Check out this list for inspiration on Orlando outings that are sure to entertain, from taking an airboat ride, visiting a waterpark, to enjoying indoor golf.
A typical sunny Orlando summer is alluring, but it’s also hot — very hot. Visitors drawn to this sun-drenched destination quickly find themselves pursuing activities that provide relief from the otherwise glorious rays. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Orlando in the summer, then look no further.
Get Wind in Your Face
Old-time Floridians used airboats to zip along Florida’s lakes to catch fish and gators for dinner. Visitors now get to experience the thrill. Book a seat with Airboat Rides at Midway to try it out. You’ll rapidly traverse the St. Johns River in a wind-powered boat steered by a U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain. Via special headsets, you’ll hear explanations as the captain points out alligators, blue heron, cattle, and other wildlife.
Take the Plunge
Landlocked Orlando is beach-free, yet its many water parks compensate by offering wave pools, raft rides, and thrilling slides — plus manmade beaches. Universal’s Volcano Bay debuted in 2017, bringing an islander theme and three other bonuses: a waterproof TapuTapu bracelet that serves as a wallet, the ability to ride without waiting in line first, and technology that carries tubes to the tops of peaks so guests don’t have to.
Taste Your Way Around Town
Orlando is a great food town if you know where to look, and food tour operators in many neighborhoods will show you the way. The Audubon Park Garden District is the area’s center for locally produced treats, and you can walk around tasting specialties with the Audubon Park Food Tour. During the three-hour experience, you’ll learn about the vibrant neighborhood’s history and recent growth while sampling sweets and savories.
Cycle in Style
In Sanford’s quaint historic downtown, Limo Cycle Tours takes groups of a dozen or so around town. Seated in a shaded rectangular surrey of sorts, guests help power the vehicle by peddling. Themed tours are available, such as the Sunday Funday Brunch. Guests receive cold beverages and small bites, and they’re invited to purchase coffees and meals at various restaurants along the way.
Drive Like a Teenager
For some folks, go-karts never grow old. Andretti Indoor Karting is a 15,000-square-foot multilevel racetrack, where drivers clad in safety helmets and goggles operate high-speed electric SODI Superkarts. Also on the premises are a café, large arcade, laser tag arena, ropes course, bowling lanes, and a 3D interactive motion theater.
Hit the Greens, Indoors
Golf is big in Orlando, and now newbies and experienced players can improve their skills in air-conditioned comfort. The three-level Topgolf center on International Drive has more than 100 climate-controlled hitting bays, allowing for hours of practice, as the system uses microchipped balls to track shots. A full-service restaurant, more than 200 TVs, and a rooftop terrace with a fire pit are other draws to this location.
See a Not-So Normal Flick
You hardly need an Orlando getaway to watch a movie, yet you may want to check out the Enzian Theater for a different kind of cinematic experience. Located on an oasis of leafy trees, this Maitland movie theater seats guests at tables and serves meals and snacks. Guests can nibble on flatbreads and sandwiches while watching independent and foreign films. The open-air Eden Bar serves a variety of food throughout the day.
Roam the Treetops
If you’re feeling bold, then take on a physical challenge that is both adrenaline-pumping and also safe. Tree Trek Adventure Park is designed specifically to offer challenging ropes courses to adults, children, and teens. Located on a lush 15-acre setting rich with pine trees, the family-operated facility is made up of aerial obstacle courses. Each starts off simple and gets more challenging along the way, until climbers are traversing ropes 50 feet in the air — tethered at all times, of course. Zip lines plummeting 425 feet conclude the experience.
Spring into Action
An easy drive north of Orlando, natural springs serve as swimming holes. The springs at De Leon Springs State Park are easy to dunk in, as they are finished with manmade rims and entry stairs, and lifeguards are on duty in season. The springs are delightful for cooling off, yet the 625-acre park has more to offer. Locals come just to eat at The Old Spanish Sugar Mill, where guests cook their own traditional and whole-grain pancakes at the table. Fishing, a paddling trail, and boat tours are also available. A butterfly garden located here is home to 500 plants, as well as various hummingbirds.
Trot Through the Woods
Just over a 30-minute drive, you’ll find yourself deep in Florida’s woodlands where you can ride horses through the woods with Rock Springs Run Trail Rides. The horses here all had former careers, such as aiding Argentinean polo players at their game. Once the staff chooses a horse to match your ability, you’ll take a guided trip through state reserve land that will wow you with oak hammocks, pine forests, and open meadows.
There’s plenty of fun to be had for those of all ages in Orlando, Florida. No matter how you choose to spend your time in The City Beautiful, we hope this list has given you some inspiration for your upcoming trip.
What summer activity are you most looking forward to? Be sure to capture some photos on your next travel adventure and share them with us on Instagram.
