All of us true Floridians know it’s really never not summer in the Sunshine State. But with June just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start making some summer plans to stay cool and avoid jam-packed tourist traps at all costs.
Lucky for us, Orlando has plenty of summery festivities fit for all ages. Some must-dos are more low-key (like a peaceful picnic) and others are made for thrill-seekers (alligators! roller coasters! hot air balloons!) Either way, Orlando is a pretty good place to spend your summer months.
Here are 26 essential bucket list activities for your summer in Orlando. And if you really want to prepare for sunny days ahead, check out Orlando Weekly‘s complete Summer Guide.
Go horseback riding
Various locations
Live out your wildest Wild West dreams with a guided horseback ride through Central Florida. Some ranches, like Hidden Palms Ranch, offer private rides, if you want to be truly alone (with your tour guide, of course). Credit:Photo via Hidden Palms Ranch/FacebookZiplining
1 hour and 12 minutes from Orlando
Who knew Florida is home to some actually cool ziplining? Zip the Canyons, located in Ocala, takes its bravest guests flying over natural springs as (they say) Florida’s only true canopy zip tour. The adventure park offers a variety of ziplining packages, including a late-night ride, as well as horseback riding and kayaking. Credit:Photo via Zip the Canyons/FacebookCredit: Matt Keller LehmanTake an airboat ride
As much as we try to build over it, the swamp persists. Take your Wisconsin uncle out to relive the credits of Miami Vice. Credit: Photo via AdobeWeeki Wachee Springs Springs State Park
1 hour and 45 minutes from Orlando
Florida, the only state with very, very real mermaids and an iconic state park to visit them in. The springs also offer a great place for swimming, kayaking and all the other Central Florida waterside fun you can imagine. Credit:Photo via Weeki Wachee/FacebookCatch a wave with SeaWorld’s new Pipeline: The Surf Coaster Ride
The park’s first and only standing roller coaster opens May 27, to the delight of parkgoers and thrill seekers alike. Be one of the first to catch a wave on this gnarly new attraction. Credit: Photo via SeaWorld/FacebookHot air balloon ride
12375 FL-535, Orlando
This one’s for the Orlandoan thrill seeker in all of us. Visit one of Central Florida’s many hot air balloon locations and get really, really high for a sunset skyline ride. Credit:Photo via Painted Horizons Hot Air Balloon Tours/FacebookCatch an Orlando Fringe show while you still can
Only through May 29, Orlando Fringe brings all things artsy and weird to town. It only comes once a year, so make sure to get to a show or two before it’s too late. Credit: Photo by Brian Harris/courtesy of Orlando FringeCredit: Photo by Gianna AcetoGlide the waters of Legoland’s new Pirate River Quest
Become a pirate (or a Lego brick) for the day and ride this park’s newest attraction. It’s pretty mellow, so it’s a great activity for a more chilled-out thrill in Orlando. Credit: Photo via Legoland/FacebookBok Tower Gardens
1151 Tower Blvd., 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/FacebookSubmerge yourself in the waters of Devil’s Den
$25/person
Devil’s Den is a privately owned scuba diving training center in Levy County. The Den, a prehistoric scuba site, offers beautiful waters for snorkeling and scuba diving with no certification needed. Snorkeling is offered Monday through Friday for only $15 a person plus a $10 rental fee for gear. This is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day. More information here
Photo via Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring/Facebook Credit:Photo via Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring/FacebookCanoe Wekiwa Springs
Wekiwa Springs State Park is the perfect Florida-fied spot to canoe, kayak, swim or just immerse yourself in the Sunshine State’s natural beauty. Credit: Photo via AdobeGrab a drink at a local brewery
Orlando is home to plenty of places to quench your thirst for a crisp IPA. From Rockpit Brewing (pictured) to Deadwords to Tactical Brewing to Ivanhoe Park Brewing and plenty more besides, there’s plenty of options for great outdoor OR indoor seating. Credit: Photo via Rockpit Brewing/FacebookGrape and the Grain
1110 Virginia Drive, Orlando
Grape and the Grain is a quaint neighborhood wine bar that also offers frequent live music and some killer high-rise views. Credit: Photo via Grape and the Grain/FacebookRide the waves with Orlando Watersports Complex
8615 Florida Rock Road, Orlando
This boat and cable park operation will really take you out of Orlando and into an all-inclusive tropical getaway with thrills and fun fit for all ages. Learn to wakeboard, splash around at the aquapark or just swim around with friends. Credit: Photo via Orlando Watersports ComplexEnjoy a Leu Gardens movie night
Harry P. Leu Gardens
For only $7 per ticket, upgrade your summer movie night with Leu Gardens’ Movie Night. Pack a picnic, grab a bottle of wine and bring the whole family for an outdoor movie. Make sure you get there early to claim your spot. The next feature film of the summer is The Lost World: Jurassic Park (1997), June 2. Credit:Photo via Harry P. Leu Gardens/FacebookPCI Beach Bar & Snack Shack
6300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
It’s vacation mode all day long at the Beach Bar & Snack Shack that’s part of the Postcard Inn in St. Pete Beach. The restaurant offers a variety of tasty options with poolside service and a solid tropical-inspired and classic drink selection. Credit:Photo via Postcard Inn on the Beach/FacebookVisit an Orlando farmers market
Various locations
If you want to enjoy some solo time without being completely alone, an Orlando farmers market is the perfect place to do some strolling, browsing and practicing self-care. The Audubon Park Community Market happens every Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at 1842 E. Winter Park Road, and specializes in hyper-local produce. Credit: Photo by Rob BartlettHang out on Wekiva Island
Reserve a cabana at Wekiva Island and make new friends while partying your ass off. Credit: Photo via Wekiva Island/FacebookHorse-drawn carriages in Winter Garden
104 S. Lakeview Drive, Winter Garden
Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage through Orlando’s historic district of downtown Winter Garden. No glass slippers required.
Photo via Soul Haven Ranch/Instagram Credit:Photo via Soul Haven Ranch/InstagramPicnic at an Orlando park
Various locations
In the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park is a prime location for a little self-love wrapped up in a picnic basket. Or try Dickson Azalea in the Milk District, Mead Botanical Garden in Winter Park, or just plop down in the yard. Credit:Photo via Lake Eola Park/YelpTake advantage of SeaWorld’s free beer deal
Dress the kids, pack up the lunch bags and head over to the aquatic park of a lifetime. And then drink away the stress with their summer-only beer deals. Credit: Courtesy photoValentine’s Day dinner at Enzian Theater
1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland
Alternative movie house Enzian Theater offers independent, foreign and classic films and film events throughout the week, as well as special events the week of Valentine’s Day. Credit:Photo via Enzian Theater/FacebookWine Tasting in Winter Park
270 S. Park Ave., Winter Park
The Wine Room in Winter Park will win you huge points on elegance for a pretty decent cost. Guests purchase a wine tasting “debit” card that can be used to purchase samples of 150 different wines. Credit:Photo via The Wine Room/FacebookFlorida Bioluminescence Kayaking Night Tour
Haulover Canal, Courtenay Pkwy N or Kelly Park, 400 E Kelly Park Rd, 407-519-8711 https://www.bkadventure.com/package/bioluminescence-kayaking-night-tour/
Every night, a bioluminescent kayaking tours departs from either Haulover Canal or Kelly Park. See the water light up as bioluminescent sea life surrounds your kayak and using the natural light provided to explore Florida’s wildlife after hours.
Photo via Florida Bioluminescence Kayaking Night Tour Credit:Photo via BKAdventure.com
