🎯 Shades of Green Activities & Local Attractions
🎉 So Much More Than Just the Parks
While we spend most of our Disney trips soaking up magic in the theme parks, there’s so much more to see and do—both at Shades of Green and around the Orlando area. From poolside games and a fun-filled arcade, to rockets, gators, LEGO lands, and airboats, there’s no shortage of adventure. Whether you’re chasing thrills, learning something new, or just looking for a break from the parks, here are some of our favorite ways to mix things up and make memories outside the mouse.
🕹️ Evergreen’s Arcade (aka, My Son’s Happy Place)
The arcade tucked next to Evergreens is a total win on rest days or when Florida weather decides to throw a tantrum. Pool tables, basketball shooters, air hockey, and video games for all ages. If you’re looking to cool off, chill out, and keep the kids entertained without burning another park ticket, this is it.
🕹️ Check out our photo gallery below for a sneak peek!
🏊♀️ Pools, Splash Pads & Water Fun
From the big Mickey-shaped Mill Pond Pool to the quieter Magnolia Pool with its hot tub and zero-entry side, you’ve got options. Poolside games, music, and family-friendly activities keep the energy high — or low, if you’re at Magnolia for some calm.
🚿 Don’t miss the splash pad, playground, and the nearby Evergreens for snacks, drinks, and downtime.
🩱 Already planning pool time? Hop over to our full Pool page →
🏌️ Golf, Mini Golf & FootGolf
Never picked up a club? No problem. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just looking for a laugh-filled round of mini golf, Shades of Green has you covered. We’ve personally visited the Disney mini golf courses — and let’s just say, we laughed a LOT. They’re quirky, creative, and a blast.
🏌️ Military discounts, lessons, and even FootGolf (yep, that’s a thing!) are available.
⛳ Want more info? Check out our Golf page → Disney & SOG Golf Overview
🏴☠️ Princess & Pirate Makeovers
Shades offers budget-friendly alternatives to in-park dress-up experiences for kids ages 4–12. Whether it’s glitter and tiaras or bandanas and eye patches, it’s all about imagination and fun — no theme park reservation needed.
🎀 More details over on our Magnolia Spa page →
🛝 Playground
Located right next to the Mill Pond Pool and nestled under shady trees, this playground gives kids a spot to climb, slide, and burn off that post-snack energy. It’s got soft ground, plenty of benches for grown-ups, and it’s just steps away from Evergreens.
🛍️ Shopping Beyond the Exchange
While the Exchange is great for snagging souvenirs, sundries, and seriously discounted adult beverages (we’re big fans), sometimes you just need to get your shop on a little farther out.
🛒 Disney Springs
Looking for a Disney shopping experience with a little extra magic? Disney Springs is packed with unique shops, dining, and entertainment. With over 50 retail stores and kiosks — from World of Disney to Star Wars Galaxy Outpost to the LEGO Store — it’s easy to spend a whole afternoon (or evening) wandering and window shopping.
🚍 Shades of Green offers free shuttle service to and from Disney Springs, so it’s simple to get there without driving or paying for parking.
🔗 Visit the Disney Springs Website →
👜 Outlet Shopping
If deals are your love language, you’re in luck. There are three outlet centers within driving distance of Shades of Green:
- Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets – closest to Shades and perfect for a low-key shopping day.
- Orlando International Premium Outlets – a little farther but packed with big brands.
- Orlando Outlet Marketplace – smaller but located right near the International outlets and airport, making it a convenient stop on your way home.
You’ll find designer brands, athletic wear, shoes, handbags, and more — all at prices that’ll make your budget happy.
🌟 More Than Just Disney
We love Disney (clearly), but there’s a whole world of fun beyond the parks too — and Shades sells discounted tickets for all of it.
🏰 Theme Parks & Water Parks
Walt Disney World
Your main mission, most likely! Check out our dedicated pages for planning tips, ticket details, military discounts, and insider advice.
Universal Orlando Resort™
Harry Potter, Spider-Man, Jurassic Park — thrills and fandoms collide here across three action-packed parks.
SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, & Discovery Cove
Less than 20 minutes from Shades of Green, the SeaWorld family of parks offers three unique experiences:
🌊 SeaWorld Orlando is known for its blend of thrilling coasters, live aquatic shows, and up-close animal encounters. From dolphins and sea turtles to penguins and rays, it’s a magical mix of ocean life and high-speed fun.
💦 Aquatica is SeaWorld’s water park, bursting with slides, splash zones, lazy rivers, wave pools, and all kinds of cool-down fun for Florida’s heat. It’s a solid option for a non-park day that still delivers excitement.
🐬 Discovery Cove is a reservation-only, all-inclusive experience where you can swim with dolphins, snorkel through tropical reefs, float a lazy river, and hand-feed exotic birds. It’s more relaxed and serene—ideal if you’re looking for something special.
LEGOLAND® Florida Resort
Especially great for younger kids (ages 2–12). Think LEGO sculptures, interactive rides, water park fun, and plenty of places to build and play.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
If you’re up for the hour drive, Busch Gardens offers high-thrill coasters and a large, immersive zoo experience.
🚀 Science & Discovery Experiences
Kennedy Space Center
This one’s more educational than thrill-based — and that’s part of the magic. Real rockets, astronaut encounters, and immersive exhibits make it feel like a Smithsonian meets NASA. It’s emotional, inspiring, and surprisingly interactive.
WonderWorks
An upside-down building filled with hands-on science experiments, laser tag, ropes courses, and more. Great rainy-day option!
Crayola Experience Orlando
Located at The Florida Mall, it’s a colorful indoor experience where kids can melt, mold, and create with Crayola products.
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
A gravity-defying adventure in a vertical wind tunnel. Safe for kids (as young as 3) and fun for adults too.
Airboat Tours
Want to explore natural Florida? Glide across swamps and marshlands spotting gators and wildlife. It’s peaceful and wild at the same time.
🦖 Entertainment & Attractions
Gatorland
It’s more than just gators — though there are plenty. Think zip lines, shows, petting zoos, and up-close encounters in a laid-back, kitschy-cool setting.
Dinner Shows
Pirate’s Town, Medieval Times, and other interactive shows are a fun (and air-conditioned) way to wrap up a busy day.
Orlando Magic Basketball
Catch an NBA game downtown when the Magic are in season — SOG has discounted tickets!
Andretti Indoor Karting
Laser tag, go-karts, VR games, bowling, and a full arcade. Think of it as Dave & Buster’s… leveled up.
🌟 Need Help Narrowing It Down?
We know—it’s a lot! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options (been there!), just remember: you don’t have to do it all in one trip. Pick a couple of extras that sound like fun, leave room for rest, and give yourself permission to explore at your own pace.
🕵️♀️ Where We Go for the Inside Scoop
We’ve gathered some helpful content and trusted recommendations to guide Activites and Attractions.
