GROUPON GUIDE TO CHICAGO

10 Cool, Unique Things to Do in Orlando

BY: Editors |Jul 23, 2018

We know what you're thinking—Orlando is predictable, right? It's got gigantic theme parks, tacky tourist shops, and a certain iconic mouse. What else is there?

But this central Florida metropolis might surprise you—it's not just SeaWorld and Universal Orlando Resort™ (though we do have deals for SeaWorld and Universal Orlando Resort™). If you want to try something different, here are 10 unique things to do in Orlando:

1. Take I-Drive NASCAR Indoor Kart Racing for a spin

Get a NASCAR Indoor Kart Racing deal (starting at $33)

Maybe you've go-karted before, but have you raced in go-karts designed by America's most-popular racing league? At I-Drive NASCAR Indoor Kart Racing, you'll race in state-of-the-art karts with eco-friendly electric motors along tight, hairpin turns. And at the end of the race, you'll be shown your precise track times, so you can try to best yourself in the next race.

2. Make Aquatic Friends at SEA LIFE Orlando

Get a SEA LIFE deal (starting at $20)

For kids, SEA LIFE Orlando goes beyond your run-of-the-mill aquarium. For one, they can touch some of the creatures—and feel some of their odd textures—at the Touch Tank. Then, they can get a whole new perspective of their favorite aquatic pal in the 360° glass tunnel. Along the way, they'll meet sharks, sea horses, hermit crabs, turtles, jelly fish, and more.

3. Sail Lake Eola on a Swan Boat

Get a Lake Eola Swan Boat rental deal (starting at $10.50)

If you're a local, you know one of the cool things to do in Orlando is to set sail on Lake Eola. Surrounded by the Orlando skyline, Lake Eola Park acts like a green and blue oasis amidst the sprawling city. The best part are these iconic swan-shaped paddle boats, in which you and four friends can explore the romantic setting.

4. Take a Monster-Truck Swamp Safari Tour at Showcase of Citrus

Get a Showcase of Citrus safari eco tour deal (starting at $11)

The 2500-acre Showcase of Citrus farm (only about 30 miles from downtown Orlando) predictably showcases some delicious produce, including U-Pick oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, lemons, and more. But more surprisingly, the farm offers monster-truck-driven safari tours on the property, where you can see alligators, zebra, water buffalo, watusi cattle, and scarlet macaws.

5. See Florida from Above on a Hot-Air Balloon Ride

Get an Orlando Balloons Ride deal (starting at $149)

There's a reason Orlando Balloon Rides gets a sparking 5/5 rating on both Groupon and TripAdvisor. For one, the pilots are super talented—one has taken a balloon into the stratosphere, while another has worked on a James Bond film. But the biggest reason is that the views from above are awe-inspiring—see the whimsical theme parks, the orange groves, and the mysterious swamps, all in a new light.

6. Marvel at SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology

Get a SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology Orlando deal (starting at $24)

You don't really understand someone until you see what's inside them. Take that maxim to a whole new level with a visit to SKELETONS: Museum of Osteology, where you'll see of 500 real-life skeletons. Study the bone structures of Florida gators, jaguars, orcas, and much more, even a human being.

7. Go Wakeboarding at Orlando Watersports Complex

Get a wakeboarding deal at Orlando Watersports Complex (starting at $37)

Wakeboarding can seem like one of the least accessible watersports. Don't let your preconceived notions stop you from enjoying this thrilling activity. This class at the Orlando Watersports Complex will teach you how to board and stand, and get a rental wakeboard with Velcro boots, personal flotation device, and helmet, so you can practice on your own.

8. Sip Cocoa at World of Chocolate Museum & Cafe

Get a World of Chocolate Museum & Cafe deal (starting at $21)

One of the most delicious yet unique things to do in Orlando is to visit the World of Chocolate, a museum dedicated to the planet's most-beloved sweet treat. Here, you'll witness chocolate versions of the Great Wall of China and the Statue of Liberty, plus 20 other replicas. Finish off your day with a hot cup of cocoa at the cafe.

9. Feel the Rhythm With Lessons at Salsa Heat

Get a Salsa Heat deal here (starting at $22)

You can't be bored if you're dancing. And you'll be dancing all night long with the classes at Salsa Heat, which impart the know-how to enjoy the syncopated rhythms of salsa dancing. Salsa Heat also offers kids lessons, so your children can enjoy a kind of exercise that isn't just running laps during gym class.

10. Spot Eagles at Audubon Center For Birds of Prey

Get an Audubon Center for Birds of Prey deal (starting at $10)

One of the best cheap things to do in Orlando, especially for bird lovers, is to spend a few hours with your binoculars at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey. Here, you should be able to spot bald eagles, American kestrels, ospreys, and more. You might even get to meet the center's ragtag collection of owls, including Carrie, the Eastern Screech owl who typically sits at the Audubon House's front porch.

RELATED READS:

Turn an Orlando Family Vacation into a Couples Getaway

There's more to the parks—and Orlando in general—than roller coasters and sugar, especially if you're in the mood for love.