![\"Lake](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CB-LakeApopkaWD-4.jpg\")
Look for alligators during your wildlife drive of Lake Apopka. Photo by Charlotte Blanton<\/p>\n
Summer is here and that means the coolest (or should I say hottest) things to do in Orlando for kids out of school and ready to have fun! Orlando theme parks are always part of a summer bucket list, but I’m also adding Orlando events and activities that go beyond the big attractions. For example, my girls love blueberry picking (and the subsequent blueberry eating, blueberry baking, etc.), so don’t forget about the simple things that really kids happy during the summer. Keep reading for the ultimate Orlando summer bucket list you’ll be using all season long.<\/p>\n
Orlando Summer Bucket List for Kids: At a Glance<\/p>\n
This guide includes:<\/p>\n
33 must-do summer activities for kids in Orlando
\nThe best free summer things to do in Orlando
\nClassic Orlando bucket list experiences
\nOutdoor adventures across Orlando
\nSummer fun for kids of all ages, from babies to teens
\nSummer festivals, concerts, and special events you can’t miss
\nEasy day trips from Orlando<\/p>\n
What Are the Best Things to Do in Orlando with Kids in the Summer?<\/p>\n
The best things to do in Orlando with kids during the summer include visiting Orlando theme parks (don’t forget the new ones like Universal Epic Universe), cooling off at splash pads and pools, exploring Bok Tower Gardens for free, enjoying indoor movie festivals, and more!<\/p>\n
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Look for alligators during your wildlife drive of Lake Apopka. Photo by Charlotte Blanton<\/p>\n
Best FREE Things to Do in Orlando This Summer With Kids? Courtesy of Wawa, register for free admission to the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, offered the last Thursday and Friday of each summer month. It’s worth the drive, and make sure to spend time in the Hammock Hollow children’s garden.<\/p>\n 2. Hontoon Island State Park<\/a><\/p>\n Take a free park ferry to this island park that does NOT charge an admission fee. My family makes use of the park amenities like the playground and museum. If you like hiking, there’s some great trails!<\/p>\n 3. Old Town Classic Car Show<\/a><\/p>\n Visit Old Town on Saturdays for a free classic car show, featuring hot rods and antique cars. The show begins at 1pm and cars parade through the streets at 8:30pm to end the night.<\/p>\n 4. Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive<\/a><\/p>\n Enjoy Central Florida’s wildlife form the comfort of your own car’s air conditioning! This free, 11-mile drive-thru wildlife sanctuary is open to the public Friday-Sunday and on federal holidays. Kids will love spotting gators, birds, and maybe even an otter or bobcat.<\/p>\n Classic Orlando Summer Experiences Every Kid Should Try Downtown’s Lake Eola Park is the quintessential summer experience in Orlando — rent a swan boat, feed the birds, visit the playgrounds, stick around for the light show, and check out the farmers market. There are always fun events happening at Lake Eola so stay in the loop with our calendar of events<\/a>.<\/p>\n 6. The Orlando Eye at ICON Park<\/a><\/p>\n Nothing says summer more than a Ferris wheel, and ICON Park’s The Orlando Eye is a must to ride during the sweltering months. Besides this iconic attraction, ICON Park offers even more attractions like Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Orlando Aquarium, Museum of Illusions, and more.<\/p>\n \n 7. Everglades Airboat Tours<\/a><\/p>\n The Florida Everglades are only a few hours from Orlando and make for the ultimate outdoor adventure! Fly across the water on thrilling airboat tours and check out native wildlife and vegetation, including alligators and turtles.<\/p>\n 8. Kayak and Paddleboard<\/a><\/p>\n Traverse Orlando’s gorgeous waterways aboard a kayak or paddleboard. This is a great activity for Orlando teens and older kids who want to explore nature with a bit more independence.<\/p>\n Best Ways to Cool Off in Orlando\u2019s Summer Heat Two words: Air conditioning. But beyond cool temps, this Orlando museum is a win for kids of all ages. Make sure to stop by the exhibit, PHENOMENA, where kids will wonder if science can be magic!<\/p>\n 10. Splash Pads and Spraygrounds<\/a><\/p>\n It’s impossible to choose just one Orlando splash pad for families to cool off so we’ve included an entire list of the best spots for kiddos to let loose and stay cool. Lake Lorna Doone Park is one of the best.<\/p>\n 11. Island H20 Water Park<\/a><\/p>\n Kissimmee’s Island H20 Water Park is a fun and needed way to cool off during Orlando’s spicy summer with water rides for kids of all ages. Teens may prefer Hashtag Heights, with its adventurous boomerang drop, while toddlers can chill at the age-appropriate Pelican’s Paradise. Check out the full list of Orlando’s Top Water Parks<\/a>!<\/p>\n 12. Aquatica Orlando<\/a><\/p>\n There’s nothing demure about the water powerhouse that is Aquatica Orlando! Though I love Aquatica’s amazing rides, it’s actually the park’s TWO lazy rivers that made me add it to this summer bucket list. Try Loggerhead Lane for a traditional lazy river (going past dolphins and tropical fish) or Roa’s Rapids for a high speed, “white water” adventure. Get more Orlando Lazy Rivers by checking out our list here!<\/a><\/p>\n Can’t-Miss Summer Fun at Orlando Theme Parks Returning May 26-September 8, 2026, this Disney World summer event brings attraction refreshes, new experiences, and limited-time activities. My kids are especially excited to meet Bluey and Bingo at Animal Kingdom’s Conservation Station.<\/p>\n \n 14. Universal Orlando Resort’s Mega Movie Parade<\/a><\/p>\n Beloved movie characters come to life at this daytime parade, running select days May 23-August 23, 2026. Kids will love the Trolls and dinos from Jurassic Park, but I’m a sucker for Stay-Puft Marshamallow Man from Ghostbusters.<\/p>\n 15. SOARIN’ Across America at Epcot<\/a><\/p>\n Starting on May 26, 2026, attraction SOARIN’ offers a limited-time journey across the United States. The new airborne adventure comes in time to celebration America’s 250th birthday!<\/p>\n 16. Bricktastic FIFA World Cup 2026 at LEGOLAND Florida<\/a><\/p>\n FIFA World Cup mania is coming to the U.S. this summer! From June 11 to July 19, 2026, families can meet soccer legends in LEGO brick form; design dream jerseys in bricks and add it to the Heroes of Play Wall; take an iconic photo with the LEGO FIFA World Cup trophy; and more.<\/p>\n 17. Electric Ocean at SeaWorld Orlando<\/a><\/p>\n On select nights starting June 12, 2026, Electric Ocean lights up SeaWorld with hypnotic lights and music as the sun sets. Enjoy the underwater world in a whole new way at this family-friendly dance party, followed by the all-new Ignite, a fireworks and drone event.<\/p>\n Best Orlando Summer Day Trips for Families Drive about an hour to Cocoa Beach for surf, sun, and major fun. Walk Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, try a zip line or obstacle course at Cocoa Beach Aerial Adventures, play mini golf, and check out even more cool things to do. Get more ideas by checking out our list of the best Orlando Summer Day Trips<\/a> for the complete list.<\/p>\n 19. Jacksonville<\/a><\/p>\n Drive about two hours to Jacksonville, known as Florida’s First Coast, for endless fun, including historical sites, museums, animal encounters, and more. And did I mention the 1,100 miles of shoreline to visit?!<\/p>\n 20. Daytona Beach<\/a><\/p>\n Beach-loving families will love driving to Daytona Beach for a summer day trip! This coastal city provides endless activities, like the beach (obvi), Daytona Lagoon water park, Daytona International Speedway, concerts at the Bandshell, and much more.<\/p>\n 21. Gainesville<\/a><\/p>\n You don’t have to be a University of Florida graduate to enjoy all that this city to offer. More than a college town, Gainesville features one-of-a-kind attractions like Devil’s Millhopper Geological State Park (with a miniature rainforest created by a sinkhole) and Paynes Prairie, among others.<\/p>\n 22. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay<\/a><\/p>\n If the regular Orlando theme parks aren’t cutting it for your crew, take a drive to Tampa and spend the day at Busch Gardens. This roller coaster mecca is great for kids and teens who seek a bit more thrills and chills, and younger kids who love animals, zoos, and taking a safari.<\/p>\n \n Best Outdoor Adventures for\u00a0Orlando Kids in Summer I wasn’t sure if I should include Bonnet Springs Park in the “free things to do” section, “summer day trips,” or more because it fits so perfectly in multiple spots on a summer bucket list!<\/p>\n 24. Showcase of Citrus<\/a><\/p>\n What isn’t there to do at Showcase of Citrus?! Families can choose from u-pick citrus groves, Monster Truck adventures, gem mining, animal encounters, and open-air picnic spots.<\/p>\n 25. Gilbert Park Playground<\/a><\/p>\n Kids love climbing this pirate-themed playground at Mount Dora’s Gilbert Park (and yes, there are other restrooms). We’ve collected our favorite Orlando playgrounds for even more fun in this list!<\/a><\/p>\n 26. West Orange Trail<\/p>\n Bring bikes and scooters to the paved West Orange Trail, then stop by the butterfly garden at the Tildenville Outpost and the playground at Winter Garden Station.<\/p>\n 27. Oakland Nature Preserve<\/a><\/p>\n This 150-acre preserve offers ecotourism activities for kids and adults, located between Winter Garden and Clermont. There are kid-focused events happening throughout the year, including Toddlers on the Trails, nature play, story time, and more.<\/p>\n \n 28. Blueberry Picking<\/a><\/p>\n Visit U-Pick blueberry farms at the start of summer, before the weather gets too hot. Spots like Clermont’s Blueberry Hill Farm make for a fun day of memories and tasty souvenirs.<\/p>\n Best Summer Events and Festivals for Orlando Families Party into the night at this family-friendly festival celebrating the flavors of Puerto Rico. The festival on June 6 includes cultural cuisine and live entertainment!<\/p>\n 30. Gator Week at Wild Florida<\/a><\/p>\n Head to Wild Florida the week of May 25-30, 2026 for live demonstrations and interactive experiences with Florida’s famous gators.<\/p>\n 31. Florida Kids and Family Expo<\/a><\/p>\n This is a great before-school event in late August that features info from schools, entertainment, sports, and more kid-friendly activities.<\/p>\n 32. America’s 250th Birthday<\/p>\n There are so many Central Florida cities and sites putting on the biggest birthday party for our country this Fourth of July. Take a look at our favorite spots to celebrate Independence Day with this guide<\/a>!<\/p>\n 33. Dive-In Movies<\/a><\/p>\n Forget the drive-in, my kids are all about the “dive in” this summer. Throughout summer, spots in Altamonte Springs<\/a>, Kissimmee<\/a>, and beyond host movie nights where families float and watch.<\/p>\n What Should Be on Every Orlando Kid\u2019s Summer Bucket List?<\/p>\n Cool off with a Mickey Bar from Walt Disney World FAQ: Summer in Orlando with Kids<\/p>\n What are the best things to do in Orlando in the summer with kids?<\/p>\n The key to enjoying an Orlando summer is staying cool and entertained. Focus on water-based activities, which include splash pads, water parks, beaches, kayaking, natural springs, and pools. And of course, ice cream!<\/p>\n Is summer a good time to visit Orlando with kids?<\/p>\n OF COURSE! Any time is a good time to visit Orlando, but summer is especially perfect there are lots of events and festivals, with great outdoor attractions and theme parks.<\/p>\n What are the best free summer activities for kids in Orlando?<\/p>\n Free activities include paddleboarding, kayaking, boating, playgrounds, and indoor movie days.<\/p>\n What day trips can Orlando families take in the summer?<\/p>\n Popular summer day trips include Cocoa Beach, Brevard Zoo, Clearwater, Plant City’s Dinosaur World, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Kennedy Space Center Visitors Center, and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Summer is here and that means the coolest (or should I say hottest) things to do in Orlando…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":265900,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[139,141,140],"class_list":["post-265899","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-orlando","tag-orlando","tag-orlando-headlines","tag-orlando-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/265899","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=265899"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/265899\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/265900"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=265899"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=265899"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=265899"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n1. Wawa Summer Fun Days at Bok Tower Gardens<\/a><\/p>\n
\n5. Swan Boats at Lake Eola Park<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Boggy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/BoggyCreekAirboats-sourceVisitOrlando.jpeg\")
Take a Boggy Creek Airboat tour of the Florida Everglades. Photo courtesy Visit Orlando<\/p>\n
\n9. Orlando Science Center<\/a><\/p>\n
\n13. Cool KIDS’ SUMMER at Walt Disney World<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Universal](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/MP-ORL-UniversalMegaMovie-Trolls-creditUniversal.jpg\")
Universal Orlando Resort’s Mega Movie Parade rolls this summer! Photo courtesy Universal<\/p>\n
\n18. Cocoa Beach<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Florida](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/CB-BSP-FloridaChildrensMuseum-1.jpg\")
The Florida Children’s Museum is located inside Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland. Photo by Charlotte Blanton<\/p>\n
\n23. Bonnet Springs Park<\/a><\/p>\n
Blueberry picking works best at the start of summer (or late spring) and is always a good time for all ages. Photo by Charlotte Blanton<\/p>\n
\n29. Lake Nona Pineapple Festival<\/a><\/p>\n
\nSoar across the United States at SOARIN’
\nTake an airboat ride through the Florida Everglades
\nSpin aboard Icon Park’s The Orlando Eye
\nEnjoy the refreshing waters of Aquatica or any other Orlando water park
\nIndependence Day and fireworks make for a wicked awesome Fourth of July
\nBe the first of your friends to check out Universal’s Epic Universe
\nAltamonte Springs Dive-In Movie Night welcomes viewers to float and watch
\nSlurp a refreshing milkshake from Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal CityWalk
\nRent a swan boat at Lake Eola Park<\/p>\n