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Take a break from Orlando theme parks and bring the family to one-of-a-kind, unique Orlando attractions. From swimming with dolphins, driving a tank(!), and partying with pirates, the Orlando area offers fun, wacky activities for every area of interest. Take a look at 14 of the best, off-the-wall Orlando experiences and attractions!
Unique Orlando Attractions Beyond Theme Parks
1. Tank America – Orlando
Drive a real 17-ton FV 433 Abbot tank! Navigate through a 3/4-mile course that includes tricky hairpin turns, steep hills, and obstacles. Must be 16 years old to drive a tank; 55 inches or taller to ride as a passenger.
2. Blue Spring State Park – Orange City
A designated manatee refuge, Blue Spring is the best place to see these beautiful creatures in Central Florida. View these “sea cows” from a boardwalk that runs along the St. Johns River. In addition to manatees, visitors can see ospreys, eagles, and kingfishers along the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail.
3. Arcade Monsters – Orlando
Unleash your little gaming monsters at Arcade Monsters, located on I-Drive, featuring 16,000 square feet of arcade gaming, including new releases, pinball, retro classics, consoles, driving, and more. Take a break from the games and enjoy the restaurant, bar, merchandise store, and anime art exhibit space. Note: All locations are cashless.
4. Citrus Tower – Clermont
Take a thrilling ride 226 feet up in the air (just 80 feet short of the Statue of Liberty!) to the observation deck of the Citrus Tower, opened in 1956. Once you arrive you’ll get a breathtaking, 360-degree view, approximately 35 miles in any direction.
5. Congo River Golf – Multiple Locations
More than just an ordinary mini golf course, each Congo River location features an interactive exhibit with more than 25 live gators to feed, as well as unique photo opportunities. The course itself is an unforgettable African-themed adventure, where you’ll experience waterfalls, mysterious caves, tropical have rainforests and, of course, challenging golf holes.
RELATED: Orlando Mini Golf Courses for Families
Experience Cirque du Soleil and Disney’s Drawn to Life, a spectacular show blending acrobatics and animation. Photo courtesy of Disney
6. Drawn to Life – Orlando
This groundbreaking show, exclusive to Orlando, is a creative collaboration between Cirque du Soleil and the Walt Disney Company. Located in Disney Springs, Drawn to Life follows a young girl’s journey through her childhood memories of Disney animation.
RELATED: Best Things to Do and See in Disney Springs with Kids
7. Gatorland – Orlando
In addition to the thousands of alligators and crocodiles you’ll encounter at this uniquely Orlando attraction, check out the breeding marsh with observation tower, free-flight aviary, petting zoo, and train ride. Also enjoy shows, such as Gator Jumparoo, Alligators: Legends of the Swamp, and Up-Close Encounters.
8. Orlando Eye – Orlando
Take an unforgettable ride on this iconic, 400-foot observation wheel for an aerial journey over Central Florida. Experience breathtaking panoramic views of nearby theme parks and even the Kennedy Space Center on Florida’s east coast, all within the comfort of an air-conditioned glass capsule. In addition, enjoy nearby, wacky attractions like Madame Tussauds Orlando.
9. Pirates Dinner & Adventure – Orlando
Ahoy mateys! Get ready for a swashbuckling adventure featuring action, music, aerial stunts, cannon blasts, pyrotechnics, and plenty of laughs. It’s the world’s largest interactive dinner show. And audience participation is strongly encouraged.
Make bubbles larger than your body in the bubble lab at Wonderworks. Photo by Charlotte B
10. Wonderworks – Orlando
Experience the magic of “edu-tainment” at this unique amusement park offering more than 100 hands-on exhibits that challenge the mind. Explore six Wonder Zones themed to light & sound, space, extreme weather and more. Afterwards enjoy an indoor ropes course, laser tag arena, and 4D motion theater!
11. World’s Largest McDonald’s – Orlando
Experience this dining and entertainment facility, located on International Drive, and see what the Golden Arches can really do! In addition to beloved McDonald’s classics, the menu also includes pizza, pasta, Philly cheesesteak, waffles, and omelets. Kids have a blast exploring slides, tubes, and the kid-sized hamster wheel of the Play Place AND arcade.
12. World of Chocolate Museum & Cafe – Orlando
Explore the rich history of chocolate during this museum tour, also featuring 25 solid chocolate replicas of world landmarks. The tour concludes in the tasting room, where visitors sample some of the finest chocolates. The café menu also includes paninis, salads, and quiche.
Nona Adventure Park includes Central Florida’s first inflatable aqua park, a 60-foot climbing tower, and more. Photo courtesy of the park
13. Nona Adventure Park – Orlando
Enjoy a fun day of outdoor activities at Nona Adventure Park. Experience an array of activities including the inflatable Aqua Park and Obstacle Course, a 60-foot climbing tower with ropes course and rock walls, Tot Town, kayaks, paddleboards, and more. Food and drinks available for purchase.
14. Discovery Cove – Orlando
Enjoy a rare opportunity to swim with dolphins, snorkel with fish and rays, hand-feed tropical birds, and explore lush waterfalls. The luxurious, all-inclusive amenities include unlimited food and beverages, complimentary beer and wine, towel service, and free parking.