15 Unique Spring Break Activities in Orlando That Go Beyond the Beach
15 Unique Spring Break Activities in Orlando That Go Beyond the Beach
With warm weather and sunshine, spring break is a great opportunity to explore some of the many outdoor activities in Orlando. While many visitors flock to Florida's coastline, you'll discover that there are plenty of fun things to do in Orlando for spring break that extend far beyond beaches, creating unique adventures for the whole family.
From thrilling water parks to an authentic ranch experience, Orlando's inland attractions prove just as exciting as any beach vacation.
What to Do in Orlando If You’re Not Going to the Parks
Orlando is packed with exciting ways to enjoy spring break—no roller coasters or sandy beaches required. Whether you’re craving thrill-seeking excursions, laid-back outings, or educational experiences for the kiddos, this guide will take you beyond the usual tourist spots and into Orlando’s best-kept secrets for an unforgettable spring break.
Without further ado, let’s start discovering 15 unique Orlando experiences that create lasting family memories without setting foot on a beach.
1 | Shipwreck Island Water Park | There's no end to the fun at Westgate Resorts’ Shipwreck Island Water Park! Spend a day and enjoy family-friendly fun at one of Orlando’s best water parks.
Get soaked, cool down, relax, enjoy a snack, or indulge in your favorite drink – there’s something for everyone to love just steps away from their room. So, whether you like pirate ships, waterslides, sparkling pools, or lazy rivers, you’re in for an amazingly wild time!
WHERE: 7700 Westgate Blvd, Kissimmee, FL 34747 | WHO: (407) 239-0510
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2 | Treasure Cover Water Park | Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime at Treasure Cove Water Park! Spend a day and enjoy family-friendly fun at Orlando’s newest water park.
Get soaked, cool down, relax, and enjoy a snack, or your favorite drink. There’s fun for the whole family to be had!
So, whether you like wave pools, waterslides, splash pads, or lazy rivers, Treasure Cove has more smiles per gallon coming your way!
WHERE: 9500 Turkey Lake Rd, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 345-0000
3 | Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens | Get up close with animals from around the world at The Central Florida Zoo.
The tropical butterfly garden becomes a highlight during March, as migrating species fill the air with color. As midday gets busy, early morning visits offer the best wildlife viewing when animals are most active.
Don't miss the new conservation-focused exhibits that showcase Florida's native species and the challenges they face.
WHERE: 3755 W Seminole Blvd, Sanford, FL 32771 | WHO: (407) 323-4450
4 | Fun in the Sun at Cocoa Beach | Looking for the perfect family-friendly escape for spring break? Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort offers everything you need for an unforgettable beachside adventure!
The resort’s Wakulla Falls Water Park is a paradise for kids and adults! Let the little ones run wild in the Wakulla Play Experience, featuring water slides, a lazy river, and splash zones designed for nonstop fun. Parents can kick back in the resort’s private cabanas, perfect for relaxation between all the excitement.
For even more fun, head to the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, an iconic attraction packed with dining, entertainment, and oceanfront views. Families can enjoy live music, grab a souvenir, or watch surfers catch waves while strolling along this historic pier.
WHERE: 3550 N Atlantic Ave, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 | WHO: (321) 783-2230
5 | Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament | Interested in feasting like royalty while cheering for your own knight in shining armor?
Medieval Times transports you to 11th-century Spain, where you'll witness thrilling jousts and sword fights while enjoying a four-course meal fit for a king. This spectacle is, without a doubt, one of the most usual things to do in Orlando for spring break.
WHERE: 4510 W Vine St, Kissimmee, FL 34746 | WHO: (888) 935-6878
6 | Mango's Tropical Cafe | Experience a taste of Latin flair without a trip to South Beach as Mango's Tropical Cafe brings the energy of Miami to Orlando with its vibrant dinner shows.
Early evening performances feature dazzling Latin dancers and live music, perfect for families seeking lively entertainment before the venue transitions to adult-oriented nightlife.
The family dinner show package for spring includes preferred seating and a menu that caters to both adventurous and picky eaters.
WHERE: 8126 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 673-4422
7 | Disney Springs | Craving theme park magic without the ticket price? Disney Spring is one of the most popular free places to visit in Orlando. There’s no cost of admission or to park, and while there are lots of shops and restaurants, guests can also enjoy wandering around to check out live music and street performers.
Dining options are abundant, but the real treat comes from exploring unique shops and interactive experiences. The LEGO Store's building stations keep kids engaged, while adults might enjoy wine tasting at Wine Bar George. Make sure to secure dinner reservations at popular spots like The Boathouse or Morimoto Asia.
WHERE: Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 | WHO: N/A
8 | ICON Park | ICON Park's Orlando Eye, a giant observation wheel, offers breathtaking nighttime views of Orlando’s twinkling landscape from 400 feet above the ground.
The new augmented reality experience lets you identify landmarks and learn Orlando trivia during your rotation. Consider booking a sunset ride to catch both daytime and evening vistas in one go.
Beyond the wheel, you'll find Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and SEALIFE Aquarium stay open late for spring break.
The promenade features live music most evenings, with local food trucks adding to the festive atmosphere. While parking can be challenging on weekends, you can park for free in a parking garage right beside ICON Park.
WHERE: Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (407) 601-7907
9 | Attend an Orlando City Soccer Game | Orlando City Soccer matches deliver an electric atmosphere that rivals any beach party. Spring introduces exclusive pre-game stadium tours where you'll walk the same tunnel as the players and step onto the pristine pitch.
The Lion's Den fan zone transforms game day into a festival, with local food trucks and interactive soccer challenges for all ages. If you want to experience the roar of passionate soccer crowds, the weekend matches are your best bet as they draw the biggest crowds.
For a more intimate experience and better ticket availability, opt-in for mid-week games. Make sure to arrive early to catch the dramatic team entrance and join in on the supporters' section chants.
WHERE: 655 W Church St, Orlando, FL 32805 | WHO: (407) 480-4702
10 | Discover Hidden Gems at Thornton Park | Thornton Park is a charming neighborhood adjacent to Downtown Orlando, known for its tree-lined streets, eclectic shops, and cozy cafes. Locals love strolling through the area and discovering unique boutiques, coffee shops, bars, and restaurants.
WHERE: Orlando, FL 32801 | WHO: N/A
11 | Orlando Science Center | From space exhibitions to planetarium shows, 3D movies, and realistic dinosaur skeletons, every inch of this four-floor museum is filled with eye-catching and interesting exhibits.
There’s even interactive science programming and exhibits that are designed to offer a more hands-on experience for visitors, depending on the day’s itinerary and program. Whether you’re traveling as a family or alone, you’ll find that there’s no shortage of things to see, do, and experience at Orlando Science Center!
WHERE: 777 E. Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803 | WHO: (407) 514-2000
12 | Harry P. Leu Gardens | Seeking a peaceful escape in Orlando's urban landscape? Leu Gardens spreads across 50 acres of tropical splendor, with spring bringing spectacular displays of azaleas and camellias.
The butterfly garden becomes a highlight during its March migration, while the historic Leu House reveals glimpses of early Florida life.
WHERE: 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando, FL 32803 | WHO: (407) 246-2620
13 | Crayola Experience | The Crayola Experience gives you a creative escape from Florida afternoon showers. The venue transforms rainy days into colorful adventures with 27 hands-on attractions spread across multiple floors.
Spring break unlocks exclusive activities, including custom crayon making and the chance to be the star of your own coloring page.
WHERE: 8001 S Orange Blossom Trl, Orlando, FL 32809 | WHO: (407) 757-1700
14 | Dezerland Park | Dezerland Park has something for everyone! Ninja warrior courses, axe throwing, arcade games, trampoline courts, and more provide active entertainment without Florida's humidity.
It also offers go-kart racing indoors along Florida’s longest electric go-kart track. The track combines speed with style, featuring a 2,000-vehicle auto museum showcasing famous movie cars alongside racing thrills.
To get the most out of your Dezerland experience, consider the all-day pass which includes unlimited attractions and food hall credits, offering significant savings over individual purchases.
WHERE: 5250 International Dr, Orlando, FL 32819 | WHO: (321) 754-1700
15 | Blue Spring State Park | Looking for spring break ideas on a budget? Dive into Blue Spring State Park's crystal-clear 72-degree water that serves as a manatee sanctuary until early March. While swimming and snorkeling prove irresistible during spring break, the elevated boardwalk offers prime wildlife viewing without getting wet.
You can also consider kayaking through Florida's clearest waters. Guided tours suit beginners, while experienced paddlers can rent equipment for self-guided adventures through this pristine waterway.
WHERE: 2100 W. French Ave. Orange City FL 32763 | WHO: (386) 775-3663
BONUS | Safari Wilderness | Ready to safari through Florida's own Serengeti? Safari Wilderness breaks the traditional zoo mold by letting you encounter exotic wildlife in wide-open spaces.
You’ll experience exclusive baby animal encounters, while zebras, water buffalo, and African antelope roam freely across 260 acres of untamed territory.
Sunset tours offer prime photography opportunities as Florida's native species become more active after dark.
WHERE: 10850 Moore Rd, Lakeland, FL 33809 | WHO: (813) 382-2120
BONUS | Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park | Imagine conquering 97 aerial challenges while soaring through Orlando's forest canopy!
Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park elevates ordinary climbing to an art form, with courses ranging from beginner-friendly to expert-only challenges. The state-of-the-art harness system ensures safety while you tackle Tarzan swings and suspended bridges.
WHERE: 7625 Sinclair Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34747 | WHO: (407) 390-9999
BONUS | Visit the Orange County Regional History Center | Dive into Orlando’s rich history at this fascinating museum, located in a historic courthouse. Locals love the rotating exhibits and the engaging storytelling about Central Florida’s past.
Pro Tip: Visit on "Free Museum Day" for no-cost admission.
WHERE: 65 E Central Blvd, Orlando, FL 32801 | WHO: (407) 836-8500
BONUS | Become a Cowboy at Westgate River Ranch | Think cowboys don't exist in Florida? Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo shatters that myth with America's largest dude ranch east of the Mississippi.
Saddle up for professional rodeo action with the Saturday Night Rodeo, where you'll witness real cowboys bull riding and barrel racing. Before the rodeo, make sure you stop by the Cowboy Adventure Park to try your own hand at mechanical bull riding, gem mining, and rock climbing.
Elsewhere on property, guided horseback trails welcome both first-timers and experienced riders, while swamp buggy adventures reveal Old Florida's untamed wilderness.
And after sunset, your luxury glamping tent awaits with modern comforts like air conditioning, as well as private decks and fire pits perfect for s’mores and stargazing.
WHERE: 3200 River Ranch Blvd, River Ranch, FL 33867 | WHO: (863) 692-1321
20 | Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park | Wild Florida's airboat tours will have you slicing through cypress-lined waterways full of Florida wildlife. Expert captains navigate narrow marsh channels that few tourists ever see, revealing hidden bird rookeries and sharing insights about Florida's delicate ecosystem.
WHERE: 3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739 | WHO: (407) 957-3135
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Experience Orlando Fun Without Hitting the Theme Parks or Beaches
Orlando’s inland adventures offer just as much excitement as any beach getaway, making it the perfect destination for a unique spring break experience.
Whether you’re soaring through the air on a zip line, uncovering hidden gems in the city, or indulging in world-class dining, Orlando proves that spring break fun isn’t limited to the coast. So, if you’re looking to skip the sand and dive into an action-packed vacation filled with adventure, discovery, and lasting family memories, there’s no shortage of unforgettable activities to explore.
For more guides on experiencing Central Florida like a local, visit our Westgate Resorts Travel Blog!
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At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there’s a LOT to Check-Out! Your vacation awaits! Start planning your next vacation today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.
Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.
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