It may be the Sunshine State, but summer in Orlando can mean a lot of different things. Soaring temperatures and rainy afternoons can put a damper on your date ideas. Instead, tackle this bucket list of summer date ideas and things to do in Orlando with your partner while staying cool.
Have kids with you? Check out Top 30 Things To Do With Kids In Orlando This Summer from our sibling site, Orlando-Parenting.com.
Orlando Summer Ideas
1. Sip a frosty cocktail at an ice bar
Icy temperatures are non-existent in Central Florida, but we do have a chilly ice bar to mimic the experience. Don your cozy winter jacket (provided with your ticket package), and sip an ice-cold concoction with your date when visiting ICEBAR Orlando on International Drive. It's the perfect antidote to steamy summer temperatures! Start off in the Fire Lounge with cocktails and light bites before heading into the frosty bar complete with awesome ice sculptures.
2. Cool off by swimming or tubing at a nearby cold spring
Take advantage of nearby swimming holes like Wekiwa Springs State Park, De Leon Springs, and Kelly Park. If you’re up for a summer day trip, make the trek to Rainbow Springs State Park, KP Hole or Ichetucknee Springs where you can tube in refreshingly cool spring water for hours.
Or, check out one of these must-visit Florida tubing destinations. Just be aware that the parks close once they reach capacity, almost a guarantee on summer weekends.
Explore even more Natural Springs Near Orlando.
3. Spend the day at a local waterpark
What better way to cool down is there than spending the day at a local waterpark? Island H2O Live! at Margaritaville Resort Orlando features a lazy river, adults-only pool area, multiple slides, a wave pool and more. Island H2O Water Park kicks off its “Summer of Events” lineup starting Memorial Day weekend, bringing guests a wave of memorable experiences, live music, and family-friendly fun. Catch Dive-In Movies at Live! Lagoon Wave Pool, enjoy “Island Beats” live entertainment, or head to a Foam party!
Inside Universal’s Volcano Bay, you’ll find 18 different rides, including a trap door slide that travels through Krakatau, the volcanic centerpiece of the park. In addition to slides, there’s also a wave pool, lazy river, and a fearless river. Don’t forget to sip some adult beverages at the park’s two island bars.
Nighttime Parties
Two water parks in Orlando are offering nighttime swim parties and events. At Disney's Typhoon Lagoon you can enjoy H2O Glow After Hours Event. Not only are all the waterslides and swim areas open (with shorter waits) at this evening event, but there is added entertainment, lighting, dance music, and appearances by Disney characters, BUT, you can snack on unlimited popcorn, ice cream bars, and soft drinks!
You can enjoy access to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon from around 7:00 p.m., with the full festivities kicking off at 8:00 p.m. through 11:00 p.m. Consider bringing something to throw on in case you get a little chilly from splashing in the water as the evening concludes.
And new this year down by SeaWorld is AquaGlow at Aquatica Orlando. This new nighttime neon party looks to be lots of fun with Electric Tides, a mesmerizing laser light show illuminating the night sky and Roa’s Rapids AMP’ED UP has lighting effects and light tunnels. Soft drinks are included in admission as well.
And if you have kids along then Aquatica Orlando is great during the day. My family loves Turi's Kid Cove with watering palms, tipping buckets, spraying jets, water bobbles, and more. Plus, there are multiple slides where kids and adults can ride together.
Explore places to Go Swimming with Kids in Orlando
4. Float down a lazy river
One of the perks of living where people vacation is that we’ve got pretty awesome resort pools and lazy rivers right in our backyard. Lazy rivers and pools are typically exclusive for hotel guests, but some resorts offer access when you purchase a spa treatment, or book a day pass with ResortPass.
A few local resorts with epic lazy rivers include JW Marriott Orlando Grande Lakes, Reunion Resort, and Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. You can explore more Orlando hotels with water parks, from our sibling site Orlando-Parenting.com.
BONUS IDEA – Find paradise at Discovery Cove
Discovery Cove is one of the best things to do in Orlando – whether you're a local or visiting. It's incredible! You can keep things relatively low-key by just booking a day pass and hold off on the extras. Swimming among rays and fish in the Grand Reef will take your breath away. Feeding birds in the aviary will make for precious pictures together. And the lazy river flows through the aviary as well as past animal areas for otters and marmosets – you're bound to feel relaxed and feel closer together after a blissful day like this!
And keep in mind everything is included! Food, drinks, snacks, towels, sunscreen, mask and snorkel, wet suits, floats for the lazy river, lockers, everything you need. Plus there are multiple bars and a shallow pool with in-pool seating so you can sip on your cold drinks while lounging in the water with beautiful animals nearby.
Basic drinks are included in all Discovery Cove reservations, and an upgraded drink package is available for an additional purchase.
5. Tackle the Disney monorail pub crawl
Disney’s monorail is free to ride and stops at Magic Kingdom, EPCOT, and three Disney resorts: Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, and Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Your best bet is to use a ride share service. Start off the day with a dining reservation at the resort of your choice and ride the monorail to each resort.
Check out our Monorail Pub Crawl itinerary for the best date night spots. Or, take your date night to new heights on a Disney Skyliner Crawl.
6. Go bioluminescent kayaking under the stars
For a totally unique summer date idea, words can’t describe the magical experience of kayaking during bioluminescence season. Just a short drive from Orlando, the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is a hotbed of bioluminescent activity in the summer months. Watch in awe as the waters come alive with a blue glow in response to the tiniest disturbance. There’s no nearby light pollution, so you’ll also enjoy fantastic views of the night sky.
There are plenty of ways to stay cool with these Kayaking Experiences Every Orlandoan Needs to Have.
7. Play tourist at International Drive
We locals sometimes roll our eyes at the tourist scene, but you'll miss out on a ton of date ideas if you overlook it all. The excitement and energy of the attractions area is hard to beat and its full of things to do. In fact, Pointe Orlando has great nightlife and there are 50 ideas in our guide to things to do on International Drive.
BONUS IDEA: Venardos Circus at Westgate Resort
June 23 – Aug 17
Westgate Vacation Villas Resort hosts Venardos Circus. Enjoy breathtaking aerials, comedy, and acrobatics by former Ringling Bros. Ringmaster, Kevin Venardos. This captivating, animal-free show blends circus excitement with Broadway flair for memorable family fun.
$37.95 Tickets
8. Go ice skating
Who says you can’t ice skate in the summertime? Orlando Ice Den is open for public ice skating every day of the week. The chilly indoor facility is perfect for a budget-friendly date night. Admission is $15 – $18 including skate rental and skate rental.
9. Stroll through the zoo at dusk during Sunset at the Zoo
Meander through the zoo, while stopping along the way for animal meet and greets and snacks at the zoo's concessions during Central Florida Zoo's summertime Sunset at the Zoo series. This family-friendly event invites you to the zoo on the fourth Friday of each month for several hours of fun music, family activities, and more.
Bonus: admission is only $6/person when purchased online ($8 at the gate)! There is also a Family 4-Pack (4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, 4 regular fountain drinks) for $44.
2024 Dates and Themes
- May 24: Asian American & Pacific Islander culture and heritage
- June 28: LGBTQ+ Pride
- July 26: Black & African American Heritage
- August 23: Native American & Alaska Native Heritage
- September 27: Hispanic Heritage
10. Dine on the St. Johns Rivership
The Barbara-Lee, an authentic sternwheeler docked in Sanford, departs almost daily for river cruises along the St. Johns River in Sanford. Try the Saturday dinner dance cruise, which pairs tasty cuisine with live music and dancing. The boat is air-conditioned indoors, making this a summer-friendly night out.
11. Share an ice cream flight
Nothing beats a scoop of ice cream (or six) on a hot day. Kelly’s Homemade Ice Cream with locations all around Central Florida has tons of homemade ice cream flavors but one of the best items on the menu is the ice cream flight. Choose six flavors and get a scoop of each, served up in mini waffle cone cups in a cupcake tray.
The ice cream flights are also available at other Scoop Shop locations.
Or head to Winter Park Village where you can indulge in Jeni's Ice Creams. Every flavor here is packed with premium chef-driven ingredients and during the summer there are some fantastic limited time flavors.
The 5-pint collection launches in scoop shops including Winter Park and online via jenis.com on June 6th (with early access online for rewards members on May 29th).
Flavors include:
- Sparkling Cherry Pie, a sour cherry and tingling Sichuan peppercorn ice cream with tart cherry jam and buttery shortbread crust. Capturing the essence of cherry pie straight from the oven but with a bit of a kick.
- Snow Cone Sorbet, a far-out twist of blue brambleberry, watermelon, and pink lemonade sorbets – evoking the memories of the best snow cones of summer doused in sticky, neon-hued syrup.
- Burnt Orange Dreamsicle, a juicy orange ice cream with vanilla custard and burnt orange caramel inspired by the quintessential combination of orange and cream, but a refreshing departure from the original with an elevated burnt orange caramel sauce that’s nutty, rich, and packs a citrusy punch.
- Tahini Oat Chocolate Cookies, luscious milk chocolate and nutty tahini ice creams with an oat cookie crumble – an ode to the classic icebox treat, Jeni’s captures the essence of a no-bake cookie by twisting together two ice creams and finishing with an oat cookie crumble that softens ever so gently into the cream.
- [Returning] Double Dough, this chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream is swirled into a buttery brown sugar custard, made to taste exactly like rich and buttery cookie dough.
12. Go on a Sunrise to Sunset Road Trip
Where else can you soak up the sunrise on one coast and then drive to another to drink up the sunset, all in the span of one day? Thanks to Florida’s peninsular shape and relatively narrow width, you can experience a truly unique sunrise to sunset road trip from coast to coast. For maximum enjoyment, consider making this a two-night venture by booking a hotel on the east coast and another on the west coast.
Follow our itinerary for a road trip from Cocoa Beach to Clearwater.
13. Check out the new Drone Show at Disney Springs
Starting on Memorial Day weekend, the skies above Disney Springs (West Side) will dazzle you. A new drone show at Disney Springs called “Disney Dreams That Sour” will be free to enjoy all summer long. Grab some yummy treats and wine from The Basket at Wine Bar George and have a romantic picnic beneath the night sky, or grab some dessert or drinks from Summer House on the Lake which has a perfect viewing location.
14. Laze the day away at Wekiva Island
Wekiva Island, a local gem located at Wekiwa Springs, offers endless activities. Take a swim, rent a cabana, go kayaking and paddle boarding, or sip on adult beverages at the on-site bar.
Explore our favorite things to do at Wekiva Island.
15. Try indoor skydiving
Feeling adventurous, but not quite ready to jump out of an airplane? Indoor skydiving is the perfect date for you. iFLY Orlando offers this unique 2-hour experience on International Drive.
16. Take a nighttime flashlight tour of Gatorland
Beat the heat by heading to Gatorland after the sun goes down for a guided flashlight tour of this slightly-kitschy Central Florida attraction. With only the light of a flashlight to guide you, you'll navigate through the Alligator Breeding Marsh, searching for alligators lurking in the waters below and even having the chance to feed them.
Gator Night Shine tours are $24.99/person and take place select nights year-round. Each tour begins at dusk and lasts 1-1.5 hours.
17. Chill out at an inflatable waterpark
Nona Adventure Park is a cable park, aerial ropes course and inflatable water park all in one in Lake Nona. The 1000′ floating aqua park includes a variety of challenges, including a Ninja jump, towering waterslides, a tire run and more. You can also get in touch with your inner-kid at the Orlando Watersports Complex Aquapark, a LEGO-inspired floating inflatable waterpark complete with climbing obstacles, a balance beam, slide and more.
Related: 7 Places to go Ziplining in Orlando and Beyond
18. Pick up new skills at a couple's cooking class
There are hundreds of cooking classes in Orlando to choose from, and you really can’t go wrong with any of them. While any class is suitable for date night, couples cooking classes make for an extra special evening.
19. Make a Masterpiece in Pinspiration's Private Splatter Room
For a romantic night out, Pinspiration offers a unique date night package for two where you’ll get a little messy creating a masterpiece together. Dubbed the Splatter Date, this artsy date night experience includes private access to Pinspiration’s “splatter room” which is used exclusively for splatter painting. This method involves flinging, throwing and dripping acrylic paint onto the canvas.
The Splatter Date Package is $99 and includes the private Splatter Room, 1 large or 2 small canvases, protective painting gear, a “Glow Upgrade” (glow-in-the dark painting experience under black lights), chocolates for two, and two glasses of champagne for $99.
20. Book a staycation
You don’t need to leave your zip code for a romantic getaway with your love. Plenty of Orlando resorts are offering summer deals and packages with serious perks.
21. Go glamping
Plan a weekend in nature camping with a twist. There are multiple places to go glamping in Orlando and nearby. We're especially fond of Timberline Tampa with their air-conditioned tents.
22. Day trip to Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a must-do this summer, even if you’ve visited in the past. Walk among rockets, see the space shuttle Atlantis and Saturn V rocket, be amazed at stunning IMAX films and check out the Heroes & Legends exhibit. Take this summer date idea to the next level by planning your visit to coincide with a rocket launch.
Related: Day Trip to Titusville
23. Play a round of glow in the dark mini golf
Putting Edge has a fun glow in the dark mini golf course that is great for a rainy summer day. While it may be a bit cheesy, the course is surprisingly challenging and a fun way to pass an hour.
Looking for more ways to cool off? Check out our Indoor Date Ideas
24. Attend a Nighttime Market or Event
For a summer date idea that won’t break the bank, visit a local nighttime street festival or art walk after dark. Try the Thornton Park District's monthly Wine & Art Walk on the 2nd Thursday of each month for drink samples and art along the way. Or, find food truck fare and adult beverages every Tuesday at Tasty Takeover in The Milk District.
25. Embark on an Animal Adventure
Get up close and personal with exotic animals without leaving the comfort of your car’s air conditioning. Wild Florida recently doubled the size of its popular drive-thru safari. Throughout the four-mile expedition set on 170 acres, spot 150+ animals and even add on a stop to hand feed giraffes. Stick around to visit the Gator Park afterwards, which is included with the safari park admission cost.
Alternatively, Safari Wilderness is a 260-acre wildlife area in Lakeland where exotic animals roam free. While you can’t drive through in your own car, there are guided safari tours in an open-air vehicle with a canopy over top to keep you cool.
We also love the old school Florida vibes and adventure at Gatorland, which is just about 20 minutes from Orlando.
26. Watch an outdoor movie
There are opportunities to catch an outdoor movie all summer long, from Popcorn Flicks in the Park in Winter Park and Movie Night at Leu Gardens.
Bonus Idea: Dive-In Movies at Live! Lagoon Wave Pool – Island H2O Water Park
Catch the coolest flicks under the stars at Central Florida's largest outdoor digital wave pool screen. Enjoy dive-in movies, where you can splash and watch your favorite family films at the wave pool. And here's the cherry on top – Season Passholders receive free popcorn at every dive-in movie. It's the ultimate cinematic experience with a splash of excitement. Every Friday between May 31 – July 26 at 6 pm, Included with Admission.
27. Cool down with a boozy treat
The Pop Parlour (locations downtown and at UCF) puts a grown-up spin on popsicles with boozy infusions. Get your fix with flavors like Mango Mimosa and Watermelon Mojito to beat the steamy Florida heat. Craving a milkshake? Indulge in a boozy shakes at The Soda Fountain in College Park.
28. Book a Couples' Spa Day
We are fortunate to have so many amazing spas in Orlando. Places like JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, and more offer body treatments to rejuvenate mind, body and soul.
Related: Best Orlando Spas for Couples
29. Avoid high gas prices and plan a SunRail date
Take advantage of cheap transportation and convenient stops. Multiple SunRail stations are near beautiful parks. Plan an Outdoorsy Date Using the SunRail Schedule and Routes.
30. Stay cool during a drive-in movie
If it’s too warm to enjoy an outdoor movie, catch a flick while lounging in the comfort of your air-conditioned car. The Silver Moon Drive-In in Lakeland is a short drive away and screens double features of first-run movies. Our guide to drive-in movie theaters has more ideas.
31. Visit the Orlando Cat Café
Cat lovers will want to make the 40-minute drive to the Orlando Cat Café in Clermont. Grab your coffee, and then head into the cat play area to spend an hour petting and playing with the resident felines. All cats are available for adoption.
Related: Unique Coffee Shops for a Low-Key Date
32. Explore Disney Springs Happy Hours
Save some money at Disney Springs. From swanky steakhouses to a quirky themed bar, here are our favorite places with must-try happy hours at Disney Springs for your next date night.
BONUS: Enjoy a Florida Resident Discount all summer long with a valid Florida ID at Paddlefish and Terralina Crafted Italian. Both are offering 25% off food and non-alcoholic beverages all day, everyday through August 31.
33. Spark romance at Orlando's Most Romantic Experiences
Fuel the romance in your relationship. From incredible restaurants to unforgettable outdoor activities, these are the Most Romantic Experiences in Orlando.
34. Take flight on The Orlando Eye at ICON Park
On a clear day, The Orlando Eye at ICON Park offers unparalleled views of nearby theme parks, resorts, and the Orlando skyline. Bonus: each capsule is air-conditioned. Florida Residents can score discounted tickets online.
Related: Don't miss these Things to do at ICON Park
35. Have a Dr. Phillips Center date night
Not only will you escape the summer heat in Orlando, but you'll embark on an artistic journey when you see a live show at Dr. Phillips Center. We've got lots of tips for an unforgettable night at the Dr. Phillips Center. And don't forget Judson's Live is the new addition with intimate live music and great food and drinks.
36. See a classic movie
Have an out of the box dinner and a movie night by visiting Enzian Theater and Eden Bar. This theater screens independent, foreign, and classic films. 35mm Cult Classics are screened several times a month, and Saturday Matinee Classes are screened the second Saturday of each month. Grab drinks and a bite to eat at Eden Bar before or after the show to round out your date.
Wayne Densch Performing Arts Center in Sanford also screens classic films once a month.
37. Take a Day Trip to Keel Farms
Head to Plant City for an afternoon well spent at Keel Farms, a brewery, winery and restaurant all in one. Wander through the vines, sip craft beer and wines made onsite, or attend one of the farm’s fun events like sunset yoga.
38. Explore the great outdoors on a jet ski, boat, or paddle board
Rockon Recreation Rentals allows you to rent gear for a day on the water, including boats, jet skis and paddle boards. The site is basically the Airbnb of outdoor recreation, offering a directory of rental listings from businesses and locals alike throughout Florida.
39. Sports and Games
For a sporty night out, head to Drive Shack in Lake Nona, which boasts 90 hitting bays (they're air-conditioned!), a full-service restaurant and bar, an outdoor lounge, free play game area and more. Golf lovers will also want to check out Topgolf, a sprawling, multi-level 65,000 square foot golf entertainment complex in Orlando. The Orlando location features Toptracer technology, creating an instant playback of your golf ball hit.
New in town is Stadium Club at Caribe Royale Resort. This awesome venue is one of our favorite indoor activities in Orlando, with delicious drinks and fresh food, and private sports bays. You can swap between a variety of simulator games like hockey, football, baseball, golf, and even carnival games.
40. Watch Disney Fireworks
You don’t even have to enter the parks to see the Disney fireworks! Here are our favorite vantage points outside the parks.
41. Rise to the escape room game challenge
Put your problem-solving skills to the test as you work to solve mysteries and decode clues to escape your themed room before your designated time is up. Our guide to Orlando’s escape rooms includes multiple mind-bending options.
42. Zip line after dark
There are several places in Central Florida to go zip lining, but only a few offer after dark fun. Located just over an hour from Orlando, The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park offers multiple courses and experiences, including a nighttime adventure. During the Full Moon Zip Tour, you'll spend 1.5 hours traversing 5 zip lines (one over water!) and a rope bridge with only glow sticks to light your way.
43. Plan a summer movie night at Disney Springs
Summer is the season of blockbuster movies. One of our favorite places to see a movie in Orlando is Disney Springs thanks to its state-of-the-art theater and the ample supply of places to eat and drink before or after the move. Here's a Magical Date Idea: Dinner and a Movie at Disney Springs.
44. Go on a craft beer tour
One of our favorite things to do in Sanford is enjoy the many craft breweries. The Sanford Craft Beer & History Tour covers the history and cool details of this town. Sanford Brew & History Tour is led by regarded beer aficionado and BJCP Certified Beer Judge, Gary Holmes. Tours start at 3:00 pm and last at least 90 minutes.
The craft beer tour costs $29 per person and beer samples are included. Everyone on the tour must be 21 and up to participate in this tour. A valid government-issued ID is required as proof of age.
45. Explore the Milk District
One of the coolest neighborhoods in Orlando is full of indoor places to hang. The Milk District has a variety of classic spots and a few new venues to explore. We love Tasty Takeover in the Milk District every Tuesday evening.
46. Attend an Event at the OMA
Orlando Museum of Art hosts an array of events each month, from Art Night Out to Bank of America Weekends on Us every first weekend of the month (BoA cardholders only).
47. Dine with a Sunset View
It doesn't get more romantic than watching the sun dip below the horizon with your love. Pair this nightly spectacle with dinner at one of these local dining spots offering prime sunset views.
48. St. Augustine
It is one of the most romantic small towns in America, and it's pretty closeby. Take your honey for a blissful day trip from Orlando to St. Augustine. The approximately two hour drive is worth it, especially to enjoy some amazing waterfront restaurants in St. Augustine.
Or keep it real easy with a romantic stroll along the historic streets. Cool off at one of the unique St. Augustine bars to cap off your visit.
49. Try out a new-to-you restaurant during Bite30
Bite30, Orlando's restaurant week, is now multiple weeks from June 1 – July 7, 2024. Participating restaurants have curated a special 3-course prix fixe menu for a flat rate. This year's lineup is not yet announced, but it's sure to be awesome!
50. Escape to an island
If it's going to be hot and humid you might as well be on an island. There are a few Florida islands that not many people know about, so whisk your honey away for a romantic getaway. If you want a slower pace of life, Cedar Key is one of our favorites. And Anna Maria Island is a gorgeous beach town.
