Don’t let summer slip away without making the most of it! If you’re looking for some exciting activities to try in Central Florida, look no further than this amazing summer bucket list. Sure, the region is known for its world-famous amusement parks, but there’s so much more to see and do.
Of course, we can’t talk about Central Florida without mentioning the big-name parks like Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. With countless attractions and entertainment options spread across multiple parks, you could spend weeks exploring them all. But it’s time to try something different.
How about getting up close and personal with some of Florida’s native wildlife? Check out Gatorland, where you can see alligators, crocodiles, and other reptiles up close.
For a truly unique experience, book a hot air balloon ride and take in the stunning views from above. Or, for a bit of adrenaline, try skydiving or indoor surfing.
And let’s not forget about the beautiful beaches and natural parks in the area. Take a day trip to Clearwater Beach, where you can enjoy the white sand and clear blue waters. Or explore the Wekiwa Springs State Park, where you can go hiking, kayaking, or even horseback riding.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or something for a night out with friends, there’s no shortage of options to add to your summer bucket list. From free and budget-friendly choices to the ultimate in luxury, Central Florida has something for everyone.
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30 Unique Things To Do
Explore the bay with your family and friends or spend a romantic evening watching the sunset with eBoats Tampa. The only Rental Company in town that operates after dark!
Drift down the Hillsborough River on a Cruisin Tiki. BYOB, listen to music and cruise on a floating tiki bar with your own certified captain.
Go skydiving (indoors) at iFly Tampa
Pick Blueberries at Southern Hill Farms.
Enjoy an outdoor concert or movie in your own private box at the Frontyard Festival (Dr. Phillips Center). Check out the summer and fall lineup.
Ride the Wheel & help Superman lift a helicopter or help E.T. get home.
Stand on walls and become part of the illusion at Museum of Illusions Orlando (ICON Park).
Ride in an airboat and swim with manatees
As you leave for Crystal River, begin your morning with breakfast and an educational overview. After arriving, you will prepare for your manatee swim and snorkel. You can snorkel with gentle giants of the ocean while learning all about the West Indian manatee from your captain. Remember to bring your underwater camera! You’ll take a leisurely stroll through Florida’s best kept secret, Homosassa Springs State Park, after swimming. Enjoy an airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River before heading back to Orlando. It is sure to be an adrenaline filled thrill ride to end your day perfectly.
Search for fairy doors at Leu Gardens.
This exhibit will inspire your child’s imagination with enchanted forests, secret gardens, and the magic of fairies. There are 20 beautiful fairy doors scattered throughout the 50-acre gardens, each created by a very special fairy.
Scavenger Hunt – Take a self-guided scavenger hunt of Lake Eola’s Art Scene.
You and your team will compete for scavenger hunt glory as you explore the cultural, historical, artistic, and zany Orlando sights. In addition to City Hall and Lake Eola, other highlights of this scavenger hunt include the Rogers Building.
Design and print in 3D at Orlando Science Center’s “the Hive” Makerspace.
Tour a Tiny Green Home that showcases renewable energy and water conservation.
Conquer the obstacle course at Lake Nona’s Aqua Park, ride in an autonomous vehicle, or check out Tom Fruin’s Glass House in Lake Nona.
Sip and sample on a self-guided wine tasting at Formosa Gardens.
Sip on homemade blueberry wine, agrarian ales, and cider on the farm at Keel and Curley Winery.
Try some carefree camping in cabins or in a fully furnished, air-conditioned, luxury tent at Lake Louisa State Park for as little as $120/nt.
Go Glamping to the max by sleeping under the stars in a luxe conestoga wagon at WestGate River Ranch.
Join in a nightly sunset celebration at Pier 60 in Clearwater with artisans and street performers.
Enjoy a free day at any National Park on August 4th (Great American Outdoors Act) and again on August 25th (National Park Service Birthday), head over to Canaveral National Seashore.
Learn to throw on the potter’s wheel during the Family Potter’s Wheel Class at Placefull. (For family members from 5 – 17 years old with adult.) $35
Try an aerial arts class for $20, adults, kids, and homeschool classes offered at Orlando Aerial Arts.
Spend family time on the farm snuggling and feeding baby goats or try a session of baby goat yoga at Wildflower Farm.
Find the suspension bridge in Hillsborough River State Park.
Learn how to grow your own food at a free Aquaponics class at A Land of Delight Farm.
Try some salt therapy at the Salt Room. A 45 minute session is $45 for adults, $20 for children.
Eat a pitaya cone or smoothie bowl from Activate Bowls.
Have adult pops at Chill Pop Lounge.
Have naughty desserts from Better Than Sex Orlando like “the Morning After” – a chocolate and brie grilled cheese sandwich.
Eat Chicago favorites at the newly opened Portillo’s in Orlando. There’s also 2 in Tampa.
Throw a luxurious taco tuesday picnic for 4 with InstaPicnic & Co. includes taco platter from Ciccio Cali, sangria, and pinata decor rental/setup for $280.
In Central Florida, there really is something for everyone. You can access the west coast to the east coast easily and have a great time. Get out and enjoy.
Happy Wandering all summer!
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9 thoughts on “Summer Bucket List – 30 unique things to do in Central Florida”
These are all great places to check out that I would never have thought to do when exploring the land that has Disney. So many options…heading to Crystal River to snorkel with the Manatees or glamping at Westgate River Ranch, don’t know what to choose.
These are wonderful suggestions! Thanks for sharing your insights.
I love FL and visit there quite often. Thanks so much for linking up with me at A Themed Linkup 66 for Day Trips. Pinned!
It’s such a great place to getaway too! Thank you!
We used to visit Florida each year and while we definitely made time for all the parks (on various trips– not the same trip) we also made time for things like kayaking with the manatees, checking out the natural springs, and enjoying the science museums.
That’s great, sometimes everyone doesn’t get to see all of the other wonderful things here!
CONGRATS! Your post is FEATURED at A Themed Linkup 67 for Weekend Trips from my previous linkup for Day Trips!
Thanks so much!