Whether you’re trying to escape from the sweltering Florida sun or an afternoon rain storm, here are a few of the best ways to experience Orlando without going outside.
Aiguille Rock Climbing Center
830 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood — 407-332-1430
Go rock climbing at the only climbing-dedicated facility in the Orlando area. No experience is required — just a brave and adventurous soul. Equipment is provided, and there’s a variety of heights to explore.
Photo via aiguilleclimbing/InstagramMango’s Tropical Cafe
8126 International Drive, 407-673-4422
Mango’s Tropical Cafe puts on a dinner show that will blow you away, filled to the brim with fiery Latin passion and complemented by drinks and deliciously authentic eats. Grab a partner — there’s a DJ and a dance floor.
Photo via mangosorlando/InstagramEast End Market
3201 Corrine Drive, 321-236-3316
East End is considered Central Florida’s hub for food and culture. Support local vendors and grab some tasty foods and beverages to enjoy in the garden.
Photo via eastendmkt/InstagramOrlando Museum of Art
2416 N. Mills Ave., 407-896-4231
Even with the recent scandal, a stroll through OMA is hard to beat. And the AC is super-freezy.
Photo via orlandomuseumofart/InstagramOrange Tree Antiques Mall
853 S. Orlando Ave., Winter Park, 407-644-4547
Two words: antiques galore. Search through furniture, books and many more items deemed collectible and highly valuable to those who are lovers of all things vintage.
Photo via orangetreeantiquesmall/InstagramICON Park
8375 International Drive, 321-888-2690
Walk through the ocean tunnel at the Sea Life Aquarium or snap a selfie with your favorite celebs and historical figures at Madame Tussaud’s wax museum. If you’re up for some games and win for prizes, hit up Arcade City.
Photo via iconorlando360/InstagramOrlando Science Center
777 E. Princeton St., 407-514-2000
Orlando Science Center is filled with wonders that will pique your interest and indulge your curious bone. There’s a variety of exhibits and programs, like ScienceLive! animal interactions and digital adventure shows.
Photo via orlandosciencecenter/InstagramSAK Comedy Lab
29 S. Orange Ave., 407-648-0001
SAK Comedy Lab hosts nights of improv comedy with a twist—it plays off of audience suggestions and inspires otherwise shy guests to contribute to the show. It’s safe to say you’re in for an evening full of laughs and off-the-cuff humor.
Photo via seba_ms89/InstagramQuantum Leap Winery
1312 Wilfred Drive, 407-730-3082
Quantum approaches wine with sustainability in mind, so you’ll find environmentally friendly procured and produced drinks. Spend the afternoon wine tasting and enjoy a quality quaff. It’ll taste even better knowing you’re helping the planet.
Photo via quantumleapwinery/InstagramAndretti Indoor Karting & Games
9299 Universal Blvd., 407-610-5020
There’s no way you could get bored here. Andretti hosts the world’s longest indoor go-kart track, plus there’s rush hour bowling. They have beer and cocktails, too? We’re in. Credit: Andretti Indoor Karting/InstagramCasa Feliz
656 N. Park Ave., Winter Park, 407-628-8200
This historic home is a restored Spanish farmhouse from the 1930s. You can tour through the estate accompanied by live music and experience the permanent exhibit dedicated to architect James Gamble Rogers II. The home is closed for renovations through June 28, but mark your calendars for a tour at the end of this month. Credit: Casa Feliz/InstagramPlant Street Market
426 W. Plant St., Winter Garden, 786-671-1748
Plant Street Market is a jewel in Winter Garden’s historic downtown. The indoor artisan market features 20 vendors’ local fare, plus organic, homemade goods under one roof. Credit: Plant St. Market/InstagramEnzian Theater
1300 S. Orlando Ave., Maitland, 407-629-0054
Enzian Theater serves you a meal during a screening of your favorite cult classic or new art-house hit. What more could you ask for? Credit: Enzian Theater/InstagramPark Ave CDs
2916 Corrine Drive, 407-447-7275
You could dig through the crates for your favorite records for hours. Though it’s no longer on Park Avenue, this shop has been instrumental to Orlando’s music scene for decades, and it’s a great spot to discover new (or old) vinyl for your collection. Credit: Park Ave CDs/TwitterRipley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium
8201 International Drive, 407-345-0501
Ripley’s is full of interactive exhibits that will keep you on your toes throughout your entire visit. There’s plenty of peculiar oddities to experience, so let your guard down and embrace all things weird. Credit: Ripleys/InstagramTopgolf
9295 Universal Blvd., 407-218-7714
With more than 100 climate-controlled hitting bays and and a full-service restaurant, Topgolf is the way to go. Bring your family or a group of friends (or both!) and enjoy a variety of game modes. Credit: Topgolf/InstagramWonderWorks
9067 International Drive, 407-351-8800
We stand by our belief that WonderWorks is criminally underrated. You haven’t truly lived until you experience their incredibly titillating wonder zones. They also have laser tag and a rope course, and you can try on an real space suit. Credit: WonderWorks/InstagramOrlando Putting Edge
5250 International Drive, 407-248-0700
Indoor blacklight mini-golf? Count us in. There are 18 holes for you to conquer, adorned by outer space, jungle and ocean themes. Credit: Putting Edge/InstagramSemoran Skateway
2670 Cassel Creek Blvd., 407-834-9106
Skating rinks are filled with all sorts of nostalgia, but that groovy music and impressing everyone with those smooth turns is what makes you come back. If you’re lucky, they’ll play “Public Affair” by Jessica Simpson so you can live out your rollerskating dreams, just like the music video. Credit: Semoran Skateway/InstagramRide the Guardians ride 30 times
Epcot
The newly opened Guardians: Cosmic Rewind ride is fully indoors, offering a bit of a break from the brutal heat of Florida (and an escape from the planet). Credit: Seth Kubersky