest to visitors).
You can either start at the very beginning, which is Poinciana, or at the second stop along, which is Downtown Kissimmee. Parking at both locations is plentiful and free.
The stations the SunRail stops at are listed below, the towns in bold are the ones we recommend exploring:
Poinciana>Kissimmee>Tupperware>Meadow Woods>Sand Lake Road>Orlando Health>Church Street>Lynx Central>Advent Health>Winter Park>Maitland>Altamonte Springs>Longwood>Lake Mary>Sanford>DeBary
From Ponciana, the service starts at 5.45am and runs every half hour. The last train leaves DeBary at 8.10pm.
Stop 1: Church Street
The train stops in the heart of Downtown Orlando at Church Street Station, which offers an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and stores.
Lake Eola is just a few minutes walk away from Church Street and is the perfect place to take a socially distanced stroll.
The paved walking path around the lake is just under a mile. Several pieces of “See Art Orlando” are located around the lake. The Disney amphitheater, Japanese Rock Garden, several memorials and a pagoda are just a few other things you’ll see.
Lake Eola offers restrooms, two children’s play areas plus a selection of restaurants located around the perimeter.
You can also take a Swan Boat ride, as mentioned in more detail above.
Alternatively, how about a fun Scavenger Hunt? LetsRoam offer a 2.5 mile walking trail where you’ll discover local art, culture and history in Downtown Orlando. Answer questions, solve puzzles and complete photo challenges. A great fun and educational way to explore the City Beautiful. The starting point is just a few minutes from Church Street Station.
It’s one of the many fun outdoor activities in Orlando.
Stop 2: Winter Park
Winter Park is a beautiful picturesque gem well worth exploring. The train stops right in the heart of the town, at Central Park and is just a minute or two stroll to Park Avenue. This pretty cobblestoned street is lined with acclaimed eateries and upscale boutiques. There are lots of sidewalk and outdoor patio areas if you want a bite to eat.
Museums: The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art is home to the world’s largest collection of Louis Comfort Tiffany’s creations. Other museums include Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, Rollins College’s Cornell Fine Arts Museum and Winter Park History Museum.
Casa Feliz is a restored Spanish farmhouse where you can tour. Currently tours must be requested in advance and are only available to groups of 6 or less. Call for tour requests: 407-628-8200.
Winter Park Scenic Boat Tours guide you along 3 of the Chain of Lakes . There is Socially distanced seating on board and boats are disinfected and sanitized after each tour.
Scavenger Hunt: Let’sRoam offer a fun and educational Winter Park Scavenger Hunt and the starting point is just a 4 minute stroll from the SunRail station. You’ll discover the sights and historical landmarks and see Central Park, Kraft Azalea Park, Cornell Fine Arts Museum. The hunt is 1.6 miles and should take around 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Stop 3: Sanford
When you arrive at Sanford SunRail Station, 30 minutes north of Orlando, you’ll find the Sanford Downtown Trolley waiting for you. This free service runs between the Station and the Welcome Center in Downtown Sanford.
The pretty brick-lined downtown streets are home to an array of local dining gems, craft breweries and gastropubs. The city has a thriving and vibrant art community and there are over 50 independent small stores, boutiques and galleries.
Downtown Sanford Activities & Tours:
- Craft beer fans aged 21 and up can enjoy Craft Beer Tours to learn all about the local breweries and tales of prohibition in days gone by.
- History buffs can take Historical Tours and get local info about one of Central Florida’s oldest incorporated towns.
If you prefer not to walk, you can rent a golf cart by the hour. These simple to use EZ-Go Freedom carts are great fun and will let you explore further. You can also rent bicycles and tandem bikes.
Head to the shores of Lake Monroe and take a leisurely river walk. There’s a 1.8 mile paved trail lining the waterfront with seating, drinking fountains and swing seats where you can just sit and watch the boats come. Or if you want to cool the kids down, there’s a splash park at Fort Mellon Park.
Explore the pretty tree-lined streets with many different architectural era homes and buildings.
SunRail Station Map | SunRail TimeTable
Away from the Crowds at Showcase of Citrus
If you are looking for the perfect fresh air attraction, you can’t go wrong with Showcase of Citrus. Florida is world famous for oranges and citrus fruits, so why not pick your own while you’re here?
Showcase of Citrus is a 2500 acre family run citrus and cattle ranch offering over 50 varieties of produce to pick and enjoy. Apart from July, August and September, there’s pretty much something in season to pick. But even in summer, there’s still lots of fun to be had!
Monster Truck Tours – Take a wild ride on the world’s largest 4×4 outdoor adventure. Explore the pastures, woodlands, swamps and groves while learning about Florida and the history of the farm.
Gem Mining – you can get 3 pound, 5 pound or 10 pound bags of rough ore to sift through and mine for treasures. You might find arrowheads, fossils, crystals, sharks teeth and more. There’s a guaranteed treasure in every bag!
Animal Feeding – head over to the Animal Farm and meet an array of furry and feathered critters that call Showcase of Citrus home. An ideal outdoor activity for kids to enjoy and interact with a donkey, pot belly pig, ostrich, kangaroo, emu, miniature horse, zebu, geese, ducks, goats and even a zebra. You can purchase animal feed in a souvenir container.
Old Time Country Store – This on-site store is crammed with fresh produce picked from the groves. You’ll find specialty jams, jellies, marmalades, and syrups. Plus salsas, dressings, BBQ and hot sauces. You’ll also find honey produced from the hives on the farm, luxurious soap and bath products, locally sourced Florida souvenirs and much, much more.
You’ll need to try the “World Famous” creamsicle, which is made from 100% natural slushy and frozen yogurt, or the fresh seasonal slushies.
Wines, Beers & Mimosas – Oh my! Enjoy wines, draft beers and cocktails on site or take home. Try a cooling wine smoothie or a freshly squeezed orange juice mimosa. The house specialty is The Eclipse, which is dark champagne and fresh orange juice.
Wine Tasting – With so much fresh fruit on site, what would be more natural than Florida citrus, tropical and berry wines? Enjoy two free samples to help you decide your favorite, add additional samples for $1 each. Or opt for the Wine Flight for $10.00 – you’ll get 6 samples and a souvenir glass to take home. Choose from The Showcase of Citrus private label wines, tropical moscatos, Florida Orange Groves Wine and draft beer options.
Hot Food – Gator chili, Grilled Cheese, Hot Dogs and Vegetarian Options are available. (The kitchen is closed when it’s not picking season).
Where: Showcase of Citrus, 5010 US-27, Clermont, FL 34714
Web: Showcases of Citrus
Get Up Close & Personal with Exotic Animals
Ever wanted to cuddle a kangaroo? Feed giraffes? Or take a camel expedition? Central Florida is blessed with an array of exotic animal encounters and educational tours where you can come face to face with rare creatures.
These social distancing activities all offer private tours that can be created for just you and your group.
Amazing Animals Inc
This 2.5 acres wild animal preserve is home to over 100 exotic species and is a federally licensed 501(c)3 charity.
You’ll be able to get up close and personal with a sloth, play with goats, pigs, barnyard critters and a donkey, encounter reptiles and mammals, hang with turtles, and feed a capybara. (I had to look it up too – a capybara is the largest living rodent in the world).
Tours MUST be booked in advance as Amazing Animals is not open to the general public. Tours are limited to just you and your group, so it’s the ultimate socially distanced exotic animal encounter! You can book a tour at 10am, 12pm or 2pm.
Where: 4235 Rambler Ave, St. Cloud, FL 34772
Phone: 407 719 6269
Web: Amazing Animals Inc
Exotic Animal Experience
This private 7 acre animal farm that has been open since 2010 and offers a unique hands on experience that is perfect for all the family. The animals here are not behind glass or in cages, they roam free in their own enclosures and you can cuddle and interact with them during your tour. Most have been raised from birth and are used to being around people.
You’ll meet lemurs, kangaroos, sloths, wallabies, zebra, an owl monkey, porcupine, goats and more.
Tours MUST be booked in advance and are open to children aged 10 and over (or 8 and over if you take the private tour).
There are several tour options:
- Group Tours – A 2 hour tour where you will join others to pet and interact with animals.
- Private Tours – A 2 hour private tour catered to just you and your group for ages 8 and up. 2 person minimum.
- Ultimate Experience – Take it to the next level with extreme animal interactions with a variety of creatures including sloths and Olive the owl monkey.
- Private Ultimate Experience – 2 hours of extreme interaction, PLUS an additional 30 minutes of interaction with your favorite animal from the tour.
- Simply Sloth Experience – A semi-private encounter that is limited to a maximum of 4 guests.
- Private Simply Sloth – Keep that cuddly creature all to yourself, for you and your group only where you’ll get to hold, feed and pet the sloths. Minimum of 2 people.
Where: Located 15 minutes from Orlando Airport
Phone: By appointment only – call 407 383-6766 to book
Web: Exotic Animal Experience
Giraffe Ranch
This 47 acre hands on working ranch and native wildlife preserve specializes in exotic animals, domestic cattle and horses. Giraffe Ranch offers intimate hands-on tours that are fun and educational in a small group setting. You’ll learn about native and exotic animals and their habitats from the comfort of a four-wheel drive safari vehicle.
Five unique safari options are offered:
- Wildlife Drive-Thru Safari
- Camel Safari Tour
- Llama Trek
- Segway Safari Tour
- Custom Safari Vehicle Tour
But you’ll need to call and book ahead. Giraffe Ranch only welcomes visitors with advance reservations for two tours each day at 11am and 2pm. Each tour is strictly limited in size.
Where: 38650 Mickler Road, Dade City, FL 33523
Phone: (813) 482-3400
Web: Giraffe Ranch
Away from Crowds With Baby Goat Yoga
Baby Goat Yoga is a fairly new trend that has been springing up all over the world. And of course, we have Baby Goat Yoga in Orlando. Baby goats are one of the few animals that don’t need to take time to bond. They can interact with humans almost immediately and are extremely therapeutic to be around.
Combine that with calming yoga exercise and you have a perfect recipe for well being with social distancing activities.
Wildflower Farm is just east of Downtown Orlando, This working farm has lots of space to spread out and practice social distancing while doing Baby Goat Yoga.
And if yoga isn’t your thing, then you can still interact and snuggle with these adorable creatures with several other packages available.
- Baby Goat Yoga – $22 per person aged 8 and up. After yoga class you can help feed the kids and enjoy more cuddles.
- Party in The Pasture – $15 per person – adults only. Interact and play with baby goats while all your cares and stresses fade away.
- Fables on The Farm – $12.50 – no age limit, 1 and under free. Story-time followed by meet and greets with baby goats.
- Family Time on The Farm – $15 per person, no age limit. Enjoy Saturday evenings with the family while interacting and snuggling with baby goats. Activities for children and adults along with feeding the kids.
Capacity is limited, advance reservations are highly recommended.
Where: Wildflower Farm Orlando, 2218 Carrington Drive, Orlando 32807.
Phone: 1-407-592-4103
Orlando Outdoor Activities: Hit the Cycling Trails
We might be in the bustling theme park capital of the world, but Orlando and Kissimmee are surrounded by natural beauty. There are lots of of walking and cycling trails where you can get away from the world and be at one with nature.
Be on the lookout for gators, otters, bobcats, fox, armadillos, squirrels, turtles, snakes, lizards and other reptiles.
Bird spotters might see eagles, osprey, wild turkey, owls, wood storks, white ibis, great blue herons, sandpipers, egrets and other waterfowl and wading birds.
Kissimmee Loop Trail:
This 6 mile off-road tree lined pathway runs along side waterways and woodland. There are several access points to start from.
Shingle Creek Regional Trail:
This walking and biking trail at the headwater of the Everglades winds along cypress swamps, moss draped shaded forest land and pastures. It’s perfect for families looking for activities away from the crowds in Kissimmee.
Check out this interactive map.
Central B Reserve
There are several different trails to explore offering some breathtaking nature filled with Florida’s natural fauna.
See wildlife in the marshes and swamplands and birds in the moss draped trees.
Where: 4399 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803
Tibet-Butler Nature Preserve
This 440 acres preserve is a glimpse into the heart of Florida’s abundant nature. Shaded boardwalks and walkways take you along beautiful wetlands with nothing but the chatter of birds to break the silence.
Where: 8777 Winter Garden Vineland Rd, Orlando, FL 32836
We hope our guide to Things to do in Orlando Away from the Crowds helps you experience some of these amazing outdoor activities.
If you are visiting Orlando to enjoy our amazing outdoor activities, we would love to welcome you to our vacation home. Sanitized, away from all crowds and no sharing space – just you and your family in total privacy.
Leave A Comment