Summer in Central Florida: Activities To Do With Your Kids

Central Florida is often characterized by its theme parks and popular summer camps, but for parents seeking alternative, enriching, and often more affordable ways to spend quality time with their kids this summer, a wealth of options awaits. From exploring the region’s natural beauty to educational experiences and fun, Central Florida offers endless opportunities for families that don’t involve long lines and hefty expenses.

Here are our recommendations to help with that age-old question, “What are we doing today?”

Fun and Games

Active (Pointe Orlando): This innovative indoor facility at Pointe Orlando offers a series of high-tech game rooms where friends and family can engage in physical and mental challenges. Think lasers, puzzle-solving, and working together as a team to complete missions. Each game lasts 1-3 minutes and is played with your own private group, recommended for kids 6 and up. 

PopStroke (Waterford Lakes, Orlando): Co-owned by Tiger Woods, this modern putting facility features two uniquely designed 18-hole courses that mimic traditional golf, with synthetic fairways, bunkers, and rough patches. To take mini-golf to the next level, PopStroke offers a full-service restaurant and bar where you can order food and drinks (including ice cream and milkshakes for the kids!) directly to wherever you are on the property via their mobile app. 

Central Florida Dreamplex (Clermont & Orlando): The Central Florida Dreamplex is an option for families seeking inclusive activities. Their primary focus is on providing fun for individuals with physical, intellectual, and/or developmental disabilities. However, they often host community events and programs open to all, including adaptive sports clinics, family lake days, and ski days. Their facilities in both Clermont and Orlando create supportive environments to make sure anyone who participates has the best time. Make sure to check their calendar for any upcoming events, like their Family Lake Day on August 16. 

Dezerland Park (Orlando): This massive indoor entertainment complex offers a wide range of activities, from arcades and go-karts to a car museum to a trampoline park and laser tag. While it’s not free, it offers a variety of price points and options, allowing you to choose activities based on your budget. Dezerland truly has it all.  

The Great Outdoors

Florida Springs: Florida has over 1,000 springs, many of which are right here in Central Florida. We would recommend heading over to Wekiwa Springs State Park in Apopka ($6 per vehicle) or Kelly Rock Springs Park ($5 per vehicle) for crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, tubing, and kayaking. These natural oases are perfect for cooling off and observing local wildlife. De Leon Springs State Park ($6 per vehicle) also offers swimming, history, and an opportunity to make your own pancakes at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill. 

Nature Preserves and Gardens:

• Bok Tower Gardens (Lake Wales): This National Historic Landmark offers a tranquil and beautiful escape into the wilderness. For adults, you will find stunning gardens, the majestic Singing Tower with free daily concerts from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. For the kids, the Hammock Hollow Children’s Garden is a three-acre interactive play area designed for exploration, with water features, a sand play area, climbing structures, a music area, a “fairy house trail,” and creative art stations. If you’re interested in feeding the koi fish in the moat around the tower, bring quarters to pay for food. This is a landmark like no other with plenty of shade and endless elements to look at.
• Harry P. Leu Gardens: Wander through 50 acres of beautifully curated botanical gardens in Orlando. Featuring a historical museum, an origami garden, and a garden solely for camellias, offering both peaceful and educational experiences for all ages. Additionally, they often host special events like outdoor movie nights or lake night boardwalk walks. 

West Orange Trail: More than just a paved 22-mile path, this multi-use greenway truly offers a full day of diverse family activities. This world-class trail stretches through multiple charming towns and natural landscapes, providing ample opportunities for biking, walking, jogging, skateboarding and even rollerblading. You may find yourself passing through downtown Winter Garden with local restaurants and shops, Plant Street Market, and a Splash Pad for the littles. Whether you’re looking for a leisure stroll or a full-day of biking, this trail provides a wonderful way to experience Central Florida’s natural charm and beauty.

Additional Affordable Adventures

Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive: This free, 11-mile, one-way drive is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Passengers will have the opportunity to spot alligators, various species of birds, snakes, and some of Florida’s most popular plants from the comfort of their car. It is open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and on federal holidays. 

Tibet-Butler Preserve: Located in Orlando, this free nature preserve boasts miles of hiking trails and an education center, perfect for learning about Florida’s diverse ecosystems. 

Mead Botanical Garden: In Winter Park, this free garden features hiking trails, boardwalks, a butterfly garden, and plenty of picturesque spots for your family. 

Endless Beaches: Central Florida offers a variety of beaches all with their individual appeal. Cocoa Beach is known for its surfing and close proximity to the Kennedy Space Center. New Smyrna Beach is always a favorite, offering both drive-on and no-drive beach sections along with plenty of food and shopping options. Additionally, Daytona Beach is a relaxing and beautiful spot only five miles from the Daytona National Speedway. Its location also makes it convenient to access nearby restaurants and shops. 

Libraries: Many of Central Florida’s libraries are free to the public as well as offer free classes, teaching, and story times throughout the summer. Specifically, the Orange County Public System is extremely active in getting involved with families this summer, offering free events like art classes, group readings, and lectures every hour, almost every day.

Take the path less traveled this summer and discover the countless engaging activities Central Florida has to offer. With a little planning, you can fill your days with affordable adventure, learning, and plenty of lasting memories beyond the usual tourist attractions.