Orlando’s abuzz with big changes this year, and the upcoming summer months are sure to be electric. We’re speedily approaching the perfect time of year for exploring the outdoors, planning new things to do with the kiddos, celebrating with friends and eating out around town.

This summer is bringing major new theme park additions, new places to eat, revitalized events, swimming parties and major sporting events. Plus, the classic to-do’s: kayaking Wekiva Island, shopping ’til you drop at a farmers market, hiking nature trails and more.

Here are 25 essential summer bucket list activities to do around Orlando this year. 

Oakland Nature Preserve

747 Machete Trail, Oakland
This trail cuts across a boardwalk along the Lake Apopka shoreline before twining into a shady oak hammock. Hikers have a good chance of spotting animals in the adjacent wildlife preserve. Largely considered a hidden gem, this 150-acre preserve and its network of trails is nestled between Clermont and Winter Garden. Credit: Image via Google Maps

Grab a bite from any of the anticipated new restaurants opening this summer


Locals know Orlando’s culinary landscape is ever-expanding and bringing new flavors by the day. Just this summer, we’re looking at new restaurants, bars, coffee spots and more, including Luminescent (pictured). It’s set to be a high-end coffee and cocktail bar with an interior featuring a dynamic lighting scheme and a menu of Indian street eats. It opens this summer at 12286 E. Colonial Drive — and is among the many other eateries coming our way. Credit: Rendering via Luminescent/Instagram

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

Wekiwa Springs State Park

Wekiwa Springs, FL
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 by Chloe Greenberg

Two Orlando stadiums will host 2025 FIFA Club World Cup matches

Orlando is set to host matches during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at two popular city venues. Orlando’s Inter&Co Stadium and Camping World Stadium have been selected to host part of the competition, as the 32-team tournament tours the U.S. next summer at 12 venues across 11 different cities in the nation.
Read full story. Credit: Photo via Inter & Co Stadium

JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes

4040 Central Florida Parkway, Orlando
Price: Starts at $79
JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes covers 500 acres and is home to a lazy river, waterslides and endless fun in Splash Cove. Grab a lounge chair (they’re first come, first serve) and after swimming dive into superlative burgers, fries and shakes at Knife Burger. Credit: Photo via JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes/Facebook

Get curious at 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. Check out their calendar for a list of events happening this summer and beyond. Credit: Photo via Orlando Science Center/Facebook

Get lit at Aquatica Orlando’s AquaGlow

5800 Water Play Way, Orlando
Aquatica Orlando will light up summer nights with the return of AquaGlow, a limited-time, after-hours water park event happening on select nights from May 16 through Sept. 27. Guests can get exclusive neon-lit nighttime access to top attractions — including a neon-lit journey through Tassie’s Underwater Twist, a transformed Loggerhead Lane and the return of Roa’s Rapids: Amped Up, complete with colorful mist effects and kaleidoscopic lighting. Credit: Photo via Aquatica Orlando

High Tide Harry’s

4645 S. Semoran Blvd., Orlando
This decked-out fish spot boasts longtime local ties, fervent fans and a laid-back, “no frills” approach to seafood. Since 1995, High Tide Harry’s has been serving burgers, ribs, shrimp, lobster, fresh fish and more. Credit: Image via Google Maps

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

Be one of the first to see Epic Universe

1001 Epic Boulevard, Orlando
The fourth park under the Universal Orlando umbrella, Epic Universe is considered the park’s most ambitious project yet and is set to officially open May 22 (although eager guests can preview the park now). It houses portals that transport guests to five themed worlds, including a Super Nintendo World, Ministries of Magic in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the monster-filled Dark Universe, a How to Train Your Dragon land and the futuristic realm Celestial Park. Credit: Photo via Universal Orlando

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
Eat at one of the city’s most unique dining experiences Orlando is known for its flair in attractions, themed experiences, and most importantly, flavor — and there are some places that combine all three. The city’s hungriest can find medieval dinner shows, stand-up sushi bars, ’90s-era Korean pubs and even a meal aboard the Titanic. At Edoboy (pictured), for instance, the eight-person stand-up sushi bar features nigiri sushi and a selection of hand rolls (comprising local daily catch as well as fish flown in weekly from Japan), all served inside a 700-square-foot space. Credit: Photo via Edoboy/Facebook

Take a tour through the Orlando Museum of Art

2416 N. Mills Ave, Orlando
Soak in some art, learn a bit about your community’s creativity and immerse yourself in all things inspirational at Orlando Museum of Art. Founded in 1924, the museum is home to a rotating series of temporary exhibitions and traveling shows complemented by mainstay works. Guests can also take advantage of the year-round workshops held on site, like art appreciation classes, lectures, films, guided tours, kids’ events and more. Credit: Photo via Orlando Museum of Art

Soak up sunlight on the waterways of Wekiva Island

1014 Miami Springs Drive, Longwood
Wekiva Island offers some ideal outdoor fun without requiring an entire planned day trip. This Central Florida destination is just under a 30-minute drive from Orlando, and 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
Sorekara’s chef-owner prefers patrons to experience the restaurant without expectations — meaning, they discourage photos. However … Credit: photo by Rob Bartlett

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

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

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

Sip your way through Tacos and Tequila


Orlando’s favorite tequila-fueled event is heading back to town on Saturday, July 26. Expect homegrown eats, live music and dancing, and endless drink samplings. Credit: Photo by Media Geekz
Gatorpalooza happens this weekend Credit: Photo via Gatorland/Facebook

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

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

Chapman & Chase Lounge

500 S. Park Ave., Winter Park
The Chapman and the Chase Lounge aim to celebrate the history of Winter Park. The name is a reference to Winter Park founders Loring Augustus Chase and Oliver Everett Chapman, and the restaurant presents a menu of the best Florida has to offer — fresh fish and seafood as well as locally raised beef and plenty of citrus — in a space inspired by fin de siècle style. Credit: Photo via Chapman Restaurant/Facebook

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