When the weather gets cooler, Orlando’s dating landscape starts to diversify. With that in mind, here are some great Orlando date ideas, some of which are perfect if you’re trying to mack on a budget.

Take advantage of the empty state parks With the cooler weather, it’s the least sweatiest time to coast into a state park and best of all, they’re empty. So now is the time to rent that kayak with your date and go check out gators at Wekiwa Springs State Park. Pic via gr8dane74 on Instagram
Go explore flea markets now that it’s not gross outside If and when it does cool down, Renninger’s flea market is prime territory for exploring for knickknacks and doodads. Any weekend is a great time to visit. However, the best time to go is during their Antiques Extravaganza. Hit the link for dates and times. Pic via hi_its_nichole on Instagram
Go for a bike ride on the Cady Way Trail In cooler weather, riding bikes isn’t such a sweaty endeavor. This 6.5-mile pathway is easy enough for even the most novice of pedalers. Plus, if you park at the Fashion Square Mall, you can end your trek with a little dinner and a movie maneuver Pic via
Winter is also stargazing season in Florida Since there’s typically less cloud cover in the winter, Florida’s night skies are currently shining a little brighter. If you want to step it up a notch, UCF has an observatory that is often open to the public. Check their schedule for details. Pic via free220 on Instagram
Tis the season for visiting Central Florida’s many gardens With the comfy temps and smaller crowds, now is the best time to go for a hike, bike ride or a leisurely jaunt at one of our many gardens. Harry Leu Gardens is easy to get to, and so is Mead Gardens. but if you’re feeling extra trippy, a day trip out to Bok Tower Gardens is well worth it. Pic via tawdra
Get a cheap Magic ticket and chill on the patio overlooking the city Sure, the Magic are showing a lot of improvement this season. However, you can till score some cheap tix, especially when they’re playing squads like the 76ers. If the game gets boring, head out to One80 Grey Goose Lounge and sip a few drinks while checking out one of the best views of the Orlando skyline. Pic via Facebook
Throw on a parka and have a drink at ICEBAR To get into a true, authentic wintery mood, check out ICEBAR to experience a freezing beer or cocktail. Just be sure to bundle up under a faux fur rug and order a hot toddy. Pic via Rob Bartlett
Go hang out with some manatees As the water cools, the manatees head inland, and right now you’re pretty much guaranteed to see an aggregation or two at Blue Springs. The park features a short boardwalk that leads to the mouth of the springs, with vista points along the way for checking out all that sweets sweet nature and, of course, for grabbing some excellent selfies. Pic via
Go “glamping” Listen, camping is great, except for all those times it isn’t. Like, when it’s in Florida during the summer. So now that it has sort of cooled down, now is the best time to explore the great outdoors, in a high-end, comfortable setting, of course. Pic via River Ranch Exteriors
Take a “downhill skiing” lesson at Winter Club Indoor Ski Show your date the difference between pizza and french fries at the indoor ski and snowboard center in Winter Park. Classes are offered for young kids through adults. Pic via Winter Club Ski
Go on a wine walk, it’s like regular walking but enhanced with wine On the 2nd Thursday of every month, for $10, you and your S/O can explore the galleries and bars of Thornton Park while sipping on all you-can-drink booze! It’s a dating masterpiece. Pic via OW
Watch an outdoor movie (with some libations) at Popcorn Flicks in the Park Once a month, Enzian Theater and the city of Winter Park come together and show free classic outdoor movies at Popcorn Flicks in the Park, located at Central Park, 251 S. Park Avenue. Just remember to bring a blanket (and maybe some secret drinks). Pic via orlandiandobyve
Take a stroll around Lake Eola, and catch a free show Lake Eola is one of the best cheap dates in Orlando, period. And the cooler winter months are the ideal time to take a stroll around downtown’s favorite body of water. The circumference of the lake is almost one mile of Christmas-themed lights and sounds. Plus, every Friday and Saturday there’s either a free movie or performance at the amphitheater. Check the link for schedules. Pic via t._shabazz_lens
Take a roadtrip up to Christmas, Florida About 20 miles east of Orlando is Christmas, Florida, a town that is completely dedicated to Christmasy decorations, every day of the year. Everyone should check this place out at least once.
Go on boat ride through the canals of Winter Park Take the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour, which takes you through an amazing series of lush, narrow canals that connect the Winter Park Chain of Lakes. If you’ve ever wondered whether this tour was worth checking out, the answer is yes – do it. Photo via scenicboattours.com
Take advantage of the offseason at City Walk Right now is the “slow season” at the theme parks (to some degree), and so it’s pretty much the best time to enjoy the nightlife at City Walk, sans the crowds. Pic via anthonynbcla on Instagram.
Enjoy live music at Orlando Brewing’s awesome outdoor stage The outdoor stage at Orlando Brewing is pretty cool (both literally and figuratively) and just about every weekend they host some great live music. Check the link for dates. Pic via eddiecubed on Instagram