13 Best Things to Do in Orlando in the Summer 2025 (Local's Guide)

Planning your summer 2025 getaway? While world-famous theme parks draw crowds, summer in Orlando offers more than roller coasters and character meet-and-greets. Beat the summer heat with our local guide, featuring over 100 ways to entertain kids beyond the typical tourist spots. Whether you're catching spectacular Fourth of July fireworks at Lakeland's Red, White & Kaboom or exploring ICON Park's "Summer of Fun" attractions, this comprehensive guide ensures your Orlando summer adventure will be unforgettable—no matter how hot it gets.

1.  Swim and Splash at Orlando's Best Water Parks

Orlando's water parks range from large-scale attractions to intimate splash zones. Island H2O Live! in Kissimmee offers a social media-themed experience where you can instantly customize your music on water slides and share photos. Furthermore, Aquatica combines marine life encounters with thrilling water rides, including the popular Dolphin Plunge, where you slide through a clear tube surrounded by playful Commerson's dolphins.

For a more laid-back experience, consider Discovery Cove, where you can snorkel in a tropical reef, float along a lazy river, or interact with dolphins in a reservation-only setting. Many locals also enjoy the wave pools and multi-person raft rides at the newly renovated Typhoon Lagoon.

Plan your visit for Tuesday or Wednesday rather than weekends to avoid large crowds at Orlando water parks. Moreover, checking weather forecasts helps avoid disappointment, as afternoon thunderstorms frequently roll through central Florida in the summer months.

2.  Explore the Natural Beauty of Wekiwa Springs

Twenty-five minutes north of downtown Orlando, Wekiwa Springs State Park offers a refreshing escape from summer temperatures. Its crystal-clear azure waters consistently maintain a cool 72 degrees year-round. As Orange County's oldest tourist attraction, this natural oasis is a perfect alternative to crowded theme parks during summer.

Wekiwa Springs activities

The spring's natural setting provides numerous options for outdoor recreation:

• Swimming and snorkeling in the crystal-clear spring pool (approximately 4 feet deep)
• Paddling adventures on the Wekiva River, with canoe and kayak rentals available on-site
• Hiking trails ranging from 0.8 to 13.5 miles through diverse ecosystems
• Wildlife viewing opportunities to spot deer, otters, turtles, and even Florida black bears
• Picnicking at designated areas with tables and grills near the spring

Beyond these activities, Wekiwa Springs offers bicycling on 9 miles of off-road trails, fishing at Sand Lake, and horseback riding on the 8-mile Tram Bed Horse Trail.

3.  Kayak the Winter Park Chain of Lakes

Located just minutes from downtown, the Winter Park Chain of Lakes provides a refreshing summer activity that combines exercise and stunning scenery. This hidden gem comprises six interconnected lakes—Virginia, Mizell, Osceola, Maitland, Nina, and Minnehaha—linked by picturesque navigable canals.

Kayaking routes

The chain offers versatile paddling experiences for all skill levels. A popular route begins at Dinky Dock Park on Lake Virginia and explores the surrounding waterways. From here, you can navigate through the Fern Canal to Lake Osceola, appropriately named for its shoreline covered with hundreds of ferns.

4.  Catch a Sunset at Lake Eola Park

Nestled in the heart of downtown Orlando, Lake Eola Park transforms into a magical sunset destination during summer evenings. Its 43-acre expanse perfectly blends urban skyline views and natural beauty. As temperatures cool in the evening, tourists and locals gather to witness the sky's colorful display reflected on the lake's surface.

Lake Eola attractions

The park's centerpiece is the iconic Lake Eola Fountain, officially recognized as Orlando's city emblem. The fountain illuminates each evening between 8 pm and 9 pm with a spectacular light show synchronized to smooth jazz music. Furthermore, the park offers several engaging activities perfect for summer evenings:

• Rent swan-shaped paddle boats for a unique perspective of the downtown skyline
• Stroll along the 0.9-mile sidewalk encircling the lake
• Visit the ornate Chinese Ting Pagoda, beautifully illuminated after dark
• Explore multiple monuments, including the Confederate Monument and the World War II veterans memorial

The Walt Disney Amphitheater hosts various summer entertainment options, from concerts to plays by the Orlando Shakespeare Company, providing cool evening alternatives throughout Orlando in the summer.

5.  Attend a Summer Festival or Night Market

Beyond Orlando's natural attractions, vibrant summer festivals and night markets offer exciting cultural experiences for locals and tourists alike. These events showcase the city's diverse community spirit throughout the warm season and provide entertainment options after dark.

Top summer events in Orlando

The Saigon Night Market at Festival Park (2911 E Robinson St) stands out as one of Florida's largest global street food festivals, scheduled for June 7-8, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm. After drawing over 40,000 attendees in 2024, this year's event promises to be even bigger.

Other notable summer events include:

• GayDayS Orlando (June 5-8) features attractions, events, and parties that create a magical vacation experience.
• Nathaniel's Hope Make'm Smile community festival on May 3, 2025, at Lake Eola Park—the most significant celebration for children with special needs in the United States.
• Baldwin Park Community Markets has themed nights, including Reggae & Soul (May 17) and Latin Night (June 21).

6.  Take a Scenic Boat Tour in Winter Park

Historically a centerpiece attraction since 1938, the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour offers a refreshing way to appreciate Orlando in the summer from a different perspective. This hour-long guided cruise takes you through the picturesque "Venice of America" with its tranquil waters and lush surroundings.

What the tour includes

The experience features an 18-passenger pontoon boat journey across three interconnected lakes—Osceola, Virginia, and Maitland—linked by two narrow, canopied canals. Along the route, your knowledgeable "skipper" narrates the tour, pointing out:

• Stunning waterfront mansions and estates (some worth millions)
• Historical buildings and the beautiful Rollins College campus
• Local wildlife, including birds, turtles, and occasionally alligators
• The picturesque Venetian Canal, where modest boathouses have sold for up to $300,000

Throughout the journey, you'll glide under low bridges and canals bordered by towering cypress trees, swaying palms, and flourishing subtropical flowers.

7.  Visit the Orlando Science Center

As Orlando's summer temperatures rise, the Orlando Science Center provides an educational indoor haven with four floors of interactive exhibits designed for curious minds of all ages. Unlike traditional museums that offer observational experiences, this center encourages active participation and hands-on discovery. Given summer temperatures soar, this air-conditioned educational wonderland provides a perfect respite. Adult tickets cost $29.99, while youth (ages 2-11) pay $22.99. Admission includes access to all exhibit halls and two theaters.

8.  Explore the Art at Mennello Museum of American Art

Tucked away in Orlando's Loch Haven Cultural Park, the Mennello Museum of American Art offers an artistic refuge from the intense summer heat. This intimate museum initially opened to showcase folk artist Earl Cunningham's vibrant paintings but has since expanded to celebrate diverse American artistic expressions.

For summer 2025, the museum will host "Pool Party: The Pool in American Art" (June 6-September 28), examining how pools have symbolized luxury and leisure in America since the 1950s. This timely exhibition features works by renowned artists, including Andy Warhol, Alex Katz, and Derrick Adams.

Regular events include:

• Free Family Funday on the second Sunday of each month with complimentary admission, docent-led tours, and fine art projects
• Free admission on the first weekend of each month for Bank of America or Merrill Lynch cardholders through the Museums on Us program

9.  Enjoy a Rooftop Bar with a View

When the sun begins to set, Orlando's skyline transforms into a canvas of golden hues, best appreciated by one of the city's trendy rooftop establishments. For visitors seeking a sophisticated evening experience, rooftop bars offer the perfect vantage point to unwind after a day of exploring.

Top rooftop bars in Orlando

AC Sky Bar is locally known as a premier destination on the 18th floor with breathtaking 360-degree views of downtown Orlando. Voted "Best Rooftop Bar" in 2023 and 2024, this adults-only retreat features floor-to-ceiling windows and a stylish outdoor terrace.

Illume Rooftop Lounge atop the JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek offers enchanting vistas of Disney fireworks displays. This upscale venue serves contemporary Japanese cuisine, including fresh sushi and premium-ingredient cocktails.

Beyond these, Bar 17 Bistro sits above Universal's Aventura Hotel with spectacular views of three theme parks. In contrast, Aero Rooftop Bar & Lounge attracts those seeking a more energetic atmosphere with dancing and private cabanas.

10. Take a Day Trip to De Leon Springs

About an hour north of Orlando, De Leon Springs State Park is a perfect summer day trip combining natural beauty and culinary adventure. This spring produces an astounding 20 million gallons of water daily and attracts over 250,000 visitors yearly who seek relief from Florida's intense summer heat.

What to do at De Leon Springs

For water enthusiasts, the park offers multiple activities to enjoy. The popular Fountain of Youth Eco/Heritage boat tour runs four times daily, taking you on a 50-minute journey where you'll spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife. Above all, paddling enthusiasts can rent kayaks or canoes to explore Spring Garden Run and Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, where manatees often appear. The park features several trails catering to different abilities. The wheelchair-accessible paved nature trail (0.5 miles) leads to "Old Methuselah," a magnificent 500-year-old cypress tree. For more adventurous hikers, the Wild Persimmon Trail extends 4.2 miles through habitats where you might spot deer, turkeys, and even Florida black bears.

The main spring offers a refreshing 72-degree swimming area year-round, with depths ranging from 18 inches to 30 feet. Swimming is permitted from 8 am until 30 minutes before sunset, providing perfect relief from Orlando's summer temperatures.

11.              Discover Local Flavors at East End Market

East End Market is a culinary haven in Orlando's Audubon Park Garden District. It transformed a former abandoned church into a European-style food hall where locals escape the summer heat. This community gathering spot has become a cornerstone for those seeking authentic Orlando flavors beyond the tourist corridors.

What to eat at East End Market

Culinary treasures abound throughout this two-story market. Gideon's Bakehouse offers legendary half-pound cookies in unique flavors like Pistachio Toffee Dark Chocolate, often selling out before closing. For those craving savory options, Domu serves authentic Japanese ramen and life-changing kimchi wings that have garnered awards and expanded to multiple Florida locations.

Other noteworthy eats include:

• Rion's Ocean Room with incredibly fresh poke bowls sold by the pound
• Gyukatsu Rose offers a rare-to-find wagyu beef cutlet experience for $29, complete with accompaniments.
• La Femme du Fromage is hosting a popular grilled cheese happy hour every Friday from 4–8 pm with weekly unique creations for $16

12. Visit the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Situated just north of Orlando in Sanford, the 116-acre Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens is a wild retreat from typical tourist attractions. It offers close encounters with over 400 animals representing more than 100 species. This accredited conservation leader perfectly balances education and entertainment for families seeking respite from Orlando's summer heat.

Zoo highlights

At the heart of the experience are several must-see attractions. The Barnyard Buddies Children's Zoo allows children to feed and interact with pygmy goats, llamas, and alpacas. Visitors gravitate toward signature animal areas featuring river otters, porcupines, lemurs, and the particularly popular cheetah and black bear exhibits. Alternatively, cool off at the Wharton-Smith Tropical Splash Ground, which features animal-themed water elements – a welcome activity during intense Orlando summers.

Botanical garden features

Typically, visitors overlook that the zoo achieved botanical garden status in 2007, yet the grounds showcase spectacular flora. While exploring, pause to admire specialized collections, including the Butterfly Garden, which has carefully selected nectar and host plants that support the complete butterfly lifecycle.

13. Catch a Show at Dr. Phillips Center

Downtown Orlando has a world-class performing arts venue where visitors can escape the sweltering summer heat while enjoying spectacular entertainment. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts offers air-conditioned comfort alongside diverse cultural experiences throughout Orlando in the summer.

Upcoming summer performances

The highly anticipated Disney's The Lion King takes center stage from April 23 to May 18, 2025. It features breathtaking visual artistry and unforgettable music that has captivated over 100 million people worldwide. Families can also enjoy STOMP (June 6-7, 2025), which blends dance, music, and theatrical performance into an electrifying rhythm.

Film enthusiasts will appreciate The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King Live in Concert (June 13-14, 2025) and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Concert with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra (June 20-21, 2025). For comedy lovers, the Let's Laugh About It Comedy Show on July 19 showcases local talent in a family-friendly format.

Music fans should mark their calendars for the TayTay Dance Party celebrating the Eras Tour on August 16 at Steinmetz Hall. This event offers a perfect indoor escape during peak summer heat.

Conclusion

Orlando's summer adventures extend far beyond the gates of world-famous theme parks. Therefore, as you plan your Orlando summer getaway for 2025, consider setting aside time for these local favorites. Whether catching the sunrise at Lake Eola or watching a show at Dr. Phillips Center, these experiences will transform your vacation into an authentic Orlando adventure—no matter how hot it gets. Ready to experience the magic of Orlando's top attractions? Book direct with Vacation Central Florida and secure your stay just minutes from Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and all the excitement Central Florida has to offer.