BEST OF ORLANDO® READERS' CHOICE VOTING NOW OPEN — FINAL ROUND!

21 quintessential summer bucket list activities to do in Orlando this year

By on Fri, May 24, 2024 at 10:33 am

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. 
Scroll down to view images
Dine waterfront around town Canvas Restaurant: 13615 Sachs Ave., Orlando From traditional fish camps to upscale bistros, the Orlando area is home to a variety of restaurants with waterfront views. So forget driving all the way to the coast and set out for one of these picturesque, but closer-to-home eateries instead. Catch lovely views and elevated fare at Canvas Restaurant (pictured), for one.
Photo via Canvas Restaurant/Google Maps

Dine waterfront around town

Canvas Restaurant: 13615 Sachs Ave., Orlando
From traditional fish camps to upscale bistros, the Orlando area is home to a variety of restaurants with waterfront views. So forget driving all the way to the coast and set out for one of these picturesque, but closer-to-home eateries instead. Catch lovely views and elevated fare at Canvas Restaurant (pictured), for one.
Shop at an Orlando farmers market Various locations 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.
Photo via Winter Garden Famers Market/Facebook

Shop at an Orlando farmers market

Various locations
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.
Stroll through Bok 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.
Photo via Bok Tower Gardens/Facebook

Stroll through Bok 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.
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 downtown 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.
Photo via Wekiva Island/Facebook

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 downtown 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.
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).
Image via Packing District Orlando/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).
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.
Photo via Disney Parks

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.
Ride a swan, picnic at or walk 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 you get locals-only bonus points for actually riding in the tourist-adored swan boats.
Photo via Lake Eola Park/Facebook

Ride a swan, picnic at or walk 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 you get locals-only bonus points for actually riding in the tourist-adored swan boats.
Soak up some sun with a hotel pool day pass Multiple locations There are plenty of local resorts and hotels offering pool day passes for locals to get some luxurious splashing in. At the Hyatt Regency Orlando, for one, there are two pools, a waterfall and a 100-foot slide. Complimentary parking and towel service are also included in a day pass.
Photo via Hyatt Regency Orlando/Facebook

Soak up some sun with a hotel pool day pass

Multiple locations
There are plenty of local resorts and hotels offering pool day passes for locals to get some luxurious splashing in. At the Hyatt Regency Orlando, for one, there are two pools, a waterfall and a 100-foot slide. Complimentary parking and towel service are also included in a day pass.
Lean into architectural history on a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour It may not sound like the most thrilling activity to do around town, but these tours draw out crowds for a reason. Tourists and locals alike stand to learn something from these slow-traveling vessels and their brave and 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.
Photo via Winter Park Boat Tours/Facebook

Lean into architectural history on a Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour


It may not sound like the most thrilling activity to do around town, but these tours draw out crowds for a reason. Tourists and locals alike stand to learn something from these slow-traveling vessels and their brave and 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.
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.
Image via NBCUniversal

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.
Learn about the world around you 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.
Photo via Orlando Science Center/Facebook

Learn about the world around you 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.
Enjoy a 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.
Photo via Harry P. Leu Gardens/Facebook

Enjoy a 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.
Stroll through 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 by lightning. 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.
Image via Google Maps

Stroll through 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 by lightning. 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.
Grab a bite at one of Orlando's cult-classic restaurants Multiple locations Orlando locals love to eat. The city is home to dozens of restaurants with cult-like followings, like Beefy King, the Briarpatch and, of course, Kappy's Subs. Family-owned since 1967, Kappy's 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 — it's tiny!
Photo via Kappy's Subs/website

Grab a bite at one of Orlando's cult-classic restaurants

Multiple locations
Orlando locals love to eat. The city is home to dozens of restaurants with cult-like followings, like Beefy King, the Briarpatch and, of course, Kappy's Subs. Family-owned since 1967, Kappy's 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 — it's tiny!
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.
Photo via Central Florida Zoo/Facebook

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.
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.
Photo via Gatorland/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.
Swim, paddle or kayak Wekiwa Springs 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.
Photo via floridastateparks.org

Swim, paddle or kayak Wekiwa Springs

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.
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.
Photo via Orlando Museum of Art

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.
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.
Image via Disney Wilderness Preserve/Google Maps

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.
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 occasional kids' showings and special events.
Photo via Enzian Theater/Twitter

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 occasional kids' showings and special events.
Page 1 of 2
Next Page

Chava Communications

Read our sister publications

Orlando Weekly

PO Box 953127.

Lake Mary, FL 32795

Facebook Twitter Instagram Icon Apple News Icon Google News Icon
© 2024 Orlando Weekly
Powered By Foundation
Support Us