Summer in Orlando can mean a lot of things, but this year, it means plenty of new happenings around town that should be on everyone’s summer bucket list. From brand new culinary endeavors to major theme park upgrades to revitalized events, the city is buzzing with growth.

But that doesn’t mean we’d forget the classic summer to-dos that all the true locals are looking forward to: kayaking Wekiva Island, popping into a farmers market, catching some wild animal encounters, hiking a picturesque trail and more.

Here are 21 quintessential Orlando summer activities. 

Canvas Restaurant

13615 Sachs Ave., Orlando
Besides the gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows, the flashy yellow lamps and the brick walls, Canvas restaurant overlooks a beautiful lake with a partially covered patio. The restaurant has recently introduced a food and drink happy hour menu featured Monday through Friday. Credit: Photo via Canvas Restaurant/Google Maps

Shop ‘n stroll at an Orlando farmers market


Central Florida is host to a variety of weekly farmers markets, perfect for spending a day in the summer sun while shopping and stocking up on fresh produce. The Winter Garden Farmers Market (pictured) happens every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 104 S. Lakeview Ave. The Lake Eola Farmers Market, Winter Park Farmers Market and the Audubon Park Community Market are also all popular market destinations. Credit: Photo via Winter Garden Famers Market/Facebook

Prance through Bok Tower Gardens

1151 Tower Boulevard, Lake Wales
Open 365 days a year, this historic landmark is known for its Art Deco singing tower and nearly 50 acres of scenic gardens to explore. Bok Tower Gardens single-day admission is $17 and will get you access to garden areas and the 3.5-mile Pine Ridge Preserve hiking trail. Credit: Photo via Bok Tower Gardens/Facebook
Wekiva Island 1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood Get some much-needed summer sun without having to plan an entire day trip at this Central Florida favorite. Just under a 30-minute drive from Orlando, Wekiva Island offers plenty of water fun for kids: Rent a kayak or paddleboard, play beach volleyball or just splash around in the cool, clear waters. Credit: Photo via Wekiva Island/Facebook
Grab a bite from some of the highly anticipated new restaurants opening this summer in town Various locations There’s no shortage of new culinary endeavors already setting up shop in Orlando, and there’s plenty more on the way. Just this summer, the City Beautiful can look forward to new spots (and new locations) for celebrity-inspired fried chicken, bao buns, sushi doughnuts and even a new food hall (Great Southern Box Food Hall, to open in the Packing District). Credit: Image via Packing District Orlando/Facebook
Be one of the first to ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disney World Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World, Lake Buena Vista Disney has finally set an official opening date for upcoming ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, themed after The Princess and the Frog. Opening June 28, the attraction completely transforms the area in Frontier Land into a celebration of New Orleans culture, music, and food. The ride follows Princess Tiana, Prince Naveen, Louis the jazz-loving alligator and a whole cast of beloved and new characters on a peaceful float through the Louisiana bayou. Credit: Photo via Disney Parks

Paddle your way through Lake Eola Park

512 E. Washington St., Orlando
Right in the heart of Orlando is Lake Eola Park, a glistening body of water surrounded by ample space for picnicking, sightseeing and taking a breather just outside of the bustle of downtown. It’s an essential spot for Orlandoans to know – and bonus points for actually riding in the tourist-adored swan boats. Credit: Photo via Lake Eola Park/Facebook

Hyatt Regency Orlando

9801 International Drive, Orlando
Price: Starts at $25
This award-winning resort is only minutes away from the Orlando International Airport and the major theme parks. With two pools and a waterfall, Hyatt Regency Orlando is the ultimate convenient getaway. Enjoy some refreshing cocktails or make a splash on the 100-foot slide. Complimentary self-parking and towel service are included in a day pass. Credit: Photo via Hyatt Regency Orlando/Facebook

Take a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour


It may not sound like the most thrilling activity to do around town, but these tours draw crowds for a reason. Tourists and locals alike stand to learn something from these slow-traveling vessels and their brave, actually entertaining, guides. You’ll get to see all the flora and fauna in the area, plus you’ll get a front-row seat to see the biggest, fanciest homes Winter Park has to offer. Credit: Photo via Winter Park Boat Tours/Facebook
Experience Universal Orlando’s brand new DreamWorks World coming in June 6000 Universal Blvd., Orlando The long-awaited DreamWorks Land is set to debut at Universal Studios June 14, bringing with it specially curated immersive areas themed after films like Shrek, Trolls, Kung Fu Panda and more. Credit: Image courtesy NBCUniversal
Orlando Science Center 777 E. Princeton St., Orlando If you want to experience some naturally occurring thrills while learning about the world around you, Orlando Science Center has it all. With options and exhibits fit for all ages, it’s a great spot to bring young ones. Credit: Photo via Orlando Science Center/Facebook

Leu Gardens movie night

1920 N. Forest Ave., Orlando
Head to the Harry P. Leu Gardens for a day admiring the greenery and learning about Florida’s natural landscape. You can also upgrade your summer movie night with Leu Gardens Movie Night. Pack a picnic and bring the whole family for an outdoor movie. Make sure you get there early to claim your spot. Credit: Photo via Harry P. Leu Gardens/Facebook
Split Oak Forest 12175 Clapp Simms Duda Road, Orlando You might have guessed from the name, but this forest was named for a centuries-old oak tree that split down the middle. Hikers can spot the tree while traveling along nearly eight miles of dusty prairie terrain. This network of trails and unpaved roads also veers into land that was once used for cattle operations. Now, it’s mostly home to gopher tortoises and birds. Credit: Screengrab via Google Maps
Kappy’s Subs 501 N. Orlando Ave., Maitland Family-owned since 1967, Kappy’s Subs offers a little glimpse into Orlando’s restaurant history, serving classic American fare (like subs, burgers and dogs) across a good old-fashioned all American diner counter. If you’re a big group, you might want to plan to pick up your sandwiches to go. Credit: Photo via KappysSubsfl.com

Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

3755 W. Seminole Blvd., Sanford
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a relatively cheap spot perfect for all ages, with scads of animal habitats and tons of educational opportunities. Besides the many wild encounters, the zoo also offers its Wharton-Smith Train Depot, home to a one-quarter-scale model of an authentic Atlantic Coast Line Railroad streamliner, The Champion. Skip the steps and ride around the zoo’s property in style. Credit: Photo via Central Florida Zoo/Facebook
Test your courage at Gatorland 14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve located right here in Orlando, along South Orange Blossom Trail. The spot was founded 73 years ago by Owen Godwin on former cattle land, and has ever since been a wildlife adventure and adventure park. Guests can watch the gator feeding shows, hold baby gators or hang out in the petting zoo. Credit: Photo via Gatorland/Facebook

Inhale some fresh air at Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs, FL 32779
This stunning spring is less than 20 minutes from downtown Orlando, inviting locals to escape the city and enjoy all that nature has to offer. The emerald water is perfect to dive into and cool off with friends and family. There’s ample space to have a picnic, making it a top contender for Orlando’s best summer hangout. Wekiwa Springs also has its very own food truck for those who didn’t pack enough snacks. Credit: Photo via floridastateparks.org
The Florida Prize group exhibition opens at OMA Credit: Photo via Orlando Museum of Art
Disney Wilderness Preserve 2700 Scrub Jay Trail, Poinciana Skip its tourist trap counterpart and visit the the Disney Wilderness Preserve for a more authentic summer day activity. The 11,500-acre nature reserve and longleaf pine habitat offers a breezy getaway near Kissimmee, just outside the theme park itself. It was originally created through an agreement between Disney, The Nature Conservancy and the state of Florida. Bring a camera, because you’re bound to see an array of amazing wildlife, including birds, reptiles and maybe even a deer or two. Credit: Image via Disney Wilderness Preserve/Google Maps

See a show (and grab a drink) at Enzian Theater

1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
Enzian Theater has a sizable and attractive patio surrounding its Eden Bar, perfect for enjoying a drink or small bite before catching a movie. From cult classics to the latest buzzing blockbuster, the theater offers daily showings sure to please. Check their schedule for matinees, kids’ showings and special events. Credit: Photo via Enzian Theater/Twitter

Kissimmee Swamp Tours

4500 Joe Overstreet Road, Kenansville
Go classic over-the-top Florida at this roadside stop, where you can hop on an airboat with Kissimmee Swamp Tours for a firsthand look at all the flora, fauna and weirdness that makes the Sunshine State what it is. Credit: Photo via Kissimmee Swamp Tours/Facebook

Additional Slideshows

22 of the best indoor activities to do in Orlando this summer