19 actually good winter date ideas in Orlando

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.

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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

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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.

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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