Orlando is generally known for man-made activities like Disney World or Universal Studios, but few realize the treasure we have in the great outdoors. Today we’re going to be talking about the best outdoor activities in Orlando.
Due to Orlando’s warm climate, residents experience these outdoor activities year round. Hiking season never really ends, and locals go swimming during most months of the year. As a local myself, I can confirm there’s no shortage of outdoor activities here.
When it gets hot and humid, locals like to visit the springs, the beach or their neighbor’s pool. When it’s less hot and humid (because honestly, winter hardly exists here), locals take their bikes for a ride or find a nature trail to explore.
If you’re planning a trip to Orlando, you may also want to check out my guide to Orlando’s hidden gems.
Whether you’re into adventurous activities like zip lining or prefer to keep your feet on the ground, there is an outdoor activity for you. Orlando has more than enough awe-inspiring outdoor activities to go around.
Here are a few of my favorites.
Get Lake-borne at Orlando Watersports Complex
Wakeboarding? Sign me up. There’s lots of exciting lake action to be had at Orlando Watersports Complex.
If wakeboarding is a bit too crazy for your tastes (or if you have younger kids in your group), there is also an Aquapark, complete with climbing obstacles, slides and more. No skills are required to partake here, and you can feel confident in safety precautions as life jackets are required.
The minimum age for the Aquapark is 6.
Beyond wakeboarding, they also offer wakeskating, waterskiing and kneeboarding.
Watch a Movie Outdoors
It surprises some people that Orlando is a prime spot for watching movies outdoors. This budget-friendly outdoor activity can be found in multiple areas in town.
Here are a few places that offer outdoor movies in Orlando:
Admire the flowers at Harry P. Leu Gardens
Leu Gardens is the perfect spot to relax and unwind. This botanical oasis stretches nearly 50 miles and is located not far from downtown Orlando.
Not only can you admire bamboo gardens, butterfly gardens and flowers, but you can enjoy exclusive events such as nighttime movie nights.
Their website also details what flowers are in bloom each month so you can get a sneak peek at what you’ll see during your visit.
Rent a swan-shaped paddle boat at Lake Eola
You might think I’m crazy for suggesting this, but it’s a right of passage in Orlando.
The City of Orlando rents pedal-powered swan boats on historic Lake Eola so guests can view the park from the lake and enjoy the fountain up close.
Make sure to bring sunscreen and a hat – it gets quite hot on the lake! And while you’re welcome to observe the swans in the lake that swim around you, please don’t feed them. It’s not good for the swans.
They don’t take reservations, as it’s first come, first served. It costs $15 for a 30-minute rental.
Paddleboard at King’s Landing
King’s Landing has something for everyone and is located very close to other springs in town. It is located directly on the pristine waters of Rocks Springs Run, one of three main tributaries that feed the Wekiva River Basin.
This is the #1 kayaking run in Florida, though they also offer paddle boarding and other activities. There are self-guided rentals and adventure tours for you to choose from.
King’s Landing also features campgrounds.
Online reservations are required. They’re known to book up in advance, so make sure to reserve your spot once you know what date you’re visiting!
Bike the Urban Bike Trail
The Urban Bike Trail is located near Downtown Orlando and is considered the “spine of Orlando’s trail network.” The trail is about three miles long and is one of the best outdoor activities in Orlando.
The trail runs from Lake Highland through Loch Haven Park, to Mead Garden in Winter Park. Highlights include connections to six lakes, Orlando Cultural Park, and the Gaston Edwards Trail.
Biking this trail is a great way to view Orlando from a local’s perspective. There’s a few places by the lakes where you can stop to take pictures, and you can always pause for a drink near Lake Ivanhoe.
Visit Southern Hills Farm
Southern Hills Farm is a 120-acre family-owned farm in Clermont, which is located in the Greater Orlando area. The farm features u-pick and commercially harvested blueberries, strawberries, peaches and seasonal vegetables.
While the farm is popular year round, there is always an uptick in visitors in the fall season. This is because Southern Hills Farm puts on a wonderful fall festival, clad with apple cider donuts and pictures with sunflowers.
They have food trucks at the farm as well, if you’d like to stay for lunch or dinner.
Zipline at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park
Anyone who wants to get in the air during their time in Orlando needs to plan a visit to the Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park. This challenging aerial obstacle course is set high atop the trees in a natural pine forest.
There is 450’ of ziplining available here, plus 97 aerial challenges. In addition, they have two separate kids courses with 21 challenges.
Some of the things you can do at Orlando Tree Trek Adventure Park are swing on Tarzan ropes, climb ladders 50-feet up, balance on hanging skateboards and soar through the trees on zip lines.
Reservations are required.
Experience Winter Park with the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour
For just $20, you can hop on a scenic tour of Winter Park via the Winter Park Scenic Boat Tour. This 18 passenger boat ride takes you through the Winter Park Chain of Lakes.
On this tour you can expect to see cypress trees, palm trees, flowers and exquisite estates on the shores.
This is the perfect tour for those who want to relax outdoors.
Kayak Wekiva Island
Wekiva Island is one of my favorite places in Orlando. The venue provides access to all things river, including kayaking, canoeing and swimming.
If you choose to rent a kayak or canoe, expect to see birds, gators, deer, otters and more.
For those who want to stay on the island, there is an on-site bar and restaurant. Activities on the island include swimming, corn hole and volleyball. Live music is commonly provided, too.
I hope this guide to the best outdoor activities in Orlando inspires you to try something new when you visit the City Beautiful!
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1 comment
Lots of fun cool things to do in Orlando